Friday 6 February 2015

The Snow-Walkers …

I have been unseasonably cheerful this winter – I don’t know what’s wrong with me – gone are thoughts of hibernation – gone is the desire to snuggle up in front of the fire – I think a visit to the doctor is called for to check as to why I am so chirpy.  Could it be that I am actually enjoying winter for a change!

When we woke up last Friday morning to  this -

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and this -

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instead of cranking the heating up or going back to bed – I said come on, let’s go for a walk before it disappears.  And so we did.  A chance to wear my, as yet, unused snow boots.

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and I have to say my feet were as toasty as toasty things.  As we ventured out I felt myself smiling – to have a good fall of snow doesn’t happen very often, it gave me a childlike pleasure, and I intended to make the most of it.  We wandered the lanes taking photographs – it is hard not to when everything looked so lovely. 

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How can anyone not like the transformation that snow brings – it becomes a world in monochrome – even the starkness of a winter hedgerow becomes a thing of beauty  when covered in sugar frosting.

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It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam.  This crisp winter air is full of it. ~ John Burroughs

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Of winter’s lifeless world each tree now seems a perfect part; Yet each one holds summer’s secret; Deep down within its heart. ~ Charles Stater

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We feel cold, but we don’t mind it, because we will not come to harm.  And if we wrapped up against the cold, we wouldn’t feel other things, like the bright tingle of the stars, or the music of the Aurora, or best of all the silky feeling of moonlight on our skin.  It’s worth being cold for that. ~ Philip Pullman, Northern Lights

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On the contrary, I put up a petition annually, for as much snow, hail, frost, or storm, of one kind or other, as the skies can possibly afford us.  Surely every body is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a winter fire-side; candles at four o’clock, warm hearth-rugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies on the floor, whilst the wind and rain are raging audibly without … ~ Thomas De Quincey

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Welcome winter.  Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nontheless. ~ Terri Guillmets

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“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl.  And the anticipation nurtures our dream.” ~ Barbara Winkler"

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People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they are happy ~ Anton Chekov

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You can’t get too much winter in the winter ~ Robert Frost

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Am I a changed woman?– will this feeling last ?– will I become a winter person instead of a summer one? Who knows?   Maybe it’s just the snow.  But I am  enjoying these winter delights – drinking it all in instead of moaning about it.  Sorry about all the cheerfulness – it’s nauseating isn’t it, especially if you can’t wait for winter to be over.  Happy Days!

66 comments:

  1. Hello Elaine,

    Each of the season's brings its particular joys, we feel. Life is too short to wish them away however many difficulties may be put in our path.

    So, it is good to rejoice in the clear, wintry days. The countryside does look so attractive and you are well equipped with your fabulous red boots!

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    1. The snow only stayed around for a couple of days - it was nice whilst it lasted - and there was just enough not to make life too difficult.

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  2. It is strange the way the snow has completely passed over the top of us, and yet you, not too far away, have enjoyed these picture book snow scenes. I do love it when it first falls, the world looks so pure, clean and faultless. It is the following days that are not so good.
    Love your jolly red boots, they look decidedly Father Christmassy against the pureness of the snow.
    Some gorgeous images, especially the snow covering the berries, and you wandering down the snow track.

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    1. Yes, the snow seemed to pass straight across the middle of the country - maybe we will all get another lot before winter is over. I have to say that winter just doesn't seem the same without a little of the white stuff.

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  3. I wonder if it is the light Elaine. We seem to have had more crisp bright days this year and the snow cover helps too. Such a difference to the dark, dank, grey days of the last couple of years.

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    1. I think you are right Jessica. In previous years I have felt downright miserable and thought I may suffer from S.A.D. this year I have felt completely different. So yes, bring on more crisp, sunlit days.

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  4. What a cheerful post, Elaine, and what admirable red snow boots, and what a good start to my working day to read this. And what Chekhov says is true, and children don't really notice whether it's summer or winter either beyond the weather of that very moment.

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    1. I seem to be reliant on bright days to lift my mood and thankfully we have had plenty of those.

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  5. Snow does make everything look so magical and your photos are wonderful. It is good to embrace all the seasons even the ones that aren't your favourite and you can face anything with those lovely red boots to keep you warm. I think Jessica may be right about the light - it has been an exceptionally bright winter with lots of crisp mornings and bright blue skies:)

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    1. I had been dying to wear those boots since I got them in a sale a couple of years ago - it was worth the wait they were so comfortable and warm.

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  6. Glorious! Love the pictures and the words. I like all the seasons and the way the world shifts with them x

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    1. I too love all the seasons but winter usually goes at the bottom of the list - this year I don't seem to be so anxious waiting for spring to arrive.

