Sunday, November 23, 2008

Sunday Stroll - The Turn of the Seasons



Sijo is always eager to be outdoors in the snow, so we "geared up" together and headed to the marsh in the southeast corner of the property. Our walk took us under Senryu's willow, through the cattails, and then up the eastern hill that divides our property from our neighbors. This old fence post marks the dividing line. The wire fence has long since fallen into disuse; cattle no longer graze this former bit of pasture where our house and gardens sit. We cross this border comfortably. I've written here before about how graciously these neighbors allow us to wander at will on their extensive acres, for which we are so grateful.





Few trees grew on this hill when we moved here, over twelve years ago. Nibbling cows kept the fields nicely "mown" and seedling trees didn't have a chance to grow tall. In the years since we've moved here, the birch trees behind the old fence have scattered seeds onto our hillside. A few young slender birches grow here now.



Withered blue berries cling to viburnam branches and the stalks of wildflowers rise up through the snow. Fallen leaves, some still green, lie beneath bare branches amid scattered seeds. And here I've found what I was looking for, that "poetry of the turn of the seasons" that Ray Stannard Baker wrote about. Summer's green is still hinted at in the fallen leaf. Winter's approach is evident in the fallen snow.





I had some companions on my stroll: Sijo, Maude, Arwen and Tag.












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All photos by Aisling, November 23, 2008 ...(photo of Tag "equalized" with photo editing, because it was taken in shadows.)


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14 comments:

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Aisling I enjoyed strolling with you. Love the pictures. No snow at my home as of yet. You make me yearn for the country even more.
Take care

Marcie said...

Ernestine,

Thank you for sharing my stroll. Has that country cottage gone from dreaming-stage to planning-stage, yet?

hugs,
Aisling

Joyce said...

Beautiful winter scenes. Isn't it funny how cats will accompany you on a walk. People who don't have cats can't believe it when I tell them that mice will do that! Not that they would be the least bit happy on a leash...

Marcie said...

Joyce, My cats are always underfoot when we are outdoors together. They love to tag along for a walk!

Joyce said...

Oh, not "mice" but "mine"! LOL! I must do better at proof-reading!

Phill said...

Just gorgeous. Two of my favorite things, incidentally - Birch and berries. Thanks for the neat photos! Looks like that was a really beautiful walk.

Granny Sue said...

What a peaceful post. I enjoyed your stroll through the snow. Your photos are perfect for the season and the mood.

Marcie said...

Joyce, Not a big deal; I knew what you meant! :)

City Mouse, I'm glad you enjoyed my stroll today. The birch are so varied and pretty. It is nice to have some interesting detail to look at once the leaves and blossoms have fallen away.

Granny Sue, Thank you for your kind comment. It was a peaceful stroll, indeed. All the world has a kind of hush with that blanket of snow upon it, it seems.

alison said...

A beautiful stroll as usual, Aisling! I love the bark and berries.

Robbin said...

The snow is beautiful, I'd love to take a walk in it too. I've seen very little snow in my lifetime and the few times we've had it, it was slush in a flash.
Enjoy your week, and the holiday.

Everydaywoman said...

Just love the berries against the snow. I have to admit, I'm a just a little bit jealous of your snow! We have COLD, but no snow yet! Also enjoyed seeing your walking partners!

Marcie said...

Alison, Robbin, and Ruth,

Thanks for coming by to view my stroll. It was cold and I wasn't very eager to get outdoors, but once I was bundled up and out there, it was really very pleasant. Thank you for your nice comments! :)

L'Adelaide said...

aisling, such lovely photos...a little late but had to come by and visit for a minute or 5!

see you next week probably but we are expecting rain...who knows with rain! although I suppose I shouldn't complain, you do it with snow...but it's not as wet... :)

Marcie said...

Linda, Thank you for coming by to visit. Our snow yesterday (and overnight) was almost as wet as rain. It was a wet, heavy snow that has turned to slush on the roadways.

I hope the rain falls for you in the days ahead, but that you have a nice long break in which to stroll. :)