Paintings on my Window

I woke up to paintings on the window. The cold night air drew fantastic ferns, or are they dancing fairies?



Or flowers bursting forth?
I need to stop and marvel at their intricacy as soon the sun will erase them. Their beauty is more precious for their ephemeral visit.



Moments later they are gone.

Frost

Frost, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photo: December 14, 2013
We have been in a deep freeze with temperatures hovering around -18C. I dress in layers and venture out into the cold. I marvel at the young (and the not so young) who choose fashion over comfort - no hats, skirts and tights. I long ago abandoned that way of thinking. And along with that I enjoy my winter walk.

Frost

 Photo: January 3, 2013

Stalks of grain grow out of the frosty hill on my window. Jack Frost's paint brush has been busy during the night. This painting was caught for others to see. How frustrated Jack must get seeing his work erased by the sun's rays. He will have to come back again to show off more of his handiwork.

Autumn Walk

I have been somewhat absent from this blog for a few weeks - busy with boxes as I have moved. This was a big step, leaving my home and going into a condo. It's a beautiful place (I'll post pictures of the view, soon), but it has been a lot of work with packing and unpacking. And so many decisions!

It was good to finally find some time to walk and enjoy a beautiful autumn day. The air was crisp and refreshing, the kind of weather that gives you energy. I walked at Summit Park. I love the sound our footsteps make as they crunch on the dry leaves.



It was interesting to see the different micro-climates. On the north side of the hill there was frost and frozen puddles - a foot in winter to come. While on the south side there was no hint of colder weather.

I find there is such beauty in the decay of autumn. The frost just added decoration.



Tranquility in nature - it was much easier to get back to unpacking after this walk.

Frosty Patterns

Frosty Patterns, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Frost paintings hide the view as arctic temperatures embrace the city. While outdoors, the wind strokes faces with its icy fingers, indoors all is warm. A cup of tea, good company and time to relax.

My sunny amaryllis, newly opened, chases away thoughts of the cold.

Early Morning Frost

Early Morning Frost, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I woke up to a world painted white. Frost covered the trees; lacy branches tangled like a tatted doily. It was hard to keep my eyes on my work as the sun started to play on the snow. Despite the cold, I threw open the windows to snap photos, always looking for the quintessential shot of winter. Sun, breezes repainted the landscape; by afternoon the frost and snow disappeared from the branches. But winter has taken hold and the ground stays covered. This afternoon's solstice heralds the official start of winter but here we greeted the wintry weather weeks ago.

Enjoying the Sun

Enjoying the Sun, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Despite morning frost, the daytime temperature has been a little above normal with magnificent sunshine and bright blue skies. We know what is coming so people take advantage of whatever warmth the sun provides. It's wonderful walking weather as the cool air is energizing. I'm not sure I would sit still for long periods outside, but this man was busy catching the rays while doing paperwork.

Frost has appeared on several mornings but these hardy mums still brighten the scene.

Day 352: Frosty Ferns

Day 352: Frosty Ferns, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A cold snap. Once more my window is painted with feathery ferns. Nature, the artist, delights with her ephemeral creations. The crisp air outside holds little moisture. The snow squeaks as I walk. Icy weather brings bright blue skies drawn on by the chimneys' smoky breath.

Day 15: Frost

IMG_2505, originally uploaded by susanvg.

We are in the midst of a period of intense cold - but there is beauty in every kind of weather. The window was painted with frost this morning. The fern-like patterns are always so beautiful - a winter garden on glass.