Sunday, February 13, 2011

From the Land of Ice and Snow

It has warmed up a fair bit today, and the rest of the week is supposed to bring above-freezing temperatures. I figure this might be a good time to show you just how cold and snowy it has been for the past few weeks.


frost2
Bedroom windows are always a pretty reliable measure of the frigid temperatures outside, and of just how creative Nature can be.




snow waves
I can see patterns in these waves of frozen snow. Here, I see a flock of flying dragons taking off from the icy ripples for other wintry lands unknown.




eyecicles
But the icy fingers of February will soon yield to warmer weather.




qal2
Queen Anne's Lace will emerge from beneath their blankets of snow.




snow burrs
And burrs will shed their fluffy hats and bask in the sunshine.

I'm going to enjoy the coming warmth because I know that winter will be back for a repeat performance.


Blog post title blatantly stolen from Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song.

81 comments:

Dan said...

You have a wonderfully vivid and creative imagination to describe your images.

No less a special gift to adorn your beautiful photographs.

Daniel

Explore. Dream. Discover.
http://daniels-view.blogspot.com/
--

Zuzana said...

Ah, Hilary, these are breathtaking... Every single one is beautifully poetic. I see the dragons too.;)
Please do enjoy the coming warm up, I surely did when it arrived here - and now Lady Winter has entered the stage once again for her encore...
Have a lovely Sunday,
xoxo

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Beautiful presentation of winter images. Each is delicate !

June said...

I love the Jack Frost paintings on the window.

And now I have Led Zeppelin singing in my brain:
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!
Aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!

Bob Bushell said...

Wow, Hilary, they are fantastic photos, you caught the essence of winter.

Geraldine said...

Oh these are lovely. We are in the land of snow and ice at the other end of the country, BC!

I'm adding you to my blogroll at:

www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

Hugs, G

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

It took me awhile to see the dragons. You have a unique way of looking at things. :) I loved the frosty window image. And, of course, icicles are always fun. The brick wall behind these really sets them off.

Anvilcloud said...

Snow and ice pictures aren't necessarily easy to take, but you seem to have mastered the art.

Elizabeth Grimes said...

The photos are picture-perfect and the your captions add to their beauty.

Anonymous said...

I always enjoy seeing the pattern that ice creates on window panes. We don't get that kind of action on our windows...

Great Queen Anne's Lace photo!

Di

Brian Miller said...

nice...love the ice on the window, but the shadows and lighting in the second shot are incredible...perfect...

Anonymous said...

They are all beautiful, but the second one is especially intriguing. I keep staring at it. I love the shadows and the movement it portrays. Extra beautiful!

CiCi said...

The lace on the window is pretty and yet pretty cold. Do you keep the heater on fairly high inside your place? We keep it around 60 to 62. That seems to be the most comfortable temperature inside to suit both of us. Hope you are comfy inside and having a good weekend.

Pauline said...

You have such an unerring eye. This post and the one before have some stunning photos. It's generous of you to share them this way and to give us a glimpse of beauty we might otherwise be too hurried or harried to see.

Lori said...

I love your captures of winter where you live...it has warmed up here too and we are enjoying it...yesterday sledding and today we will have a snowman building contest...we will enjoy this reprieve because we know all too well that March usually dumps the most snow of the winter on us....Sunday blessings to you and yours Hilary. XX

Land of shimp said...

Oh Hilary, there you are, letting us borrow your eye. When I was a child I read a fairytale about the Queen of Winter (not the White Witch from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe). I think it was a translated Russian Fairytale but it's long in the past and I can no longer recall the title.

Anyway, the Queen of Winter was trying to lure a young boy to coming with her, while his wise sister knew he'd never escape if he went with her. Every night the queen would come to his window and breathe beautiful patterns in the frost, creating icy worlds just for him.

So two things are possible, either you have been visited by the Queen of Winter and you see her tales everywhere, or you are the Queen of Winter spinning frosty tales for us all.

DJan said...

Oh, GASP! I am always taken by your incredible camera eye. I saw those same patterns but didn't capture them, and now I am seeing them through your lens.

