Saturday Snow and Sorting Out

13 februari, 201614 februari, 2016 / Leya / 27 kommentarer

To my great surprise, it was snowing heavily this morning. I knew it would come…but just two days ago I heard the lark had arrived. Always the same thing – get ahead of the others…it might work to your advantage – or not.

I finished my prunings today, giving my pot plants (about 170 plants) new soil and a new life. I had a cup of coffee while contemplating their thankfulness.

Time for the dog walk – should I forget, there is one young man here who is quick to remind me…so I had better call my mother it is time to go.

A thin layer of white – and Totti is totally happy!

Suddenly his nose went into the air…

…and two deer gently sailed away between the trees.

Home again I started on the bookcases – a project I have wanted to start upon since long, but somehow never did. So many books…and so hard to sort out or throw away.

Now I must do it. These are some of my old university studies…more than 30 years old. A photo at least before they go…surely to make room for others though. How I enjoyed reading them in those days! With all my notes and translated words inside, I went through them again, sitting by the fire. But, I’m sure I will never re read them. So, Goodbye, dear friends. Parting is such sweet sorrow…

I wonder, do you have the same difficulties …parting from old friends?

SL-WEEK 32: Trash

8 februari, 2016 / Leya / 14 kommentarer

For Sylvain Landry, week 32: Trash

Thursday Thoughts

4 februari, 20164 februari, 2016 / Leya / 24 kommentarer

One of very few ”outdoor” days this week. No rain, and even a tiny drop of sun…

I went out to test my new Panasonic in nature. Totti rather liked it…and so did I.

What do you think?

The rains have left high water levels everywhere.

Still, easy to walk and no need for big boots – it has also been very windy this week.

Many trees again…have fallen. Wet feet and wind – means difficulties to stand upright.

Today’s hike was lovely though. and sometimes there seemed to be Spring in the air. Bird song and singing brooks.

Much water to deal with for the trees…that is the only good thing with the wind now…

A Better Year to Come

31 december, 20151 januari, 2016 / Leya / 15 kommentarer

I hope the world will see a better year, 2016, with peace and love in heart and mind. And I hope for a joyous, Happy New Year to you and yours!

My last post this year, is from my walk in the forest today. Contemplating 2015 and what will come with the new year. The sun spilled its glory from an almost clear sky – so – what better to do than spending the whole New Year’s Eve outdoors, hiking?

Freezing cold from the start…

…with the sun trying to reach over the tree tops.

Succeeding now and then – here from the south.

We had not walked here since the last great gale, and several times the path was totally covered in fallen trees.

The untouched parts were shimmering in the low, golden sun.

Some parts remained white and slippery, and my boys had to walk slowly not to fall into the mud.

Some of my favourite ice – in Sweden we call it håris (hair ice) – and if you look closely, you will understand why. (The header picture)

Heading home again, the sun setting and the real cold returning.

2016, we do not know what lies ahead of us, we can only hope, and work each one of us to make a better world for ourselves and for our fellow passengers on this planet.

The road may be uneven, slippery, narrow, filled with obstacles…but I want to believe there is a light shining us through. Safe travels!

4 Days to Go – Thursday Thoughts

18 december, 201519 december, 2015 / Leya / 17 kommentarer

Soon the winter solstice will be here. Much longed for, maybe more than ever this year. No snow – except for one single, great day – and many dark and drizzly days.

Here a series from one of the better days, this week in fact. Notice the play of warm and cold this time of the year. Warm colours if you turn in the direction of the thin rays of the sun – and the cold colours or darkness if you turn towards the sun itself.

One of my favourite spots in ”my” forest, is the passage between two of the grass meadows to the west. Here, Mille used to stand waiting for me by the big oak tree.

The other spot is on my way back from the open landscape to the forest path. The majestic beech trees all aglow with the last rays of the low sun. 2.30 pm.

A Fine Forest Day

9 december, 2015 / Leya / 20 kommentarer

We found a new hiking track today – at least we had never walked there before. I was totally excited – many mice to dig for… Many nice scents as well, and – a horse! I adore horses, and this one stood, solid as a rock, quietly watching me.

I stopped often to do some digging, but I could feel …that maybe I shouldn’t. The yearly Christmas bath took place yesterday, and I was still rather good-looking…or so I felt at least.

Anyway, going home again at 2.30 pm meant darkness approaching. And Fast.

A fine day it was.

Regards,

Totti

#41 Eget tema: I en stuga i skogen – In a Cottage in the Forest (364/365)

7 december, 20157 december, 2015 / Leya / 8 kommentarer

Travel theme: Inspiration

29 november, 201529 november, 2015 / Leya / 7 kommentarer

Why not join in at Ailsa’s this week – we all want to be inspired! Click here to see more!

Returning from China some weeks ago, my inspiration is still centred there. Especially from Water Village (https://treetreats.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/water-village-yangtze-river-china/).

Most of all…Nature. And man made things inspired from nature.

Like Chinese silk embroidery.

Snow and Mist – Magle Wetlands

25 november, 201527 november, 2015 / Leya / 28 kommentarer

I left Hovdala in the best of moods, heading for Magle, the water and the birds. I imagined the strong cold and the water would make some grand mist.

Driving down the narrow road I saw the sun throwing diamonds my way…

…so, I stopped to collect them…

…and I became very rich…

And, richer I would be, further along the road – at Magle.

The mist had risen from some parts of the ponds, but at the far end – it hadn’t yet. It took me some time to get there though, as only the footprints of one single person were there before mine.

I certainly was richly rewarded. As the sun slowly warmed up the air – unveiling the ducks, swans and cormorants. A heron gliding low in the mist.

The mute swans were showing off their beauty, while the ducks seemed busy just staying warm.

I was looking for the whooper swans, but they were not there. Following the path further on, I finally found them.

Three of them were balancing on the thin ice – while finishing their morning toilet.

The bench where I usually rest, birdwatching, was not very useful today…

Looking back a last time, I realized this was the finest winter day this year. Hopefully there will be some more diamonds to collect this winter… I enjoy being rich.

#242 Reseminnen – Travel Memories (349/365)

22 november, 201523 november, 2015 / Leya / 15 kommentarer

Från min senaste resa till Kina och flodfärden på Yangtsekiang, kommer jag för alltid att bära med mig minnena från Water Village. En resa in i det gamla Kina, sinnebilden av kinesisk tradition, konst och måleri, ja även poesi. En oförglömlig vandring i en gången tid. Om du är intresserad kan du gå till hela inlägget. Klicka på länken under bilden.

From my latest trip to China and the Yangtze River, there is one memory that will never be erased – the day we visited Water Village. This day was a hike into the heart of Old China. The essence of every art form, be it painting, writing, marriage traditions… Unforgettable, true beauty.

If you want to know more, click here for the full post.