Saturday, January 21, 2012

First snowfall of the year

I was glad this morning to see that we’d actually gotten a little bit of snow. I thought it was just going to be sleet, so this was a nice surprise.

It was a gray morning, and I fell back to sleep because I enjoy the luxury of sleeping past six o'clock on a day where I don’t have to get up to go to work.



DSC_2356 copy 2

This is what it looked like out my bedroom window. I could hear my husband out there shoveling. But other than that, it was blissfully quiet ~ you know, the kind of quiet you get when there’s a blanket of snow on the earth.



DSC_2359 copy 2

After coffee, I put on my winter garb and my old Sorel boots, and with the camera around my neck, proceeded to take a walk around the property.

I only brought one lens, the 18-70mm. And I thought I’d try out the snow/beach setting on the auto dial (big mistake because it should be used for a sunny snow day and not a gray one). I’ll learn.

I used Florabellla’s Vintage Summer II on all of these photos to get the dinginess out of the awful SOOC shots.



DSC_2364 copy 2

I have had these boots since I was 20 years old, which makes them very very old. The D-rings are rusty, and the laces need another replacing, but as far as winter boots go, they were one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

We only have a couple of inches on the ground, but it makes for a nice change in the landscape of my life here at the old manor house on the hill.



DSC_2367 copy 2

Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories.  ~From the movie An Affair to Remember

Love that movie.


DSC_2381 copy 2

Everything had a coating of ice.



DSC_2387 copy 2

And I could hear the crystallized branches of the trees above as the wind gently moved them back and forth.



DSC_2390 copy 2

Every mile is two in winter. ~George Herbert


I agree with Mr. Herbert, because walking in snow boots is much more difficult than walking in my regular shoes.



DSC_2391 copy 2

But it’s good to walk on such a morning. It truly is.

And when I came back inside, my cheeks were quite rosy.



DSC_2393 copy 2

I have no plans for the day other than a little cleaning. And I may not even do that . . .


The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
~ Robert Frost



DSC_2396 copy 2

These photos would look much different if I’d had the macro lens with me, but the close-up mode on the auto dial did just fine on this cold January morning.

So what are your plans for the weekend? Inquiring minds want to know . . .

123 Signature[5]

38 comments:

jinxxxygirl said...

A little art, a little cooking in the crockpot,a little walking, a little football on Sunday.........thats my weekend...... :)

Donna S. said...

Pretty lazy it looks like. Worked out at the gym this am. Cleaned house yesterday so that is done...yea!! Maybe go by library to look at travel books. Want to go up east but I get overwhelmed looking at different places on the computer. And it looks expensive!!!

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

We just went to the nursery and feed store. The donkeys needed hay and the chickens needed feed. And then we bought our new bare root trees for this year, 2 Fuji apples and a lilac.
Erik grew up in San Francisco so this weekend is devoted to everything having to do with the 49ers. Replays of last week's game, pre pre-game, pre-game....well you get the idea:-)
I enjoyed your photos. I think you could use the P setting and just adjust the White Balance for a day like this. Maybe?

Nellie said...

I love your pictures of the snow. Our week-end will be full of dodging raindrops. We already have 1 1/4 inches in the rain gauge, and the rain reportedly isn't finished with us yet.:) Some basketball on TV, some cooking in the kitchen, some family visiting - that pretty much sums up the week-end here. Have a good one yourself, Kate.

JacksDad said...

I love the Robert Frost poem. He just speaks to me loudly.

Caroline said...

Wow...first snow fall in the middle of January??? Crazy. These photos are gorgeous...especially the one with the barn. Love that peek of red.

No real plans this weekend. It's nice actually!!!

mrs mediocrity said...

We also got more snow last night. I just went for a five mile walk with my husband, you are so right about walking in snow boots! (I'm exhausted)
Tonight we are going to a tropical theme party. Where we will pretend it is warm and sunny. A glass of wine will help out with that one. ;-)

spindrift,maine said...

A little snow is transformative. Lovely images, Kate! I'm wondering--were George's cheeks a little rosy, too? ;o)

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

We got what I call a nuisance dusting of snow, about 3-4 inches! I stayed in my comfy robe most of the day. I applaud you for going out and taking photos! My hubby's running the snow blower. I'm going to make the soup! Keep warm!

JaneK said...

sooooo poetic and peaceful..... polar opposite of the violent storms that ripped through here this morning and brought about 60 dgr weather; a little bit of winter would be nice.....

thecatalanway said...

Lovely photos Kate and I really like the Robert Frost poem. Glad your wintry walk gave you a good mood change. I love how our energy changes when we connect to nature.
Today we went for a cycle along the river with two dogs running alongside on the leashes. It was sunny and warm and although we pass a lot of industry I like looking at the bird life that lives beside the water.
Three dogs are now sleeping on cushions around the living room - for now at least in peace. And we will watch a film until sleep overtakes me! Keep warm and enjoy your Sunday K xx

beth said...

you know, as much as i dislike the snow, the first snow fall or frozen fog or iced branches always make me smile and even a tiny bit happy......xo

i love love love the photo with the fence. i'm not a teacher but the composition gets an A !

