Snow Shine and The Dragon

February 18, 2014 by LB

Nothin’ like sunset over a field of snow … especially one guarded by a dragon

I’m still encouraging ya’ll to feel some love for winter 🙂

Juxtaposition

February 16, 2014 by LB

Or is Dichotomy a better word? Two things that represent the opposite of one another

Classic images of summer in the midst of winter

Bright Colors / White Snow

Reminders of the sea surrounded by the beauty of winter

Hang in there, all those who are weary of snow. To every thing there is a season.

Try not to overlook one season’s gifts by looking ahead to the next.

Because in the not too distant future, all we’ll hear is how hot and miserable people are … in drought conditions to boot.

Snow Images: Work and Play

February 14, 2014 by LB

Those of you who live further north than I do are probably tired of the cold temperatures and snow, but here in Southwest Virginia, we are enjoying every snowflake. Well, most of us are anyway. We don’t get these big snow storms very often anymore and frankly, I miss them. I also worry about climate change. We’ve had too many “teasers” this year. We hear about a storm for days ahead, schools and businesses close in anticipation and then … nothing! This time though, it really happened!!

The following photos showcase some of the fun and the beauty from the last 48 hours.

The snow began at 1pm as predicted and I waited to finish with patients so we could close the office, allowing the staff to get home safely

Radford University (RU), early on in the storm. It turned out that we received the largest accumulation of snow in our area in over 18 years.

Another view of RU, taken from the deck of a favorite local bar, one of only a few in our little city.

Celebrating the snow at yet another local establishment.

Do you see a theme developing?

St Albans Hospital, built in 1916

Before attacking the driveway

Shoveling 18 – 20 inches of snow

And the post-shoveling reward!

I dug out my 30 year old snowshoes and enjoyed a brief, humorous attempt at using them.

Early morning sunshadows on snow

And just a little rust … ’cause who doesn’t love rust?

Editorial Comment: Part of why I am able to enjoy the beauty of a snowstorm is because I did not lose power and I did not have to travel on the Interstate. What is it about all of the industries letting folks head home early at exactly the same time? Combine that with all the drivers who insist that they are the only ones who know how to drive in the snow, yet they tailgate and speed? We’ve all heard about Atlanta. It took one friend here in the NRV over 6 hours to travel 30 miles, and another friend in Raleigh parked under an overpass and hiked home. Both of these situations were caused by the two variables previously mentioned. Ugh!

Other than that – I have loved every minute!!! And I promise, it isn’t ALL about alcohol 🙂

Reflecting on a Favorite Place

February 12, 2014 by LB

While visiting a dear friend on Saturday, I was struck by the clarity of his beautiful farmhouse reflected in the pond.

While the house and pond looked great in B&W, I had to retain Mother Nature’s colors in this final image.

February 18, 2014 Update

My blogging friend, Lynda, over at Life on the Farmlet, used the last photo as inspiration for one of her marvelous short stories! What an honor it is for me, especially because I love the way this woman writes!

Please check it out at http://pixilatedtoo.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/die-grauen-schlund/#comment-11015

Planning for the Near Future

February 10, 2014 by LB

We woke to a brief but lovely snow the other morning. The few flakes that fell were gone in an hour, but it was peaceful and pretty while it lasted. Lynda (Life on the Farmlet) – those sparkles are for you!

For some reason, the pace of life has kept me from spending much time with my camera even though I carry it with me everywhere. I am so ready to improve and have the outcome match my vision. No negativity here … I am patient (sort of!).