Glorious. That’s the word for today. So, I went out to the woods to look for signs of Christmas and miracles. I found some of each!
I ended up standing right where the above photo was taken for a long time, just listening to bird songs and watching them flit around. It’s lots easier to spot them in winter. I saw one I could not identify that could have been a black phoebe.
Once I got walking, the subtle signs of Texas Christmas began to appear. First, there was a Christmas cholla. That’s pretty obvious.
Then I found our one holly plant, a possumhaw (deciduous holly).
So, how much more holiday greenery could I find? Of course, mistletoe!
After this, it got harder to find holiday cheer. But lo, I found a star.
And I found sparkling decorations! Here’s a shiny spider web.
And what would Christmas be without presents for the misbehaving family members. No lumps of coal, but these native rocks would substitute.
But wait, Christmas miracle! Like many of these rocks in our property, one has crystals in it!
That was enough for me, so I headed back. I enjoyed the colors of the trees, such as they are.
As I made my way home, Christmas cheer greeted me. The turtle population is taking advantage of the pleasant sunny day.
Then, I decided to put a golf ball I found in the chicken nest. Of course, my faithful shadow Bertie Lee followed me everywhere I walked. I stopped to talk to her and let her peck my boot, which she loves to do. Then she looked up at my pants. She was positive they were covered in delicious seeds.
I’d never worn these pearl-studded jeans around her before. She was so frustrated!! much Christmas cheer for me, though.
From all of us at the ranch, enjoy the great outdoors if you can! What miracles can you find?
The Hermits' Rest 