Shiny, bright and new

What a gorgeous boy! I have bird feeders set up at strategic viewing areas throughout my home. I got this cardinal on my 12 MP Canon SX20 IS from my second floor bedroom window. His beak is full of birdseed and he's fat and sassy indeed. 

 Another shot taken from my bedroom window, overlooking most of the backyard area. I'm surprised we still have some green grass! All the trees are barren, save for a few evergreens on the property. My new garden and greenhouse will be set in the lower right side, just beyond the green bush. There is a nice large wide area there that's suitable, plus it's within easy reach of the garden hose and potting shed. It will be a lot of work to create but well worth it. We were originally going to use our pasture but decided against it, as the huge oak tree (on the far left above) casts too much shade there; plus, the hose does not reach close enough for irrigation. Instead, we're going to use the existing pasture area to build a chicken coop and a small enclosure against the barn for goats.
Yay! I'll be a farmer yet!

A super-zoom closeup of the tangled dead wood and trees in our forest. The Hubby and I bundled up and took a stroll there. We discovered a newly-fallen hickory tree that we'll go chop up for burning, and a completely frozen pond. Winter is undoubtedly here in a big way. I love this beauty in all its severity. 

The full Blue moon rose in a glorious way over our property. I ventured outside to grab a few shots before running inside, half-frozen to death (it was 17 degrees!) with fingers turned into icicles. Thankfully the Hubby had a nice toasty fire roaring in the living room. Brrr!

Moon rays reach out across the heavens.

 Filtered to show the reaching moon rays.