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  7. A beautiful winter wonderland, such a wonderful white world, you´ve got lots of snow.... The pictures are stunning and I love the quotes. Here it´s cold and sunny too at the moment, that cheers me certainly up.

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    1. I knew I just had to get out there with my camera to capture the beauty because once the sun comes out it soon disappears.

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  8. A most enjoyable post, and magical wintry pictures. It's good to see that you're feeling as you do. Flighty xx

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    1. I know you are not particularly fond of snow but you have to admit it is lovely to look at.

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  9. Pure magic!!! Look at your stunning shots!!! And good for you for jumping out in the snow! You are so blessed to live in that magical countryside!! And those boots are so cute friend!!! Here is to more winter while it lasts! Nicole xo

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    1. The snow has all gone now but we are still having hard frosts - I don't think we had much as you did, not quite enough to build a snowman unfortunately.

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  10. A contented, happy person to be truly so embraces the moment--red boots and all. Nor does she or he wish a life away waiting for the next good moment. No a contented person puts on her red boots and goes for a walk in the snow to embrace the beauty of the moment. I especially like the snow colored photos mixed with horse's red coat and your red boots. Most excellent.

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    1. Carpe diem - that's what I say - you never know when it may be your last. Glad you like the boots.

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  11. Beautiful scenes, Elaine. That snow certainly made things green-card-pretty and you've captured so much of it. Love those red boots!

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    1. I did feel a little conspicuous in the red boots to start with but hey they are a bit of fun.

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  12. Excellent - I'm very jealous. We've had no snow in Sussex and none last year either. Feeling a little cheated.

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    1. Shame you didn't get any snow - may be next time.

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  13. Beautiful pictures, one can almost feel the stillness. And your new snow boots look lovely x

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  14. A good fall of snow is a beautiful sight as your photographs show Elaine …. I LOVE it but we have only had a light dusting so far here in the South East. I was only saying today how much I love all four seasons …. they all have something to offer and, if we didn't have Winter, Spring wouldn't be as beautiful.
    ….. and, Spring is just around the corner !! XXXX

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    1. I like it best when the seasons do what they are expected to do - some years you can hardly tell the difference between one or the other.

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  15. Lovely photos, great your are enjoying it – but I am happy to let you have all the snow to yourself, I have seen more than enough snow to last me the rest of my days, living the first 35 years of my life in Norway. I am so happy we still haven’t had any snow in London. It’s cold here, but not a snowflake on the ground yet. No lack of chirpiness though here, I am looking forward to spring and warmer weather, can’t wait for my garden to burst into flowers. Enjoy your winter while it lasts :-)

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    1. I should think another month and spring will be springing into action - and yes, it will be lovely to see all the bulbs bursting into bloom.

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  16. I think it's your cheerful red boots! Loved the spaces of red throughout the winter white ~ your boots, the horse blanket and berries :) Keep smiling, it' contagious.

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    1. I doubt I will be wearing them very much but they certainly made a splash of colour that's for sure.

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  17. That should be splashes, not spaces!! Must read before publishing comments....

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  18. I'm pleased to hear how happy you are this winter, I enjoy it too.....well....most of the time! We do have to make the most of our weather. I just loved that pic of you in your cheery snowboots in the lane, I felt like throwing a snowball at you!!! Your snow pics are heavenly, I love snow and am sad as despite endless hail and sleet, we haven't had any. Lovely to see the red berries in the snow too...and delightful quotes. I do enjoy your posts, I always go away smiling.xxx

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    1. Thanks Dina - I usually go away smiling from your posts too. Maybe next time some snow will come your way - I can just see Sam and Annie racing round in it.

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  19. So happy you are chirpy! Wonderful photographs, every one.

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    1. You can't really fail when everywhere looks so wonderful.

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  20. Your header picture and the pictures in this post are absolutely beautiful! Love it! I used to dislike the winter because of the cold as well, but this year I'm just loving it. We're blessed with snow, too - and in combination with blue sky it's so amazing. So happy you get to enjoy it so much!

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    1. Thanks Beate sadly the snow has all gone now but I enjoyed it while it lasted.

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  21. It certainly does look very beautiful. We now have a slight dusting; luckily not enough to disrupt life. We need to get in and out by car.

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    1. I think we had just the right amount for it not to be disruptive and it made a nice change for a little while.

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  22. Elaine, thank you for sharing those wonderful photos. I think that the last time I was in snow would have been 1974.

    It all looks magical. Pleased that you are enjoying it. I know I would love to get out for a walk if I was to see that on waking.

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    1. i do find it incredible that you haven't seen snow since 1974. We don't get it every year but once in a while is a real treat.

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  23. Just loved looking at your pictures and almost walking around with you.

