.....and it's 60 degrees (that's Fahrenheit, for those of you in the North Pole). Not a snowflake in sight. The Tennessee wilderness presently has a balmy springlike aura - and I feel like I'm back in Los Angeles.
Will I have to return to Texas to find snow? Texas is generally thought of as being flat and hot. Which is basically true. But I lived on the high plains, with an elevation of over 3,500 feet. The winters could be bitterly cold. And we did get snow.
The following photo confirms the fact.
My hat and boots
caught in a blizzard
So, what do I have to offer today in the way of snow-infested thoughts? How about my latest piano video, Troika ( or sleigh ride) by Tchaikovsky....
Your wild applause is frightening. I'll wait a moment until you settle down.
I made the video this morning and resorted to using snow scenes and reindeer for visuals.
Do you know how difficult it is to find copyright-free videos of troikas on the Internet??
If that doesn't appeal to your holiday addictions, here are some photos that I took today of my rustic environment.
Dawn
The morning sun
just appearing at the edge of the forest
Early afternoon
the misty sun very low in the winter sky
The grim forest in my back yard
Sunset this evening
view from the front porch
Is it too late for me to go outside and do an improvisational Snow Dance?
Hi! Sorry I haven’t been commenting but I enjoy every one of your blogs.
ReplyDeleteThis weather is horrible. I told my brother we’d have winter next spring! He said he certainly hopes not. I agree but — we live in Tennessee! I’m sorry you’re alone for the holidays. They are depressing enough with people, I can’t imagine being alone.
I love your pics, you’re an awesome photographer! Stay cool Jon!!
We probably will have winter next spring. We always seem to get the worst winter weather after January. I don't really mind spending the holidays alone. I can do exactly what I want. I have a smoked ham this year and I plan to bake a cake. Then I'll snuggle up and watch videos.
DeleteI don't know why, because there is no snow...but those pictures had a very peaceful Christmas Eve feel to them. A Happy Yuletide to you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThose photos do indeed have a rustic holiday aura about them. It was 65 degrees today (Xmas Eve) and I enjoyed the balmy sunshine. Have a fantastic Christmas - and go easy on that eggnog!
DeleteNever too late for dancing, snow or no snow. Love the shots of the sunset. It is a long time since I saw one here in the UK. Well, tomorrow is the big day, I hope yours is as peaceful as I know mine will be. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI only get to see sunsets around here in the winter when the trees are bare. And I always grab my camera. My holiday will definitely be as peaceful as yours. Take care, enjoy your Christmas meal, and give big hugs to Charlie.
DeleteJon, you are not alone in not having a white Christmas as here in NH it’s the same. The unseasonal temps have been quickly melting the 18 in snowfall we had 2 weeks ago. I enjoyed the sleigh ride with the musical accompaniment And definitely want to take one, some day. I liked the boots included in the TX blizzard photo, but my favorite is the last one with that magnificent sunset view from your porch. While I know that living in the rustic TN wilderness ( as you call it often) has not been easy for so many reasons, Mother Nature does pull these amazing surprises. I am glad to have come across your blog through a fellow blogger.
ReplyDeleteMerry 🎄Christmas to you and your feline companions and Best Wishes for a good (better) New Year for all.
I'm surprised that it has been so mild in NH. I suppose we should be thankful for the balmy temperatures. When I saw the lovely sunset last evening I grabbed my camera and ran outside. The winter is the best time to see sunsets here, because the trees are bare. I do love the beauty of nature despite all the inconveniences.
DeleteI'm glad you discovered my humble blog, Dorothy, and I always enjoy the interesting and informative posts on yours. Have a great holiday!
Dance to your hearts content. that sun rising on the edge of the forest gives me pause. so beautiful. your video is mesmerizing. i loved it. i hope you have a peaceful holiday filled with things you love. i know you have suffered this year as i have, but i hope you can rejoice in what good is there hiding in the shadows, waiting to explode into the light. you take care. and have yourself a merry little christmas Jon. i'll be thinking of you. lets raise a glass of cheer and get ready to celebrate a new decade next week.
