It is not a starry sky superimposed over an image of our woods.
It is not dust motes on the lens lit up by the flash.
It is just plain snow falling from the sky, in March, late March in central Virginia. At least it is not sticking.
Help me.
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Snowfall
It is not a starry sky superimposed over an image of our woods.
It is not dust motes on the lens lit up by the flash.
It is just plain snow falling from the sky, in March, late March in central Virginia. At least it is not sticking.
Help me.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Artist of the Week: Snow Guard
You would think with all the snow we have been getting that at least one snowman was made and you would be right. Max made at least two, one of which was in a hidden spot that I saw quite by accident. There may have been more, he likes to make small ones and hide them, a very Max thing to do.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Thus with his snowman building Max is the artist of the week.
The picture of Max was taken Thursday morning last week. I'm not sure what he is thinking of, probably what a huge amount of snow we got and how it hasn't stopped snowing. Regardless, it is a could shot showing his more contemplative side.
Meanwhile the snowman, or rather snow guard, has a far happier seeming pose. Max constructed him while clearing the driveway with Rebecca. Max constructed a wall surrounding his creation so that it appears to be guarding the entrance to the front walkway. It is not a large, at most it was two feet tall, which is again just like Max. He loves making small snowmen, usually 8 inches an under, thus making this a big one for Max. It is hard to see, but the snow guard has a stick by it's right "hand." This gives it the look of being on guard. I like it's cheerful expression. Sadly it is long gone, snow doesn't last very long around here, even if it is on guard.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Sweet Rewards
We got 4 1/2 inches of snow yesterday. Then it rained, sleeted, and lord knows what else during the night. As a result we woke up to a big sloppy mess that was "only" two inches and very heavy. I knew with the deep freeze predicted for tonight it would turn into a sheet of ice and the driveway would be a mess for quite some time. So I proposed to the kids, if you shovel the driveway I would bake a rat from them. Max and Rebecca lit up at the offer and were soon outside and shoveling away.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Big Snow!
I'm going to leave this here with just the facts.
Snow fall started at roughly 3:40 pm.
This picture was taken at about 10:40 pm.
It is now a mixed bag of snow and sleety stuff falling from the sky.
There is no school tomorrow and most likely none on Friday.
The kids are out of their minds.
The predicted high on Friday is 44.
Welcome to central Virginia.
Snow fall started at roughly 3:40 pm.
This picture was taken at about 10:40 pm.
It is now a mixed bag of snow and sleety stuff falling from the sky.
There is no school tomorrow and most likely none on Friday.
The kids are out of their minds.
The predicted high on Friday is 44.
Welcome to central Virginia.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Snow Day
Today was the second snow day of this week, coming after a whole week off from last week's snowstorm. Thankfully it looks like the kids will be all back in school with just a two delay in the morning.
I love the snow, I love sleeping in, I love my children, but it is all wearing thin. I ran away a bit today to go shopping at Costco and to see Meryl a bit. It will be good to get back into the old routine. Plus I think we are now out of the built in snow days in the school calendar. The school year may be stretched out a bit come June.
I love the snow, I love sleeping in, I love my children, but it is all wearing thin. I ran away a bit today to go shopping at Costco and to see Meryl a bit. It will be good to get back into the old routine. Plus I think we are now out of the built in snow days in the school calendar. The school year may be stretched out a bit come June.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Artist of the Week: Snow and Sky
I'm not sure who or what to credit this, except I was the one to notice it and take a picture.
We love our new skylights that were installed when we had the roof redone last year. The windows are so clear, it is almost as though there is nothing separating us from the elements. That said thety do an excellent job keeping out the weather and keeping in the heat.
This morning they were covered with a layer of snow. As the sun came up the snow slowly slumped down the windows. I looked up and saw this perfect wave of snow beautifully set off by the bright blue winter sky with a trace of clouds. The black is an artifact of the contrast of the brightly lit skylight and the ceiling.