You continue to inspire me and teach me every day!

NJ said...

We have a huge wave of snow hanging off our steel roof. Waiting to hear that avalanche like thunder when it finally releases. I'm definitely waiting for that promised early spring and I'm planning on making an escape later this month to a warm and sunny locale.

ellen abbott said...

beautiful pictures as always Hilary. I love the queen anne's lace snowcone.

Maggie May said...

Ooooooh, it still looks icy! Looks good on photos though.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

chariskalee said...

Thank you for sharing these gorgeous and inspiring photos!

sage said...

Are you a Led Zeppelin fan? That title is from the "Immigrant Song," but I am sure others have used the phrase too.

It has also warmed up here--overnight--so that at 6 AM it was barely above freezing!

Out on the prairie said...

A nice set of images and sharing of ideas.You are similar to our weather.

photowannabe said...

I am so spoiled living here in California. I complain when the temps. get down into the 50's F.
Beautiful photos Hilary. I especially like the burrs in their hats. Always good stuff....
Stay warm and enjoy your day.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous shots, as always.

Over here we had one of the worst snowstorms ever and the temperatures are arctic again. Spring seems far off...

Bossy Betty said...

Love the shot of the QUeen Ann's Lace!

Reb said...

Oh, I love your flight of dragons taking off! and frosty windows are always lovely.

Friko said...

Winter is beautiful when captured in such detail.
But there's no denying it, there comes a time when one has had enough of it and the longing for Spring takes over.

Jayne said...

Oh my gosh, Hilary, the second photo is like a flock of flying dragons!
Waiting for the yield... ;)

ADRIAN said...

Good images. thank you there is inspiration here. I will be back for a good look around.

Frank Baron said...

A nicely varied winter array, Hil. :)

Aren't we lucky to be living in a part of the world where Nature offers a different visual treat virtually every day?

But like you, I'm looking forward to this thaw too. It'll whet our appetites for the real deal in a few weeks.

messymimi said...

Nature! But i thought it was frost fairies that did it! ;)

Well, you have a special way of capturing the work, no matter who did it.

Shammickite said...

I, too, will be happy to enjoy a bit of milder weather this coming week, I really hate that bitter wind that chills my bones. Perhaps I'm getting old????

Glo said...

Frost and fancy playing to form exquisite photos which you have featured beautifully. It sparkles the imagination :)

holdingmoments said...

Great blog title Hilary, (one of my favourite bands) ;)
Love the ice on the windows; it looks so delicate. Certainly looks cold there.

Karen said...

Hilary, I actually said, "Ooooo" out loud when I saw your first picture. Wow. Yep, I could see the snow dragons, too.

Gary's third pottery blog said...

Ha! That is so funny, we say the burrs have snow hats too!!!!

Wendy said...

You've captured snow diamonds on your Queen Anne's lace! I've always wanted to do that, but my camera doesn't record sparkly sun on snow.

Love your descriptions. I see dragons too! Happy flying and don't poop on our heads. LOL!(the dragons, not you). LOL!

The Retired One said...

I hear you! We have had similar weather here for over 2 weeks and today we hit +42F degrees..it was like heaven! ha
Love these photos...wonderful captures!

Anonymous said...

I would never have thought to look for dragons in the snow... but there they are indeed!

Red said...

Love how you blatantly steal stuff!!
Great snowy shots. Takes time and you're out in the cold.
You've had a really good shot of winter this year.

Hilary said...

