Sunday, January 23, 2011

Found in Snow

The following photos weren't all taken on the same day but they were each snapped shortly after the recent snowfalls or dustings which have occurred over the past few weeks.



first real snow
You'd be hard-pressed to find a dry place to sit once the snow has moved into the neighbourhood. Snow-covered benches have a way of looking soft and inviting in spite of this.




mysteryorb
I'm not sure what this is. There were too many brambles in the way for me to get up close to see it, or even get a better photograph of it. At first I thought it was an apple because there are numerous apple trees in the area. Looking at the image, I'm thinking it might be a tomato placed there as an offering to the squirrels or other critters.




for the bunnies
Way across the pond, I found this brilliant green lettuce leaf protruding from the snow. It wasn't there the previous day. Tossed salad, perhaps?




peanut in waiting
This was my own offering to the squirrels. I leave peanuts in several places every time I go out for a walk around the pond. They're always gone by the next day - probably by the time I get home.




abandoned
Moving on, around the pond, this blue sand toy lay abandoned in the snow. I didn't see anyone around who might have been using it but I did spot their handiwork on the tabletop to the left.




friendly pooch
While I was snapping a photo, I felt a nudge on my leg. I looked down to see these sweet creature hoping for a scratch behind her ears. Unfortunately, the owner didn't want her to socialize with me and she urged her along. I blew her a kiss when she turned to look back at me. I think she received it.




coffee cup2
Making my way toward the homestretch, I saw this coffee cup buried in snow, on top of yet another picnic table. I imagine that if it still contained anything, it was ice coffee.

Thanks for visiting my neck of the woods.

71 comments:

Elizabeth Grimes said...

You found some very random objects in the snow! I give the squirrels in my yard peanuts too. :) As usual, lovely photos put together in a very thoughtful way. :)

ethelmaepotter! said...

The lettuce leaf! LOVE IT! And the park bench in the first picture - yes, it DOES look soft and inviting, almost like fluffy white cotton, like you could sink down into its warm depths.

HA!

I think you're right about the tomato. It looks, actually, very much like a friend of mine, who has a round red face and white curls atop her head. See the eyes and smiling mouth? Yep, that's Beverly.

We have plenty of snow, too, but I'm down with some serious crud and so far haven't ventured further than two steps out the back door to get photos. I think I'd rather just get better and the snow be gone than the snow to last til I get better.

If that makes any sense.

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully quirky selection of random objects. That round one in the tree is definitely an apple, I think. We still have some actually growing on the trees!

Country Girl said...

Like what you've found in the snow.

JAGDISH BALI said...

fantastic. Your efforts are commendable.

Anonymous said...

Hey there, I see your still taking some fab photos...

I'm back and no longer eternally distracted ;)

Sandra said...

Love these. I especially like the lettuce leaf. It's so perfectly placed is it possible some other photographer had put it there for their own photo op?

Dawning Inspiration said...

Love your humor this fine early morning..... great discoveries and love that longing look from that puppy to you... ;o)

Tabor said...

What an interesting walk. You saw way more than most people on such an excursion. The dog photo is absolutely wonderful. He is in such stunning shape!!

Anvilcloud said...

Tossed salad. Very good, Hillary.

Hilary said...

Lovely dog pic......lovely dog!!!! I want spring pictures!!!!!Yay!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Lettuce in the snow. Was it iceberg lettuce?

Love the mug on that pup. Reminds me of my Rowdy boy who likes to nudge me on the leg or in the patootie.

Great walk and thanks for taking us with you.

DI

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks for taking us along; with you, even a walk in the snow is delightful. Love the 'tossed salad.'

Pauline said...

Wonderful photos, Hilary, especially of the dog. She looks as though that blown kiss has just landed on her nose ;)

A tomato, an orange - I often leave such offerings in trees for squirrels and birds. Never lettuce, though - I wonder who'd eat that?

Nessa said...

Snow makes everything so beautiful. It's like sugar coating the world.

Lori said...

How sweet that you leave peanuts along the way on your walks. These surely are great captures...thank you for taking me around your part of the world. Happy Sunday Hilary. XX

Kristina P. said...

