I took a picture of this Octopus at Dinosaur Land in White Post, Virginia.

The snow is gone now after 70F temperatures over the weekend.  I took this picture Thursday morning before it melted.  Do you think we will get any more snow this winter?

When this photo was taken, no animal tracks, car tracks, or human footprints were found on the virgin snow that fell on a mountain road.  Last weekend’s March snowstorm gave me the opportunity to try out cable chains for my car and Yaktrax for my feet.

Here’s another picture from last year. I spotted a buck in the front yard.

At one time, I intended to only include native plants on this blog.  I took a picture last year of this bull thistle wildflower. According to Wildflowers of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, it is a European introduction that has turned into a serious weed problem.  However, butterflies like this one, don’t seem to mind.

Sometimes, I enjoy watching squirrels.  They are amazing little acrobats with incredible balance.  Last year, however, I was having a real problem with squirrels gnawing on the house and damaging my car.  Pesky rodents can be a serious problem, one not to be ignored.  Squirrels have even started fires by chewing on electrical wires.

I bought a tube trap that has been very effective.  After two squirrels were killed, I have had no further problems with squirrel damage.  Knock on wood.