Freezing Rain

Snow, then ice pellets then rain - the city is a mess of slush and puddles. The trees wear an icy coating.



Fortunately there is little wind. The heavily laden branches can be snapped by the push of the wind.



While it looks quite beautiful, it makes for treacherous conditions. More rain tomorrow followed by freezing temperatures. The city will be a giant skating rink.

After the Storm

Yesterday's snow, freezing rain and rain left their mark on the city. Branches coated in ice sparkled in the sunshine. A thick slippery crust lay on top of the snow.



While it may not be  healthy for the bushes, the effect was quite magical as each bush and tree shimmered.



While this area looks pristine, it is quite different at street corners, where frigid water collects making crossing streets an adventure. One has to carefully plot the route around these ponds, through the slush. And woe betide the pedestrians who get splashed by the motorists who seem to aim for the slush sending up a wake of dirty icy spray.

Encased in Ice

Encased in Ice, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I woke to see the world encased with ice. The snow had a crusty layer which cracked as I walked on it, breaking through. Cars had a layer of icy glass over them. Everything crunched.

Cat and Mouse

Cat and Mouse, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Looking up at the bright blue sky - its colour seems more intense in winter. When the temperature plummets, the sun seems brighter. Cold air can't hold moisture. Bundled up, I enjoyed the cold air. You can dress against cold, but can never undress enough in the heat.

Walking was treacherous as our yoyo weather has left ice everywhere under foot. The side streets aren't so bad, but the icy sidewalks on the main thoroughfares are polished from the many passing feet. I envy the young feet that seemed to skip along as I carefully placed each foot.

Icy Branches

Icy Branches, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Treacherous weather leads to beauty when the sun shines on the icy branches. The frozen rain that coats the branches, now drips down belatedly. Winter does not seem to want to take hold this year.

Drip drip drip FREEZE

Drip drip drip FREEZE, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Driving home, I was astonished to see that someone had added colour to the ice that forms on the large rocks that meet Cedar Avenue. I had to stop and get a better look. There was quite a variety of colours. The icicles spread the hues as they lengthened.

Someone certainly had fun with buckets of paint. The "sculpture" must change as the thawing and freezing continues. The colour drips, one into another, creating new hues.

Further up the hill, the ice was untouched by this riot of colour. Stately beauty, brushed by new fallen snow. This ever-changing landscape fashioned just by water.

Winter Takes Hold

Winter Takes Hold, originally uploaded by susanvg.

A cold damp wind blew off the river. The current is strong here. Ice forms and breaks, carried off down the river faster than I was walking. There is something bracing about walking in the cold, bundled up in boots, jacket, hat, scarf and warm gloves. You can dress against the cold, but not against heat. And the joy of coming in to a warm place and sharing a cup of tea with a friend feels all the better after a walk.

Slowly now, the days will get longer, giving more daylight time to enjoy the crisp winter days.

July 17/10: Dog Days of Summer

July 17/10: Dog Days of Summer, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The heat continues, punctuated by some heavy showers. Today, again we have a severe thunderstorm watch in the weather forecast. The hot sun is obscured by clouds now and rumbles can be heard. If you want to know about the expression "the dog days of summer" click here.

This morning we had brunch at a restaurant and tried to stay cool indoors with no air conditioning. The coffee did not help cool me down. This dog was on the outdoor terrace (photo through the window), happily munching on ice from a bowl.

I am not a fan of the heat, especially with the high humidity. Maybe munching on ice is the answer - or at least on ice cream.

In the space of writing this - the rains started, pelting on the roof. It will soon pass, hopefully leaving cooler temperatures behind it.

June 9/10: Refreshing

June 9/10: Refreshing, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I need to learn to pamper myself - in small ways. Today's daily shoot, (Place or find a subject floating on water today---boats, leaves, ice cubes, etc.---and make a photo! ) reminded me that a cool drink at the end of the day can be relaxing. This one happens to be non-alcoholic - St. Pellagrino with a touch of orange juice, but it hit the spot after a long day. Maybe later I'll take a bath with a bath bomb (no photos of that). Sometimes we (especially women) spend so much time taking care of others we forget to nurture ourselves. Little things can make a big difference.

Jan 23/10: Melting

Jan 23/10: Melting, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Mild winter. The sun is slowly melting what little snow we have leaving crystalline shapes etched in the snow. Drop upon drop funnels into mini icicles creating ice sculptures.

The only thing predictable this winter is its unpredictablity.

Day 57: Winter

Day 57: Winter, originally uploaded by susanvg.

One of Montreal's features is the mountain in the centre of the city. Many would dispute its qualification as a mountain (height 211 m or 692 ft), but it does contribute to Montreal's skyline. It has three peaks, the main one sporting a newly refurbished cross, reminiscent of the cross planted by Jacques Cartier in the 1500s. The top of the mountain is green space. This photograph was taken on the edge of the park - an outcrop of rock that meets city streets. Melting snow trickles down leaving icy fingers that grip the rocks. The mountain is a refuge for both animals and people - a place to get away from the city in the centre of the city.