WINTER HERE AND THERE

——————————————–

We’re not gonna see this stuff in July.  Just sayin’.

It certainly has not been a nice winter and I’m looking forward to the Philadelphia Flower Show followed by spring.  But, to stay in the cave day after day is not good either.  A couple of weeks ago we escaped to two favorite antique malls in Redbank.  After antiquing we watched the ice boats and related hardy types enjoying life on the adjacent Navesink River.  These boats are said to be the fastest wind-driven sport craft, easily capable of 50 mph and, if the wind’s right, up to 100 mph.  On my bucket list along with kite-surfing.

————————————————————–

I recently returned to Island Beach State Park, still in search of the Snowy Owls.  I failed again: not even a flash of white feathers as I scanned over the dunes.  Full stomachs dictating naps in the branches?  There were, however, several foxes on the dole.  They actually emerge from the brush when they hear a car approaching.  Here’s Freddy, again.

———————————————————–

And another snowy beach scene.

————————————————————-

Back home I’ve been playing with the contrast between the indoor flowering houseplants and the cold bleakness of winter.  Herewith one of my columneas, happy to be inside.

—————————————————————-

On a recent snowing day (one of too many this winter) I was drawn to the same kind of contrast between a constant spring inside and bitterness outside.  The falling snow, however, is one of winter’s best features so I tried to capture a sense of it here, to be reviewed on a 98° day next August.

——————————————————————————————

On yet another morning we were having a winter mix of snow, sleet and rain.  Yeah, a really nice morning.  But, there was some lemonade to be made.  I was caught by the buildup of sleet at the bottom of a window being pac-manned as it were by the rain drops sliding down the window.  Would I hang this one in the living room?  I doubt it but it’s interesting.

————————————————————————————-

Don’t go away depressed by winter.  There’s always color in Marty Lou’s greenhouse.

______________________________________________________________