I was sitting here thinking about the weather. At this time, two years ago, we had already had snow almost every day. The only snow we’ve gotten this year was a good “dusting” of it the night before last. Looking out the main window onto the Verandah I noticed the bird feeders, barely swaying and half full. This brought to mind another comparison thought: Where were all of the birds we’re use to seeing at this time of the season?

I walked out to take a look for any signs of recent visits but found none, then noticed what might be an issue. The seeds seemed to be “lodged” in areas. Where dampness had become frozen, clumping the seeds together so that even after thawing, they were still stuck together just over the openings where they couldn’t be reached, and the loose seeds could not drop down. I gave them all a good shake, dumped the seed into the compost and then refilled with fresh bird seed, then hung them back up again.

That was about 2 hours ago, and already the front of my house is alive again with bright red Cardinals, their less than vivid partners, and various other types that are known for our area this time of year. It was already getting dark, but tomorrow I will snap a few shots of them and upload to this post.

Nestled in the tiny village of Jukkasjärvi (approximately 200km north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden), the Icehotel is more exoctic than it’s location would seem.

From it’s sophisticated (and literally, continually changing) design, to it’s one of a kind guest comforts, the Icehotel offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

With the seasonal climate changes, the Icehotel is built fresh in the beginning Winter months, only to return to the river in the Spring. A continuous cycle that allows visitors to choose between the wondrous architectural designs each Winter, or the more conventional means of rooming during the warmer months of the year.

Hotel image:unknown	Church image: bjaglin
Rooms image: golotheblog	Hotel Bar image: Nealz

With interior temperatures ranging in an average of 20 degrees Fahrenheit, this isn’t going to be a favorite among the bikini clad sun worshipers. The bathroom accommodations are kept warm, but are off-site from the main hotel.

So when is the best time to visit the Icehotel? That depends on you. If you’re excited about sleeping on blocks of fur covered ice and hoping for a view of the Northern Lights, then December is the best time. For more information about the Icehotel in Sweden, you can visit their website and decide for your self.