Monday, March 17, 2014

Oddities

I'm here to make some excuses for my less than reliable blogging schedule. Part of it is just being in a new place and falling into different rhythms. Part of it is because it's been a really cold, snowy winter and there's only so much to see and photograph when the world is buried under a few feet of snow, whenever I venture out into the cold. Mostly it's because up here in the country, our only "high speed" internet option is satellite and really, they misrepresent the meaning of speed. A simple upload of a dozen photos to Flickr seems to take a matter of hours with several images timing out and the whole process needing to be started over again. I started an upload about fifteen minutes ago and it's just now retrying the first image after an unsuccessful start. I have yet to find a time of day or kind of weather (that file just timed out again) which facilitates the upload.

Anyway, I'm less inclined to do a series of posts in advance like I normally did because of this. Okay, that's enough complaining. On with this group of photos. I'm sure they'll upload eventually. In fact, if you're reading this, they obviously have.

The things that stand out are often the oddities.
~ Pierre Salinger

Oddities. I'm probably stretching the boundaries a bit here but for the sake of going with a theme, please humour me.

golden orbs
Three suns! Well there you go - that's not true at all. But it is one lovely rising sun and a couple of glares reflecting off of the glass through which I was shooting. That's what happens when you don't follow the rules and end up shooting straight into the sun.






wing
This goes back to late November when we had freezing temperatures but no snow. I was walking Benny one morning and found a dead chickadee on the road. I tried to pick it up so that I could put it on a grassy area - it just didn't feel right to leave it on the road. But I did end up leaving it there because I couldn't remove it - it appeared to be frozen to the road. The next morning, all that was left of it was its wing - still frozen to the road. I guess it became some creature's meal.





slip sliding
Fast forward to February 21. My friend Carol Anne and her significant other, Michael were visiting. The three of us went out for a walk and this shed/garage caught Michael's eye. "Look at the roof. That's about to slide off of there any time now." Carol Anne and I agreed that it was only a matter of time. How long could gravity hold out? Well, fast forward again. The above photo was taken on March 9th. We've not had a notable snowfall since the middle of February and so it has to be the same snow that was saw the previous month. Evidently, gravity is a stubborn old fart.






cloud mountain
I snapped this photo because I thought that cloud looked like a distant mountain. If I didn't know the landscape around here, I could have easily been fooled. I never claimed to be clever.





blue jay impression
Let's have a look on the other side of the house. The small table on the deck had a fair pile of snow collecting on top of it. I had been watching a blue jay flit about on the deck - probably after it peeled more paint off of the house. For a brief moment, it seemed to perch on a tiny icy shelf on the side of the snow pile. When it took off again seconds later, it left its impression behind. Can't see it?...






blue jay impression sparkles
Have a closer look.






frozen beer
Frank's friend Peter has been up to visit us a few times. It's been pretty cold his last few times up here. He's no longer in the habit of using the back deck as a refrigerator for his beer supply. Not when Mother Nature behaves more like a freezer. This bottle was nearly frozen solid inside.






flyby
I looked out over the lake one day, to see not one but two of these beasties flying fairly low over the water. I was able to grab the camera in time to snap this second of the two planes. The next day, Frank spotted them again, one of them banking fairly close to the tree line - or so it seemed. I knew where to turn in order to confirm which of our Armed Forces aircraft it was. My son, Jeffrey quickly replied to my emailed question and image with the information I wanted. "It's a C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. It would be from 436 Squadron out of Trenton." He also figured that they were in training. The boy knows his stuff.






glitters
Early one morning, the sun was rising in shades of gold which reflected off of the snow crystals all over our yard. It glittered like diamonds. The previous night, Frank saw the same sparkles by moonlight. It wasn't as cooperative as the morning light for photography though.






ladybug on coffee maker2
We've had a fair number of ladybugs winter over at our place. They entered the house by the dozens in October, before I was here to stay. Frank would give me the running count in email each day - "I just caught and released ladybug #47 for the day!" Of the dozen or more that we've seen around the place through the winter, some have died but the rest seem to be enjoying the winter sunshine by roaming the kitchen window sill. This one made its way over to the top of the coffeemaker and was having a good look at its reflection.






golden icy window sunrise
A little bit of frost on the bedroom window caught not only the glint of the golden sunrise but other jewel tones, as well.

That's it for now. More photos coming before too long - Flickr willing.

56 comments:

Cloudia said...

Really nice shots all; but those snow sparkles near the end really did something to me!



ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

=^..^= <3

Red said...

