Creatures great and small

We've been wondering where our winter has gone. The temperatures have been cool to downright warm and our garden is ready to explode with spring blooms. What I hear from my family and friends in Germany, it seems that Europe is where winter is hiding. I feel for everyone who is cold and cut off from civilization because of the snow and ice. 

A couple of weekends ago, while I was busy printing for class, Daniel went for a walk in the marshland along the Savannah River and saw some fantastic wildlife. By now, we are quite used to seeing the occasional alligator, but Daniel said that this one was especially impressive in its size and also that rusty color. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to me they are magnificent creatures!

The absolute highlight for Daniel though was the sighting of two rather large bobcats.

While he observed them and they checked him out, he was able to snap some beautiful photos. Isn't this a gorgeous cat? Daniel said they were about the size of a large dog, so quite big.

And then there was our kitty last night. The pictures are a bit fuzzy because I took them without a flash, but he was just so adorable in his new little kitty bed.

We've had the bed for days, but he's been avoiding it. Finally yesterday, we picked him up and sat him down in it. After a few moments hesitation he started making a nest and then took a loooong nap.

He was so cute I just had to snap some pictures...

I have another day ahead of me filled with painting and printing. Well, and tax preparations - it's that time of the year...

Now I'm off to visit some of your blogs for my morning inspiration!

P.S. Daniel also had fun making a little watercolor sketch inspired by his walk. If you'd like to see it, click here.