Snowy Day

We've had some more snow in the last couple of days, and it's been cold enough for it to stay around.  Went out shooting with ML the other morning.  stopped by the mill pond, where there was a skiff of ice and just enough slight breeze to ruffle the water.  No blue skies, though--just good old Seattle grey.

 Then we swung by the Falls...the mist was heavy and thick, and all the foliage and trees were covered in heavy frost and ice.

 As long as we were at it, we stopped by the Depot on the way home.  I sure wish they would paint that faded caboose.  A caboose should be red, NOT PeptoBismol pink!!

 Back at the Falls, the trees overhanging the gorge were  encrusted in ice and covered with icicles, looking very Victorian in all their trimmings.

Faces III

Progressions

We've had some interesting weather the last few days.  We've had several mornings of this:

and this

 This one makes me think of an angel's wing...

 and this.....look at this---fern-y type fronds together with angular, geometric cut-glass designs.  Unreal!!

... followed by this!!!!  We had about 3" last night and today it is snowing--the great big fat quarter-sized blobs that are too wet to form discrete snowflakes.  It's gorgeous out.  All the more so since the snow is only temporary and will probably be gone by the weekend, if not sooner.



Faces II

Faces in Strange Places

I love finding faces in strange places.  It's the theme/challenge this week on a photography board that I frequent, so I thought I would post some of the faces I have collected recently.

The profile on the mountain that looks down on where I live

 and a cheerful little sewer cover

Inhale

From the nursery, but can't you just smell Spring???

Centered

The primroses are at the nurseries, which means spring isn't far off.  I love the paintbrush colors and the way the center blends out on these two varieties.  I am also fascinated by the delicate structure of the centers.

 And, I have never been able to resist a good blue, and to have that little yellow sun in the center--perfect!!

 This is a new variety I haven't seen before.  The combo of purple and that vibrant red center was eye-catching!

Love Rocks!

Ok, this can be taken in a variety of ways...  Since it is Valentine's Day, I do agree that Love Rocks---it is the core of the universe and puts everything into perspective.

On the other hand, these are Love Rocks--wonderfully shaped little hearts, made by Mother Nature and strewn underfoot for those who can find them.  I found one this morning as I was out for a walk, and it felt as if Rick had placed it there specifically for me to find--a Valentine from him.

And thirdly--I do love rocks!  I've always been a rock hound and hauled home waaaaay too many, both as a child and an adult.  I've been finding heart rocks for about 4 years, and am always amazed at the fact that a heart shape occurs naturally.  So cool.  These are my itty-bitties, but I have them in all sizes.  I even found a large dark brown one that I swear looks like chocolate when it is wet (which is most of the year around here.  Notice the raindrop on the heart on the left....it started pouring almost as soon as I snapped the shutter.)

Slowing it Down

Ah....nothing like spring rain/snowmelt run-off to liven up a little waterfall-let.  Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE slow water shots?? ;-)

Ice Wrinkles and Artistry

 It was cold enough this morning that there was a skiff of ice on the pond, so I bundled up and trundled out to catch it before the sun (YES!  SUN!) hit it.  I am always amazed at the variety of shapes and geometric designs that form.  There were some geometric lines today, but the majority of forms were reminiscent of ferns, or wings.  I imagine fairies hovering over the freezing water, drawing these delicate designs.

 This one (the formation on the right) has a combination of the feathery, ferny designs, and then an area of interlocked lines, almost looking like some Waterford glass.  Amazing!!

 Sigh....another gorgeous fern frond.....

 And who knew that Mother Nature graded her art work?????  I'd give these an A, too.



Out and About

It's sunny today!!!  These are from a couple of weeks ago, though.  It is so nice to have some dry and unclouded skies.

               I have this thing for puddle reflections.  They look like doorways into a secret world.
                                
 Couldn't pass this up.  Remember the kids' song---"One of These Things is Not Like the Other"?  That's all I could think of when I saw these two.  Do you think Farmer Jones knows that Gus and Gertie have flown the coop and are trying to fit in with the Wild Bunch?

Something New

I've never tried one of my photos on canvas before, but I got a Groupon for Canvas on Design, and ordered this 16x20 for $45, including shipping.  I am thrilled--it's not technically perfect, but I'm ok with that.  I look at this and I am back on Mt. Rainier at Paradise...

Frozen designs

In memoriam.  The rain is back.  The ice is gone.  It was nice while it lasted--2 mornings.

Ice, baby, ice.

Our clear, cloudless, rainless (hooray!) skies have given us some crisp cold nights--enough to freeze the pond in the backyard and to crisp up the puddles.  Have to take advantage of it while I can.  We don't get this very often.

 I love the patterns and geometric designs in the ice...soft, organic swoops contrasted with sharp angles.  Isn't nature incredible??

Oh! What a beautiful morning!!

Spring is on the way!!!

No denying these fuzzy little darlings.  I saw these yesterday when I was out-and-about, and I felt like doing a Mary Tyler Moore toss of the hat.  A definite herald of spring and better days ahead.