ICE, ICE and more ICE

After falling down in our driveway this week and dislocating 2 fingers I am starting to take ice seriously. Here is the west side of the house.






This kind of ice happens with a sudden rise in temperatures, rain and a sudden drop in degrees. In our case it went from -10C to +9C followed by -12C and stayed cold for about a week.

The top picture was taken on a cloudy day. The dazzle under sunshine is near-blinding. About 2.5cm layer of ice on everything.

CALLING OUT POOR DRIVERS RANT

Check out the date...it's January right? This means that you should have your "w-i-n-t-e-r tires on the car". Then you don't have to creep along the road at half the speed limit, holding up those of us are not denying winter's presence. Sheesh people! It's eastern Canada...it s-n-o-w-s here!

Secondly, those of you who insist on braking on every corner of a road you drive at least twice a day...pull over already...some of us can drive the 15km with our eyes closed!

Sheesh people!

/rant

POSTCARDS FOR THE NEW YEAR

My friend Alison is a graphic designer. I had her prepare a few of my photographs so I can send them out on exchange. Many of you may know about postcrossing. Similar to bookcrossing, the site matches senders and recipients for postcards. I joined last May and in spite of rising postage prices...I am hooked! Wanna find out more? Click below...

BACKYARD ENTERTAINMENT

Now that the ground is frozen and covered with snow, my avian neighbours welcome a few hand-outs. I am pleased to report that the male Ring-necked Pheasant has taken up residency just near enough to control my cat.

Other channels offer American Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, Blue Jays and Black-capped Chickadees for her viewing pleasure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!

Not one for resolutions, I do resolve to post more regularly here. Many times I write a story, then leave it in edit mode. By the time I remember to post, it is no longer timely.

Some stories of 2008 that never saw the light: June bugs, Tar-spot, sunny autumn days, golden warmth of summer and tall ships.

Remember to keep a list...10 good things. It can form the basis of your gratitude journal.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

May I take this time to wish everyone Happy Holidays and hopes for a better 2009.

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

Yule Blessings

SAMBRO ISLAND LIGHT

A gray day, but a full trip set out for one of the oldest operating lighthouses in North America. In celebration of Sou'wester Days mid-August, local tour operators were ferrying visitors to and from the island, from the Government wharf in Sambro.

Foggy weather didn't dampen our spirits, as we neared the small rocky island even the slight swell was tolerable.

Coming into the small cove, we see the red and white wooden-clad concrete light behind a decrepit small house which turned out to be the gas house.

Recent hurricanes, such as Juan and Noel have taken their toll.

Her light shines bright as the nearby horn sounds regularly along this rocky approach to the world's second deepest natural harbour at Halifax.