Be My Snow Angel

Cleaning up the yard after a storm can be especially romantic.

Snow is the perfect medium for artwork. Jump in, walk the path, fall backward and create angels. Let the kid inside out to play. Shoveling provides a nice workout when performed safely. The chill in the air makes cheeks rosy. Then head inside for warm drinks and snuggling.

THE END

Eagles and Courting

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) officially landed in the Endangered Species category in 1967 and conservation recovery efforts now have them soaring in our semi-wilderness playground. We spent our July Fourth late afternoon in the boat, floating along the far shoreline, watching for nesting pairs. We found four juvenile eagles and saw two adult pairs.

These eaglets have not yet developed the coloring of their parents. Just learning to fly, land on perches and beginning to hunt for food. They will reach maturity and start looking for a mate at age four or five.


Romantically speaking - eagles mate for life. The one that is left after one in the pair bond dies will accept a new mate. An eagle's lifespan in the wild is about 30 years, so, lots of time for many children and grandchildren.


A whirlwind romance perhaps, an eagle will perform for a potential mate by flying and swooping and  cartwheeling. Skydiving anyone? The male and female will soar high in the air, lock talons and go into freefall together, pulling up at the last minute to soar again into the air. Humans don't fall in love quite  the same way, but activities that release neurotransmitters (those chemicals that send messages throughout the body) do help with bonding. Consider the thrill of seeing eagles soaring together, the romance of a tandem skydive, or climbing a rock-face. The limit is the imagination and sense of self-preservation.  


Not into extreme sports try: holding hands, going to a movie, window-shopping together just for fun, going out for a special meal, moderate exercises like running or skating, and taking bubble baths.

The Bald Eagle was removed from the federal listing in 2007. Efforts continue to preserve their habitat and nesting areas. 

Watching eagles soar, spending time together and learning from other species - ROMANTIC.

Romancing the Rain

Light rain, fog and mist at a balmy 58 °F - only a romantic thinks the conditions are perfect to stand in the water to capture the perfect picture.

Ideas for spending a rainy day we could . . .

catch up on reading

play the Dream Game - "if only it wasn't raining we would be taking a three-mile walk."
     "if only it wasn't raining we would go to the little league game."
     "if only it wasn't raining we would fly a kite in the Sonoran Desert."
     "if only it wasn't raining we would yodel in the Swiss Alps"
   
See how the dream game works, consider it a no-dream-impossible mind-storming of adventures that are possible together. The relationship benefits with a vision of the future together.

snuggling

dancing

and somehow just starting the day right, creates a bright spot.

When strawberries are fresh and in-season, take a moment to savor nature's bounty!

Watching Wildlife

Wildlife watching opportunities might be in your neighborhood. At the lakeside retreat we can watch birds any time of day -  loons, American Bald Eagles, osprey, Merganser ducks along with Downy Woodpeckers and Hairy Woodpeckers on the suet feeder. Hummingbirds love the garden and the feeder.

This chipmunk was very patient with me getting close enough to take pictures. Of course, a quick chirp made by my sweetheart who was sitting across the lawn sent the chipmunk scurrying to the safety of a maple tree about three feet away.

To share the experiences we often call to each other to "Come look!" We watch the animals almost as closely as we watched our children while they were growing up. I think we have a better handle on being amused now though.

If wildlife watching opportunities are limited in your area. Live web-cam watching on the internet is just as amazing. Check out either the Audubon Society or NatureWatch from the USDA Forest Service.

Keep in mind to be respectful and not interfere with the birds and animals you are watching. Observing and sharing ideas about wildlife and the environment improves communication and bonding between two people. And paying attention to each other is pretty important too.

Birds and Butterflies

Patience - the one element more important than the right equipment for capturing the beauty of nature.

For city-dwellers the best place to find butterflies and learn about them is the nearest Butterfly Pavilion. For those lucky enough to be blessed with a backyard or patio to attract butterflies host a garden designed for the butterfly's pleasure.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, nectar producing plants with multiple florets will attract visitors.

Make butterfly watching a couples adventure.

     Hold hands while walking through the garden and even better share that meaningful look or sneak a quick kiss in a secluded spot.

     Choose flowers or seeds and plant them together. 

     Share the use of the camera and have a contest to see who takes the best picture of the day.

     Research the secrets of gardening without pesticides.

Patience -an important element that two people need for capturing the beauty of a wonderful relationship.