below zero

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how gulls hunker down in frigid temperatures
2.16.15 ~ Eastern Point Beach

Oh the snow fell without a break
Buffalo died in the frozen fields you know
Through the coldest winter in almost fourteen years
I couldn’t believe you kept a smile
~ Rod Stewart
♫ (Mandolin Wind) ♫

the rocks where the oystercatchers made their nest last summer...
the rocks where the oystercatchers made their nest last summer

Cabin fever drove us out of our “cabin” yesterday. It was way too bitterly cold and windy to take a walk, so we drove around all morning, had lunch at our favorite restaurant, and then drove around some more. To get some shots I would hop out of the car for a few seconds, but mostly I rolled down the window to shoot. Even with layers the cold was bone-chilling…

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First we went down to the beach where a small circle was plowed into the parking lot. The gulls looked miserable – they usually are standing when resting, even in winter, but this was the first time I’ve seen them hunker down like this. Sadly, I’m guessing some of them won’t make it through the winter.

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Beach Pond was frozen over and starkly beautiful
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As I write this it is snowing yet again – the sight of it gently falling brings me pleasure but I must confess to struggling with restlessness and lethargy this winter, an odd combination, but there it is…

...abandoned nest...
abandoned nest

Over lunch we talked about our plans for Katie’s upcoming weekend visit in March. We’ll take her to see the beach where her mother grew up, and to our favorite restaurant to show her off to the servers there. It’s nice to have things to look forward to, even while savoring the moments here and now.

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More pictures will be coming when I get a chance to post again…

14 thoughts on “below zero”

  1. as beautiful as your photos are, they feel so cold…
    I know that feeling in Winter..I am struggling with it now, Texas has actually seen a Winter of sorts, nothing like y’alls, but still cold…it was 84F a few days ago, woke up to sleet in the Hill Country…I am bundling up to walk Molly, I think I’ll just be grateful for being here now ::)

    I am ready to work in my gardens, I usually have my roses pruned as the daffodils come up…I walked through the gardens yesterday, so much to be done…and I am restless to do it now …soon:)

    I thought the seagulls were turtles also, they looked like they are wearing hard shells, I hope it is enough protection against the cold, but I think you are right …

    Have a wonderful day, I am headed to my favorite plant nursery( need to get a new plant 🙂 always helps with the Winter Blues )
    Take Care…You Matter..Stay warm and safe!
    )0(
    maryrose

    1. I’m glad the photos visually captured the feeling of bitter coldness, Maryrose – exactly what I was trying to convey!

      Everything is relative, and when you’re used to 84°F in the winter… Saw pictures on the news last night of Mardi Gras celebrators bundled up in coats and hats. Yesterday in North Carolina, Katie, Larisa & Dima were all home from day care and work because of an ice storm. Amazing…

      My garden is buried in the snow – I wonder when I will ever SEE it again, let alone start working in it! You’re lucky to have a plant nursery open near to you – ours don’t open until April!!!

      Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a lovely comment! Happy gardening!

  2. I don’t think people from warmer climes should be allowed to post comments about how cold it is there and then mention they’re heading to the garden centre. lol. Our garden centres won’t open until mid-May.
    I’m sure a Texan’s idea of cold is our idea of a pleasant day.

    “Lethargy and restless” ? You just described my feelings too. BTW do you find yourself eating too much ? I’m usually pretty good about restraining myself but dark chocolate is no long safe in this house.

    It’s good to have something to look forward to.

    Be well and stay warm my friend. Best wishes from frigid Nova Scotia. Sybil

    1. I know what you mean… I will have to be careful come April, when our garden centers open, that I don’t mention any trips there to you until mid-May!

      You got me thinking about a place I haven’t visited in a long time. Logee’s Greenhouses, about an hour north of us. No garden there, but a huge greenhouse specializing in flowering tropical plants. Probably couldn’t buy anything – it would freeze to death just getting to the car. I just sent an email to my sister, hoping she might want to make a trip soon – it would be a great blog photo-op!

      Sybil, I am so happy to know that I am not alone in feeling lethargic and restless. I’m fortunate with my dark chocolate addiction, though – husband keeps a supply of it stashed away and leaves small, reasonable daily doses of it around the house, in different places. As I putter around the house I will find one every now and then as the day progresses. Always a joyful moment!

      Sending you warm wishes as well, my friend. More snow tomorrow…

        1. You planned your move well, Laurie! Enjoy your 53°F! Right now it is 18°F here, the windchill factor is 7°F – we’re just happy it’s above zero today!

    1. Thank you, Rosie! From what I gather on the news, California has it’s own share of extreme weather, although of a different kind. It seems the effects of climate change are being felt everywhere on our little blue planet.

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