Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Darkness falls

One thing I’ve learned having this little blog of mine is that I am certainly not alone. I’d been feeling sort of blue lately, which I’m sure is completely normal for this time of year, but when I posted about it yesterday I found out that I wasn’t the only one feeling like this.

Apparently, today was the busiest day for mailing packages, according to NBC Nightly News, and I was one of the millions who stood in line. I also heard on the news that 39% of the US is covered with snow at present, which is pretty amazing considering it’s only December 13.

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Temperatures in Maryland are crazy cold and this morning we had some really serious flurries that lasted for several hours yet didn’t stick because of the cold and the wind.

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My husband took most of the photos in this post. Because I stopped on the way home to mail my packages, I got home a little later than normal. I was really planning on giving myself the afternoon off and putting on some comfortable, warm clothes and my nice soft slippers but my conscience got the best of me.

Damn you, conscience. Why you do dis to me?

I am not always this good when it comes to walking, but I figured that it was only going to get worse this winter and here I was wimping out and it’s not even truly winter yet.

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I bundled in layers and put on my balaclava, which I love because it’s a hat, a neck gaiter and a face mask all rolled in one. I topped it all off with my gore-tex windproof jacket and a pair of gloves and stepped outside. 

Freaking freezing! “What am I, insane?” I thought. But then I put my windproof hood up over the hat and suddenly I felt no more cold.

The wind was blowing at a good clip but the only part of me that was chilly was a small section around my eyes. It was great walking and it felt like an accomplishment when I was done. I kept to what my husband calls the ‘inner loop’ because the outer one that runs along the woods was way too dark for safe walking. (I walk at a brisk pace).



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When I came inside and listened to the news, I heard we were having single digit wind chills. Normal temperatures for my area are highs in the mid to upper 40’s.

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I love this one of George in the fading light. For nearly all of these photos, I used a little bit of TRA’s Oh, Snap! action. It adds a slight bit of oomph and a little sharpness at the same time. 

Totally Rad Actions



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Ouch.

That’s all I’m saying.

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I took these last two photos just before I came in. I had the ISO set to 1600, hence the noise (grain). You can see the lights along the state highway at the bottom of the hill to the right.

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I’d invite you all in for some rooibos tea but I think I’m done in for the night.

Thanks for coming by today. Hope your week is a good one.

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36 comments:

Laura~peach~ said...

i wanna be first... i hope i am first... YOU are NOT alone :)
love ya love the pics.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow... the wind is blowing here today and tonite. Makes the windows rattle a bit. Our weather forecast continues to show snow but other than VERY light flurries that you can barely see, we've had nothing. At least some white on the ground would brighten the world around us a bit instead of all this brown. This is our 4th winter here AND our coldest winter here.

Nancy said...

Very nice photos -- hope they lifted your spirits. I know they lifted mine. :)

TexWisGirl said...

That first photo of the sun thru that row of trees is wonderful! Would make a fantastic (and difficult) picture puzzle!!!

I commend your drive in getting out there and walking! Your heart thanks you. Mine is too busy building cholesterol after the chicken pizza I just ate...

Get your tea and stay warm!!!

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

i feel like deleting my last post now...maybe you better not go and see it.
on the other hand..i LOVE your photos...i just took the step up from a point and shoot to a Canon that was my xmas gift from my husband. since starting this blog in july 2009 i have discovered a LOVE of photography...but know NOTHING...when i got the point and shoot i didn't even know how to turn it on...i have ALOT to learn in the New Year.

stay warm, my friend
kary and teddy
xxxx

Gail said...

The season is always blue to me, thinking about those not with us,however, it is a joy to remember the past holidays, while making new memories.

Glad you walked and didn't freeze, you are far braver than I.

Country Gal said...

Nice photos, the wind chill here makes feel like minus 20 BRRR is a understatement lol Have a warm and happy day.

mrs mediocrity said...

That sounds like the way I dress when I run in the winter. My niece (teenager) saw me once and said "You're going out in public like THAT?" It has been really cold here, too, and a lot of amazing sunsets which seems unusual for December. Great shots, as always.

Mental P Mama said...

Gorgeous! When I have my ISO at 1600, it is nothing but noise. How do you stand so still????

abb said...

I will never be a better photog than a point and shoot. (sigh) At least there's your beautiful blog to gaze at.

Cloudia said...

Thanks for reminding me of the hurt, of the comfort of a coat, of air too sharp to breathe...of dear George...of why I'm luck to live where I do...



Aloha from Hawaii

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Mary said...

Totally lovely!

I have been really bad about walking lately -- not just the cold, but the lack of a walking partner. I hate to walk alone, and my friend Robin is working full time now... Good for you for getting out there!

Deb said...

beautiful photos...hope your blueness goes away soon....

tainterturtles said...

Hey Kate, welcome to Wisconsin! You are having our kind of weather. Embrace it and smile, it won't last long.

Love your hubby's photos.

Yolanda said...

