Dead of Winter

Even winter — the hardest season, the most implacable — dreams, as February creeps on, of the flame that will presently melt it away. Everything tires with time, and starts to seek some opposition, to save it from itself. ~Clive Barker, The Hellbound Heart, 1986

It is cold, the brutal cold that makes me question why I am here this time of year. Granted, I can still get excited about an impending snow storm (non-existent so far this year), but when it's 6 degrees at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, that's too damn cold!  Wood fire is roaring and my house is relatively warm, but the wind howling outside seems to penetrate these walls, despite fairly good insulation. So, why am I here?! It is my job that holds me here, a good job that I like, hard to find I know. Plus, the cat Charley, who does not travel well. And hates being left behind. I have this humble abode

that I own and love here in the country, and many good friends. Therefore, I stay.
It has been too cold to take my camera outside the last couple days, so posting a few photos from the past week. There's a bit of snow on the ground but my driveway has yet to be plowed.  Snow in the forecast for Monday night, so who knows?  Maybe a real snow storm.  I'd like that.

Winter Sky

Quite a bit of color in the sky around sunset last night, but I chose to shoot in black and white.  Sort of fit my mood and I like the photo.
Took this photo in the field across the street from my house.  I take many pictures there.  It's a challenge to catch different moments in the same spot. 

None, Calm, Begins

Land is the secure ground of home, the sea is like life, the outside, the unknown.

Stephen Gardiner

Life, Home, Outside

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused."
Rainer Maria Rilke

 

 

My mind wanders to the sea today and a time when I once sailed upon its waters.   Idyllic days.

Heading to the coast of Maine in April - photo below.  It can't come soon enough.

 

 

 

55 degrees!

Yes, that was the temperature today on this last day in January.  Hard to believe.  Not complaining, but it sure is an odd winter.  I hear birds singing in the morning, my daffodils are coming up.  Feels like spring - rather surreal.
I've been laid up with a stomach virus for 4 days now.  Getting stronger each day, but not 100%.   I'm a terrible sick person, no patience for illness.   I did manage to go out yesterday morning and shoot the sunrise.   I'm including a few pictures of from Swago Pond that I took before I got hit with this pesky virus.   Enjoy!

Swago Pond in winter


 

Ice on Swago


 

Sunrise - red sky in the morning...
 

Another sunrise - just across the street -  the view from my bedroom.  Great way to wake up.















 

The Storm That Wasn't

It felt like snow.  It looked like snow.  It didn't snow. 

Here's a photo from a few years ago when it DID snow!

Cabin Fever

All of a sudden cabin fever is coming on.  The sun finally appeared after a long string of cloudy days, but now the temperatures are rather frigid.  Going outside holds no appeal. I decided my cure for the winter blues would be to gaze at photos near the sea.  Even if it's cold out, I'm always up for a walk by the ocean. 

Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island


 

the sea, Block Island



 

Barn, Block Island


 

Block Island - in the cement

 

Block Island










 

Winter

Winter has been easy on us this year.  So far.  Fingers crossed!  I must admit I long for at least one BIG snow, but I'll take the light dustings over the bitter cold.  It's early afternoon right now and 43 degrees.  Rather unusual, but I'm loving it!  My camera likes these warmer temperatures too.  Just drove to Honesdale PA where I shot this little dilapidated shack along the way.  Not sure why, but I was drawn to it on this dreary day.  Freezing rain comes later, but I'll stay home, snug and cozy in my humble abode.