This is a special Christmas and Holiday season 2012. At least for us. We are travelling for a family gathering and there is no need for a tree and all the usual sparkly decorations. But on my walk this morning in the dog park (in Springs East Hampton) I spotted a little lonely evergreen which looked quite adorable in the morning mist, better than any tree that we could have purchased.
Christmas Tree “in the rough”
There were twigs with red rose hip and a rainy morning had left glittering rain drops as sparkling decorations. Who needs a Christmas tree with such natural splendor?
Red Rose Hip and Raindrop Sparkles
My daughter Yelyi agrees that raindrop sparkles are festive. Here is her picture taken through the car window.
Rain Drops (Yelyi Nordone)
There are other reasons to be thankful. Mother nature with all her might taught us all a lesson just weeks ago, see my earlier post. Families right here on Long Island are still struggling with major damage to their homes and cars. Our beach is now back to “normal” but a small flag serves as a reminder.
Flag on our Beach
Our beach (Maidstone Park Beach) has other treasures and keeps on surprising me. There is a lone couple of Great Blue Herons that have stayed “home” this year. Occasionally these majestic birds do not migrate and take their chances. According to Cornell University’s ornithology site, Long Island is apparently in the zone where Great Blue Herons can stay all year round. I have been observing them for the last few weeks. They hang out at the same place every day known for an abundance of shell fish. One of them stays close to shore but usually scatters when I appear with my German Shepherd! It is beautiful to watch them fly just a few feet above the waters of 3 Mile Harbor.
Great Blue Heron
Our beach has other treasures such as stunning views of the sunset.
Winter Sunset over Maidstone Park
Who could ask for more.
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