Robyn said...

Fresh snow is nice to cover up all the brown of fall. It's fun to take frost and ice picts. The red berries and your last picture are my favorites.

Country Gal said...

Took our Miggy and Harley to the vet for their yearly check up and shots all are healthy. Played with Miggy in the backyard in the snow and sun , the rest of weekend veg and putter ! Awesome photos ! I have a pair of winter boots that also have rusty eyelets but they are the warmest boots ever are good to 40 below ! I to love the quiet of a frsh snow fall and the fresh air and rosey red cheaks ! Have a wonderful evening !

Hilary said...

Have the grandkids.....or at least 3 of them.......overnight......so that's what I'm doing.
I love having them, and love having them go home.
:)
Sigh.

Low Tide High Style said...

You could do a Sorel commercial! We only got a whisper of snow here, so your beautiful pictures (even if you don't think they are perfect) are perfect to me!

Kat :)

Anonymous said...

We had 8 inches of snow, so today involved lots of shoveling. The rest of the weekend will consist of hibernating in the family room with a toasty fire in the fireplace.

Debbie from Illinois

Bluebird49 said...

Oh-I'd love some snow! Girl--those boots are keepers, aren't they!?

Snow makes the world so very still and quiet-and clean for a little while. Thanks for the Frost poem--I'd forgotten that one!

Anonymous said...

I usually never mind the snow; in fact, I usually embrace it but today, for some reason, I was unhappy with it. Maybe it was because the snow blower died and I spent 2 hours shoveling the walk and driveway. At least the snow plows on the street didn't plow me in again. Hopefully tomorrow I will get some camera time. Love all your snow photos - very peaceful!

Flea said...

Beautiful photos. And so jealous of your boots. My feet grew a size when I was 25, so I have no shoes from before my first child. :(

forgetmenot said...

Your place is beautiful with a dusting of snow covering everything. No snow here, just cold weather--brrrr! Sounds like you had a lovely walk and a nice quiet day at home. Mickie :)

msdewberry said...

We went to the Ocean today and were pleasantly surprised by huge waves and gale force winds. We took lots of photos which will show up on the blog soon. So much fun in the wind and the surf!
Our snow is old now, new last week and those photos are on my blog for the past week, its not as white and bright anymore here as in yours!
Enjoy your weekend!!

Anonymous said...

You have the makings of some really great Christmas cards for next year.
Sallysmom

Deb said...

so pretty...but too cold for me..

Unknown said...

Cary Grant.....swoon.....smiles

Kerri Farley said...

These are LOVELY Kate!!
the 2nd one with the red building (is that a barn?) is FAB!!

RURAL said...

I am thinking of just sitting and enjoying these beautiful shots...and being thankful that we didn't have to suffer through a ice storm.

Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

Russell said...

Been a while since I have been able to stop by.

Beautiful photographs. I always love seeing red objects with a winter background. I like the red barn and the red vehicle by the house. Of course the berries are quite nice, too.

Still ... I think my favorite image is the one you saved until last (perhaps you did this on purpose?!). I can literally smell the evergreen scent.

Thanks for such a nice walk in nature's beauty.

Unknown said...

Love your winter photos and the thought behind each. Kudos to you for getting out when it is much easier to stay inside. I really must suck it up and put on my boots and go out and take some winter shot before it's all turned to mud. Great images.

Unknown said...

oh, so fabulous.

and I love the George Hebert quote.. it can be applied to many things , no?

Skogkjerring said...

Hey Kate, great minds think alike- I took photos of our walk today also...a little more snow then you have but I´m glad you got snow instead of sleet...ugh. I love the way the snow coats the limbs of the tree...that is such a neat thing...like frosting on a tree ;-) I love frosting ;-) hahahaha....

We´ve had a relaxing weekend. Tomorrow the Captain leaves for Brazil again. 5 weeks until I see him again...it´s the circle of life I guess...but time is flying so that is the only thing positive really about time flying...

Have a great Sunday my friend...

Misty DawnS said...

I love the silence that follows a winter storm... when you can hear everything. It's so magical.

Country Girl said...

Thank you so much for your comments ~ been "snowed in" here. Or iced in, to be more exact.

Marcie said...

Yes - we had our first real snow as well. So beautiful!

Melissa Marie Head said...

Those pictures are so pretty! We finally had a lil snow last night but nothing much.

Lili said...

You know how to capture the pretty side of snow (and ice). These are beautiful. xo ~Lili

The JR said...

Beautiful pics. Glad we didn't get any snow though.

Anonymous said...

Stunning photos-much different from what I see here in Florida!