Woods in December 2018

Woods in December 2018

This winter in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we have been getting about 10 percent sunshine.  That means that many days are like the picture above--- a 'blanket' of clouds concealing any sunshine day after day after day.  Occasionally we will have a day with some sunshine that helps to put a smile on our faces.  But, this picture does a good job of capturing the gray skies of this area.  

A typical sky-view in the middle of the day--no sun.

We are a 45-minute drive from the massive Lake Michigan and the lake does a fantastic job of making precipitation.  According to my research, the only city in the U.S.A. that gets more precipitation is Seattle, Washington!  Seattle is well-known for being a dreary and cloudy city, but I'd never heard that about Grand Rapids until we moved here!

This has been a VERY unusual winter in as much as we haven't had the feet of snow like we normally have.  The meteorologist said this week that the rest of the winter is to be full of snow! Oh, joy!

So very, very thankful we were blessed to find a  home in Michigan with a big back yard where we can walk our dog and not worry about getting hit by a car or running into neighbors.  These woods are truly one of my most counted things each morning when I thank the Lord for my blessings.  

Thank You, Lord, for our woods!

I've spent another month working on building up branch trail fences.  I have to admit it, it is just fun to do!!  I like being outside and getting exercise while I am creating something aesthetically pleasing to see while I walk Henry around our woods.

Just remember---this is the middle of the day!  Just NO Sunshine!

Many of the branches I put down as my 'fence,' Henry pulls out and carries off for his enjoyment...fun.  He also "helps" me carry each branch over---usually tugging in the opposite direction!!! True.

 One of the benefits of living in such a humid area is that the woods are full of so many types of algae/fungus growths.  All year round you will find new things growing in the dirt, hummus, and dead trees.

Wherever you are; enjoy your sunshine for me.  I will have to find silver linings here---like our lack of sun-damaged skin!  My dermatologist pointed that out to me last month!  That is a blessing to remember.

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