A snowy roadside barn

It's been months since I've felt like blogging, but a letter I recently received from a reader spurned me on to post some wintertime images as well as work up a new header. 

Thank you, Marianne.

As everyone knows the winter has certainly been long and cold. On the bright side it has produced some beautiful snow storms. And plenty of them! This barn and fence sit right along side the road where there is very little space to pull over. So glad I made the effort.

Snow tends to only enhance old fences and barns. Bringing out the charm that can only be found in New England.

Looking over the fence when all I really wanted to do was go right through the gate and into their backyard. I would never be that bold.

I don't think hydrangeas ever really go out of season, do you?

Only 12 days until we turn the clocks forward. March 9th will hopeful be a bit warmer than 20-something degrees. I'm SO done with cold weather! 

Are you seeing any signs of Spring at your house?

Snow day in Kittery, Maine

I know, I never post twice in one day but I really wanted to show you a few shots I took on my way home from Kittery, Maine yesterday afternoon. The snow had just begun to fall so I wrapped a small towel around my camera and tried to capture a few pretty images. Shooting in the elements is definitely not ideal though.

Although it looks like fog what you are seeing in the distance is actually snow

Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse

Just look at this view and you know it's New England. Off to the left you can just make out the Wood Island Lifesaving station.

History is everywhere you look along the coast of Kittery

Isn't this little post office the best? Ahh, the good old days.

As much as I'd hoped to get out in the big snow we had today, it just didn't happen. The roads were bad and I was feeling lazy. Besides, feeling the Bluebirds, Cardinals, etc. was a full time job!

Snow, birds, and bit of drama

Yesterday afternoon the snow began to fall. Something we haven't seen much of this winter, and I'd kind of hoped we wouldn't see again! But, it's New England and there's no telling what's next.

Although it doesn't really look big enough, this is actually a Hairy Woodpecker. Photographing them can be tricky since they are much more timid than the Downy Woodpeckers.  Such a pretty lady she is.

Gotta love the Bluebirds! They've been eating up the Zick Dough for a the past month. Lately they've also been fighting like cats and dogs but once the snow arrived, so did harmony.

As for the drama portion of this post ... Tuesday my husband and daughter, Elise, went skiing. While on a black diamond my husband stopped to see where my daughter was. Turns out she was right behind him going almost 40 mph (we know this from the Ski Tracks app my daughter has on her phone). All my husband remembers after that is seeing pink before my daughter hit him full force, causing her to go flying through the air and land on her head (with a helmet) and shoulders we believe. Instantly my husband ran to her and took her down to see the medics who determined she was okay, but they still rested for a bit in the lodge and had something to eat before continuing to ski for a few more hours. Ya, I know : /

By Tuesday night Elise felt sick to her stomach and had a terrible headache but no vomiting or other concussion symptoms. Finally she ate a little yogurt and some toast and which calmed her stomach but yesterday morning when she awoke her neck was really hurting ... bad. Unfortunately I had to go to work so I called the doctor from my cell and they said go straight to the ER. Since I wasn't home my husband took her where they x-rayed Elise's neck only to have it come back with what appeared to be a line through the 3rd vertebrae. The doctor assumed it was a shadow from the trachea but he couldn't be certain so a CT Scan was ordered. Long story short (and maybe it's a bit late for that) Elise is okay. Nothing is broken but she has to wear a neck brace as there is plenty of swelling, soreness, and stiffness. Needless to say my husband is quite sore too. All will be well in the next few days though. Phew!

And if that wasn't enough, in the midst of the ER drama my older daughter texted me and said her boyfriend messed with her fish tank and killed all her fish. And she doesn't buy cheap fish! *sigh*

Despite everything going on in the teenage world the Bluebirds seem quite content to have a little something to eat on a cold day. As was I when we went out for dinner at Petey's last night ; )

Memories of winter in black and white

It's a winter wonderland outside. Granted the snow isn't deep but there's just enough to give the landscape a magical black and white appearance.

Today my husband and I will be going back over to my parents house to help them with their new computer. After many years of trying to get them online they finally broke down and decided to go high tech. LOL! It's a bit of a challenge but I know they'll get the hang of it. I always forget how much work it is just to set the computer and homepage up, trying to customize everything, give them some bookmarks and an email address. Baby steps is what it is, just like it was for all of us.


