When we first looked at the Camano house thirteen years ago, Suzanne, the owner, mentioned that she enjoyed winter best of all the seasons. I'm now beginning to see why she did.
The days are so peaceful, yet the threat of a big storm is ever-present. The constant winds of summer have abated and our bay frequently looks like a mirror. Fewer folks are out walking on the beach which makes finding 'nuggets' much easier. ;)
The sun has moved far to the south, coursing along the ridge and saying goodby each day around 3:30.
Bird populations have shifted from eagles, goldfinches, swallows and terns to cormorants, many different duck species, and little Annas hummingbirds, some with feathers that glow deep pink in the sunlight.
Just to the north, snow geese and trumpeter swans are feeding on fertile farmland, building up stores of energy to take them through the mating season. Occasionally a flock of swans feeds just up the road in the large field across from the airport.
With the exception of a few stubborn weeds, the garden is resting as we peruse magazines and catalogs for the coming season.
Most noticeable is that many of our neighbors have departed for the winter, many seeking warmer climates. There are just a few neighbors nearby, which I'm sure we'll come to know well.
