Sunday, January 24, 2016

AFTER THE SNOW




After several days of intense winter storms, it has stopped snowing

Long past midnight, under a crystal clear sky, the snow is ignited in ice-covered brilliance by a dazzling full moon. The temperature is zero. Everything is perfectly still. An enormous silence prevails.

The snow began on Wednesday.
On Thursday there was a brief respite.
Friday was a fury of persistent snow, ice, and Arctic temperatures.

I ventured out three times on Wednesday to walk in the woods. When I went outside yesterday (Saturday) I sunk (sank?) into snow up to my thighs and walking was nearly impossible. Nevertheless, I managed a brief laborious trudge and came home with my toes completely numb and my fingers nearly frostbitten (I have no gloves).

Invigorating, to say the least.
Damn near killed me. 

 On Wednesday afternoon, despite having the flu, my cousin Nancy went outside to build a quick snowman in her yard. She couldn't resist.

 
Snow was fairly light on Wednesday, and an agreeable enhancement to my outdoor adventure. Armed with only a camera and a smidgen of fortitude, I trekked through my property.



Pine cones near my bedroom window
(photo taken on Friday morning)


These are the exact same pine cone branches on Saturday, ladened with snow and ice.

Despite the frigid cold, and snow up to my ass, I bravely ventured outside on Saturday to photograph my plight. It was a small sacrifice to make for the enjoyment of my devoted blogger fans - - all three of you (....or is it two?).

Even when I'm frozen senseless and mercilessly miserable, I can still be bitterly sarcastic. It's one of my charms.


My hat and walking stick

 Blizzard conditions on Friday afternoon

Looking north-east, towards the cow meadow (I knew that would impress you)

One of my favorite trees. It's about 150 feet tall (nope, I never climbed up to measure it)


Branches broken from the ice

Nearly impossible to see, but that indistinguishable  white smear on the horizon is the roof of my house.


 


20 comments:

  1. hope are you doing? and the cats? and the water pipes? the snowperson is cute.

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    1. cripes, the wine went to my feeble brain. that SHOULD say "how are you doing?"

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    2. AM, I didn't even notice it - - which proves how feeble my brain is getting.
      I'm doing ok, despite the fact that I hate cold weather. None of my kitties want to go outdoors now, and I don't blame them.
      SO FAR the water pipes didn't freeze.

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  2. Stunning photos, Jon. Glad to see you're using a walking stick out there.

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    1. I use crude tree branches for walking sticks, but they help immensely. I haven't fallen one time this winter....(so far)....

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  3. And we thank you for the wonderful pictures. There I nothing pretty than snow covered trees. I am most definitely a summer person, I love the heat, the hotter the better. But once fall is over, I have no problem being a Snow Queen. If everything is going to look dead, may as well cover it with crystal white I say. I love that you can embrace the season.

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    1. I'm sure you'd make one heckuva hot Snow Queen - - which would definitely melt the ice.

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  4. Lovin' Nancy's snowman. Ya, I'd be right there, probably constructing a fort and snowballs!

    These photos are simply stunning. I've long believed Winter to be the best of the seasons - yet in light of (storms) Goliath and now, Jonah's destruction I may have to reconsider. (Said, as she basks in 73-degree temps.)
    For some reason your hat and walking stick are (a bit) haunting.

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    1. I should have taken a selfie pic, but that would have been more haunting (scary) than a hat & walking stick.
      73 degrees??!!?? You're making me homesick for Los Angeles.

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  5. Excellent photos. Is the walking stick a branch from one of the trees on your property?

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    1. Yes, my "walking stick" is indeed a tree branch. There are so many branches that my choice is limitless....and they work quite well.

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  6. Thanks for getting out in the snow to take these pretty pictures. I would rather have snow than rain any day; we have had our share of rain our yard has just about washed out. It was in the fifties here today with sun shine, but will be back raining again Tuesday. Take care and don't get frost bite. Jean

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    1. I like occasional rain, but too much of it is devastating. I hope the sunshine decides to stay in your neighborhood! Take care Jean

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  7. Stay warm, keep the pipes flowing. You do sound like you are doing better than last winter, be careful,
    DG

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    1. Fortunately, I am much more prepared than I was last year....and so far I haven't fallen on my butt.

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  8. Beautiful pictures Jon! Thanks so much for sharing. You do live in a beautiful area of the country. You snow scenes remind me of the scenes in the Leonardo DiCaprio move "The Revenant", his Oscar nominated role in which his character survives in the snowy wilderness after being mauled by a mama grizzly bear (and no, the "mama grizzly" wasn't Sarah Palin). Watch out for those grizzly bears Jon!
    Ron

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  9. A grizzly bear would probably find me more tasty than DiCaprio. I like the snow - as long as I can snuggle up inside and not have to venture out.

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  10. On your photos the nature looks so graceful and calm.

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    1. I agree, and I appreciate your input! It is wonderfully peaceful here.

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  11. What a wonderful black and white world. I was wondering how you were faring in the recent heavy snows. I thought you'd probably be enjoying it, there is something so dramatic in extreme weather.

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