I thought it was a stunning composition and I'm pleased with how well it turned out.
We love our new skylights that were installed when we had the roof redone last year. The windows are so clear, it is almost as though there is nothing separating us from the elements. That said thety do an excellent job keeping out the weather and keeping in the heat.
This morning they were covered with a layer of snow. As the sun came up the snow slowly slumped down the windows. I looked up and saw this perfect wave of snow beautifully set off by the bright blue winter sky with a trace of clouds. The black is an artifact of the contrast of the brightly lit skylight and the ceiling.
I thought it was a stunning composition and I'm pleased with how well it turned out.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Snowy Night
Last week, between MLK Day and four days of school canceled from snow, the kids had a three day weekend morph into a nine day snowcation. As you can see here Mother Nature is back to her tricks and we are getting a second dose of wintery weather, so of course no school. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Fortunately the roads were completely clear of all the compacted snow and ice from last week's weather. Hooray for 64 degree days in January. However the hammer dropped back down today and we were well below freezing for the high. I hope this week's snowcation isn't as long.
Fortunately the roads were completely clear of all the compacted snow and ice from last week's weather. Hooray for 64 degree days in January. However the hammer dropped back down today and we were well below freezing for the high. I hope this week's snowcation isn't as long.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Dachshund in the Snow
Amazingly we still have snow on the ground, a rare occurrence in these parts. At most the snow lingers for a day and a half. However the wintery weather with the temperature staying below freezing has allowed the snow to stay.
It isn't the nice fluffy two inches pictured here, but there is more snow visible than not. The brisk weather and snow has made at least two of my children say it is almost like Vermont. This cold weather will last for a few more days and by the end of next week it will be much , much warmer.
So us crazy northern types will enjoy winter while it lasts.
It isn't the nice fluffy two inches pictured here, but there is more snow visible than not. The brisk weather and snow has made at least two of my children say it is almost like Vermont. This cold weather will last for a few more days and by the end of next week it will be much , much warmer.
So us crazy northern types will enjoy winter while it lasts.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Snow!
After numerous fits and starts, the much promised snow made its appearance. The schools had been shut down in anticipation of its mid-day arrival, so of course nothing really happened until about 4 pm. We could have easily snuck in at least a half day of school. Anyhoodle, we had a lovely day home.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
First Snow
And first walk of the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Winter is Coming
Today we got our first snowfall of the season. It didn't stick and it didn't last for very long, but we did get a sustained snow flurry for about an hour.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
It' Beginning to Look a lot like Pesach
Title shamelessly stolen from Meryl Yourish.
Yes, that is a ruler in the snow and it really is measuring out 3 inches. I knew we were going to get some sort of big weather today, but this is far beyond what I expected.
This morning was my turn to drive the car pool to Sunday school. As I waited outside with the other parents for our children to be released the weather was the hot topic of conversation. There was a cold biting wind that smelled of snow, and my elbow had been bothering me this morning. 30 years ago I broke it, just knocked the end off the ulna and there is, literally, a three inch wood screw in there. When big storm systems are moving into the area I get twinges of pain in my elbow.
So anyhoodle I knew we were in for it.
The rain and sleet started around noon and the weather steadily worsened as the temperature dropped. By midafternoon it had switched to snow and was falling heavily. At around 5:30 pm this was the view of our front yard. This is the biggest snow fall we have gotten this year and of course school was declared closed for Monday around 7.
So yay! We get to reveal in our last bits of bread before Passover comes tomorrow night. I foresee a big pot of pasta for lunch.
Yes, that is a ruler in the snow and it really is measuring out 3 inches. I knew we were going to get some sort of big weather today, but this is far beyond what I expected.
This morning was my turn to drive the car pool to Sunday school. As I waited outside with the other parents for our children to be released the weather was the hot topic of conversation. There was a cold biting wind that smelled of snow, and my elbow had been bothering me this morning. 30 years ago I broke it, just knocked the end off the ulna and there is, literally, a three inch wood screw in there. When big storm systems are moving into the area I get twinges of pain in my elbow.
