A winter day - and a bobcat

Tumultuous clouds that have hovered nearby for days finally hit their mark today.

As snow plummeted out of the sky this morning, I searched for ways to procrastinate about going out into the frigid and wet air. Finally, I decided to set up a fun photo with Shyla before we started our hike. The caption could be "An idyllic day for a picnic".
After our short photoshoot, we hiked into the forest. As usual, I ended up very happy that we went for a hike. Shyla gave it a high five despite the intense weather!

When the snow let up just a tiny bit, it was gorgeous.

When the weather is so tough, I always think of our wildlife, and I marvel at how they not only survive, but actually thrive, in our world. I recently checked a faraway trail camera to find that a bobcat had posed in the snow on a 5°F night.

After he pondered the world briefly, he turned rapidly toward the pine tree behind him. It appeared as if he heard something off to the left and was ready to flee.

He was next to a bear-marking tree, although no bears have marked it for a few months now. The bobcat paused next to this important wildlife landmark, and then departed.

On cold wintery days, I feel happy that I have a warm house with a crackling fire and a wonderful pack to relax indoors for most of the day. Mr. Bobcat doesn't have that - but he doesn't seem to need it.

It was a good day, because I was able to focus on the good in my life, rather than the tougher stuff.