A White, White Walk – and Nostalgia

Some fluffy snow last night made for a lovely family walk today.

I love it when there are layers of forest colors and different tree species collaborating.

They live together in harmony and they create harmony in the minds of us walking by.

On our way back to the starting point, voices rang from the meadow where my children used to play in the snow as kids. We heard a young family with two children. These two had climbed the fallen giant (see the header), pretending it was a ship. I stood listening to them, smiling. My son too. Then he said: ”I wonder when we start losing that magic ability…it should stay with us forever. I am sure we all would feel better inside.”

My camera battery was gone – so this shot is with my Samsung phone. I can still hear their laughter. And marvel at the very size of that tree. And – their imagination.

WPC: Beloved

Beloved – My Family

And – the forest in spring, when the beech trees explodes in light shades of green.

 

 

Today’s Indoors and Outdoors

This morning the sun decided to shine from a blue sky – and I decided to start re-potting my plants. Everything is much easier and much more fun with the sun shining in.

Every year around February I take on this task, which usually lasts for three to five days including window cleaning ( so I can see my little friends better…) and the whole house.

After lunch, Totti says he wants a long walk – and the weather is still lovely – so…

Two hours out, then the sun is fading, and we are heading homewards. All happy for this beautiful day – and Totti had his many rolls in the grass, and water splashing as much as he liked…

Two stomachs hungry for dinner now!

Snowy Mist

Snow arrived during the night, and then the temperature rose above zero C. I had a lovely forest walk with Totti – light shifting and no wind.

The first half hour, there was not much mist, but …tangible silence.

Have you ever noticed how the colours – the few colours there are during winter –

seem to stand out in the mist?

With the fading light, you feel like walking inside a movie landscape. And you keep looking for a glimpse of the sky – just to stay real.

And for well known landmarks…

…to keep track of where you are.

In the open landscape, the sight is even worse – luckily the snow reveals my path.

As a farewell of this beautiful day- the light returns for my last 10 minutes of hiking.

My Favourite Visitors Today

Very inquisitive…

While his little friend was eager to eat – keeping an eye on me…

It was a day of soft colours – silent and foggy with rising temperature. Rather lovely.

More Patterns – Cold and Warm

Silent forest floor patterns in the early morning light

And the forest itself

Frosty pool in my own forest an early morning. In the header, the top of my car!

 

 

WPC: Weathered

This weathered Castle we found in a forlorn place in the Spanish countryside. We saw the pinnacles sticking up from the treetops and headed for it. A fairy tale castle!

 

 

Finally – A Bright and Sunday Hike

My winter moodiness lifted today

10 degrees below zero (C) – a frosty, crisp and clear day!

Hiking for some hours – breathing and staying outdoors as long as…

…the sun was up

By 3.pm it is time to go home

As we turn back, the sun is setting and the rays are orange warm

The leaves of 2017 lingering still, basking…

I turn around for a last shot – and the forest is glowing. Soon only the highest tree tops. I cannot say how grateful I am for this day. Not to talk about Totti – rocketing through the forest, rolling in the cool frostiness, barking with joy.