Walking in a Quiet Neighborhood in Newbury, MA

Winter Rains Growing Fungus on Trees

Rain not snow this winter.

We are having a winter with almost no snow. Our temperatures range from the 20s to the 50s. They say it is El  Nino; I say that as a New Englander  that "It is beyond weird".  I will admit that it is a treat to walk down the street in mid February wearing just a fleece jacket and no snow boots. But, it is not cold enough & long enough to kill mosquito larva, eliminate ticks, and the deer have a clear path without running through the snow to our gardens.

I miss the quiet of the snows storms. I never grow tired of waking up early and finding a surprise  winter wonderland. Right now my snow shoes are getting dusty in the hall closet. I did have one great hike in the woods with my snow shoes. The quiet is so relaxing. The only sounds are a distant bird call, my breath, and an occasional train. But this winter, I am going back to the noisy gym. I do hate the inside stale air, the sweat, and the sight of  ugly tattoos on uglier bodies.

Graffiti out in the woods. Old Man of the Mountain?

I love to find & photograph graffiti. I have been shooting graffiti for many years now. One day, I shall blog my best shots. I  stay away from Neon Spray Tags. They are too common,  destroy property and I am not sure of their message. But I love small, very compact pieces of art tucked away like a treasure when one finds one. Someone painted two small waves on a bridge over the marsh. Love walking by those waves. It is almost like a poem.

Unsigned art in the quiet woods. What could be better way to spend an outdoor afternoon by oneself?

Memories in pictures of Bruggs, Belguim

Another snow storm, and I sit daydreaming about Brugg. We visited this ancient city last September.

 There is something wonderful about cities that have canals. The light reflects on the ancient buildings, the boat trips open up the water wonderful vistas and reflections of oddly shaped brick buildings flash in my brain. 

Memories of a wonderful breakfast in the town square, great bread, cheese and oh yes, rich coffee. The local beer halls,  its customers, and good cheer. Wandering into a chocolate haven. Too many choices of rich fresh and delicious chocolate treats.  

Waiting for the boat trip, watching the shadows of this fair city.

Skyline of towers.

Classic building designs.

Hidden gardens.

Slow boat tour around the old city.

Old brick walls.

Ancient fish market with a movable loom.

Ancient churches aglow with stained glass stories.

Old city gates.

Chocolate choices.

Great breakfast outdoors.

Back in our air b n b, with hand picked Belgium delights.

Day dreaming of a past year, and looking forward to a new year.

I woke up with a smile this morning. It snowed all day yesterday. We had about 8 inches of heavy snow. I opened my eyes in the morning and looked out to a winter wonderland. Our trees were covered in the heavy snows. The sun was out and the sky was a winter shade of light robin egg blue.
As the day progressed the snow started to melt and drop off the trees at a very slow pace.

The world is crazy right now. I can not control politics, world leaders, or stop the wars. All I can do is control my inner self and keep my soul open to love and thoughts of peace.