Ice

Ithaca Falls at this time of year is spectacular with ice flows and icicles.

Its always a joy to see this... glowing in morning light, reflecting all sorts of hues.
Standing underneath the icicles was impressive...they must have been twenty feet high!
Nicholas

Glorious Light...

Now as the days are lengthening it is fitting to celebrate the glorious sunset we had a few days ago...
The views as always from our patio are fabulous: Hammond Hill to the South and huge skies overhead...

Today, though, the snow has returned... breezing in on the back of an Alberta Clipper come down from the North.
Nicholas

Fierce Light

The New Year has got off to a fierce start with raging winds coming in on an Alberta Clipper.
The light the evening before was spectacular as if it was some sort of compensation for the gales to come.

Now, temperatures have dropped by about 30 degrees and snow flurries are expected.
The field behind our house has become a sea of brown stubs over which the red tailed hawk and harrier fly, swooping down on unsuspecting mice and voles. It is a perfect habitat for them all.
Nicholas

The Turn of the Year

Now, as the end beckons, it is the greyest time of the year.
But there is still a stark beauty in the forms of trees, hills and fields that we can see from the house.
The Red Tailed Hawk is busy... swooping over the big field every day and we can easily see the flash of its white and red as it flies.
Sometimes it seems as if the greens of spring will never return, but we know the earth lies dormant, simply waiting.
Nicholas

Ice and Snow...

The other morning, before the big snow dump came, we walked in the field behind the house and were met with some spectacular ice crystals tucked away in small depressions amongst the grasses...

Today, though, the field is foot deep in snow, which makes walking difficult.
We hope to try out snow shoes sometime.
Mourning doves sit huddled in the cherry tree at the back of the house, puffed up against the cold and our resident crows sit perched at the tip of the tree, scanning the horizon like sentries.
Nicholas

Christmas Season

The snow has all melted now, but two days ago Judy pointed out a light dusting of pink light on the snow beneath the Crab Apple tree just as the sun rose. It made a beautiful sight for a moment or two...

Now, our Christmas tree is decked out and looks fantastic...

It seems amazing that a year has passed so quickly, but here we are poised on the threshold of 2015 already.
Nicholas

Thanksgiving and Snow

We've had about six inches of snow the last few days, but yesterday evening, a glorious golden light spread about it all, highlighting the bird seat that was overloaded with snow, rather than seed.

And the garden chairs...

Misty of course loves it all and begs to be let out into the white.
We so grateful at this time for all of our family and friends here in the US and those in the UK...
Another Arctic blast is promised next week.
Nicholas