Merry Christmas

This start to a Christmas day is, at my age, better than Santa Claus. It was chilly on the beach but I got to wear the new coat Santa brought me. Doesn't get any better than that!

Warm greeting

Ah-h-h-h here it is December 22 and the official second day of winter. I can reminisce about past snowy holidays, think about Jack Frost nipping, yuletide carolers and all that but I'm grateful to be able to go to the beach and be captured by the beauty of this sunrise.
Also, delighted in being able to wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Oh yes, I am chortling at the loss of my snow shovel and windshield scraper. Happy holidays!

Breakfast treat, interrupted

I almost didn't go for my daily walk on the beach this morning because it was windy, overcast and chilly. But I went and once again I was reminded that when you do something you don't want to do often the unexpected and spectacular occurs.
Approaching the beach walkway I heard an osprey's call, very close. I looked up and sitting atop the light post not 6 feet away was on osprey. Not just an osprey but an osprey eating her breakfast.
Fortunately for me, camera was at hand.
My excitement notwithstanding, the osprey wanted to dine alone without my intrusion and she rightfully scolded me. 
Then took her breakfast fish and left the alfresco dining experience in a huff with a string of cross words. But that's okay... she got takeout and I got a rare thrill.
(Remember, closeups are there for you with the click of the mouse.)