It's that time of year isn't it? My main occupation is an internal voice asking, "What day is it now?" The answer of which is slow in coming and unsatisfactory when discovered. I keep my calendar open next to me by my reading chair and glance at it in disbelief several times a day, only to have the information instantly leave my memory.

I give up. I will catch up when I hear the New Year's fireworks going off downtown at midnight on the 31st.

Today I decided to hike along my old trail that I blazed over in the woods on the other side of the ice pond several years ago. It was a little tricky getting there as someone had repaired [very poorly] the fence at a certain spot. I managed to wiggle my way through. I was rewarded with a new view of the pond.

Without fresh water coming in, it's slowly draining into the ground. I could hear the ice snapping and popping as the level lowers enough to dislodge a slab on the edges.

The Wood Ducks did show up the day after the pond formed. And true to their nature, skittish creatures that they are, I could not even walk on that side of the house without them taking flight in a panic. So, no pictures I am sad to say.

When I walked up the ravine below the dam today, I disturbed them in another 'pond' area that doesn't freeze because the water is moving a little bit all the time.

It's been so cold today, the frost never really thawed except in the direct sun. It was 20 degrees last night Brrrr...

More rain/snow is on the way later in the week. We shall see what happens to the pond then.