This morning, in the great north woods, I was blessed with two special treats.  First, the men in the house arose early to get out on the frozen lake to fish.  There is something special and sweet about my husband and my son heading out for their male adventures.  My heart bursts a little each time.

Then, when I peeked out the window and discovered that everything was blanketed in a beautiful sheath of hoar frost, I swooned.  Truly.  So, while I secretly wish I could just be a teeny tiny fly taking photos of my men on their fishing expedition, I had to settle for snapping some photos of the amazing and delicate hoar frost.

Hoar frost (also called radiation frost or hoarfrost or pruina) refers to the white ice crystals, loosely deposited on the ground or exposed objects, that form on cold clear nights when heat losses into the open skies cause objects to become colder than the surrounding air. (educational details courtesy of Wikipedia)

The name hoar comes from Old English and can be used as an adjective for showing signs of old age in reference to the frost which makes trees and bushes look like elderly white hair.

It may also have association with hawthorn when covered in its characteristic white spring blossom.

Hoar frost may have different names depending on where it forms.

For example, air hoar is a deposit of hoar frost on objects above the surface, such as tree branches, plant stems, wires.

Apparently, I’m a wee bit fascinated by the air hoar…

Particularly the wire kind…

Magnificent. Beautiful.  Amazing.  God’s Art.  I love it.

Meanwhile, inside the abode, I am working on some version of my own art – Artisan Bread.  It has been rising and fermenting since last night.  I dare say there may be a post about that in the future.  For now, I hope you are able to enjoy the beauty you find in nature today.