Old Man Winter has enjoyed a good long visit with us lately. Snow has blanketed the ground for these past two weeks. Freezing temperatures, except two days, have happily kept company with the snow.
Light is a photographers dearest friend. Making all the difference in the ‘feel’ of a photo. My most favorite time for light is evening twilight when I go out to feed. Most especially when the light of day is nearly equal to lights peering from windows of buildings and snow is all around.
Cold as it was, taking these evening photos was fun, and I hope you enjoy them. When is your favorite time for taking photographs?
Temperatures have been freezing, but this bunny does not seem to mind.A peak inside barn from outside frosty window. It is cozy and warm inside there.Barn lights starting to light up the night.Plenty of hay and straw for the cattle.The glowing, warm light beckons one inside.The warmth of house lights is comforting.Snow has happily been here for these past couple weeks.
Thank you for stopping by. Enjoy your evening wherever you are.
Four seasons comprise a year where we live here in Virginia. Right now about four weeks remain for this winter season. This cannot go by fast enough for my husband. Winter wins hands down for his least favorite season. Summer is his favorite.
It seems most folk I talk to say Spring is their favorite. I have heard it said that the season one is born in is the favorite. Have you heard that before? It does not hold true for me.
I was born in summer, but I cannot say it is my favorite. When asked, my general response is, “The season we are in right now is my favorite”. Because of my enjoyment of photography, there is something lovely and unique in each season. Though I find it much easier to add layers of clothing when it is cold. I mean there is only so much to be taken off when hot.
Fuzzy winter-coat horses are cozy and warm too. The best hand warmer around is between a horses elbow and belly, or under a full winter mane and neck. Duke looks like a fuzzy black bear in his winter coat. High Hope is not as fuzzy. The minis, Snowbell and Raggedy, look like two little fur balls rolling around like a tumbleweed.
When the wind blows their coats shimmer and wave like tall grasses on the prairie. Steam blowing from their noses makes them snort and blow more. I think it makes them feel big and strong!
Blue and white are my favorite colors, so I suppose if I had to choose a season, it would be winter.
My favorite colors, blue and white, match the winter season.Brand new winter day dawning.Morning has broken.Duke, our ‘fuzzy bear’.Raggedy looks like a rolling fur ball.A winter visitor!I suppose if I had to choose, winter would be my favorite.
I can still hear Mom say how much she liked “an ‘ole grey day.’ The adage ‘apples fall from apple trees’ rings true in this regard. I enjoy an ole grey day as much as Mom did.
The past two days have been quite wintery, snowy and rainy. Sitting by the fire is as good as it gets on days like these.
The day itself calls for stillness and quietness. Do not make loud noises in my house on an ‘ole grey day, unless life or limb is not important to you. Just ask my husband of forty-plus something years. Even Jeffy, our parakeet is quiet.
As we walked through the dark woods I noticed even the birds were quiet. All we heard were the crackling of leaves underfoot, and the dogs as they ran past us hot on the scent of who-knows-what.
Another type of day I like happens everyday, and that is twilight. Just when lights of houses and barns and cities start to shine and herald in the coming of nightfall. That lovely transition of daylight into evening-tide.
Mom used to also say there were advantages to old age. She has been gone a decade now, and now I am one of the older folk. So having the time to really enjoy an ‘ole grey day, as well as the evening light are surely an advantage to old age.
Do you agree, all you dear older readers?
I would like to share, through my photos, what I am trying to convey in words. They will probably tell a better story.
An ‘ole grey day, taking through window. Duke and High Hope seem oblivious.Grey or snowy, it is still cozy. Can you see Raggedy and Snowbell? They are in front.Walking up the hill in our field—to nowhere?Outside lights on grey days are warm.Even the birds are quiet in the woods. The crunching of footsteps and……the dogs running make the only sounds.A fire makes every wintery day better.By the fire is the best place to be on a day like today.Evening lights on snow are a delight.My favorite place is downright inviting at twilight.The soft glow from the tin lantern warms the snowy sidewalk.
Which season of the year do you like best? Here in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, we have all four. Pictures of the Valley will prove it a hard thing to choose the favorite one. At least it is for this blogger.
The end of one season brings a happy au revior with much anticipation for the next one. Plans are always hatching with each new seasons’ arrival. Spring flowers, vegetable gardens, pumpkins and apples, and long winter nights. Each has it’s own unique, wonderful quality. I must admit, the Spring frost date has a way of waiting far too long before coming here in the Northern end of the Valley. New folks to the Valley do not believe me when I say it is mid-to-end of April. We can have snow in October, have slept with windows open in November, and been under a blanket on a summer July night! Makes it all the more interesting, don’t you think? We shun the hot sun in the summer in any cool spot available, and bask in it in fall and winter. Fickle aren’t we? Seasons have their ways, and we adjust.
This winter has seen very little snowfall. A pretty snow fell around mid-December, and that is it. Most folks do not miss it much, nor the work that comes with it. But I enjoy being out in it walking the dog (and cats, they come too), feeding the horses and watching their foggy breath float all around their heads and muzzles. Snow quietly falling on their shaggy winter coats. Do you know a horses’ coat can grow 1/4 on cold winter nights? Cool huh?
The earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell in it.
Surprise this early morning though, as a blowing snow suddenly filled the view from the window with white. It was gone as fast as it came. A real hit and run. I have only a few photographs to share of the only snow so far this year, and one bad one from this morning.
Which season is your favorite? I cannot answer that question, for I throughly enjoy each and every one of them. Happy winter to you!
Winds are blowing winter back. Their howling around the house are foretelling it’s coming. So are the fluffy clouds briskly floating by, while swaying trees seem to be waving good-bye to the extra-mild weather we have been having here in the Valley.
For the most part of last week, doors and windows have been open to let the mid-60^ temperatures fill the house. Since early this morning though, a tiny crack in the front door would allow the gusty wind to rudely force the door open and gain entry.
Spreading mulch over the flower beds will be a futile job these next few days. Which means some moments to head outside with the camera. This is one reason this PFO (Primary Farm Operator) likes winter so well. It is time to look at the tiny side of life through the zoom lens of the camera. Winter is especially nice because it is still, and mostly quiet in every way. All of life and nature is taking a bit of rest.
It’s a great excuse to look ‘scruffy’ and not get in trouble for it. Gardens are covered with chopped leaves and dead plant debris. Fields and yards are a dull brown. The animals are furry and way dusty with dried patches of mud all over their bodies. No sleek, shiny coats in the wintertime.
Snow drapes a beautiful blanket over it all. Ice brings crystals. Every season has its’ own beauties to be sure. But somehow the mystery of winter calls this PFO outside all the more. Perhaps because it is fun to be “all wrapped up” out in the cold elements working to stay warm. Whatever the reason, outside it is with the camera tucked warmly under the arm wrapped in a heavy coat. It is the tiny things that grab attention. Please enjoy the following ‘tiny winter’ photos. Add your own in the comments if you like. They would be a pleasure to look at.
White PineRedbudHemlock
Hen and chick plantAn icy home (bird nest)Flower cage in gardenNap-time Black-capped ChickadeeCedarTiny pieces of ice falling from the wind blowing the trees.
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