We have been experiencing a lot of this …
… fortunately punctuated by a bit of this …
… with shards of orangey-gold still to be found here and there …
… or even the gift of a little rosy red …
… and a dash of leafy medley …
… before time and wind sweep them all away.
It’s December in the northern hemisphere.
Happy Wednesday.
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.
Happy Monday; happy walkings.
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.
After a very nasty-weather day with glacial wind and wet snow that later turned into rain …
… the clearing and calming started …
… which lead to these beautiful reflections.
Happy Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
Many thanks to Beth at Wandering Dawgs who is hosting this week’s lens-artists photo challenge: wings.
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.
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.
And November ends Without any more shadows In a sunlight blaze Love wintery days Full of sunshine, snow and cold Makes me so unique! Bernie
November Ends
I hope you enjoyed these beautiful winter photos from Bernie at 3Six5Snap2. She has such a good eye for a great capture. To see more of her pictures, please click the link above.
In the Net! - Pictures and Stories of Life 