Posted by wilde on January 30th, 2008 — Posted in Animal, Mineral, Vegetable
Today’s weather could be described as topsy-turvy. Starting out with light rain the snow was disappearing slowly until the sun came out later in the day. We don’t have much snow left now, but what remains is changing over from hard ice to a slushy mess.
High winds had the trees really swaying, especially early on today. I’m still surprised how much the trees sway without any leaves on them. I would have thought the surface area of just the woody parts would not be able to catch the wind so well. Their swaying in the wind can sound quite loud! I never knew trees could be so animated until I lived among them.
Up here on the ridge the temperatures at ground level must have been near freezing, especially in the shady areas. On the north side of the house, which is in constant shade, we might have crusty snow all winter long until a thaw occurs.
The wind and the cold together made for some pretty cold wind chill temperatures, so when I let the dog outside to do his business he wanted back inside real fast.
Can we go in now, pretty please?
It was then that I spotted these wild flowers growing on the deck. Of course it takes a little imagination, but I think Rorschach would be proud. What do you see in these icy images?
Shepard’s Purse.
Dragon’s Fern.
Lone Coconut.
Mossy Lichens.
Fleeting Spagnum.
It took barely an hour for my little icy formations to disappear into nothingness. Be on the lookout for more surprises from Mother Nature!
No Comments »
Posted by wilde on December 31st, 2007 — Posted in Animal, Vegetable
Last night we were promised 2-4 inches of snow and by all accounts the weather forecasters were right on target. We did get about 3 inches of flaky, heavy snow.
Up before the sun, which is pretty easy to do now that the days are so short, I went outside with thermals on to snap a few pictures. The light was really dim, but getting so ever slightly brighter with each passing moment. Had I any foresight into the beautiful morning sunrise I would have set up the tripod and time-lapsed a few photos before the sun came up. The gray sky gently contrasted with the white snow perched on the tree limbs. Dark tree trunks stood out in the white and gray, winter woodland scene.
Snowy trees in the early morning light.
The snow is a bit like the ice we had a couple weeks ago as it is sticking to everything - at least until the wind picks up or until the sun starts shining.
Snow sticking to the tree limbs as seen from below.
It is a very still morning with only a crow silently drifting overhead. Its blackness moves in sharp contrast to the newly fallen snow on the tree limbs. Sometime in the night or early morning a fox had passed this way as told by the tracks it left behind.
I can’t describe the feeling one gets standing here in the middle of the woods, early in the morning before the sun is up, listening to the stillness…there is a feeling of being surrounded or closed in, but in a nice, warm hug kind of way…reverent, still, awesome.
Imagine yourself standing in the center of this picture. No sound - the stillness is awesome. It gives you a feeling of being close to God.
Happy New Year! From our mountain home in the woods.
Quisp says, “How do you like my White Pine Christmas Tree? I think it’s just perfect for my long winter’s nap!”
Happy New Year to All!
May Your 2008 Be Full of Christmas Spirit All Year Long!
2 Comments »
Posted by wilde on December 6th, 2007 — Posted in Animal, Vegetable
Second snow fall this season brought some cold artic air. At eight o’clock this morning the temperature was 11 degrees F and the wind chill was a mere 2 degrees. The kind of cold that you can feel in your nostrils.
Where were my gloves?? I could really have used them while I broomed off the walkways. No shoveling for me.
Anyway, here’s a couple pics for my southern friends who have yet to see any snow this year.
Crisp, snowy and cold morning in the PA mountains.
Snowy cones.
Can’t believe the greenery hasn’t died back on this butterfly bush!
Snowy butterfly blossoms.
It’s so cold and dry that the snow squeaks underneath your feet. The powdery stuff is the can’t-make-a-snowball-wish-I-had-a-sled-kind-of-snow. But no matter how cold it feels while warming up the car, you can’t be as chilled as these Amish folk!
The doors are closed tight, but unless there’s a hot potato under your frock you gotta be cold!
This gal surely can’t wait to get home to her kitchen fire!
I think Shubert has the right idea - find a sunny spot and curl up!
At least one flower pic today…the Christmas Cactus, or Easter Cactus depending on its time of blooming, is starting to open its showy blossoms.
5 Comments »
