Rob of the CF&G pointed out a few features along the Turkey Trail that provided some extra protection against a blustery SE wind!

Starting the year out snowshoeing on a overcast day!!

Submitted by Beverly Leonhard

Snowshoeing through a variety of terrain on a cold and windy day!!

Submitted by Beverly Leonhard

Always enjoy snowshoeing through the woods!!

Submitted by Beverly Leonhard

Showshoeing along Lake Michigan on a brisk winter day!!

Submitted by Beverly Leonhard

To Dip or not to Dip; that is the question.

Submitted by Bernie Pentek

Silent sentinels waiting for the sun.

Submitted by Bernie Pentek

My Guardian Angel

Submitted by Sharon Pentek

Praying for Spring!

Namaste!

Submitted by Linda Ansay

Ready at a moments notice!

Submitted by Linda Ansay

Spring is coming. Flowers are in bloom.

Submitted by Tom Kloiber

The snow-covered stone benches awaiting future guests at CF&G.

Submitted by Cindy Becker

Eagle and Caribou keeping watch over the snow covered CF&G.

Submitted by Cindy Becker

The ice looks strong enough for me...

Submitted by John Seaman

John's Labyrinth design in the snow.

Submitted by John Seaman

Whoo - Brrr! at Christopher Farm and Gardens

Submitted by John Seaman

Vintage trail snowshoes still making tracks...

Perfect symmetry at Christopher Farm and Gardens

Submitted by John Seaman

A little wild today!

Submitted by Kathy Burch

Untitled

Submitted by Kathy Burch

Hi John! Wonder who wrote that?

Submitted by Kathy Burch

Part of the gang!

Submitted by Kathy Burch

Tim flying a kite with an eagle flying close to it.

Submitted by Kathy Burch

January: New Beginnings

Submitted by Mary Schueller

The month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings & transitions. As I took in the scenery on this cold, snowy January day, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty here at Christopher Farm & Gardens. As I noted the buds in the foreground of this picture, I thought about the transition to Spring. Will it be far off?

Butterflies in the Snow

Submitted by Mary Schueller

The contrast between the red building with colorful butterflies and the pure white snow in the foreground caught my eye. Can butterflies survive winter? These can!

Serenity

Submitted by Mary Schueller

One would think that it would be loud with so many ducks sharing the open water on this pond on a cold, January day.  Surprisingly, they were very serene.

It's Never Too Cold to Read

Submitted by Mary Schueller

While I much prefer to read indoors in January, I had to chuckle when I saw this. Who says one can’t read outdoors year round???

Off to the Races

Submitted by Mary Schueller

First one to Lake Michigan wins!

Submitted by Mary Schueller

Note from Tim: Mary also sent me this photo... which I thought I'd share as it offers a different view of my kite!!! :-)

Stones keeping guard in snow

Submitted by Bruce Becker

Green vegetation on the snow covered stone wall fencing

Submitted by Bruce Becker

Kite flying while snowshoeing at CF&G

Submitted by Bruce Becker

Relaxing at CF & G

Submitted by Althea Smith

Relaxing at CF & G, taking in the beauty of the winter wonderland

Submitted by Althea Smith

Look whoooo ... is welcome at CF&G

Submitted by Althea Smith

Beauty at CG&G

Submitted by Edson Smith

Lake Michigan in winter.

Submitted by Edson Smith

Daughters, Erica and Amanda on the pond at CF&G.

Submitted by Edson Smith

Focus on the Little Things

Submitted by Amanda Smith

"Don't Rush Me - I'm Still Thinking"

Submitted by Amanda Smith

God's Attention to Detail

Submitted by Amanda Smith

The Quietude of Winter!

Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

Those who are familiar with the CF&G may recognize the railroad handcar tracks in the Railroad Garden & Heritage Trees section of the property (also near the firepit we've gathered at previously... and hope to do again).  Such soft, smooth snow suggests the quietude of winter has settled in!

Just Let It Be!

Submitted by Tim E. Renzelmann

I was tempted to take a short rest on this bench along the Turkey Trail... Where no man has been (at least since the most recent snowfall)!  But my tracks would have been far more disruptive than those left by the critter that recently visited!  As I reflected on my (environmental) footprint... I opted to put my conveniences aside... and just let it be!