We’re still getting lots rain although I understand that we’re supposed to get a bit of a temperature drop accompanied by some rain that will turn to snow. We’ll see. We get that projection a lot in winter but it regularly turns out to be wrong.
Here are some cloudy views from a recent walk.
The rain stopped for a bit and I grabbed the opportunity …
… to stay a bit dry while getting some exercise. A bonus was the slight glow from the setting sun …
… while another bonus were these seasonal lights decorating a patio near one of our favourite restaurants.
To say that we have had a lot of rain this month would be something of an understatement, but at least we didn’t get the flooding that much of the coast unfortunately experienced. And aside from that, it also had its moments.
A sunny, early December Skaha Lake.A napping duck.Leaf imprints. The rain relented for a bit.You don’t need a rubber duckie for this bath tub!Pine cones. I know I recently posted this picture but it’s lovely … and rainless!We didn’t get a lot of sun but enjoyed what came our way.Season’s Greetings.
… before we got more of this. At least the white stuff was at the mountain top but in any case, in December it’s important to enjoy the weather breaks when you get them!
We have a lot more rain coming our way in the form of another water-logged front and while out walking it was clear to me that it was on its way. The occasional breeze ruffled the lake’s surface but it was otherwise very calm and smooth with the blue-grey overcast gathering quickly.
There are lots of warnings about heavy rainfalls with the possibility of landslides in the mountains, so I think I’m just going to stick around here where it might be soggy but it’s 12C (53.6F) and as long as I have rain gear I’m fine.
The ducks don’t mind this at all, though. Bring on the rain, they quack!
For them, rain is a terrifically good thing and they can’t understand why we humans would like things to be a little drier.
Nevertheless, wherever you are, I hope you have a very duckie Monday, rain or not.
Many thanks to Ann-Christine from Leya who is hosting this week’s lens-artist photo challenge: holiday fun.
M and I are not into big seasonal celebrations or decorations but there are parts of it that we very much enjoy such as time spent with friends and family and savouring some good meals. That said, I have enjoyed a few trees and other seasonal conventions over the years.
A nice glass of Okanagan wine to go with a winter solstice meal.
This tree was in the hotel where we stayed a couple of years ago for our anniversary.
A Charlie Brown tree? Definitely and one I like a lot.
Did you know that the red, white or pink foliage of the poinsettia plant isn’t part of the actual flower? The flowers are those tiny nodules in the very centre. The coloured “petals” are really leaves.
What could be more Canadian than a game of pick-up hockey on an outside rink? This game took place on a very short December day in Northwest Territories when it was about -30C (-22F) outside.
The little Okanagan Valley quail test out a newly frozen pond.
A very northern sunset; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
Bamboo covered with wet snow; Okanagan Valley. A couple of hours later, the snow was gone.
Another December sunset; Northwest Territories.
One of the snow sculptures from the Snow King, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. This bear is literally a tree hugger.
Happy Tuesday.
If you would like to participate in this great challenge, then go to the following link to find out how to join the Lens-Artists Challenge. Click here for more info. Don’t forget to put a link in your post back to the host.
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.
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.
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!