Winter Takes Hold

Winter faltered in December, bringing warmer weather and rain. It has now taken hold again, with snow, and, now, frigid weather.



Some days bring glorious blue skies and a crispness to the air. The crunch of feet on snow is both a physical sensation and a sound. The cold, while bracing, is also energizing.

We know how to dress so we stay warm - at least until the temperature drops too low!

Benches sit unused. One has to keep moving - though I do stop to admire and take a few photos. Exposed hands on the phone or camera, feel the bite in the air. Mittens are quickly donned to warm up the fingers.



Today, at -23C (-9F) with a windchill of -34C (-28F) I have opted to stay in for a while, though I will venture forth for a short walk, dressing in a few layers to preserve the warmth and keeping as little skin as possible exposed - a crack for the eyes. From indoors, I watch the mist rise from the river as I sip my coffee.

Winter Came Early

Winter showed up early this year. Snow has brightened up the dreary November days. It may not be here to stay but it has lingered.

Photo: November 16, 2018

There is always a feeling of magic with the first real snowfall. The world seems redecorated.


Photo: November 20, 2018

The magical feeling was echoed by what used to be part of the Ogilvy's windows; now it is in front of the McCord Museum. These (and many more) playful characters move as they go about their "work" - this is part of the Mill in the Forest. Another window can be seen inside the museum. Learn more

Photo: November 21, 2018

I like the quiet of a fresh snowfall. The same amount of rain makes me want to seek cover while the falling snow makes me smile. Cold weather, when I'm well-dressed, gives me energy.


Photo: November 24, 2018

While it may look much warmer, the temperature still hovered around 0C (32F). The squirrels were enjoying the ornamental crab apples. It was a perfect day for feasting.

Much of the snow melted yesterday after freezing rain and rain, but more is forecast for tonight. The city will once again look clean and white.

New Fallen Snow

There is nothing quite like walking on a winter evening with a gentle snow falling.
Lamplight makes everything sparkle.
The snow dampens sound.
Everything is pristine.

Winter Has Arrived

It's here. After a small snowfall on Sunday, yesterday brought over 18 cm of snow (about 7"). As it was cold, it was light snow, not the heavy wet snow that falls when the temperature hovers nearer to 0°C (32 F). I quite enjoyed walking through white - so much brighter than the greyness that permeates cloudy days before the snow arrives.



While this "dog" sits motionless letting the snow accumulate on its shaggy fur, its living friends were cavorting in the dog park -  rolling in the snow, chasing each other, enjoying the novelty of the first real snowfall of the season.

Snow is silent - it falls without sound, unlike rain or sleet and it muffles the city sounds.

I did not stop to sit. I would not want to spoil the sculpted seats that nature had created. Snow brings its own kind of beauty.

Stillness

There is a stillness that happens when snow falls. Sound is muffled. I found myself driving slowly to take in the beauty. I wished I could stop more as each tree seemed to be more photogenic than the last, but there was nowhere to pull over.

All has turned to shades of grey - a monotone palette. So many grey days in a row.

For now the grime of a city is covered up with the clean new-fallen snow. The trees seem to embrace their winter whites.

Fresh Fallen Snow

Photos: December 12, 2016

Winter has really taken hold. Fresh snow has fallen brightening everything up. Even on a dull day, the snow adds delight. Branches are outlined; evergreens look like they have been dabbed with frosting.



Sounds are muffled (though it does not feel like it during the night when the snow plows pass). There is a sense of peace and wonder.

First Snow

Photos: November 23, 2016

Our first snow fell, decorating the landscape with its pristine white. For at least a day the city looks cleaner before the cars churn up slush and splash it around.

Everyone hunts for snow wear and car brushes, stored carefully away last spring.



Trees take on a whole new look as each branch is outlined in white.



This first fall will no doubt melt.



The market is ready for Christmas. Trees, wreaths, decorations have moved in. The snow tries to convince everyone that holiday time is near, but it is not even December!