• Thank you, Daniel. You always say the kindest things and I appreciate that very much. :)

• Thanks Zuzana. I'm not surprised that you also see the dragons. Our weather is odd right now. Today is mild. Tomorrow will be cold. Then the next couple of days are supposed to be very mild. Then cold again. I know winter will return but eventually the real thaw will be back to stay for a while. Thanks always for stopping by, my friend. :)

• Welcome, WCW and thank you very much for your kind comment. Very much appreciated. :)

• June, thank you. I know what you mean. I had the song running through my head as soon as I came up with the post title. It could be worse! :)

• Thank you very kindly, Bob. Such a nice thing to say. :)

• Geraldine, thanks. I always expect that it's warmer in BC by now. It certainly was last year at this time during the Olympics - at least in Vancouver. Thanks very much for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and that the dragons came out to greet you. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• AC, I thank you very kindly. I feel much the same way about how you capture the sweetness of your grandkidlets. :)

• Thank you so much, Elizabeth. Much appreciated. :)

• Thanks, Di. I'm guess your windows are better insulated than mine. :)

• Thank you, Brian. I'm glad you enjoyed them. I'm always happy to see you stop by. :)

• Jillsy, thanks very kindly. It took a very cold and windy day for the snow to settle like that. I kept seeing those drifts on the far side of the pond and this one just begged to be photographed. I'm glad you like it. :)

• TechnoBabe, our heat is on higher than yours, but we're also not very well insulated. The windows are old and really need to be replaced. Still, this only happens on the ultra-cold days a few times each winter. Thanks always for stopping by. :)

• Pauline, thank you so much. That is such a lovely thing to say. I'm happy to share. I'm happier still that you enjoy my photos. :)

• Lori, thanks very much. I can imagine all of the fun your Littles are having now that it's warm enough to enjoy the snow. Thanks for the visit and your always-kind words. :)

• Alane, that sounds like a wonderful children's story. It puts me in mind of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. You never fail to amuse and delight with your informative and chatty comments. I love it when you stop by, my friend. Thanks for that. :)

• Thank you, Becca. :)

• DJan, thank you so kindly. Your warm and encouraging comments always make me smile. :)

• NJ, I know that sound of which you speak. Here's hoping that nobody will be standing beneath it at the time. Good for you that you'll be getting away to a warmer climate this month. I'm sure you'll have a great time. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Ellen, thank you kindly. It looks rather refreshing, doesn't it? Nature's treats. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Maggie May, most of these were earlier in the month. Today is mild.. above freezing! Thanks for the visit. :)

Hilary said...

• Welcome, Chariskalee and thank you so much for the kind words. They're very much appreciated. :)

• Sage, the song ran through my head for hours after naming the post title. If you notice the bottom of the post, in orange text, I confessed to the theft of those words from LZ. :)

• Thanks, Steve. I do notice each day on your blog, how similar our weather patterns seem to be. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thank you, Sue. Although there is part of me that would love to bask in your warmer temperatures all year round, there's still another part that knows I appreciate my summer all the more because of these freezing cold days. Thanks always for the visit and for your warm words. :)

• Thanks very much, Lady Fi. It would be foolish of us to think that winter was anywhere near over in February. But spring will come.. eventually. Try to stay warm until then. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thank you, Betty. :)

• Thanks, Reb. I'm glad (and not surprised) that you see the dragons too. :)

• Friko, I agree wholeheartedly. I'm just about ready for spring. I've just about run out of winter photography ideas. ;)

• Jayne, I'm waiting too. Maybe those dragons have gone in search of it for us. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Welcome, Adrian and thanks. I'm glad you stopped by for a look around and hope you'll be back again soon. :)

• Thanks, Frank. I suspect there are visual treats pretty much everywhere, if you look for them. Changing seasons sure do help in that regard though. I can't say I've minded this winter all that much. It feels like it only really began in earnest in January. Still, spring will be nice. And then...... my favourite season. ;)

• MessyMimi, Fairies.. Nature.. Jack Frost.. it's all good. ;) Thanks so much for your kind comment. :)

• Shammie, you? Old? Naaaaaaaaaaaaah! It's been a cold month or so. The thaw will be nice for a bit. Enjoy it. :)

• Glo, well thank you kindly. Your kind words brought a smile to my face. :)

• Keith, thank you. I knew it would stand out to a fan. Thanks very much for the kind words. It was indeed cold on that day but warming nicely right now. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Karen, you Oooooed? How nice of you to tell me. And I'm glad you can see my dragons. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Gary, great winter-chilled minds think alike, eh? ;)

• Thank you, Wendy. I usually have a hard time getting those sparkles myself. I got lucky this time. I'm glad you see dragons.. it doesn't surprise me. And my dragons would never be so crass as to poop on our heads. Watch out for dragon pee, though. ;)

• The Retired One, we must live in similar areas. I'm looking forward to the nice weather sticking around for a wee bit. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

• KC, look around. Snow can be as entertaining as clouds. Unless you have to shovel it, that is. ;)

• Thank you, Red - I'm an honest thief. ;) I'm glad you like the photos. Thanks for stopping by to let me know. :)

VM Sehy Photography said...

