going…going…almost gone (the ice, I mean)
February 11, 2011 § 10 Comments
To my cousin Sam with whom I grew up and who lives now in Florida, I offer up these ice-y pictures.
Yes, there’s beauty in wicked frozen Winter, but truly, living with it for weeks at a time,we become inured to it after a certain amount of early mornings shoveling, chipping, scraping and sliding around, on foot and in the cars.
…and then you witness a downy little bird on the bench or the furniture that is otherwise ice-bearded and yet you marvel at even their claw feet that somehow seem immune to the cold.
The frozen little “fir” tree that stands sentry at the front porch was crispy and in the wind, rattled and threatened to smash into a million little fir pieces…but it didn’t.
And the cardinals have a way of making snow look fabulous, even romantic, with their red crests a sharp silhouette against the snow. and for a moment you recall the holidays but you’re on the other side of Xmas songs and snow, and you realize with relief that Spring is just around the corner.
From left to right: 1958…Me, my (big) brother Barry, and our cousins Sandy (Sam), Greg and David. Betsy, the 4th cousin, would come along soon! Oh, and note the long sled.
Yup, this is when we REALLY loved winter and got out in it every chance we could, bungling clothes notwithstanding.
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It was so interesting to watch the bluejays this morning. I hadn’t seen them through the terrible cold. Today it warmed a bit and they were back, making a racket you wouldn’t believe and really chowing down on the pecans. I’d guess they were hunkered down themselves somewhere, waiting for a break in the weather before venturing too far from their home. Your birdies must love you, for their seed.
The photo of you all on that sled is so real. It was different in those pre-gortex, pre-fleece days. Lots of wool and lots of bulk. Remember how the snow balled up on the mittens? And I don’t remember ever being cold as a kid. I suppose our circulation was better, for one thing!
As you say, winter is good, but perhaps it’s time to start moving along. There are daffodils waiting in the wings!
I MUST look for the pecans for the birds…at birdstore? in some special incarnation? or, from the grocer? We have the occasional jay but they’re too big for the feeder and they can’t seem to get the “hang” (literally) of the suet cage. However, they observe…regularly. I must find the pecans! And oh, yes, please bring on the daffodils and forsythia!
Love the photos but that last one is great. You all look so cute on that sled.
It brings back a lot of memories.
They’re predicting 70s here next week. I’ve no illusions. I know we can have spring one day and winter the next, but I’m hopeful.
BR- Love the old photos and must plow through tons of them to see which ones get scanned. It looks like a week’s work, ah, but such fun…and so glad they “make sense”! Imagine – little snowsuits that are belted?! and with pointed hoods on them – pointed? How fashion evolves…gotta love it.
Yes, yes, let’s do some kind of weather mantra to get in the higher temps, as odd as they will seem in the second-third of winter.
You were so darned cute~! Look at that smile — winter happiness. I used to smile like that at winter, too!
Your photos are amazing — I’m really shocked at all the snow and ice you have there. The one of the table — wow. And the fir tree. Very nice in every way.
But my fave is that family pic! that’s a treasure!
Jeanie – I got my Valentine today! I’m going to do a post on it. No wonder you have shops that buy your cards! when are you going full time as an artist, hmmmm?
I think I need to dig deeper into our “old” family photos. Can I hire someone to scan them for me? sheesh. NOt my forte, but on the other hand, it’s so worth it to have them in e-files, too.
I love the incongruity of icicles on a picnic table… and what a perfect regiment of them! You’re right: when we’re fighting the logistics of just getting from A to B in winter weather, we often forget to notice the beauty all around you. Glad your fir tree survived the ice storm; and glad to know the small birds did, too — great captures, both of them That picture of you & your brother with your cousins, though… that’s pure gold: love these memories!
Aren’t the “old” pictures funny? I have folders full of them to get scanned in so I can share and email them with my brother and cousin. The fun is in the details, too.
And since it’s far warmer today (44 degrees), looks like we can get outdoors to chop away at some of hte ice that has stuck lo’ these many weeks!
Ahhhh, that table looks so deliciously cool, I would lie on it! February is our hottest month and we are all gross, sweaty and flushed. Only thing that saves us is a icy vodka and tonic at 7.30 as the sun sets. Bliss!
These pictures and your words are truly beautiful. It is a reminder that we can find beauty in everything, even the cold winter!