Tag Archives: Winter

nature, Photography

Winter Garden

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Even though winter isn’t officially here yet, our local Japanese garden has entered its seasonal hiatus.

Despite that, or maybe because of that, it’s still a calming, contemplative place to walk or even to sit for a while.

The carp in the pond have disappeared into various spots to await spring, so the only activity is from a couple of duck pairs who quickly paddle toward anyone who comes by in hope of a handout.

The colours have all softened into their muted winter hues; everything is breathing slowly and restfully.

Happy Wednesday; I hope it’s a good one.

nature, Photography

Clearing Skies

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Yesterday I awoke to an intense wind storm that was later accompanied by buckets of pelting rain. Later in the day though, it had cleared sufficiently for a walk.

I expected it to still be quite windy but as my walk progressed, the wind calmed and the clouds began to dissipate.

We even had a minor rise in temperature of 0.5C (that’s a 1° rise in F) for a high of 3.5C (38F). Not fantastic but seriously much better than freezing and without a doubt better than the -15C (-9F) that Yellowknife is experiencing!

I also found these dianthus (also known as sweet william) blooming prettily in a protected spot. Even their lovely scent was still noticeable.

We are supposed to get freezing rain tomorrow, but we’ll see what materialises: nothing, I hope!

Happy Sunday.

nature, Photography

Ornamental Grasses

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Autumn is soon ending and winter is officially starting on December 21, so there aren’t many of those lovely fall colours left, but they’re not completely gone.

There are lots of grasses still and some of them are beautiful. I find that this one almost looks like a weaving.

On second thought, it’s not so much the colour as the texture of these grasses that I find so appealing. We are suddenly getting some very cold winds, so seeing these lovely plants is somehow very comforting.

Happy weekend.

Reblogs

Reblog: A Week of Flowers | Day Two

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Cathy of Words and Herbs is inviting everyone to join in with her annual “Week of Flowers” to spread colour and cheer just when we need it most as …

A Week of Flowers | Day Two

Hey Jude has posted this beautiful poppy photo as part of the “Week of Flowers” project. Please click the link above to join in and to “spread colour and cheer just when we need it most.”

nature, Photography

Is It Winter?

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Here in the valley we have had buckets and buckets of rain which in the mountains is coming down as snow, and as low as 800 metres above ground (2625 ft), to be exact.

On the nearby mountain tops it’s snowing …
… but here in the valley it’s an almost non-stop light rain.

Our neighbourhood ski resort, Apex *(https://apexresort.com/), is opening soon but there are other undeniable signs, too.

There’s a proliferation of barberries and I’ve noticed that the ducks, geese and coots are all starting their winter huddles. Today during my walk, I could see my breath a bit too, despite the fact that it was 5° (41F).

But probably the best indicator is the snow on the mountains. That’s a pretty definite sign!

So I’m thinking that winter is surely here, and no matter how we parse it, we’ve got a good two months before there will be an inkling of a change. Happy winter Wednesday. ❄️

* For information only. This is not an advertisement nor have I been paid to mention Apex ski resort.