Ice Art

 

The rain was coming down and freezing upon contact one February afternoon.

When it finally stopped, I was anxious to get outside, but being in the middle of something, my walk was delayed.

The temps were quickly rising, and I could see the ice falling from the tree branches as I watched from the window.

I was going to miss my ice photos opportunity - one is lucky to get these perfect conditions once a season when it all comes together just right.

By the time I made it outside, there wasn't much ice left on the bushes, berries, branches, or pines.

A few mediocre photos made it onto my camera, and I was getting ready to retrace my path back into the house.

Then I saw it out of the corner of my eye.  That perfectly shaped ice leaf - all alone hanging from a branch.

It had separated from the leaf on which it had been formed, and it was just there - in the empty space between the branches.

I snapped a few photos of this little beauty before it joined all the other ice creations that had succumbed to the warming temps.

I had been fretting not ten minutes before about being too late in getting outside.  

Had I been earlier, this piece of ice art wouldn't have been finished and I would never have seen it.

And just a minute later, I would have missed it as well.

Timing was perfect for this shot, and I was most lucky. 

Things do have a way of working out if we just let them.

 

Winter Color

Just after a fresh snowfall, when everything is still covered, black and white are the predominate colors in the winter.

The red of the cardinal birds stands out beautifully in the trees.

The blue of the sky beyond those trees is just as vivid as the red birds.

But it's pretty hard to find other colors in a winter landscape after Mother Nature lays down a new snow layer.

That was the case today on my afternoon walk - no cardinals or blue sky to be found.

Just a lot of black and white with varying shades of gray in between.

There was one stray flash of color though that caught my eye as I passed by.

The white of the snow against the lime green of an overturned pail really stood out.

It beckoned me to take a closer look.

My phone was small enough to fit between the thorny branches and get close enough to capture the shot.

A winter abstract, with a splash of color - makes for an interesting composition.

 

Winter in Rye Harbor

This photo was taken about four years ago on a winter trip to the ocean at Rye Harbor.

Part of the State Park system in NH, we have visited here at least a couple times a year for as long as I can remember.

This past year we were never able to make the trip and the ocean was surely missed by us both.

No matter what time of the year, there is nothing like smelling the salty fresh air and seeing the everchanging beauty of the water and waves as they rush along the shore.

The sea gulls, ducks, and sand pipers that are numerous in the summer are no where to be found in the winter.

But if one is really lucky, there are a couple of Snowy Owls that have been known to visit the area.

To them, this is their "south" as they nest and breed in northern Canada each spring and summer.

I have never been able to get a decent photo of one of these beautiful owls, but I was lucky enough one winter to see one.

He was easy to find though - the group of tripods and photographers were a dead give away that something interesting was going on down by the shore.

They were respectful and kept their distance as not to scare him away so we could all enjoy his winter visit.

 

 

Frosty Mullein

Mullein leaves covered in frost on a cold New Years Day

Snow is expected tonight so tomorrow will find these fuzzy leaves covered once again.

Mullein happily grows in poor sandy soil and can often be found alongside the road in the summer.

This was a first year plant as there were no dried flowering stalks left over from the past year.

It is also very small as these plants and leaves can be quite large  - I've seen them taller than me.

Valued for it's respiratory health properties, it can be harvested and dried when it is in season so it can be used when it is needed year round.

The leaves are covered in fine hairs which can be an irritant to the throat if they are used in a tea, so it needs to be strained well before drinking.

Viewed as a common weed by many, it is a gift from Mother Nature to those who recognize its worth.

 

 

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Frozen Lake

We spend a lot of time during the summer at the lake.

A daily swim is not unheard of for us two old timers.

Our winter visits to the lake are usually short and we only go a couple of times during that season.

On a recent visit, we were surprised to see that the usually snow covered lake was missing it's snow.

It was solid ice and was just beautiful.

And so smooth too.

In all the years we have been at this lake, I have never seen it in this condition.

It was a treat, and as it was a sunny day - it just added to the enjoyment.

I didn't have my dslr with me, but my phone sure worked overtime that afternoon.

Winter Solstice

Winter began for us here in New England long before the Winter Solstice date on the calendar.

Tomorrow we begin our journey to Spring.

It will be cold and probably long.

But each day we gain a bit more light.

A good thought to get us through the snowy freezing months ahead.

The older we get the more daunting these months seem.

But the beauty and healthfulness that comes with it keeps us here.

A happy and healthy holiday season is wished for all!

Windswept Snows

It has been quite some time since I have made a post.

I find myself using my phone camera more and more these days and I miss using my DSLR as I have in the past.

Perhaps once the warmer weather comes back this spring things will change.

Until then, I will try to post some photos now and again.

Winter Hanging On

It has been one of the coldest, and certainly, the longest, winters that I can remember.

And I have been around for a few.

We have had some late season storms, but they usually came and went quickly.

They have never hung on as this winter has.

But there is hope.

The edges of the lake are beginning to melt.

The robins have been here for weeks now even though the poor things still have no grass to forage in around here.

It may only be a short spring - one month instead of three.

But I know it will be the most appreciated one in years.

Especially by two people here in New England.