What great treasures, buried in the snow!

Zuzana said...

Love all the items you found in snow, so unusual and surprising. If we only look, right...?;)
Your photography always leaves me breathless. I will from now on try to preform similar miracles with my new camera, but I think eventually it is the person behind the lens that is the real talent.;)
On the same note and to answer your question - mine is a Canon PowerShot G12 and I love it.
xoxo

ellen abbott said...

brrrrr! That picture of the lettuce leaf in the snow just blew me away.

Sarah Knight said...

Lovely shots : )
Snow looks so pretty right after it's fallen

Linda said...

Lovely snow pictures. Ours is all gone except for the occasion dirty pile in a parking lot. I love the "tossed salad". Clever.

Grayquill said...

I love the snow! That was a really nice walk and I didn't even get a runny nose. Bonus! Thanks
And, YES, I loved your pictures as always. Your better than your supposed to be. Good work!

Robin said...

Beautiful pictures... Sometimes I long for weather like that, especially when sweltering in a subtropical summer...

Mental P Mama said...

LOL and BRRRRRRR.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

They're all lovely, but the dog stole the show. I'll bet her human would love a copy of that, but you may never see her again.

Sally said...

Hi Hilary - you are a BRILLIANT photographer! And now knowing that we're living in such close proximity, I'm trying to determine what pond you strolled around.

It's a small world, isn't it? I see you on Jill's site all the time and think, "Wow, what a supportive friend/commenter." And then the shy part of me doesn't want to intrude on something already established, so it never once occurred to me to go any further than sharing comment space with you.

Lucky me that you took the first step! I've enjoyed my time on your site and look forward to continuing to do so. Thank you!

June said...

Hilary, were you in my back yard????
I have an apple tree with a tomato in it.

What a dainty little girl your new doggy friend is, tiptoeing along like that, throwing a goodbye glance over her shoulder.

Rosaria Williams said...

Lovely to see the world covered with snow through your eyes,and without much effort on our part. Beautiful offerings. Thanks.

ds said...

Amazing, the stuff people leave behind. But...snow castles! That wonderful bench (so soothing). And the dog, that, if anything, looked as though she wanted more kisses...

Thank you.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Someone is going to be sad they forgot their sand toys-- but they looks great next to the bright white snow.

I think the pic of the bench is my favorite-- The white and dark of winter during the daytime always catches my eye.

Have a great week, jj

Frank Baron said...

I was expecting scrambled eggs after the tossed salad line. ;)

Lovely pooch. She looked genuinely regretful at having to leave your attentions.

Lisa said...

Nice walking with you Hilary; miss you:)

Thumbelina said...

Beautiful pictures. You're right - snow looks so comfy and snug somehow, belying the cold beneath!

Beautiful, handsome lady dog. Shame you weren't allowed to socialise a little. She gave you a great photo though.

Anonymous said...

It's amazing all the wonderful finds you find in spite of all the snow!

messymimi said...

Sandcastle toys in the snow -- what a contrast! Thanks for this, and the bench. Wear something waterproof if you want to sit there, i think.

MaggieGem said...

Another great walk... thanks so much for sharing! That dog is gorgeous, bet she did receive that kiss... she looks like she wants to go back to you!

Steve Gravano said...

Some excellent finds! And that beautiful dog, what a sweetie.

Cloudia said...

applause!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

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Kim said...

love the peanut photo! and the lettuce leaf and of course the doggie. the peanut caught my eye because you know I love squirrels! and whether we have food or not the squirrels will not be without!

Dianne said...

the dog is magnificent
I bet she knew she got a kiss :)

what wonderful photos Hil
you're an artist

Hilary said...

