Sunday, January 31, 2010

Sunday Stroll - Goodbye to January

A snow storm veiled the village in white this afternoon as I walked. In summer, laughing children lean against the rails of this bridge, calling out to their friends swimming in the river below. On this last day of January, ice has formed along the edges of the river, narrowing it's cold swift flow, and a hush seems to fall with the snow.



The streets of town were nearly deserted, except near the little movie cinema with it's one screen. People were scurrying from car to theatre, their hats and coats covered in snowflakes. The steeple of the church just beyond the theatre was nearly hidden by the falling snow.

In the summer, children throw their lines in from the boardwalks and fishermen stand in the water in their tall green waders. But late in January, only the mallard ducks get in the cold clear water.

I wonder if they are dreaming of spring? I know I'm not the only one who is counting down the days.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you happy days.
all photos by Aisling, January 31, 2010




21 comments:

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Ok dear, you're making me feel guilty. I spent all morning gardening in my nightgown with Jeff whacking down the lavender and pineapple sage beside me. We're a team.

Sending love,

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

Marcie said...

Ah well, I'm glad someone is gardening somewhere! I can imagine the lovely scent of lavender and pineapple sage wafting up as you worked together, side by side. That sounds like heaven! :)

Pom Pom said...

I'm SO okay with saying good-bye to January. I hold it dear because our oldest son was born in January twenty-nine years ago and he continues to bless and encourage me, but this January has been harsh and cold. I'm still reading The Long Winter and I'm skipping ahead in it, longing so for spring. Your photos are beautiful, Aisling.

Beverly said...

we will find out Tuesday when Spring will come ;)

Cloudhands said...

Oh, I really like the otherworldly filter of bluish snow that fill your pictures. The lack of people may also have something to do with the feeling of quiet observation where folks have abandoned the world and left traces of other times and activities.

Marcie said...

Pom Pom, I love The Long Winter, but I can understand how you must feel reading it in the midst of deep winter. My favorite book in that series is Farner Boy.

Thank you for your sweet note. :)

Marcie said...

Beverly, Yes we will! :)

Marcie said...

Visibility was really reduced, and except near the theater it felt almost as if I were alone in the village. Oh yeah... except for the ducks.

Margaret Porter said...

Charming stroll through the snow. I especially love seeing the mallards...no open water in my territory, except the ocean! Thus no waterfowl, either, until ice-out.

Marcie said...

Margaret, I loved seeing the mallards today, but they looked so cold! They have left the open water here too as much of it is icing over, except for the bay on Lake Michigan which is icy only at the edges. I'm sure you will be glad to see those first few ducks in spring... We love it when they land on the tiny pond in our back yard. :)

L'Adelaide said...

these photos are amazing to a native californian...but it looks amazingly cold as well ;)

hoping the sun shines soon in your white world, the children are again gathered about your lovely gate, the river's flow is wide and free and not quite so cold♥
xox

Marcie said...

Linda, Winter is a long haul here, for sure! Spring lifts the heart when it finally comes along. Thank you for the thoughtful note. :)

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

Aisling, beautiful images. Like your mom I am in the South and snowed in. Maybe tomorrow I can get out. Love your meaningful sharing from the Quiet Country House!!

Jessica Monte said...

How dreamy! The first and fourth photos made me feel as though I were gazing into a winter wonderland. Amazing Aisling!

Marcie said...

Ernestine, Enjoy your snowed-in time. I guess it doesn't happen for you nearly as often as it does for me. Of course, we usually just get out in it! :)

Jessica, It does look dreamy in the photos, but of course the rude awakening is the wet slap of snow in your face and the cold, cold air. lol!

Thank you both for your kind remarks! I'm so glad you came by!

L'Adelaide said...

thought i would come by in the cold night, raining cats and dogs here, and thank you for your sweet comment...i always love hearing from you!

hoping it has warmed up a bit but watch out, i think more is coming judging from here!

Marcie said...

Linda, Thank you for making a visit! Night rain sounds lovely. We will probably not have snow again for a few days, other than light showers. I'm watching a forecast right now. It looks like maybe some heavy snow Tuesday and Wednesday.

I hope that all is well with you!

asouthernsunset said...

What a beautiful winter wonderland. I so love the snow, however, we seldom get any here in the deep South. I enjoyed the stroll and enchanting pictures of your snowy day.
Yaya

Marcie said...

Ya ya, Thank you! And I always enjoy my taste of the deep south when I visit you! Thank you so much for coming by!

Farmer's Daughter said...

I've given you an award because you brighten my day! Come on over to check it out :)

Jessica Monte said...

Aisling, you know I love your blog. I just gave you the Sunshine Award over at my place. Thank you for being an inspiration!