Winter February 2026

The past 2 weeks have presented a landscape locked in 8 inches of snow with a 2 inch crust of ice as its covering. I love winter, but I have found myself grumbling a bit because I am unable to walk the dog in the farm fields behind my house. I say "The dog" because he isn't actually "my dog". He belongs to my son who has been out of the country for 6+ months and my wife and I happily agreed to take care of him until he returns. That will be soon, but in the meantime, my "happily" has turned to humbug due to the snow and ice. I now must walk Legion (aka, "the dog") in the road  which means he does his business in front of my neighbors homes instead of in the Amish field in back. That is nature at its finest - the way God intended - Drop and go - no muss, no fuss. But not right now... Right now it has now become incumbent upon myself to pick up Legion's "discarded cargo" which, even in winter has the scent no one wants to experience. So what does this have to do with art? Nothing. Actually, that's not true... with every negative "issue" (no pun intended), there are blessings. What are the blessings of picking up a warm, scent-infused, sphincter supplied heap of disgusting? None. But there is the blessing of getting out of the house; breathing (for the most part) fresh air; getting my steps in; seeing the beauty in the snow; how it changes with the sunlight / moonlight througout the day; the stark winter contrast of sky and bare trees. I could go on, but you get it - There is beauty to be seen if you're willing to behold it. There are blessings to be grateful for even with life's difficulties. I've taken a few picts that I will eventually incorporate into paintings and that allows me partner with God and see the beauty He has provided. I am thankful for the incredible beauty of these winter days even as I look forward to Spring. Thank you Heavenly Father for your disguised blessings.