Winter Morning in April

Photos: April 11, 2016

It's that time of year when we seem to have several seasons in one day. The morning was winter with everything covered with snow. By the time I took this photograph around 9:15 rain was falling. By mid-day the snow had virtually disappeared.



These bird apartments encourage purple martins to set up house. They help keep the bug population down. This area is next to the St. Lawrence River and is a favourite spot for shad flies.

Spring is coming - it is just taking its time to really settle in.

And Winter Returns

Photo: March 24, 2016

March is a fickle month, flirting with both winter and spring. Yesterday the weather seemed to change each hour with snow followed by ice pellets followed by freezing rain, all stirred up with a good dose of wind. But spring is winning out. I've peeked ahead at the weather forecasts.

A Day of Light Snow

A gentle snow fell most of the day yesterday transforming the landscape. While the local winter carnival could not take place the way it was planned (no outdoor skating rinks), the day was salvaged by the once-again winter atmosphere.



The "sleigh" had wheels and had to stick to a paved path, but youngsters loved the idea anyway. I'm not sure about the horse - that was quite a load to pull!



New snow muffles sounds bringing a sense of tranquility.



Each branch, each long dead flower, each ornamental grass was decorated with pristine white. New delights to enjoy as I walk.

Another Day Out Snowshoeing

Even early in the afternoon there are long shadows. My legs look like a pair of tree trunks!



Winter opens new horizons. As we snowshoed on the summit in Westmount we could look down on the city right to the river. No curtain of leaves to obstruct the view.



The snow outlines the branches, bringing the natural sculpture to one's attention. With temperatures just below freezing, it was a perfect day to be out.

Wedding White

The city is dressed as if for a wedding
Dabs of fluffy white icing
Decorate the branches




Each tree is dressed in its finery

<

Did Cinderella pass this way,
 Losing her slipper as she left the ball.
I saw no sign of the prince
Perhaps he danced off with another



Meanwhile these bushes huddle
Half dressed in rough burlap
Half in their winter coats of snow.

The city is transformed into a land of fantasy.

A New Year

Winter has arrived. A storm last Tuesday dumped 40 cm  ( a little more than 15 " ) of snow on the city. Even on a cloudy day, everything seems brighter with the snow. With the temperature hovering just below 0°C (32F) it is delightful to go out and enjoy it.



We finally took out our snowshoes and tramped around the woods in Summit Park.
While I have more modern aluminum snowshoes, my spouse prefers a traditional pair, complete with deerskin moccasins. There was plenty of snow - soft, fluffy - perfect for snowshoeing.



We are so fortunate to have this park - nothing but woods with paths through it - to enjoy in the middle of the city.

________________________________________
My EdTech friend Alannah has challenged me to try another 365 photos this year. I can't promise to post daily, but I will be trying to post more frequently - even if it is just the photograph!

It's Here

Snow fell all day yesterday turning everything white. It will melt away again before winter takes hold for good. For now, it is back to boots as I trudge through the slush.




I am not tempted to sit a while, though I do stop to admire this changed landscape. Bundled up from head to toe, I am insulated against the cold.



It's funny to think, that while the snow feels cold to me, it in turn insulates the plants below from the cold of winter.

Blue Skies

Blue Skies, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

It's hard to feel blue when the skies are so blue. Branches reach up to the sky in celebration. February days, with pristine snow and bright sunshine are the best of winter. The heaviness of the long dark nights is lifting as days are noticeably longer.

Winter Finery

Winter Finery, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

When snow melts, the accumulated sand, salt and city grit coat the city in dirt. Now all is covered in pristine white. Trees wear their winter finery. A little magic has descended on the city.

Snowshoeing

Snow on the branches, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

We strapped on our snowshoes for the first time this winter. Tramping through Summit Park our eyes feasted on the snow festooned branches.



The loud tapping of the woodpeckers echoed through the woods.



Clumps of snow nestled in the crooks of branches. Nature creates its own holiday decorations.



The long afternoon shadows signal the early setting of the sun. Winter's short days are to be enjoyed before night falls.