Suspended in Air

Suspended in air

Dangling by spiderweb 

Waiting to touch ground

Surrounded by ice

Surrounded by ice,

oak leaf absorbing the sun.

Sinking deeper down.

Emerging oak leaves

I was somewhat surprised to see these oak leaves emerging in the middle of July.  Aren't they beautiful?

True wealth

Cattails

Leaf on snow ridges

Oak leaves on snow

To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in the spring

-  John Burroughs

Oak leaves and snow

Oak leaves and snow

Lone oak leaf

I've always been impressed with the tenacity of oak leaves.  They manage to "hang in there" well beyond most other leaves.  Quite the image of perseverance, surviving cold temperatures and brisk winds.

A soulful rendition of "Last Leaf on the Tree" by Tom Waits is available for viewing on YouTube.