• Elizabeth, you never know what you're going to find around here. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Ethel, isn't that lettuce leaf just so strange? From a distance, I thought it was a mitten sticking out of the snow. I hope Beverly isn't following my blog.. then again, if she's a friend of yours, she'd likely also have a wonderful sense of humour. I sure hope you're feeling better soon.. long before the snow melts, and may that be by the time I click send on this reply. :)

• Lady Fi. It probably is an apple but I really can't be sure. It looks odd.. then again, apples don't look normal out in the winter. Thanks for your kind comment. :)

• Thanks, Kate. :)

• Jagdish, thank you very kindly. :)

• S, D and BS! I'm laughing at the "BS" So good to see you back in the blogiverse. I'll be by to catch up soon. :)

• Thanks, Sandra. I suppose it's possible but more likely it was there for the rabbits. It couldn't have been out long considering how fresh it was. Thanks always for the visit. :)

• Thanks kindly, SD. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Isn't she a sweet pup? :)

• Thanks, Tabor. Like I said, early on in the post, it was compiled from a few days but there seems to be something interesting to see out there most days. She's a great-looking dog.. I agree. :)

• AC, thanks. ;)

• Thanks, my namesake. I hope to meet up with that dog again - hopefully when somebody else is walking her. ;) It won't be TOO long until spring. I hope. :)

• Di, you made me laugh with that one. This pup certainly nudged me. "Notice me, please!" It was effective. Thanks for stopping by and joining me. :)

• Thanks kindly, Pat. I'm glad you came along and that you enjoyed the post. :)

• Pauline, I'm glad you think that kiss landed on her nose because that's exactly where it was aimed. There's a rabbit population around here so I imagine that's who indulged on that lettuce leaf. Thanks always for your kind words. :)

• Nessa, a lovely way to look at it. Cold sugar, though. ;)

• Lori, Frank got me in the habit of leaving peanuts for the squirrels. Sometimes I see them hopping trees to get to their spots when they see me coming. Thanks for joining me.. always a pleasure to have you along. :)

• Thanks, Becca. :)

• Thanks very much, Kristina. I'm glad you think so. :)

• Zuzana, it's amazing what I see when I really look around. The camera sure helps open your eyes. Thank you for such warm words. It's a combination of the camera and the photographer but what you say puts me in mind of something I read about someone who was fed up about hearing that his photos were wonderful. The compliment concluded that he must thereforehave a good camera. His response was to thank his host for a delicious dinner, to which he added "The meal was wonderful. You must have great pots and pans!" ;) Congrats on the new camera, my friend. Long may you enjoy it. :)

• Thanks, Ellen. And brrrr is right. Today (though not when I took that photo) was -20C (-4F) with a windchill of -35C (-31F). And the power went off for about an hour and a half. Toasty warm inside now, though. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Sarah. It sure does.. until I have to shovel it. ;)

Hilary said...

• Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed the line. Our snow started rather late, so I'm not complaining too much.. yet. :)

• Grayquill, a drip-free nose is always a bonus! Thanks for the kind words.. I think. I'm not sure how good I'm supposed to be. Care to clear that up? :)

• Welcome, Robin and thanks for the kind words. I can honestly say that I've never longed for winter - especially during a hot summer. That's MY season. Thanks for dropping by. :)

• MPM, here's a sweater. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Linda, that dog was irresistible, wasn't she? I suspect I'll see her again sometime. I didn't find her human too friendly but I'll try to sneak a pat on the pooch's head next time. :)

• Sally, nice to see you, and you arrive with such kind words. Thank you. I'm glad that Jill connected us. There's no such thing as being shy while blog visiting. In fact, the more the merrier. You're always welcome and encouraged to visit. Drop me an email and maybe we can figure out just how nearby we are to one another. :)

• June, I might have been. Don't we all just live one click away from one another? Thanks for the visit. :)

• Rosaria, thanks so kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I didn't even mind the cold toes I got in the process. :)

• DS, it is interesting to see such things. Unexpected but at the same time, it's a well-populated area and unusual things are bound to show up from time to time. I'm glad that I'm around for some of them but I wonder what I miss! Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

• Joanna, the toys were gone the next day. I had thoughts of it being a young child all bundled up in her snowsuit, telling her mother that she had to go pee.. RIGHT NOW. Mom probably rushed the child home without bothering to stop and collect the toys. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Thanks always for your visits. :)

