Deep Freeze

The lake is frozen today -

This is the first time this year it has been frozen in the morning...

and remained frozen all day. It also has a covering of snow on it...I love the peacefulness of the frozen lake. It's so still and quite. After it develops a pretty thick layer - it begins to groan.
It is such an unusual sound. I remember the first time I heard that sound - the winter of 2003, our first winter as residents. It is an eerie - and yet calming sound.

Winter is a different place here - we have company...and are surrounded by people in the summer....but the cold and quiet is not as inviting as the warm sun and the summer fun of the lake. That is part of the appeal for us though - the diversity of it all.

There was a small open spot that in the lake this morning....and there must have been 10 coots huddled together in the small open water. I saw two Tundra Swans flying over the lake this afternoon. It won't be long, and we'll hear the loon ushering in Spring... and the lakers will soon follow - so for now, I will enjoy the peace and quiet......