Gorgeous winter shots. I especially like the pattern in the snow. Interesting texture for snow drifts.

Unspoken said...

I thought it was cold in the forties here :)!

Thank you, Hilary!

Unknown said...

Hilary: Viewing these images takes me back to my childhood.I can recall taking in these scenes in the Mid-West U.S. as a kid and pondering at once Winter's harshness and beauty--which you captured here so well! :)

Joanna Jenkins said...

Brrrr! Glad it's warming up a bit for you.

Your snow pictures are just the way I like to enjoy winter... on my laptop screen while I'm home, warm and cozy.

Cheers, jj

Maria said...

Beautiful winter wonders. Miracles of creation. Like little gifts from heaven. That's what I think when I see your photos.....

Dianne said...

my windows never frost over like that!
I think your windows are just showing off for the camera, they know how good you'll make them look

only you Hilary can make cold look so warm and wonderful

Suldog said...

We are expecting temps in the 60's this Friday. Be still, my beating heart...

Kat said...

Wow! Just beautiful. Though I'm happy to see it go. We are having temps in the high 40s here and loving it! Though I too know it won't stay. ;)

Laura said...

Oh Katelen, these images are wonderful! I really enjoyed following your imagination as the dragons take flight across the snow-laden landscape!

xoxo

Laura said...

Hilary, I think I just called you Katelen...sorry about that...this is what comes of slipping into my own imagination for a moment and trying to connect with so many beautiful people! Have a wonderful Valentines Day!

Anonymous said...

It's me again. I'd like to nominate this post by Lori for your POTW...

http://mylifeinterupted.blogspot.com/2011/02/love-beats-hate-answer-is-love.html

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Your photographs make me yearn for my childhood in Detroit. But my adult eyes would see it differently I know. Sigh. No return for the native I guess. Roland

Dawn said...

Oh what beautiful winter captures. You make me love winter...(almost;)

Do you have a Photo Book...you could publish one!!!!!

D said...

Beautiful images and photos Hilary. Hopefully your snow will be gone soon and you can see the life that lives beneath it.

Tammie Lee said...

wonderful wintry images....

Rosaria Williams said...

Happy V Day, Hilary!

Along These Lines ... said...

Seeing flocks of dragons, are we? Just what kinda "snow" you getting into Hilary?

Kappa no He said...

Now I'm singing The Immigrant Song. I sometimes miss snow. Especially when I visit your blog. ^^

sage said...

I didn't notice that at the bottom. But those lyrics do have a way of getting into your head!

SandyCarlson said...

These are amazing. I love the way the flowers can hold their drink and sip it slowly with a bite of sunshine now and again.

The patterns in the ice and snow are delightful. I used to imagine other universes in the ice patterns on my bedroom windows when I was a kid.

So long as the White Witch doesn't show up to cause trouble, we're good. Enjoy the warm weather.

Country Girl said...

C'est magnifique. J'aime.

steviewren said...

I love the Queen Anne's Lace bowls of snow! And the frost/snow on the windows.

MaggieGem said...

Seems most of us have been in the land of Ice and Snow since December, lovely images provide the proof!

Leah J. Utas said...

Loved the dragons.

Hilary said...

