Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Embracing Unchangeable

Well, it does not look like the cold weather is going away anytime soon. As I am writing this, it is actually -9 degrees outside. Schools are closed once again, etc. I cannot ever remember a colder winter in my life. The kind of cold that actually takes your breath away, and can cause frostbite in minutes if your not properly covered in the cold elements. I decided to actually take myself outside with my camera because I am going stir-crazy with cabin fever. I didn't go far, just outside my front door. Did I mention, it showed all weekend too? Here is a little photo of me trying to embrace what I cannot change, the winter's bitter cold! I am looking forward to the weekend when the temperatures will be in the 20's. I think it will actually feel like a heat-wave in comparison to the temperatures we have had in January. So everyone, enjoy the day, and please keep warm!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Brash & Polar Vortex

With our record-breaking cold temperatures (Polar Vortex) this winter in Michigan, it has created problems on our international waterways. These waterways have shipping channels which let freighters travel between the upper and lower great lakes. One of the main waterways, which is the St.Clair River, has frozen solid and creating what is called as "Brash", making the waterway un-passable due to the solid ice formations. The Coast Guard and ice-breaking boats have to come in, and cut the ice, making the water passable for cargo vessels. So far, the crews have been working for at least a month on removing the Brash ice for passage on the water. Brash ice is actually broken ice, which is makes it harder for the cutter ships to navigate a path for the cargo vessels. This is the same river I wrote about in a post last week, entitled "Winter Inspiration" which shows the river in a totally different state about a year ago. I have never seen the river frozen solid, and was sure surprised when I took a ride a few days ago just to see the water. I was greeted with large chunks of ice as far as the eye can see. I'm still amazed, every time I see something new and amazing that has been created by nature! Here is a photo of the "Brash" that was created by the so-called Polar Vortex! Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Spring Dreaming!

Driving on the roads yesterday, I was wishing that I was that person who loves winter. Sadly, I am not that person. I miss the sun, the warmth, and the magic of new life growing from the ground that Spring brings. So, while I play dodge the potholes with my car, look at the now dirty black snow, and the clouds in the sky, I will keep counting the days until Spring. :)

Monday, January 13, 2014

Winter Inspiration

Living in Michigan, I am surrounded by water. I live on the east side of the state where Lake Erie connects to the Detroit River, which connects to Lake St. Clair, which connects to the St. Clair River, which then connects to Lake Huron. That is a lot of water on the east shores of Michigan. This photo is a view of the St. Clair River on a cold winter day. The St. Clair River is a large passage-way for freighters that can travel along all of these lakes and the St. Clair River. The St. Clair River is also a ferry-passage for vehicles to, and from Canada, which is just across the river. The day I took this photo, it was extremely cold outside, I had no gloves with me, my fingers were frozen, but I knew I had to at least take a few photos of what looked like a true winter scene on the river. Hope you like it!

Friday, January 10, 2014

Diamonds Hiding in the Snow

I have been stuck inside for the last two weeks due to being sick. I am hoping to venture out later today now that it is a little warmer outside. Who would have thought that 20 degrees would be a heat wave! While, I was stuck inside, I managed to go out on my porch one afternoon when I saw these tiny little branches hidden in an otherwise snow covered bush next to my front porch. Beautiful little drops of water on the tiny branch shot up-close, created an abstract/bokeh type of effect on the snowy background. Happy Friday!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Inviting Warmth!

Happy New Year to everyone! I am hoping that 2014 brings joy and happiness to people everywhere. In Michigan, it seems to be the coldest I remember in decades! It is actually -13 degrees outside right this moment. That is on top of the 12-15" of snow we received in the last two days. I wonder if people in Alaska live like this all year round. Since it is so cold, I thought that this photo would invite us to feel warm and fuzzy inside. If not, there is always marshmallows to roast! Stay warm wherever you are.