43 Days Til Spring

The days have been getting longer - it doesn't get dark now until after 5:00.

They may be longer - but they certainly haven't been any warmer.

The bitter cold has made this winter seem even longer than it usually is.

After the big snowstorm we had yesterday, it was good to hear the news lady mention we only have 43 days left until the first day of spring.

It's on it's way, and I can only think it can't get here soon enough.

Mother Nature paints a beautiful scene with her snowfalls, but they are nothing compared to the glorious spring season that she will deliver in a few weeks time.

Another Winter for Rusty

Each winter I fear will be his last.

But with his determination and spirit, he always makes it through.

Rusty, our pet feral cat, came to us over 14 years, that we can figure.

Actually I think he has been around longer than that, as I remember our pet cat chasing him out of the yard, and he has been gone for over 15 years.

He refuses to come in the house - the wild in him just won't allow it.

But he is with us every time we step outside.

He follows us to get the mail, to shovel the snow, or just to walk around the house.

If we are working outside, he will be laying beside us, keeping us company and purring all the while.

He permits a pat, just barely tolerates being picked up, but when the brush comes around, he can't get enough of it.

He has put his winter heft and thick coat of fur back on.

And he is still at the door every morning and evening - he is not about to miss a meal.

We will continue our care for him as long as he wants to stay around.

And from the look of him, I believe he will make it through another tough New England winter.

Snow Has Arrived

It has been late in arriving, but it has finally made it's appearance.

And from the temps that are predicted for this upcoming week, it isn't going anywhere either.

With daytime highs in the mid teens it will become solid cement shortly.

So, outside we will be, shoveling, clearing, and making big piles of snow.

The older we get the harder it is to deal with it.

But we are New Englanders and are tough.

And the thoughts of spring to come is in the back of our minds, making it all worth it.

Counting Birds - Our World

  Counting Birds - Our World



 

It is that time of the year again here in the US.

This weekend is the time to count the birds in our backyard.

The Audubon Society has set aside this weekend for their Great Backyard Bird Count.

I used to participate in this count many years ago, and I am glad I ran across it on the internet.

And I am glad I found it in time and didn't miss it.

My owl was around last winter, so unless he comes around this weekend, I won't be able to count him.

I really enjoy my birds, and adding what I have around here so the society can track the trends is a good thing.

If you are interested, be sure to check out my links - make your birds count too!

ABC Wednesday - A is for Abstract

A is for Abstract..........




 

Dripping water made this little piece of art in the ice.

It was water all the way down the center.

When it froze over at night, the darkness disappeared in the middle as the whole area became white again.

Kind of a cool abstract made by Mother Nature herself.

The start of this ABC Wednesday begins round 10 of this popular meme.

Enjoyed by all, we thank our founder Mrs. Nesbitt, and her team, for keeping it all together for us!

 

This is the ninth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

Iced Branch

Iced Branch




 

Winter has finally arrived.

With the temperature to be below zero for the next couple of nights, the hard ice is sure to stick around for a few days.

Keeping warm inside is the goal for the day.

Some baking will keep it extra toasty.

And a movie in the evening with the fleece throw tucked in around the neck sounds great to me!

 

Outlet Under the Dam

Under the Dam




 

Any other year at this time, this scene would not be possible.

There would be so much snow.

And the cold would have the water froze up solid.

But not this year yet.

The lake isn't frozen, and the water is still drizzling out the side outlet of the dam.

It has been a strange winter to be sure.

 

Ice Covered Leaf - Our World

  Ice Covered Leaf - Our World



 

A scene from last winter - it was a record setting one for ice and snow amounts.


We have not had a scene even close to this photo this year.


Most of the precipitation falling out of the sky has been rain.


Which is really strange for New England - we are known for our snowstorms.


There are no complaints on this end though - the less snow the better!

Welcome 2012

Happy New Year!




 

2011 has been a hard year for many.

And as we head into the unknown of 2012, the hope is there for better times as a new year begins.

Wishing you all a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year!

 

The Happiest of Holidays to All

Happy Holidays!




 

However you celebrate this holiday season, here's wishing it is a happy one!

Season Greetings and Happy Holidays to our friends all over this big wide world.

Hope it is special for each of you in it's own way.

 

ABC Wednesday - W is for Winter Solstice

W is for Winter Solstice..........




 

Winter doesn't officially arrive until 12:30 am on 12/22/11.

On this Winter Solstice day, the Earth's northern axis, or North Pole, is pointing the farthest from the sun as it will get.

That makes it the shortest day of daylight in the year - the area above the Arctic Circle will have 24 hours of darkness.

Then, the next day, the day's light will start getting longer.

Granted, it is only by minutes, but I bet those who reside in the Arctic Circle region are awfully happy about that!

 

This is the ninth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.

ABC Wednesday - S is for Snow

S is for Snow..........




 

Dawn was breaking on this slippery morning as we traveled along the back roads.

After a quick snow storm a few hours before, we caught the sun as the clouds began to part.

The road was a sheet of ice, but worth the trouble to stop and grab a shot.

Within a couple of hours, the snow was completely gone.

As if it was never there.

But we have the proof!

 

This is the ninth round of ABC Wednesday. If you would like to join in please visit this site for the details.