So anyhoodle I knew we were in for it.
The rain and sleet started around noon and the weather steadily worsened as the temperature dropped. By midafternoon it had switched to snow and was falling heavily. At around 5:30 pm this was the view of our front yard. This is the biggest snow fall we have gotten this year and of course school was declared closed for Monday around 7.
So yay! We get to reveal in our last bits of bread before Passover comes tomorrow night. I foresee a big pot of pasta for lunch.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Shoot Me: Breaking Rules
I'm not much on the whole rules of photography. Some like, like the rule thirds and providing a line for the eye to follow result in stronger compositions. Others, like not shooting into the sun, are broken all the time.
I picked this one, which was actually a mistake, because I loved the result. It was windy while I was trying to take pictures of the snowy flowers and I was having quite a time battling with auto-focus on my little point and shoot. Instead of a pretty flower filled with snowflakes I got a rather dramatic abstract of a flower framed by beautiful bare branches.
I think my original idea was good, but I think this so-called mistake is better. I guess I'm breaking some rule on focus and the priority of various elements of the picture, but some times it pays to be different.
I picked this one, which was actually a mistake, because I loved the result. It was windy while I was trying to take pictures of the snowy flowers and I was having quite a time battling with auto-focus on my little point and shoot. Instead of a pretty flower filled with snowflakes I got a rather dramatic abstract of a flower framed by beautiful bare branches.
I think my original idea was good, but I think this so-called mistake is better. I guess I'm breaking some rule on focus and the priority of various elements of the picture, but some times it pays to be different.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Spring Snow
We got a bit of a surprise this morning. The day started with a leaden sky, very cold, with a damp wind. At around a quarter to eight it started to snow.
I didn't believe it at first, but soon the flakes were falling fast and thick. A light dusting of snow covered the yard. An hour later it was time to go to the bus stop and by then the snow had tapered off. I made sure I had my camera for the morning walk because I knew the snow would not last.
The dogs were put off by the cold and wet, so the walk was very short. I had no complaints as this gave me more time to take pictures before it was all gone. In fact a couple of hours later and all the snow was gone.
If you click on the picture you can see the whole set of pictures I took.
I didn't believe it at first, but soon the flakes were falling fast and thick. A light dusting of snow covered the yard. An hour later it was time to go to the bus stop and by then the snow had tapered off. I made sure I had my camera for the morning walk because I knew the snow would not last.
The dogs were put off by the cold and wet, so the walk was very short. I had no complaints as this gave me more time to take pictures before it was all gone. In fact a couple of hours later and all the snow was gone.
If you click on the picture you can see the whole set of pictures I took.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
One More Picture
This is my last picture from our little weather incident last Wednesday.
I love taking pictures of flowers in the snow. There is something wonderful of the bright splash of color in the stark white. The poor little daffodil is bowed under the weight of the snow piled on top.
The next day the snow was gone and the daffodils were no worse for wear.
I love taking pictures of flowers in the snow. There is something wonderful of the bright splash of color in the stark white. The poor little daffodil is bowed under the weight of the snow piled on top.
The next day the snow was gone and the daffodils were no worse for wear.
Friday, March 08, 2013
Colorful
At one point during the big not so snowy snow storm I went outside to shovel and take pictures.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Winter in Dribs and Drabs
It snowed again here and for once nothing got cancelled. Of course it being a holiday weekend not much was going on in the first place. In the end it was just a trace amount since it was a bit too warm in the beginning for anything to stick, by mid day it was all gone.
Nate said this was an ugly picture, everything looks dead. I see his point, it is an ugly time of year. Everything is dried out and battered, it's hard to believe that spring really is just around the corner. That's a big thing I miss about proper winters. At least there is solid snow coverage for a few months, thus hiding all the dead annuals.
