by Kathy Ruff
After a weekend in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for a conference and time with a long-time friend and her family, I hit the road for the two-hour return home. 
Less than a half mile from Kim’s house, I pulled over and got some shots of what Kim tells me is a white crane that was feeding in a creek down the street from her house. What a beautiful gift to send me on my way home!
Seeing this crane reminded me that life is like this. If we’re open and aware of the present moment, we can enjoy many natural gifts that surround us…a white crane feeding in a creek, a robin bobbing for worms, a swarm of butterflies or two squirrel frolicking in the yard. The pine pollen was a challenge, but the symphony created by the songbirds more than made up for it.
I took time to enjoy these natural tid-bits during my time away from the daily grind and returned home refreshed and with a smile on my face.
Be aware and don’t miss out on nature’s beauty and bounty. Carpe diem!
NO that is definitely not a swan. lol
But it is a beautiful sight. I get to see this every day when I leave the valley to run errands.