    Thought your boots look great - especially the colour.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thanks Jan - glad you enjoyed the winter landscape around here.

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  24. There is nothing wrong with being unseasonably cheerful. Snow is less of a novelty here. Certainly its charms wear thin come March and it is still on the ground. I suppose I am too used to cold winters to find them depressing. I try to look at winter as a time to catch up on everything I don't have time for in summer.
    One thing I do find to be a bit of an adjustment in spring is wearing less layers of clothing. I feel naked without a sweater! And certainly lighter without the weight of winter boots. Your red ones are adorable by the way. To me the color red is the essence of cheerful.

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    1. No - I realise that my little covering of snow is nothing like that which you experience - to us it is a novelty and I am sure the charm of it would wear off eventually. But this snowfall was one to be savoured and enjoyed. I know what you mean about shedding the layers once it gets warmer - I always feel happier in winter clothes. Glad you like the boots! Me too.

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  25. Fantastic snow photos and love the vibrant reds, especially the boots!

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  26. Oh Elaine - just simply gorgeous photos. Love those gorgeous red boots - can we swap? I just have plain old black ones (they are very warm and comfy)! Winter has its own lovely beauty and for me even though it is my least favorite season I rejoice in the beauty of those lovely branches all frosted white. So beautiful friend and such an uplifting post. Take care and have a super day.

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    1. It snows so rarely here that I felt it my duty to take as many as I could for posterity. ha! Seriously though, it did look lovely and when I first opened the curtains it made me gasp with delight and I couldn't wait to get out in it. Sorry, no boot swapping Debbie - they are keepers! Enjoy the rest of the weekend my friend.

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  27. I am glad that you are enjoying winter! Such beautiful photos and lovely quotes too - especially the one by Robert Frost! xx

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  28. Beautiful photos accompanied by lovely prose.
    Now that you're on a Winter high and love the snow perhaps you should make a trip to Canada. From 120cm. on the East coast to around 40cm. where I live here in Ontario... all over a two day period. You'd love it so much you couldn't wait to go home! ha!
    Humour aside it is refreshing to find one that appreciates the season for its beauty, tranquility and the knowledge that just below that frozen ground lies the snowdrops, the hyacinths and tulips just waiting for their Spring blooming...
    Susan x

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    1. You are right of course, a couple of inches is nothing compared to what you have but we have had times in the past when it was impossible to get out of the village so I have an inkling of what you are talking about. As you can imagine the ground is absolutely frozen solid at the moment but I am sure the bulbs are waiting patiently to emerge from their snowy duvet.

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  29. I am dying for snow. I want a huge, whomping storm and a thick white blanket over everything. Sigh....

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    1. I'll send some your way if we have another snowstorm - how's that.

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  30. Brrrrrrrr Elaine that does look seriously cold but those glorious red boots look made for walking. Apparently we had quite a lot of sunshine in January so that might be why you are enjoying winter more than normal. I think that it's the dull grey days that get you down and we had a lot of those last winter. We missed out on this bout of snow but my sister who celebrated her birthday on Tuesday was able to celebrate with a snow- walk in the Chilterns.

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    1. I agree Anna - dull days seriously affect my state of mind - hurray for winter sunshine to lift the spirits.

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  31. You have done a wonderful job in choosing such appropriate quotes. I love red footwear although as I child I was nervous of wearing them due to the story The Red Shoes by HCA.

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    1. Thanks Susan - this will probably be my first and last pair of red footwear

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  32. Beautiful post and your images shows how cold it was, I had red wellies as a child and wore them all the time. Mum said I would even want to wear them to bed !
    Amanda xx

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    1. Thanks Amanda - I can't remember having wellies as a child, red or otherwise, so I am making up for it now.

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  33. SO awesome to read that you've been so cheerful. I love all of these winter photos. You really are capturing winter's beauty here, Elaine :)

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    1. Thanks Keith - it was a pleasure being out in a winter wonderland.

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  34. Dear Elaine

    Many thanks for your comment on my recent post. I felt that I should reassure you that I'm OK. I have been through a rocky patch towards the end of last year and have had to make some difficult decisions but things are looking up for me now and I'm feeling more positive with each day. I'm working on some new writing and a new blog too, which I may make public, I'm not sure yet. I value our blog friendship and will of course let you know if I decide to go public.

    With love and best wishes.
    Jeanne
    xx

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  35. Dear Jeanne
    Thank you so much for coming over and letting me know that you are OK. I am very pleased to know that things are looking up for you and do hope that when the time is right you will start a new blog - a fresh start. And yes, it would be lovely if you could let me know as and when this happens. The blogging world is a lesser place without you. Take care and and continue to be positive. Best wishes.
    Elaine

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