• Frank, I knew you'd like that dog, and I've seen that look before... That "scrambled eggs" line crossed my mind a few times but I wondered how many people would think I'm nuts for saying it, so I didn't. Now they can just think you're nuts instead. ;)

• Lisa, thanks for joining me and I sure miss you, too and think about you and Theresa often. :)

• Thumbelina, the snow is comfy and snug for a lot of critters, I suppose.. since it insulates. It's just not quite as appealing as a seat. I'm hoping I'll see that dog again sometime. She's got such a lovely nature. Thanks for stopping by, my friend. :)

• Jill, there are a lot of interesting things out there. It's just a matter of their finding me. ;)

• MessyMimi, it was a fun find. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I wasn't too tempted to sit on that bench. I kind of liked the untouched snow as it was but still, that's a good idea. :)

• Thank you, Maggie Gem. I'm glad to have you along. I hope I'll see the dog again sometime soon. I'd like to sneak in a pat or two next time. :)

• Thanks, Steve. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

• Thank you, thank you, Cloudia. :)

• Welcome, Kim and thanks for your kind comments. So kind of you to always feed the squirrels out your way. I try to make sure I have peanuts with me every time I go out. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Dianne, I'm sure she got that kiss. I saw when it landed! Thank you so much for such kind and encouraging words, Dianne. They mean so much to me. :)

Dave said...

I enjoyed the walk with you Hilary, and the sights. A good idea leaving the peanuts as you go. I bet the squirrels love you for it! - Dave

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Tossed salad, LOL
I've always thought that snow on a bench looked softly inviting. I'm glad I'm not the only one!

Suldog said...

I really love how you spot the things most of us might miss. It's a reminder to me to keep my eyes open when I go for a walk. There's wonder all around us.

Unknown said...

A very interesting collection of snow photos Hilary and I especially love the bench piled high. Love also that you and others are leaving foodie tidbits here and there for the littlest creatures.

Anonymous said...

Love your wintry photos.

Juana said...

A most wonderful and fun post. Great finds...even greater photos!! I cracked up at "perhaps tossed salad?"...Thank you, I truly enjoyed it!!!

Out on the prairie said...

I have been fickle with coffe cups a few times. Today I have two on my desk, I forgot I had justed poured one a half hour ago and grabbed another while in the kitchen.One time helping put up some sheetrock I left a cup on the stud in the wall I had been using for a table. I laughed wondering who may find it years later if they ever went ot tear it our.

Reb said...

Lovely, I like your new friend, she's very pretty.

Anonymous said...

What a great looking dog.. you caught her at the right moment! :)

Anonymous said...

Brrrr - I'm glad the sun is shining here while I went on that walk with you! So sweet that you leave peanuts - my parents spend the whole time feeding "their" squirrels peanuts.

photowannabe said...

Love the tossed salad. its such a delight to see your thoughts in action. Great simplicity shots too Hilary. I haven't been out shooting for so long. I'm going to have to scramble into my archives for ABC Wednesday. Life has just gotten to crazy this last few weeks.
Have a great week.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

One would think ya could just trudge through the snow and find a snack 'round every corner! Heeehehehe!!!

Your pictures are just marvelously beautiful sweetie!!!

God bless and have an incredible day!!! :o)

Daryl said...

Well, if you had to you could have had lunch or a snack with all that food laying around nature's icebox .. I saw holes in that red/orange thing, made me think it might be a wiffle ball ..

Karen said...

Love these! Looked like somebody threw out their salad. I'm betting it was a little boy. :P

That dog pic is gorgeous!

Pearl said...

I love that you leave peanuts for the squirrels. :-) That's adorable.

And thank you, btw, for the shout-out you gave my blog the other day. Your generosity and kindness is noted. :-)

Pearl

Deb said...

Thank you for taking us with you on this walk ~ interesting and fun. I love the lettuce leaf and the fact that you leave peanuts as you walk ~ I am going to start doing that especially in all of this snow...the little critters could use some snacks !

SandyCarlson said...

I feel so totally cool and refreshed now! Your snow puts my show to shame. Beautiful shots.

