Somewhere it is Summertime

It was a cold and dreary day. February seems to be getting colder instead of warmer. The wind was howling but the skies were blue, we decided to bundle up and see if we could find a little bit of Summer.

The beginning of the path looked a little grey.

We had gone this way before, and we knew that
Just around the corner, 

There would be magic.

Thought I saw something over there, was it a Fairy?
Maybe not,

Sometimes all you need to do is look closely and believe. 

 The air was decidedly warmer in this part of the woods.
Just what we needed.

We saw a wild orchid.  

 Then we saw a couple of wild Fairies.

 We saw some spectacular mushrooms.
I thought this one would be a great place for Fairies to hide,
but didn't see any there.

 Did you know Fairies had pets?

 I took this along the trail. Doesn't look like February does it?
Just looking at it made me feel warmer.

 As we walked, the trail became even more magical.

 We even saw some butterflies.

 I tried to capture one of the Fairies and a little summer to bring back with me. As you can see, he was not happy, I was afraid bringing him back into winter might not be good for him, so I let him go.

All good things must come to an end. As we returned to the house, the trail gradually returned to winter.
Apparently, not all Fairies crave summer, and they are very curious. I think this one followed us home.

Hope our little journey warmed you up.

Maybe there is a magical path somewhere near you.

Cheers,

Kat

An early morning surprise, and lots more photos of Autumn in the woods.

The other day, I stepped outside to see, visitors.

In this part of the South, if you live in an old white house,

Ladybugs on the porch mean cold weather is on it's way.

 Ladybug

Ladybugs are attracted to light colors when they start looking for someplace to spend the winter.  What better place to spend a winter, than in a lovely old Antebellum home in the woods. 

 Evening in the woods

Since our adventure last week, we have been leaving for our walks a little earlier. I took the camera with me again last Sunday evening. The lighting and leaves were lovely.

 Autumn sky

It was a lovely evening for a long walk. 

My Sweet Husband is the best of company.

 What?

Glanced out one bedroom window yesterday morning, and got a serious surprise, can you see it? No, it is not the plant, 

(The plant is an Angel Wing Begonia, it's always that lovely color).

 SNOW?

Yes, you heard me right, Snow on November first in South Carolina.

Apparently this is the earliest recorded snowfall for this area. 

I am not ready yet! Still enjoying Fall....

 Oaks with snow

The oaks out front and the lawn were lightly dusted. 

 Antebellum porch with snow

The flakes were huge, here you can see a view across the front porch. We don't usually get snow while the leaves are still on the trees. I think it made for some wonderful pictures. 

 Another view from the Antebellum porch

Here is a view from the side. 

 Autumn leaves and snow

 Snow on the path

As you can see, the dogwood's leaves are turning, the snow seems to emphasize the colors.

 Old Barn in snow

The old post and beam barn looks nice year round. 

 Autumn color with snow

 Brr!

 38 degrees Fahrenheit, 4 degrees Celsius.

Fahrenheit sounds warmer.

 Pecan Tragedy

The oldest Pecan tree, lost a large limb from the weight. 

A few other trees lost smaller limbs as well.

 The Summer Kitchen with snow

The old summer kitchen looks quite romantic in the snow.

 Old Smoke House in the snow

 Oak and Elm

 Floating leaf

By the time we went for our walk, the snow was gone.

The woods are getting lovelier by the day. 

 Leaves on the road

I love to take walks on country roads.

This time of year, there is beauty around every corner.

 Curve in the road

See what I mean?

 Color and contrast

 Gold in the sky

Leafy Collage

I will stop for now, my brunch is almost ready.

It is a great time of year to live in the woods.

Especially in a lovely snug old Antebellum Home.

Cheers!

Kat

Early evening, walking in the woods

We went for a short drive yesterday evening, about 10 minutes from the house, so we could  go walking in a different section of the woods.

The Sumter National Forest is full of lovely roads and trails.

Here, let me show you,

Sumter National Forest 

This is a turnaround at the end of one road. As you can see, other than the pines and cedar trees, there is not a lot of green yet. 

 Beside the trail

Notice the black at the base of the trees? That is probably from a controlled burn. The forest service does that periodically to prevent forest fires.

 Sumter Forest Road

Some roads in the forest are maintained like this one. 

 Sumter National Forest Stream

The stream still has lots of water from our recent storms. 

Foot Bridge

I think this is quite a charming spot. 

 Trees and sky

Look up! 

Slug

There is life in the forest. 

(slugs are kind of cute when they are not in the garden) 

 1985 Volkswagon Westfalia Camper Van

An old friend is visiting.

Great memories!

 Rosemary Bush

My Rosemary thrives here, no matter what the weather.

 Rosemary Blossoms

Taken early this morning. The plant smells wonderful.

 Daffodil

Remember the tiny shoots sticking out of the snow?

 Daffodil Bunch

Daffodil Closeup

Well worth stepping outside in the cold this morning.

We are not done with winter yet, but these little signs are sure welcome.

Cheers,

Kat