Well, you may have some trouble getting posts done but you haven't lost anything in the photography department.
Hercules at the height would be a frightening machine.

ADRIAN said...

Beautiful shots. Hercules fly up and down the valleys here and are usually puthering exhaust. They are impressive machines.

Bob Bushell said...

Superb set of scenery Hilary.

Tabor said...

Well, you do manage to make the monotony of winter come to life with your camera. We are getting 5 inches today after it has all been melted and climbed into the 70'sF last week!!

Anonymous said...

Interesting series of photos. We live just to the north of the 401 by Belleville and the only high speed options for us is satellite!!! Bell and Cogeco say it is just to expensive to run new lines up upgrade us.
We see those planes and many others going over all the time as the base isn't that far away. Spring is creeping in very slowly down here, hope you are noticing some changes too.

DJan said...

Great shots, as usual. I've jumped from a Hercules, it has a tailgate and holds hundreds of skydivers. It's used sometimes for large formations, too. Your snow pictures are wonderful, I especially like the frozen beer picture with the mound of snow outside on the table, and the early morning light one. :-)

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks for the snow sparkles pic. It reminded me of watching them when I was growing up, especially those that shine under the full moon.

Brian Miller said...

cool reflection shot on the lady bug...and ha on the impression left...love the light in that first one too....

stephen Hayes said...

Those clouds really do look like a mountain. I would have been fooled also.

Out on the prairie said...

Lovely shots, I load in groups to make it go faster, but tough when they kick out. It is always enjoyable to hear from you.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

We saw a similar "snow slide" on a building around here; but, of course, my camera wasn't with me. You've got some tenacious snow up that way. Love the cloud mountain. I tried to photograph some of those jewels in the snow, but your shots are (of course) much better. :)

TexWisGirl said...

every single one of these was delightful! enjoyed your explanation of each fascination. truly loved it. :)

messymimi said...

Poor ladybugs, i guess they thought your house was winter headquarters.

Very pretty snow pictures, i do hope Flick'r cooperates.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

You have such a way with the camera....or it has it's way with you. In either case, I'm always intrigued by your photos. Lovely shots of the unusual. Oma Linda

Mage said...

Hope the snow on the birds wing didn't slow him down. Loved all the shots....thank you.

Haddock said...

Lovely pictures.
As for Flickr, I think uploading one pic at a time does the trick I suppose.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Very interesting pictures. The early morning light on the snow is spectacular.

Gail Dixon said...

Man, that snow is not wanting to let go of that roof! Love your "mountain" cloud. I would have thought it was a mountain if you hadn't said any different. Beautiful images from your area of the world, though I know you are past ready for some warmth.

Btw, we met two couples visiting from Canada and they got to see our barred owl pair interacting yesterday. Their giddiness made me happy.

Anvilcloud said...

When he is up there, my BIL uses MiFi. It's a portable hub that uses 3G like a cell phone. He pays ~$50/mo. I don't know if it gives enough bandwidth to suit full time use, but you could look into it. Any number of us were using it concurrently at New Years, and it seemed to work fine.

JC said...

It has been a while since I have posted or commented. I was wondering if you were in your new place and it appears that you are. I have moved as well but not posting don't have the time. I cannot imagine living anywhere there is so much snow!!! We had a couple of inches and it took me over two hours to make a 15 minute drive from work to home. Love your pictures as always.

Barb said...

I'm enjoying your winter stories, Hilary! I sure wish I had a few ladybugs as visitors. Most of our roofs have overhanging cornices - very dangerous when they do release. We try to knock ours off so the grandchildren aren't in danger when they play outside.We've had some in previous years that turned to ice and broke through our deck.

photowannabe said...

I really love the Ladybug and all the sparkly snow.
So sorry you are having trouble posting.
Its seems every few months I am moaning about our internet too. We are at the end of a line..it tries my patience.
Boy those are huge planes. Great capture.

The Furry Gnome said...

Nice collection. Sorry about the internet thing.

Birdie said...

I have a friend that gets ladybugs in her house and she keeps a sprayer handy so they have something to drink!



Unknown said...

Nice shots. Odd situations are always a fun place for inspiration.

Rita said...

Now that's talent and a good camera to get the sparkling diamond snow and glitters off the window pane!! Love the bird image left on the snow--and I didn't think ladybugs would stay alive all winter! What do you know!

I am just grateful that you have the patience to upload everything that you do. It is greatly appreciated! :):)

Unknown said...

Hilary: Your story reminded me of "dial up" and how dreadful that was. I hope the Internet speed resolves for you soon. I agree with Cloudia about the glistening magic of the snow dust shot. Slow uploads or not, you still created the magic--as usual! ;)

Gayle said...