Wishing you a fabulous Sunday! As my husband would say, "Go Patriots!"

Welcome to a new year

2012!

Here we are beginning anew and I'm so thankful to enjoy a gorgeous day this January 1st!

As a big leap forward (for me anyway) I decided to start a RedBubble account to offer some of my images to anyone who's interested. So far I have a whopping 3 photos for sale! LOL! There will be more, I promise. Believe it or not I'm already thinking about switching over to Society6. A few ladies I know are there, and seem to really like it, so I signed up to give it a shot.

I used to love photographing this old Apple tree. You can see my most recent photo here. I have several other images of the tree as well but at the moment can't find them. Never forget, organization is key, especially in photography : /

Recently while speaking with the son of the owner of this farm I mentioned how much I love this tree and I hope they didn't cut it down! Please don't cut it down! He said, 'Well, if it starts to die and make a mess it will probably go.' Phew! The tree was still alive and kicking' so it should be safe.

Wouldn't you know less than a week later it lay there on the ground in a heap. I felt such anger inside. It wasn't obstructing anything, and sat on the middle of a hill with a gorgeous sunset behind it almost every night. On the plus side I'm glad I photographed it multiple times. At least I have that.

Last but by far from least, I'd like to remember a couple bloggers we lost in 2011. If there's one thing I love about blogging it's the wonderful network of women we meet along the way. Women who have helped me out with my photography, become my internet friends, or given me inspiration. And there are some who just captivate you with the whole package. Char from Ramblins, and Sarah from the blog Spruce Hill were two such women. Losing the two of them was both shocking and sad. Both ladies remain in my thoughts and heart. I hope they know how much they are missed.

And how was your New Year? 

No joke!

If you follow any other New England blogs then you know we had a snow storm yesterday. A pretty good one too! About 6" of wet, sticky snow.

It's funny how the Bluebirds only show up when they are really hungry, and I knew yesterday morning they would be here like clockwork. Sure enough . . .

At this point it had started to rain and sleet. Then back to snow, and finally rain in the end.

They appear a bit flummoxed about the situation, like they were hoping for meal worms at the very least!

There were so many birds coming in to eat, including a Song Sparrow. What a delight to listen to him sing! He was here first thing this morning, but the Bluebirds have disappeared once again.

A small, local pond and shed I've photographed in the past

And swimming in that pond, as fast as they could to get away from me, a pair of Hooded Mergansers. Something you don't see every day!

Sorry about the obscene post on April 2nd ; )

This and That

Oh my goodness, I did NOT expect the response I had to my most recent post! Thank you all so much! I have resolved not to put so much pressure on myself or my photography. Just try to enjoy blogging and work around life's daily issues.

So nice that you all enjoyed the little Sugar Shack. I never mentioned where it's located and I know someone asked. It's in Stratham, NH. Sugaring is coming to and end though as we are nearing the end of March.

A couple weeks or so ago I brought in some Forsythia branches to force. At first I wasn't sure they would bloom but low and behold they look gorgeous. The Double Flowering Cherry branches I cut haven't been nearly as cooperative. They still look like sticks.

On Sunday the girls and I went over to my parents to see the stray cat they just took in. Lucy is absolutely adorable but unfortunately she's pregnant. They've been feeding her for a year and have never been able to get close, but finally she relented and came in their house. Not a moment to soon either seeing as how she's due in 3 weeks. Sweetest thing ever. Luckily she is finally getting the vet care she needs, along with a warm place to sleep at night. I swear I don't know how she made it through the winter.

While we were there I walked down through the back field just to get out. This picture was taken from about half way down to the woods. If I walked far enough I could go to the local reservoir but it was to muddy.

In the vegetable garden is a huge Curly Willow. My mom took a small piece from an arrangement delivered to their house years ago when my uncle died. That cutting took off, big time!

The rhubarb is coming up! I can hardly wait for strawberry-rhubarb pie!

Sunday into Monday we had an inch or so of snow. The next morning it was melting fast with water dripping off all the trees and bushes.

If we had just one decently warm day I'm sure this Daffodil would bloom! Instead we're expecting a bit more snow tonight with cold temps in the 30's tomorrow. Where are you Spring???

I missed shooting the supermoon this past week-end but I caught a bit of it Monday morning.

