Well Imbolc arrived a few days ago, heralding the beginnings of spring… and bought with it the winter.
Last week we had the first really cold days of the season and today we woke up to a blanket of snow.
The perfect weather for a stroll down the lane, marvelling at how different everything looks after the snow comes.
The few colours to be seen in the starkly beautiful landscape are that much more present and vibrant in contrast with their surroundings.
Icicles hang from the branches, frozen in time, mid-drip.
And teasels bow their heads under the weight of the snow.
The Helichrysum, or curry plant, in the garden looked particularly beautiful, its silvery leaves caught between ice and morning light.
I love the way this weather highlights different aspects of the trees, making me see their forms in a new and inspiring way. Branches of oak and willow looked particularly lovely, their forms intensified by snowlines.
We saw tracks of rabbits, pheasants and foxes alongside our own great stomp-prints.
Can you see the little rabbits out on the lane?
Some were understandably less enthused at venturing out of their burrows.
Whilst others were very happy to come inside, warm their claws and discover new treats on the kitchen floor.
Whilst we are warming up by the fire, I spare a thought for all the other creatures who will find it difficult to gather enough food today and make sure there is plenty of seed out for the birds.
Whispering Earth 
Hi Lucinda,
Lovely post and some beautiful images.
I agree, I was very aware of the oaks today, somehow with their branches enhanced that looked much bigger than usual. The birds seemed much smaller.
How sweet having the girls inside. What a treat for your feathered friends.
I have finished for today…….and like your furry friends, I am so happy to be inside in front of a nice warm fire.
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Hi Cheryl,
Yes the oaks are beautifully highlighted by the snow aren’t they, they have such wonderful patterns in their branches.
Our feathered friends love to come indoors! Unfortunately I have encouraged them and now they associate coming in with treats so they try everything possible to sneak past us when we go outside. They are such funny little personalities.
x
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The snow and ice do make for such gorgeous photos!
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Yes they do add a touch of magic to everything don’t they. Sometimes I think one of functions of snow is to remind us that there is nothing mundane out there in the world.
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Beautiful pictures! The hens look like they’re really enjoying those sprouts. Cosy cats too.
Dan
-x-
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Hi Dan, they do love their greens. Chard and chicory leaves being their favourites!
And no one does cosy like cats, I strive to be more like them. 🙂
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I’m so glad to see you have gotten a little winter weather at last! I love what you say about the colors being made more vibrant against winter’s starkness -so true! Poor kitties too, it is no fun when there is sloppy snow to get all over your paws and temperatures much to cold for any sensible being to wander out in!
I love that last photo especially, with the fire in the background. Looks so cozy 🙂
XOXO
D
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I know, whilst there are advantages to the milder weather it hasn’t really felt like winter yet.
Those poor kitties are wily as ever though and come trotting in with their cold wet paws and hop straight up on my lap to warm and dry them. Then they sit there getting massaged and looking most pleased with themselves! My sympathies are limited I must say. 🙂
I hope you too are staying warm and cosy xxxxx
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lovely, thank you!
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Thank you Gail. x
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Love the photos!
Especially the kitty looking out the cat door. 😉
Michael
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Thanks Michael.
She sat like that for about half an hour before finally opting to settle down by the fire instead. And who can blame her?
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Love the icicles 🙂
Poor kitty .. we wondered why elsie wasn’t going out her catflap until we opened the front door and saw that it opened onto a wall of snow which had drifted up against it!
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Oh wow, I bet she was most unimpressed! It has been melting away here today so they are venturing out again, only a little disgruntled by the cold. 🙂
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Lovely pics. Too bad spring has started off as winter. I read about the deep cold in Europe this past week. I hope you get some warm sunshine.
We’re still freezing here in Canada, but that’s normal. Spring won’t come for a while yet.
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Thank you Wendy. Stay warm and take care. x
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Delightful!
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🙂
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lovely entry and gorgeous photos! this time of year can be so beautiful x
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Yes I agree, the winter is full of magic and mystery. Thanks for stopping by! x
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Hi Lucinda, these photo’s are so beautiful and I love the photo’s from the kitty.
Stay warm Lucinda,
Rita
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Hi Rita,
Those kitties do so love to be warm and comfy! And who can blame them. 🙂
xx
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