ReplyDeleteThe only time I get to see the rising sun here is in the winter when the trees are bare. It never fails to fascinate me and I often go out on the back porch to watch it.
DeleteI love your sentiment about the good hiding in the shadows, waiting to explore the light. It really touched my heart. We will raise a glass of cheer in hopes of a bright new upcoming decade. And give thanks for small blessings...and good friends....Take care.
Magnificent! I've never had the pleasure of taking a sleigh ride -- but I'm not about to take it off my bucket list. This video reminds me of why Winter was once my favorite season. I hope you and the kitties are enjoying a mellow Christmas eve.
ReplyDeleteI've never taken a sleigh ride, either, Myra - but I would definitely like to. Those wonderful snow photos of New Mexico are tangible evidence of why you like winter.
DeleteSo far I have been enjoying this mellow and balmy Christmas Eve (and so have the cats). It's a peaceful time. Warm wishes to you and your family - and those cute doggies.
That sunset is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteIt is Christmas Eve here in Fargo. The big covey of about 20 partridges just came running across the snow to my patio for a quick meal. It's 19 degrees and clouded over. Annie is sleeping on the footrest between my legs. It's a perfect day. Merry Christmas, Jon! :)
Rita - thanks to your Bird Cafe, there are a lot of happy feathered friends in Fargo. And hopefully Annie is enjoying that homemade soup. It's nearly sunset here on Xmas Eve and still 60 degrees (!!!). I'm presently in bed with my laptop and the two kitties are sleeping near me. I can see the sunset from my window.Have a wonderful holiday.
DeleteAnother stunning video with both the visuals and your exceptional piano skills. Just looking at the beautiful sunsets through your lens showcases just how magical things can be without snow.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine who lives in northern Sweden sends me videos of so many reindeer in their tiny village of 40 inhabitants. They actually have a few reindeer hooked up to wooden sleds when they view the Northern lights. It's quite something in their area.
Merry Christmas, Jon ! Enjoy your meal and cheers to 2020 !
Helga, you're right - - things can be magical even without snow. The bare trees, the winter sky. the misty sun hovering low near the horizon. Even with our present balmy weather there is intense wintry atmosphere.
DeleteIt would be wonderful to see the northern lights in a reindeer-driven sled.
I hope your Christmas was peaceful and filled with all positive things.
I'm glad you enjoyed the piano video. I wanted to include some troikas but videos of them were difficult to find - - so I settled with snow and reindeer It worked out very well.
Delete"Troika". Now it's Christmas. Thanks, dear Jon.
ReplyDeleteA troika ride takes us away from all of the problems....
DeleteThanks, Geo
We had a white Christmas of sorts . . . Lots of fog yesterday and today. I didn't mind the green grass as I hate the snow and all the problems it brings. Hope you enjoyed some treats and that your day was peaceful.
ReplyDeleteSnow definitely brings a multitude of problems. It is only pleasurable if you can sit indoors and watch it from a window. There is a lot of fog here in the TN hills, especially early in the morning.
DeleteMy day was mostly peaceful and I'm enjoying this sudden balmy weather (it won't last).
Oh climate breakdown, it's sort of scary. In the short term you must be glad not to have any snow, it's such a pain! I hope you had a good Christmas day.
ReplyDeleteDecember started out very cold, but now it's unseasonably warm - and I'm enjoying it. I did have a pleasant Christmas. Have a fantastic 2020, Jenny! My very best to you and your family.
DeleteYou take gorgeous photos! I know I keep saying that...but only because it's true! I dislike 60 degrees this time of year. One Christmas it was nearly 70 which felt weird. It's usually more like 30s and 40s. I couldn't wear my usual holiday garb! :)
ReplyDeleteWarm weather seems to ruin the entire concept of Christmas. I was hoping for some snow. I always enjoy taking photos. I'm glad you enjoy them!
ReplyDelete