White cold. It may appear as though I have been hibernating; my posts have been few and far between this “new” year that entered month three today. The reason is a mixture of excuses, typical in nature from work focuses to physical injuries. Nothing life altering, nothing major, but each strong enough when combined with snow white winter cold to keep me from my urban nature photography pursuits.

These images are proudly shared by me but authored by my husband, Steve. His days are lighter in demand and have included regular observations of three to five doe visiting our yard to enjoy our ever-green, yew shrubs. They are a favorite of these White Tailed Deer every winter, relieving us of the need to do pruning come springtime. Amazingly their feasting is evenly distributed between the row of shrubs, providing the appearance of a planned level design.

These images were taken from inside our warm, cozy abode. When I saw them my heart felt less warm, though I know that nature provides for its own. The deer do not know that warmth and dryness is experienced just inside our door. They have enough food courtesy of multiple garden plantings that round out their forest diet. But their snow packed backs were difficult for me to accept. I’m reassured they’re “ok” knowing they visit daily and sometimes frolic on their way.

I think how warm and comfoting my mother’s hand-me-down white coat feels when wearing it for a night out with Steve. My white coat keeps me warm. The deer fur coats keep them warm under their snow white coat. Winter white is natural is a classic fashion testimonial in the Chicagoland area.