The Cardinal

With winter's shortened days, frigid temps and snow, it is easy to forget that winter is also a period of repose and a time for nature to prepare for spring's renewal. There are the magical glistening tree branches and marshmallow looking landscape that is gently blanketed from the newly fallen snow. There is a quiet, unassuming beauty. Just image the surprise and wonderment in a child's eyes when just outside his window a brilliantly colored Cardinal lands on a branch so close and in a moment it will be gone. Each season brings gifts from nature and reminds us to relish what is so exceptional because in a moment, a wink of the eye, it's gone.