Snowy Morning...

We received a trace of snow on Saturday, 23rd December. The snow didn't really stick since it had been much warmer the day before and had been raining throughout the night. But it was still nice to watch as the wind blew wildly outside. :)

 Snow sticking to the pole.

Snow blowing in the wind.

Happy Christmas 2017...

This is to wish all our friends, family and blog followers a very happy Christmas and a blessed 2018! Thanks for reading our news. May you have a wonderful holiday season spent with close friends and family, and may you know Jesus' love during this special time! Love and blessings, Murray, Candace, Riaan and Rusty. :)

Snow on the pond...

We haven't received any measurable snow so far this winter, but we did have just a trace of snow on Saturday, 9th December. There was a light smattering spread on the partially-frozen pond. I'm hoping that we receive some more snow before winter is over, so that our boy can properly experience the white stuff!

 A view looking across at the pond.

 Tiny snowflakes on the frozen pond.

A view towards the barn.

Riaan's Second Birthday...

Our little boy turned two on the 7th of December. It is amazing to think that he is no longer a baby, but a fully mobile - and talkative - little boy! We celebrated as a family on his birthday and then had a swimming party at the Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park last Sunday, 10th December. Riaan had a lot of fun swimming and spending time with all of his family and friends! :) He has changed so much since last year!

 Opening presents on the morning of his birthday.

 Reading one of his presents to him.

 Playing with his new Duplo train.

 Abe Martin Lodge at Brown County State Park.

 The indoor water-park is awesome!

 Relaxing in one of the public areas of the hotel.

 Time for birthday cake!

 Monster bar cookies.

 Rainbow cake!

 Enjoying his birthday cake.

 Unwrapping presents.

Friends enjoying fellowship together.

Resident Hawk...

I often see this juvenile red-tailed hawk sitting in the trees behind our barn. This individual is often perched high up, watching over the fields for its next meal. I really enjoy the vast array of birds and other wildlife visible in Indiana in the cold winter months. :)

A closer view of this likely juvenile female red-tailed hawk.

Morning has Broken...

A cold winter's morning comes to life as the rising sun brings light and warmth to the new day. :) There is always something beautiful about sunrise and sunset. God is renewing his creation each new day!

 Sunrise as seen from across the pond.

 Lovely colours and effects created by the clouds.

Super Frost Moon...

The Super Frost Moon rose on Sunday, 3rd December. I braved the cold and stayed outside to watch it as it rose from the north-eastern horizon and took its journey across the heavens. It was a beautiful sight to see! Here are a few photos capturing the event.

 A closer view of the moon as seen through a thin layer of cloud.

 The moon after appearing over the horizon.

 It's colour changed and became lighter as it followed its course.

 Still rather pale in this photo.

It got brighter and more brilliant as it rose higher in the night sky.

Santa Train at the Tulip Viaduct...

We went to the Tulip Trestle to watch the Santa Train cross the train bridge on Saturday, 2nd December. A special Christmas community event was organised, with presents for children, lots of yummy food, as well as Christmas decorations and festive music being played. The central moment was, of course, the Santa Train crossing the bridge. Santa (or Father Christmas) was in one of the carriages and the train stopped in each town along its route, allowing children to board and meet Santa. It was a great morning!

 Tulip Trestle sign in cement on the ground.

 The Christmas community event.

 Lovely Christmas tree.

 Riaan reading his new book - that he was given - with Mommy.

 The impressive Tulip Trestle was built back in 1905-06.

 The Santa Train crossing the bridge.

 Riaan was very excited to spot the train!

 The train was heading towards Bloomfield and Linton.

 A closer view of the diesel locomotive.

 Family selfie in front of the Tulip Trestle.

 It's a really impressive structure.

 Looking back towards the viewing deck.

 Queues of children waiting to see Santa in Bloomfield.

The train on the line in Bloomfield.

Indiana Rail Road train...

I spotted another train on the line north of us a few weeks ago. It had two diesel locomotives pulling six rail cars. Riaan is always excited whenever he hears the train's whistle coming across the valley. We often have to head outside and spot the train on the track! :)

 The bright Indiana Rail locomotives and the six rail cars.

 Going over the railway crossing that we often drive over on our way to town.

And passing the old abandoned school house.