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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Puppy Profile

We got this little sweetheart of a puppy dog about a year and half ago when she was six months old.

She is a Yorkie-poo, a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a small Poodle.

We had a large breed dog many years ago right after we were married, and he lived to be thirteen.

He has been gone for over twenty years, and I wasn't so certain I really wanted another dog.

All the shedding, the smell, the care, and expense of a large animal wasn't something I really looked forward to at this point in our lives.

I always figured cats were the way to go for a pet - they were better able to care for themselves, and a purring kitty is very calming and soothing.

But then, I met, Mya.

She's tiny - about 12 pounds.

She has hair, not fur, so she doesn't shed.

Her weekly showers keep her ever so soft and oh so clean.

She follows us everywhere - inside and out.

Going for a ride is one of her favorite things.

And she is most entertaining in her playing and prancing about.

Those bright eyes and that wagging plume of a tail show us her love.

This little soul makes me laugh, and brings such joy into our lives.

I really don't know how we got along without her all these years.

She is such a gem, and a more perfect match for our home could not be found.

Life is good with this little puppy dog!

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.

Workshop Participants

We recently participated in a day long workshop that was run by one of the top colleges in our state.

Scientists, teachers, and students put together a probable scenario about the climate in our area in the year 2100.

Using statistics from the past 40 years, they were able to project what the climate would be in 2100, and how it would effect our land uses and water needs as the population of our state tripled in numbers.

Let's just say it was not a pretty sight.

The water was disappearing at a rapid rate, and what was around was polluted.

What few farmers there were were growing on polluted land and only the very wealthy could afford their produce.

And the climate - just forget it - we were dying of heat with our extended summers.

We weren't getting the snow cover we do now in the winters which affected the water supply.

The extreme heat affected the water supply also by evaporation.

Many small factors that we don't even think about were being affected too.

We have plentiful maple trees that supply syrup and fall foliage - both big tourist draws to our state which brings in income for many industries.

Those trees had all died off from the heat and the maple tree line was now well into Canada.

The run-offs from the rivers into the ocean had made the environments along the coast incapable of supporting life which affected the availability of food for us and other sea life.

And the list went on.

The whole purpose of this exercise was two-fold.

We were considered a civilian jury and had to all come to an agreement in the end, after much deliberating, which was the most important in the year 2100 - water, climate, or land.

My group chose water, with climate being right on it's heels.  We just couldn't convince the last guy that we could eventually adapt to the climate, but we could not go with out water.

My husband's group chose water also with climate second, but not as important as it was to our group.

The results from all the groups will be sent to us in November.

The second part of this exercise was the civilian jury format itself.

This was the first time it was used and they wanted to get the views of the community which could be used to make decisions for the towns and states.

I found the whole workshop to be very interesting in all regards, and was very happy to be selected to participate.

Listening to other's thoughts and everyone working to come to an agreement opens the mind and makes you feel good when it's all finally resolved.

Would I do it again?  In a heartbeat - I hope we get the chance!