It started snowing here on Sunday. Just a few flakes that melted away in the afternoon sun but it warned us of what was to follow later in the week.
Yesterday, the ground was lightly covered, not much, but enough to disrupt the trains and ensure a day off work for my hubby and I. We went for a walk around our village and admired the many beautiful sights of December 1st, the first day of Winter.
The tracks of birds and animals give us a window into a world we rarely get to see and tell us stories of the lives of our fellow beings.
We walked into a world where the only colour was ourselves and the last of the autumn leaves, blazing a trail alongside us. I felt like we were in an animation in which only certain parts of the artwork had been coloured in.
We greeted some friends who were also out in the snow.
When we reached the top of the escarpment, the light was just starting to fade and looking out to sea, it was nearly impossible to differentiate between water, land and sky.
When we woke this morning, it was to a white and perfect world. The snow as powdery as icing sugar and as high as the top of my wellies.
There is an old country saying that goes, ‘many sloans, many groans,’ meaning that when the blackthorns are abundant with sloes, we’re in for a harsh winter.
Well I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many sloes on the trees as I have this year. Even now, after being attacked by birds and sloe gin makers for many weeks, they are still dripping off the branches.
The last of the hawthorn berries and rose hips look so beautiful and Christmassy against the sparkling white snow. It brings a smile to my lips just to see them.
Now I’m off to build a snowman and shower my poor husband in snow balls!
Wishing wintery love and snow angels to you all.
What fun! So glad you got your wish – and it looks like you truly made the best of it 🙂 Everything looks so pristine and beautiful under the fresh snow – especially the bright colors of the berries still hanging on. I also loved the pictures from your walk – what a beautiful place you live in! And, I especially got a kick out of your snowy animal friends – my husband and I always make animal friends on our walks! Often a walk will start with, “shall we visit our horse friends our the sheep friends?” 🙂
Now I am all infused with the giddiness of first snows! I hope you too have many days like this to sip ginger tea and cozy in.
PS: Sassafrass is still gloating over your compliment, prancing about around with her tail up and head held high.
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I’m glad Sassafras is pleased, I think it’s the natural state of all cats to be fully aware of their own wonderfulness.
It is very beautiful here, we’ve only been living here four months and we still talk about how lucky we are every time we look out of the window!
xx
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Lovely scenery. How i love snowy winter’s! Lets hope we have a white, snowy Christmas too!!! 😉 mxxx
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Yes that would be just perfect. Hope you are staying warm xxx
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What lovely photo documentation of your walk:) adore that three seasons in one photo. Those late season violas are so pretty. I have nothing like that around these parts! I am still searching for a hawthorn;( The books says we do have some in our area, so I will still keep searching:) Been cooped up tending the family ills this last week, so very much appreciate getting to get out in nature with you through these pictures, Lucinda xxx Love the water meets the sky picture:)
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Hi Leslie, I hope your family are feeling better, I’m sure they will be with you to tend to them!
Good luck finding the Hawthorns, when you do you’ll make a friend for life I’m sure, it’s such a special tree. Watch out for the distinctive musky, honey smell in Spring… that will lead you to them!
You must have lots of amazing plants there that we don’t find here though. Which part of the States are you in?
I also really liked seeing the three seasons in one picture. We had lots of young growth of nettle and cleavers this autumn, it must have been particularly spring like, at least until now!!
Take care xx
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[…] I saw Lucinda’s post where she threw a snowball, no day goes by without thinking of this image when I pass our rose […]
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Lucinda, I live in the central part of the u.s. Canton, Illinois. thank you for the tip on the scent of hawthorn, that will come in handy while I hunt it in the spring. Thank you for the wishes about the family. Thankfully, all are well for now:) Have a beautiful day! xx
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Oh I’m so glad everyone’s feeling better. do look after yourself too. xx
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