The Cypress Swamp

The cypress knee swamp is enveloped in a soft, quiet fog. Visibility is limited and the world seems smaller since I can only see to the trees in the back yard and not much further. The birds seem oblivious to the clouds visiting the earth and are feeding as usual. David bought a couple of thistle feeders and the gold finches have invaded by the dozens and they are waiting in line for a chance at breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime in between. Their activity is a bright spot in an otherwise grey day. There are still a few pelicans on the lake, but probably for not much longer.
The weather is supposed to improve as the week comes to a close. Maybe I will have more interesting activities from the swamp to report with the return of sunshine.

Cold Icy Rain and Red Birds

The icy weather has arrived. The temperature is hovering at freezing and a cold, sleety rain is falling. The birds are in a feeding frenzy especially the Cardinals. Flashes of bright red dart to and from the feeders accompanied by rust colored females along with chickadees, sparrows, snow birds and a titmouse or two.
The spring flowers are trying to bear up under the wintery conditions and from experience I know they will bounce back with the first hint of warmer weather. In Louisiana, we have a saying, "if you don't like the weather, wait 24 hours, it will change".
All else is quiet on Cypress Knee Swamp. Most critters have headed for a warm and dry place to wait out what we in the south call winter. I am thankful for a warm, dry place to hibernate myself. I am truly a "fair weather" lady and that is why I love the south where warm days and sunshine abound. Til they return, I'll look at seed catalogues and plan for sunshine and warmer days .

The weatherman's prediction has come to pass. Winter has returned with possibility of icy rain tonight and tomorrow. The yard is covered in blackbirds, cleaning out the feeders and gobbling up any morsel of food they can find. I think they must have heard the report also and are stocking up "just in case".
The skies are gray and it is a good day to bake cookies, read a book or watch an old movie. I think God gives us gray days for just that reason. Our spirits, minds and bodies need to cuddle up, eat some comfort food, and relax into the day. I have spent the morning reflecting on what I heard last night. Jennifer Rothchild spoke at a local church concerning what she has learned from her walk in the dark. (Jennifer has been blind since her teens) One of the things she said has settled in my heart, "don't let your fear overcome your faith". For someone who tends to get caught up in my circumstances, good advice.

Life on Cypress Knee

This is a place to share with friends and family from time to time.

Name: Carolyn F. Location: Louisiana, USA


Today doesn't seem like winter in Louisiana. The temperature is in the 70's and as I look out my window, the yard has a look of spring. I see Saucer Magnolias, King Alfreds, and Forsythia in bloom. The weatherman says more winter is coming, but I will enjoy the fair weather while it is here. The birds have been a bright spot all winter, making up for the bare trees and brown grass with their color, grace and beauty feeding at the different feeders in the back yard. We noticed the hawks working on their nest yesterday. They have been raising families in the big oak tree for several years now and we look forward to seeing the new babies each spring. Will keep you posted on their progress.