Thank goodness you are a patient person. Missing these photos would have been too sad. What a pain you have in the service, reminds me of the old dial up. EGAD. Thank you, thank you for hanging in and getting your blog to us. SUCH a gift!! {{{}}}

Linda said...

Beautiful pictures, all, but my favorite is the one where the snow looks like gold dust.

Betty Manousos said...

your photos are lovely as ever!
the snow looks wonderful in the morning light. the frozen beer photo is wonderful too.
cheers!

big hugs~

sage said...

Nice photos--I too haven't been a regular blogger in a while. Sounds like you're in a neat place.

Slamdunk said...

I hear you with the long winter song…

Funny that I looked at the images first before reading the captions--I thought the cloud was a mountain too. It is funny how things can be unintentionally deceiving.

yaya said...

I love how you find beauty in everyday things! The snow is so beautiful..but I'm sick of it and really want to find Spring somewhere! I've noticed that not too many ladybugs are the black and red spotted ones. The orange ones bite! Thanks for sharing your beautiful, simple but interesting images.

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

Glad to catch up on your winter. Your world makes me smile.

Goku shrestha said...

I feel you.
When i upload a some pics, it takes forever!
The cloud out there actually looks like a distant mountain. I would've been fooled too.

Jackie said...

I'm always excited when I see on my blogroll that you have posted.
It doesn't matter how long I have to wait between posts, the wait is worth it. Always.
Your photographs are stunning.
And....I thought that WAS a mountain!! Great shot!

Bimbimbie said...

I burst out laughing over your gravity statement ;)

Love all these, especially your yard full of snow crystals, the jeweled frost on your window, the poignant wing and wow! the three suns - are you sure you just moved to a different place in Canada and not an other planet? Smiles*!*

Gary's third pottery blog said...

YES, one of these types of winters, so old fashioned! I love the snow curling off the roof!

Scott Law said...

Quite the eclectic collection today. Always interesting and enjoyable to go through your posts.

Pat - Arkansas said...

Thanks for sticking with your uploads; we're the beneficiaries of your patience. Love that frost in the window photo!

Daryl said...

super photos worth the wait but maybe you should try uploading to picasa early in the morning when less people are using up the little 'speed' there is and then once they're on picasa you can get them into your blog with less stress ... or not

Crabby McSlacker said...

Lovely photos, thought the last one was particularly cool- but how frustrating on the internet speed! But some of your commenters like yours truly are even slower, if that's any consolation...

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

So many lovely pictures! I hope the time spent uploading them was worth the frustration. I, too, have been fooled by clouds posing as impressive mountains (sometimes it is a matter of missing the sight of mountains and willing those clouds to play the part).
Despite the bitter cold, winter is indeed beautiful up there in the Great White North!

Jenn Jilks said...

Beautiful photos. You're not a bad sleuth, either! Funny how we look to our kids for answers sometimes! Role reversal!
The snow has been amazing up your way. Today, it rains. Such is spring!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous shots - love the one with the three suns.

Tammie Lee said...

i thought that cloud was a mountain.

wonderful to have a peak at your world and your lady bug friends, such an interesting experience to have!

Linda said...

Interesting pics and I love the golden ones! As for the mountain that turns out to be a cloud, it would have fooled me!

A Cuban In London said...

Don't worry about the absence. With photos like those I will always pop by. :-)

Greetings from London.

Suldog said...

First, everything you photograph is great. You could take pictures of poop and I'd enjoy it.

However, I am glad to hear that Frank is a catch-and-release ladybug hunter!

Kat said...

Snow, snow, snow, snow, snow. *sigh* I really hope spring comes eventually. ;)
Still, beautiful shots!

What Karen Sees said...

Fun series of interesting photos. I agree, that it's hard to find interesting subjects and compositions when one is snowbound. But your creativity can't be stifled even then! Hope it warms up soon in your neck of the woods.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Slow speed Internet! I yiyi. I am so sorry. That can be a real pain when it takes so long for things to load.

This is a fun collection of photos. Love the snow on the roof-- reminds me of back home in Ohio.

And the three sons. Kinda cool.

Take care and happy weekend.

Indrani said...

Fantastic shots.
Loved seeing the happenings around you. :)

Lisa said...

I love the warmth of the sun and that sweet golden light. Welcome to country living.
Lovely blog both this the the one before.

Anita said...

Of this set of pics, I find myself attracted mostly to the road shot, with the bird feather on it. I like all the individual little stones in all the various sparkling colors.