Friday, January 3, 2014

When snow falls, nature listens

We started back to school yesterday after a nice long holiday break. I didn’t dread going back because it’s always good to see my co-workers and the children again (although getting up at 6 am is always a dreadful thought). But then last night, it began to snow and today all the schools in the area are closed. So I get another day off, which is nice.

I slept in and woke to a world of white and the sound of my son shoveling the walkways around the house. He even cleared off the cars.

My first thought was to head outside and take some photos to share with you on this fine winter morning. My second thought was to say the hell with it and stay inside. I have cleaning to do because I have company coming tomorrow and a walk can wait for now. I also have to make tracks with the car down the driveway. The plow doesn’t come when the snow is 6 inches or under. I know this from past experience living here.

 

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I shot this from my front door and didn’t realize I had on my macro lens and the focus was set to manual. The wind was blowing the snow from the trees and I tried to capture it but ended up adding a layer here to simulate snow. I like how it turned out.

 

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I ventured upstairs to the third floor to capture some images from the west side of the house.

 

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It is a fine morning here in Maryland.

 

 

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And then I came downstairs and took a few indoor shots. I will admit that I am being completely lazy today as far as the camera is concerned because everything you see here was shot using the auto dial. I used the scene setting on my Nikon D7000. The inside shots were made using the “party/indoor” mode and the outside scenes were shot using the “beach/snow” mode. It’s a snow day and I can do what I want.

 

 

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Shot looking into the mirror.

 

 

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I keep the feeders filled in the wintertime.

And I plan on trying to get some shots from this window when the light is right and my chores are done. I just hope the snow hasn’t all been blown away by then. It’s a loose, powdery snow with a layer of icy crunch at the bottom.

 

 

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From the breakfast nook window.

 

 

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I turned around and there was my buddy.

 

 

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He is a fine dog. And I love him.

 

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I rang in the New Year with my sister, Char, and her husband, Dave, along with good friends of theirs. They are excellent cooks so it goes without saying that the food was divine. But I’m saying it anyway because it was. And there were party hats involved as we watched the countdown from Times Square. A good time was had by all.

Here’s to 2014 and the hope of a better year than the last one.

Thanks for coming by today, my friends.

 

123 Signature[5]

When snow falls, nature listens.  ~Antoinette van Kleeff

39 comments:

Jeanne Walker said...

I want to live in snow country. My husband calls me crazy and says I wouldn't last more than 3 days in it and then want to leave. Who knows? But I do love seeing your photos of the snow...so pure, pristine. I look out my window and behold dry grass blades that stick my puppy's paws. Oh well....life goes on. Enjoy your weekend and your guests! And stay warm! Baby, it's cold outside!!!

Annie said...

Thanks for temporarily transporting me away from our drought conditions with your beautiful photos. And your "buddy" always makes me smile. Take care and enjoy your snow day.

Em Parkinson said...

Glad you had a great new year. Let's hope this coming year brings happiness and good stuff for us all. xx

Linda said...

You could take cell phone photos with a dirty lens and still make them look good :) It's always nice to come here and see a bit of your world. Thank you for sharing your snow day. Noon here in SC and just 35F. Much warmer than most of the East Coast but a bit chilly for us. Stay warm and safe and have a fun with your friends this weekend.

Nellie said...

Snow is beautiful! It's that "icy crunch" underneath it that brings about the need for caution.

Your photographs are lovely, Kate, and it sounds as though NYE was a good time!

Sending hugs,
Nellie

The JR said...

snow day is fine..........lol, but not snow

white, cold and not my thing!

Anonymous said...

Happy NEW year, Kate. We had a quiet evening, no gunshots fired, no fireworks, nothing to upset the pups as in past years. We were happy. Enjoy those snowy views and get ready for some SUPER cold weather in the next few days ahead.

Acorn to Oak said...

That pic of your dog is awesome, cute! The snow is beautiful but brrrrr! Makes me cold to look at it. lol Stay warm! And, best wishes for a wonderful 2014!

DesertHen said...

Enjoy your snow day! Pats for George! Beautiful photos as always!

Sabrina Steyling said...

Happy New Year, Kate! I adore those last two photos of George. And your outdoor photos, well they're lovely but this is just too cold for me. I went outside this afternoon to clean off my car and my gloved hands were frozen to the point of pain within two minutes and I had to come back inside. I want spring!

JC said...

Happy New Year to you and George and the cats too !!!

Unknown said...

wonderful images as usual, Kate!....You have raised a good son, I mean man.......smiles....E

Kerri Farley said...

