Those roadside boulders are veritable rock gardens, presenting a fascinating array of lichens, mosses, and the wintering-over rosettes of perennials. Although the sun was bright, the air was cold, and frost still clung to many of the plants, such as these little Pixy Cups furred with a fine fringe of ice.
I loved how this pretty pink sprig of Strawberry was nestled into a thick cushion of lush moss.
Where springwater seeped through thick mats of moss, glassy garlands of icicles sparkled in the late afternoon sun.
Thin sheets of ice coated the face of some boulders, enhancing the rich red of this ferrous rock.
When I reached the stretch of the road that looks out on this lovely river island, I sat for a while just to take in this scene, overwhelmed with gratitude that I live near forests that are left to grow wild and a river that runs clean and clear.
Taking the slow road home to Saratoga, I stopped by a farm to say hello to this sturdy pair of enormous Belgian horses. Now that is a HORSE!
A lowering sun bathed the walls and roof of this handsome old barn with a golden light and cast the shadow of a little black goat against the siding. And oh look, the buds on that Red Maple tree are as rosy and plump as if it were spring, and the grass looks like emerald velvet. Stunned by the beauty of this scene, I had to pull over to gaze upon it, and also to let my eyes clear of tears. Sometimes the gorgeousness of this world fills me with more joy than I can contain.