Nate said this was an ugly picture, everything looks dead. I see his point, it is an ugly time of year. Everything is dried out and battered, it's hard to believe that spring really is just around the corner. That's a big thing I miss about proper winters. At least there is solid snow coverage for a few months, thus hiding all the dead annuals.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Meet Mr Shoesly
This is Mr. Shoesly (pronounced shoes-lee) and he is currently living in our freezer.
Max made him about a week ago from our last snow storm. Since it was well known that warmer weather was on it's way, we're talking mid 70s, Max asked if Mr. Shoesly could live in the freezer. Obviously the answer was yes and he has been there ever since.
He doesn't take up much room and doesn't leave any sort of mess now that he is rock hard from freezing solid. I'm not sure how long we will have him, but as long as we have room, he is welcome to stay.
Max made him about a week ago from our last snow storm. Since it was well known that warmer weather was on it's way, we're talking mid 70s, Max asked if Mr. Shoesly could live in the freezer. Obviously the answer was yes and he has been there ever since.
He doesn't take up much room and doesn't leave any sort of mess now that he is rock hard from freezing solid. I'm not sure how long we will have him, but as long as we have room, he is welcome to stay.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Snow Again!
So more snow today with the added bonus of a surprise two hour early dismissal from school. The school system was so concerned that parents needed to be contacted that they called every contact number listed in the students' files. As a result my mother in law in Connecticut and Meryl got called along with our home phone and my cell.
Wow.
Turns out it was a good call because the roads were vile right around when the elementary kids would be going home on a normal day.
Wow.
Turns out it was a good call because the roads were vile right around when the elementary kids would be going home on a normal day.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Of Snowmen and Castles
Two and a half inches was all we got, but that was enough to make a snowman. It was very wet and heavy snow, perfect for making snowballs and snowmen.
Rebecca was up and out early to enjoy the snow. She has learned that the snow never lasts and this no snow was no different. By the end of the day most of the snow was gone and her snowman collapsed. Mind you having to male dogs did not help the snowman one whit.
Max made much smaller snowmen that he had hidden under the bushes. He figured they might last longer if he kept them out of the sun, he even went as far as to a make a wall around them. I'll have to take a look tomorrow to see how well that idea works.
Meanwhile I discovered the neatest feature on my camera. My beloved Finepix bit the dust when I dropped it with the lens out. I ended up finding a cheap replacement on Amazon with the pre-Christmas sales.It's a A1300HD. The camera isn't nearly as sophisticated as my old one and I have been a little bit disappointed as I learn its limitations, but it is a good point and shoot plus it does a miniature effect ie tilt shift.
I have been enamored of the tilt shift technique and I am so very happy that I can do it. I think it is one of the most fun photographic manipulations out there. I think the castle truly looks like a miniature scale model. I'll try not to overload on this gimmick, but don't hold me to this. It is just plain fun and it makes me smile.
Rebecca was up and out early to enjoy the snow. She has learned that the snow never lasts and this no snow was no different. By the end of the day most of the snow was gone and her snowman collapsed. Mind you having to male dogs did not help the snowman one whit.
Max made much smaller snowmen that he had hidden under the bushes. He figured they might last longer if he kept them out of the sun, he even went as far as to a make a wall around them. I'll have to take a look tomorrow to see how well that idea works.
Meanwhile I discovered the neatest feature on my camera. My beloved Finepix bit the dust when I dropped it with the lens out. I ended up finding a cheap replacement on Amazon with the pre-Christmas sales.It's a A1300HD. The camera isn't nearly as sophisticated as my old one and I have been a little bit disappointed as I learn its limitations, but it is a good point and shoot plus it does a miniature effect ie tilt shift.
I have been enamored of the tilt shift technique and I am so very happy that I can do it. I think it is one of the most fun photographic manipulations out there. I think the castle truly looks like a miniature scale model. I'll try not to overload on this gimmick, but don't hold me to this. It is just plain fun and it makes me smile.
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