Lovely images Kate! Have fun this weekend!

leahtbug said...

Happy New Year to all. Enjoy your snow day and stay in all warm and snuggly. I just love George his face tells it all!
Tina

Gail said...

Wishing you a great year ahead.

Mersad said...

Your dog in the end had me melting. That's the exact same look of my dog when he comes up to someone. So cute. And I really enjoyed your snow images, especially the ones looking out the window. So cozy!

Debbie From Illinois said...

Kate, your home looks so cozy and the photo of George is perfect!!!!

Keep warm and have a great weekend.

Misty DawnS said...

I heart George! Hug him for me and tell him I said Happy New Year! And Happy New Year to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!! I do hope it's filled with lots of happy times of you. You deserve it. ♥

The snow fell here too in Nebraska. I don't know what I'm going to do if my house ever sells and I get to Georgia...I hate being cold but I do love the snow.

Hope you get another snow day tomorrow!

Anonymous said...

Happy new year my dear...it will be better. I even re-named my blog and starting off fresh. I closed the book to 2013. All I want is to move forward gracefully. Xo

Michelle said...

Your snow is beautiful, but I always love to see George.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Lovely photographs. Please do not send your snow over here - it so often comes here after the US have had a battering. Happy new year to both you and George.

mrs mediocrity said...

I am finally making it over to catch up on your blog... (had my gallbladder out the day after xmas).

I just love the way you open your heart and your life to us here. I'm sure it was a very tough holiday this year. I'm glad you have your friend George there, that last photo cracked me up.

It's finally stopped snowing here for now, but oh my... brrrr!

Wishing you a peaceful weekend. xoxo

Daryl said...

lovely .. i wish it wasn't so cold, i would take a walk in the park .. i need to remember to use those scene settings they really do a nice job .. lazy or not

xo

Jill of All Trades said...

Brrrrr....pretty but stay inside. That window picture was very nice. Happy New Year!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...


Those lazy shots are not shabby!

I'm ready to fly south, this winter cold goes right through a persons soul, I tell ya.

Reena said...

Your place looks so warm and inviting even with the frigid temps!! Love that George! Xo

Jeanette said...

Happy New Year to you! 2014 will be a better year for all of us! I love George, too! He's a beautiful dog!

Peppermint Ph.D. said...

I admit I default to the little green auto square much too often...but sometimes it's refreshing :) We don't see that kind of snow in Mississippi so I'm really enjoying the New England snow pictures this year.

Lili said...

I spied an MDI map on your image with the dried fleur arrangement...fun to see that. Here's to 2014 and just look at that sweet George face...he's such a good boy. xoxo

wayne15575 said...

It's always a pleasure to hear from you. It had been so long since I have enjoyed your posts.

Rambling said...

I always enjoy your photos and thoughts. Wishing you a happy 2014.

Rain said...

Lets hope for a much better more peaceful new year for you Kate!
Fondly, Rain

Rain said...

Had to go back and see the MDI map that Lili spotted!! Sharp eyes my friend!!
Rain :)

GailO said...

Happy New Year Kate! I do hope your year is peaceful and full of joy!

These are gorgeous,cozy pictures of your home...I am one of those people who think that snow makes everything better....it is just so beautiful, and quiet, and sparkling clean....at least until it starts getting rained on like it is here right now:(

xoxo

Bluebird49 said...

Everything is beautiful--indoors and out! Isn't it something ---how the world seems quieter when the snow has fallen? We haven't gotten any, and I'm just dying to have a bit--but not too much more than a bit!
George looks happy, and a little "psycho" (as all dogs do from that angle!) in that last picture,the little sweetie!
Sybil

Country Gal said...

Happy New Year Kate
Lovely photos and post . After two weeks of off here for Papa he is finds it tuff again to get up early now he is up and out the door by 6 am . The weather is a mix bag today rain/snow/sleet warm then cold but no sunshine BOOHOO ! We did have sunshine for a few days and it was lovely ! Thanks for sharing . Have a good week !

Tiggeriffic said...

No school today..not because of snow but because of frigid temperatures.. -7 right now and it's dropping... like a big rock.. I went out earlier to feed the birds and raced back inside...Baby it's cold outside~!
I enjoy winter and all that it brings.
The birds are gulping down the food I gave them this morning. They all look so colorful against the white snow.
Have a blessed day~! ta ta for now from Iowa:)

beth said...

don't you love camera oops when the photos come out amazing like your shot here? WOW !!!