What About The Girl? said...

I thought I left my coffee somewhere! :-)

You always take great photos!

Indrani said...

Wow! You got so many subjects to photograph, all look interesting with snow on them.

tattytiara said...

Too bad the owner didn't take a moment to socialize - who wouldn't love to have as gorgeous a photo as that of their pup?

Bob Bushell said...

That dog looked so majestic, beautiful images.

imbeingheldhostage said...

Oh, she is a sweet face, isn't she? I love your snowy treasures!

Bossy Betty said...

Love the picture of the sweet doggie!

I wish now I had taken more pictures of the snow when I had the chance on my recent trip, but it was, uh, sort of cold!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

I always let my dogs play with people although they are highly socialized. I think it is funny we have more snow than you here in Connecticut. It doesn't usually work that way.

Cheryl Kohan said...

That lettuce leaf reminds me of someone (and I can't think who it was) who blogged about reaching into the snow in her garden and pulling out kale (I think it was kale) and cooking it!

That dog is so cute, too. Imagine the owner not letting you visit with him/her. Probably in too much of a hurry.

I really do love snow pictures.

Hilary said...

• Dave, it's always nice to have you along on my walks. Thanks for joining me.

• KC, I'm glad you got a laugh out of the tossed salad. I'll save you a spot on that bench next snowfall. :)

• Suldog, there truly is, and honestly, I see so much more since walking with a camera in my hand. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Jane, it is nice to know that there are probably a number of folks who are feeding the critters. Thanks so much for your kind words. Your visits are always appreciated. :)

• Welcome, Simplycol and thanks for stopping by. :)

• Juana, thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind comments and I'm glad you got a good laugh out of it. :)

• Steve, that's hilarious about the built in coffee cup. You probably brew a lot more coffee than is ever consumed. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. :)

• Thanks, Reb. I agree.. she's a beauty. :)

• Thanks, Bach. I'm glad you think so. :)

• Barbara, that's good that your parents look out for the little guys. Thanks for joining me on the walk. :)

• Thanks so much, Sue. No need to worry about delving into your archives. Each and every one of your photos are winners and enjoyable to see over and over again. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Nezzy, it would appear that way sometimes. I find unusual things in one particular part of the pond too.. in water, or in winter, on or under the ice. Thank you so much for your very kind words. They're so appreciated. :)

• Daryl, I don't think it was a ball of any kind. Those holes were kind of sunken in. It's definitely vegetation of some kind - I'm just not sure what. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Karen and you might be right about that, though my little boys were strange.. they both loved salad. :)

• Thanks very much, Pearl. I'm glad you're pleased. :)

• Thank you, Deb. Yes, it's a good idea to feed our wee buddies during this season, especially. Thanks for joining me - always a pleasure to have you along. :)

• Thanks very much, Sandy. I'm glad you enjoyed trudging through the snow with me. :)

• Thanks, TGFCBS. Don't worry about the coffee - I'll pour you a fresh cup. :)

• Thank you, Indrani. I had fun looking around and finding them. The snow was bonus. :)

• TattyTiara, she had no idea that I even took a photo of her dog. She never looked back. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Bob. She sure is a beauty of a pooch. :)

• IBHH, thanks very much. I'm happy to share them all with you. :)

• Betty, that's the trouble with snow and winter in general. It's too darn cold. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• DFP, some dogs are more sociable than their people, which was the case with this pooch. We have been sort of light on the snow in recent years, and we really don't have a huge amount yet this season. I hope it stays that way. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Cheryl, that would be cool to be able to find garden goodies even through the snow. Thanks so much for your always kind words. :)

hope and love said...

wonderful...!!!

CiCi said...

The snow on the bench looks like a thick cushion.

We are looking for sunflower seeds in bulk to put out in the back yard for the birds and squirrels. We will look for peanuts in the shell too.

Iced coffee is a nice touch for your photo.

Again, you share some wonderful photos.

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Hope and Love

• Thanks kindly, TechnoBabe. I'm sure your local critter appreciate your kind efforts. Thanks always for stopping by. :)