Tag Archives: blogging

nature, Photography

Natural Art

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Even at this time of year, there are still many of nature’s artistic endeavours to be seen. Come walk with me.

Mountain snow with blue sky; a skier’s paradise.

Some beautifully green bamboo; such a lovely surprise to see it now that all the leaves are gone.

Feathery pine needles decorate the earth.

More welcome green: bistorta affinis or fleece flower.

I like this leaf and pine needle motif quite a lot and in a post from a couple of weeks back I included a similar picture.

A birch tree that’s very reluctant to give up its leaves is a pleasant yellowy December sight.

A reflection to reflect upon.

These quackers had found something good to eat and were busily getting their fill. They were murmuring quietly to each other and really seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Leaf shadows on a sidewalk. I love the pattern they left behind after the sweeper had been through.

Happy Monday; happy walkings.

nature, Photography

Sky Scenes

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After days of bucketing rain we’ve had some glimmers of sky and sun, something to definitely enjoy in the moment since we don’t know when we’re going to see them again!

At 5C (41F) it was rather chilly but much less so than in the mountains where all that snow is residing!

Despite the clouds still blowing around a bit it was great to see the sky and know that the rain won’t last forever.

I enjoyed watching the interplay of colours among the wind, cloud, sky and setting sun, but after a bit I needed to move on as I was becoming chilled.

Some brisk walking got me warmed up again but I had a nice hot chocolate when I got home.

Happy Sunday.

Photoblog, Photography

December 5’s Friday Fleurday

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Although our outdoor flower season is essentially over – I have seen a few outliers but they will eventually disappear, too – I found this lovely collection of poinsettias in a greenhouse.

I don’t typically like poinsettias all that much, but this multitude looked particularly attractive.

Along with holly, they are certainly one of December’s signature flowers/plants and give the season a lot of flair.

Happy Friday.

nature, Photography

December Light

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It’s that time of year when we turn to the sky or to artificial light for the brightness that many of us often crave.

Although we had very overcast conditions, the sky recently cleared enough to allow a very pink sunset. Delightful!

Alternatively, there are candles with their warm glow and the way they can generate a cozy atmosphere.

There are also seasonal lights, bonfires and fireplaces, all of which create a cheery ambience while we await the solstice and the arrival of longer daylight hours.

These festive lights can alleviate some of the chill of a December night … or at least take your mind off it!

Wishing you warm December lights.

Happy Thursday.

nature, Photography

I Think It’s Winter

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Although we are still escaping the snow here at the valley floor, the mountains around us have lots.

This looks like it could be mist or fog but it’s actually rain that at higher elevations is snow.

Given the time of year we don’t have a lot of colour but there’s still a bit here and there.

This cotoneaster with its red berries is a welcome sight; a nice break in the grey.

Despite the low ceiling, it wasn’t particularly cold and there was no wind. We had about 10C (50F) so it was important to wear something waterproof with a good sweater or fleece underneath.

I also found some matador roses blooming in a protected area. Their bright red provided a lovely visual lift, too.

Although there are still a few colours round and about, it has definitely, definitely morphed into winter. I think it’s time for hot chocolate.

Happy Wednesday.

nature, Photography

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

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Many thanks to Beth at Wandering Dawgs who is hosting this week’s lens-artists photo challenge: wings.

Arctic flying: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

As a pilot, wings have obviously been a large part of my life, something that started with watching birds when I was very young and wishing I could fly like them. So herewith are a few of my favourite “wings” photos – of both aircraft and birds.

A juvenile yellow-headed blackbird.
Royal Canadian Air Force’s military aerobatics flight demonstration team.
Swans. I didn’t capture their landing, unfortunately.
As the sun rises, takeoff from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories over a frozen Great Salve Lake.

I very much enjoyed this challenge; I had fun looking through my archives and then finding photos I had all but forgotten.

If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists challenge, please click here.

nature, Photography

November Retrospective

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We’ve passed through November (can you believe that?) so here’s a look back at some of the beauties I saw.

November began with some spectacular sugar maple colours …

… and some beautifully blue skies, too.

An abundance of Japanese garden autumn foliage …

… like lemony yellow gingko biloba leaves …

… and fire engine red lace leaf maples.

There were some lovely sunsets …

… and very dramatic clouds …

… while the barberries …

… assembled a stunning autumn wardrobe …

… and cotoneaster shrubs did the same.

An assortment of leaves covered the ground …

… in multi-hued abandon.

The lace leaf maples gradually turned the most glorious shade of red …

… but in the end it all passed too quickly.

If I could I would slow it down, savour it a bit more, but then again, I’m looking forward to spring.

Happy December.

nature, Photography

Sunny Skaha Lake

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After 25 cm (9.8 inches) of rain recently fell on us, we had a beautifully sunny day.

For a change of scene I had a ramble at Skaha Lake, which is at the south end of the city.

It was 10C (50F) and windless, so walking conditions were pretty nice.

I encountered a group a students with their teacher who were happily enjoying a weenie roast on the beach after they had completed a hike. They were having a great time.

It was wonderful to have a break from the rain and I enjoyed every second.

Happy Saturday.