• VM, thank you. The icy cold weather makes interesting patterns. :)

• Amy, it is.. there. That would be downright balmy here, though. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Michael, thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad my photos evoked some fond memories for you. :)

• Joanna, I wouldn't mind winter so much myself if it was that way. It will be spring soon enough. Thanks for the visit. :)

• Gaelikaa, thank you kindly. Such a nice thing to say.:)

• Dianne, your windows are probably more air tight than mine are! Thank you so much for such sweet words, my friend. :)

• Mid 50s here, Suldog. I'll take it. All that snow you've had will be doing some major puddling! Thanks for the visit. :)

• Thanks, Kat. It won't last but neither will it be too long until it returns to stay. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Laura, thanks for you very kind words. I'm glad you could see and enjoy the dragons. No worries about the name mixup. I know it's difficult to keep track sometimes. Thanks for stopping by and for the good wishes. Back at you. :)

• Lady Fi, I have included Lori's post with my list for Wednesday, as your recommendation. Thanks for participating. :)

• Roland, I know the feeling. I often think about my native Montreal that way. Thanks for stopping by and letting me know that my photos evoked fond memories. :)

• Dawn, thank you so much. I don't have a photo book. Maybe one day. :)

• Welcome, Di and thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated. :)

• Thank you kindly, Tammie Lee. ):

• Thanks, Rosaria. And to you, too. :)

• Nick, nice to see you. Your funny comment made me snort.. so to speak! ;)

• Terrie, it's been running through my head too. Thanks for the kind words. :)

• Sage, so true. Thanks for the return visit. :)

• Sandy, I'm not at all surprised that you had such a vivid imagination as a child. It continues to serve you well with your poetry and creativity. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

• Kate, merci beaucoup, mon amie. :)

• Steviewren, thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed. :)

• Thanks very much, Maggie Gem. I'm sure you're looking forward to spring. As am I. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Thanks, Leah. :)

Anonymous said...

I love the frosted window. Something about your photography is so personal. Each photo makes me feel that I'm there seeing what you see. You have a very special gift, my friend.

Shrinky said...

I would have missed that flock of dragons about to take flight, had you not drawn my eye to it - so love how you see the fantastical in everything around you.

Kerri Farley said...

Each and every one of these is breathtaking! Your images have such "emotion" to them!
PS -
I see the dragons too :)

Liz Mays said...

You're so right. It's just outside of our reach at the moment...coming closer every day!

Gorgeous photos!

Unknown said...

If not much else, winter gives those of you who are great photographers some fantastic scenery to reproduce. And your descriptions only enhance.

Unknown said...

Absolutely incredible photos! And super psyched to have found your blog.

abb said...

Lovely!
However, if there an icicle olympics, the ones on my house (now melting) would surely have won. They were specatcularly ginormous.

Cloudia said...

You are blessed to see dragons!
thanks for bringing us along (I see magical beings too - shhhh!)



Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

><}}(°>

Hilary said...

• Sandra, thank you so much. I wonder if that's because I so often think about how I'll be presenting the image on my blog - I naturally feel as if you're all here with me. :)

• Shrinky, thank you kindly. I'm glad you were able to see my magic snow dragons. :)

• Kerri, thank you very much for such kind words. Welcome to the dragon club. ;)

• BlueViolet, thank you. It'll be here before too long. Thanks for stopping by. :)

• Jane, thank you very kindly. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Much appreciated. :)

• Welcome, ONG and thanks for your kind words. :)

• TSannie, thank you. There certainly have been some huge ones around here, this year also. Glad to know yours are melting too. :)

• Cloudia, I won't tell a soul. Thanks for stopping by. :)

Anonymous said...

Your photos are beautiful, but I love the narration just as much!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! Wonderful! Thank you!

Unknown said...

incredible.

and I am just all trembling really, with the coming of spring.
I was just away in a winter wonderland, and have come home ready to put it all behind us!

We went to the Chateau Montebello for two nights.
What a place.

Hilary said...

• Thanks, Barbara. I'm so glad you like it. :)

• Thanks kindly, Susan. Very much appreciated. :)

• Deb, I wouldn't put away the winter gear TOO soon. It is only February after all. But I wouldn't mind at least a short visit from Spring. Your weekend away sounds marvelous! Welcome back. :)