Just a little this and that of my life in the past few days.

Today my husband and I went to Portland, Maine. First we visited the Apple store (it was a rather intoxicating and I wanted one of everything!), lunch at Panera (always a good meal), next up, Whole Foods (pricey but we liked the variety), and finally Trader Joe's (great prices). It was a good day and it gave us a chance to feel like 'us' instead of parents. That doesn't happen to often it seems.

I hope you had a good Wednesday. It will be Friday before you know it!

Hydrangea bliss

I've had so much fun photographing Hydrangea's this winter!

All the colors, the magical backgrounds, the different kinds and sizes of flowers ... who knew they could be such a delight!

The flowers look particularly lovely with a bit of a snow cap. Just enough to frost the ever fragile petals.

Now the flowers are starting to fall off the stems and roll around like tumbleweed. Out with the old, in with the new! Kind of like my blog.

Lately, as I've been looking around at other blogs, there was one thing that struck me: white, just white. No distracting backgrounds or busy headers. One blog that really caught my eye was Garden by the Sea, and if you haven't stopped by, you really should. Though I usually try to do my own thing when redesigning my template, I love Lupen's simple style so much that I decided to try my own variation of her design.

Maybe it's Spring, maybe it's age, I don't know, but lately I feel the need to de-clutter when ever I can. It probably won't last, but for now I hope you enjoy the new look. One thing I do miss is seeing all my favorite blogs on the side bar, but, I hope visitors will still go see them from the Blogs icon.

Winters hanging on here in the Northeast

This past week-end we had another snow storm. It was a perfect day to go out and do a little shooting. Actually I did quite a bit! The snow was a bit sticky which is excellent for winter photos.

Winter is still trying to hold on, but spring is right on it's heels.

I'm hoping to go to a sugar shack this spring and smell the sap cooking. It's true nostalgia, reminding me of when I was a kid and my mom would put real maple syrup on toast for me. Or ice cream. Yum....

Oh yeah, saps a runnin' baby. Has spring sprung where you are?

Small town winters day

A wonderful old red barn I photographed last week.

I had to stand on the edge of snowbank right next to the road and hope no one hit me. Looking closely you can see the road at the end of their driveway running past the front of the house. One of the biggest challenges of shooting in the winter in New England on a country road is having no place to park or stand without risking life and limb.

Slowly our snow seems to be dwindling. There's still plenty to be had as most spots are over a foot deep, but there is bare ground to be found here and there. They're talking about heavy rain on Monday which will help bring the snow pack down even further, but it's not good for basements, rivers, and streams. Or skiing, of which my younger daughter is planning on doing with friends both Monday and Tuesday.

These photos were taken in East Kingston, NH. I'm not sure what this building used to be but currently it's a book store. In the distance is the United Methodist Church.

How I adore small towns that still retain history and charm. Who knows what type of future they face but for now I feel lucky to be able to travel through them.

As always thank you for stopping by. It still thrills me that so many of you enjoy seeing the world through my lens!

A snowy winters day

How lovely that so many of you enjoyed the photos of Phin! I really didn't expect his handsome self to be so well received. Yes Kristine, I will try to post some images of Winston sometime soon. Maybe I should just bring him over for you to see up close and personal! Ha!

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I hope you all enjoy these images I shot during one of our many recent snow storms.

If you've ever been to New England then you've seen the endless granite stone walls lining fields and property lines, running along the sides of roads. I always wonder how land owners had time to build so many miles of them. It had to be a huge undertaking. Photographers, tourists, and locals everywhere are just so glad they did.

A lovely lady and a lucky shot through the railings on my back deck

So many times I've stopped at the gate to see the Buffalo at a local farm. Everytime I come up empty handed or with a photo of a dot on the horizon. For once they were actually within viewing distance but difficult to see through the heavy snow. On the left is a single Buffalo, on the right are several of them standing just behind the hill.

The one on the left kind of looks like Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street.

Skating on Mill Pond, and a birds nest

I felt so bad for the Gulls. Weather like this is stressful on the wildlife.

I love it when the snow falls. The air feels fresh, crisp, and easier to breathe. It makes everything look pure and beautiful, especially the old, dirty snow. At this point we don't have any storms in our future and I'm a-ok with that. With a 1-1/2 to 2 feet of snow on the ground I do believe we are all set for a while!