Acadian Exodus

As devoted readers of this blog know, I'm about to move to New Orleans. I'm a bit puzzled about what to do with this blog. Or, more specifically, I'm puzzled about the picture above.  It was taken in New England and it belongs to New England.  I hate to change it.

Perhaps I will start writing all new posts in my newer blog (Transient.)  Haven't decided yet.  But somehow I suspect that New Orleans will provide plenty of material.  C. suggested that I start another blog, but it seems to me pretentious to have three blogs.  It's somewhat pretentious to have two blogs, actually.  And come to think of it, it's pretentious to have any blog at all . . . but it's too late now.

To everyone who comes across this page:  go well, with blessings.

Snow!

First I saw it on the grass, then I saw it on the rooftops, then I saw snowflakes in the air.

It has arrived.

When I Put on My Woolen Underwear . . .

I say, "Dear universe, thank you for inventing sheep."

Black and Blue

I guess that really ought to be "blue and chocolate brown."

Surprise Snowfall

Okay, I thought they predicted a small chance of snow for this weekend. I wasn't expecting this. I am too trusting of the weather report.

I didn't take any photos, because the snow wasn't sticking to the trees this time, nor was there that beautiful purple glow in the air which appeared the last time it snowed. But I wished I had my camera with me later, when I was walking along the river and a flock of geese sailed past, with snow piled up on their backs. Didn't they notice? Were they cold? (Of course, I was getting covered with snow too.)

Winter Trees

I went out on the back porch to take this picture. It's still snowing.

Yet Another Kitty Picture

First Real Snow Last Night

A couple inches of soft wet snow, changing to rain. Here's a photo:



I have not seen any swans in a while. I seem to recall that this is not the first time a snowfall has brought them out. Maybe they understand that it suits them.

First Snow Today

It melted on the paved areas, and only stayed on the bare ground and grass, but it was definitely snow, not just flurries.

Does that mean it's winter now?

Swans and Snow

Well, it finally snowed around here. And for whatever reason, the waterfowl came back. The Canada geese probably never left, but I don't recall seeing so many ducks recently. Most noticeable, though, are the swans.

I had a perfect opportunity to decide which is whiter, snow or swan. I observed them very carefully, as I walked to and from the store. My final verdict was:

Snow is cold. The essence of its brightness is cold, and the sharpness with which it strikes the eye. Swans, on the other hand, are alive. That gives their color a sort of depth, solidity, which seems to me to be a different sort of brightness. As if you can perceive their body heat.

All of these birds appear to enjoy hanging out in the cold water, or even sitting on the ice. It would not suit me at all.

Snow, Wonderful Snow

Which is the more satisfying sight to a lover of beauty: a deep expanse of snow or a bare pavement? Never mind foolish considerations, such as which one has to be shoveled. I'm talking about aesthetics. We went from bare pavement to a good six inches - more - overnight. I like it better this way.

I grew up in the North. This is what winter is supposed to look like. It makes me happy, although I don't go out in it unless I absolutely have to. I can see it fine from in here.

First Snow in December

One of my favorite things is discovering that it has snowed in the night. I open the curtains in the morning, expecting to see black pavement, and see white snow instead. While I slept, the world has been changing itself, and I like that.

the sound of snow falling
scritch, scritch, swish
its pure whiteness

people say
"it looks so clean and fresh"
(only when it's new, of course)
the snow does not know that it is clean
the snow does not value cleanliness

the thoughtlessness of snow