I think it is just the time of year it is with more darkness than light. I hope you have a wonderful week. Love the photos today.

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Kate:
Love the photos, and congrats on taking your chilly (ie. damn cold) walk! Apparently, one or more of the southbound snowbirds forgot to close the door on their trip into Florida. It's cold here, too, with expected hard freezes here in SOUTH FL!!

Sorry I haven't been around to visit lately. The elves and I have been busy finishing up our gift list. I promise to visit more often very soon.

Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend.

xoxo
Donna, Kes and Fezzik

Lisa said...

Im joining you in feeling blue.
Need a cup of tea.
Love Love your photos and I adore the window.
Its almost Christmas Kate. xo

JacksDad said...

I was wondering why you put on baklava, but then I went back and re-read it :)

Skeletalmess said...

I'm with you Kate, cold as the Dickens here, plus snow and wind gusts pushing below zero degrees, talk about freezing snotcicles will shoveling. It took two cups of Irish coffee to bring me back to life.

Love the images posted, beautiful skylines, gorgeous home "with a touch of mystery about it, but that makes it even better" and George, who seems fixated on something.

The window shot is a perfect ending to your post,thanks for a time well spent.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

the warm light of the window in a warm waiting home... Amen for that.

ELK said...

as always . one of my favorite stops . nature is definitely in control these days .. school almost over I hope?

Nurse Nancy said...

What great shots. I love the last one....the window looks so warm and inviting. I picture a fire in the fire place and George curled up in front of it.
I am with you as far as the mood is concerned. Just ticking off the "to do" list instead of enjoying myself.
Have a great day today and thanks for sharing you life and amazing talent.

Cait O'Connor said...

Those pics really capture the atmosphere of a winter evening. I love the one of George too, what a gorgeous dog.
Lotsof people Iknow had 'difficult' days yesterday - I was not down but I was very tired -it was the 13th!

beth said...

well now that answers my question of why the post office was a nightmare yesterday....the only day i decided to go this month....arrghhhhh

i ended up jumping out of line and using the self serve kiosk....i hope my packages don't end up in china :)

i did realize one of mine should have had a fragile sticker on it.....arrghhhhh....did i mention how the holidays totally stress me out :)

Kerri Farley said...

This is the very first year I can remember in the past 15 or 20 that I have not been Blue at Christmas. I'm just waiting for it to hit ..... but I'm hoping it won't!

Love your pics Kate ~ Always ~ that last one captures my heart!

Stay warm my friend! It was 6 when I got up this am .... now it's 10 :)

The JR said...

We luv U Kate. Of course, the picture of Sir George is my favorite.

sharon said...

I love your bird photos! I didn't have a good day yesterday...darn those headaches!!! your bird photos really cheer up my day! Thanks!

Carolynn Anctil said...

We're getting our seasonal wet stuff now. Dull, gray, heavy skies that suck the life right outta ya. Just sayin'...We'd like to see a little snow over Christmas just to dress things up a bit and give Santa's sleigh something to slid on - just a wee dusting, mind you.

Daryl said...

So I was going to the Farmers to get some apples but the rain/wind on Sunday at the corner of B'way was horrific so I turned left into Zabars and got lots of good stuff .. and some amazing tea .. Rishi Blueberry Rooibus .. OMG .. so good I am now having it instead of coffee in the a.m. And its all because of you and your post about that tea shop...

Unknown said...

your property...
sigh
I am jealous.

I'm so glad you share it.

Anonymous said...

You're a better woman than I to be out walking in this cold! I'm too much the wimp.

Love and adore the photos of the house with the warm light windows. Lovely.

Andi said...

Your window is so inviting!? Can I come in?? :) If I had your property on which to walk, I would most likely brave these bitter temps as well. :) I have been a bit melancholy lately as well, not much blog reading and not much posting. Missed you. Hope you are feeling perkier soon!

Lili said...

Speaking of weather, it has been crazy lately, 70 mile an hour wind the other night shredded our teepee to bits and then a high of 57 degrees here the other day. No snow, but there will be some on the way. Would George accompany you on your walks for protection? Or maybe just cut one of those branches from that locust tree--ouch! xoxo ~Lili

Jeanne Walker said...

This year I am just 'not into Christmas'! I hung a wreath on my door and put some garland on my mantle. Decorating done. I am married to Scrooge and that could have something to do with it! And I don't have any presents to put under the tree...just give to the great niece and nephews...checks are in the mail! It might have something to do with the fact that the stores started putting out their Christmas stuff before Halloween this year and it got old quickly. Merry Christmas to all!

GailO said...

You are made of stronger stuff than I am Kate! I am missing my daily walks so much...but the last time I tried the cold wind took my breath away and Kaja and I turned around less than a quarter of a mile from home. Now I am thinking of joining the Y for the winter.

How is that rooibos tea doing? I've been looking but I haven't seen any for sale here in RI...

Joy said...

I've looked at several of your videos of your photos set to music--just beautiful!