The Colors of Winter

Spring is just around the corner, but for now, my part of the world is still more like winter than spring.We are all looking forward to those first new shoots of green grass, the new buds on the trees and of course those first colourful flowers.

Some years I get to capture the pristine whiteness of fresh snow and the carved beauty of those windblown drifts.This year has been a little different.There are still some snowdrifts, but because many fields are almost bare, we also have a lot of dirt blowing around.

They say that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.Well the same is true for photography.Life has given my part of the world a lot of dirty snow so I look to see the beauty in that.

Take a look at some of the scenes I have been able to capture.Bear in mind that these are snowdrifts.Snow mixed with a lot of dirt.

I could almost imagine ocean waves in this one, if it were blue instead of black.

I am always amazed at the way the wind sculpts the snow. Perhaps the dirt in it helps to make the designs more visible.

 No,not a deserted planet or island, but dirty snow on the field.

I love the power of some of the editing tools.The snow had a slight bluish tinge to it and with some creative editing I could enhance that and create this scene.

For those who are still with me to the point,I have added one photo with color. These Hydrangeas were captured last summer.I am so looking forward to more scenes like this in the next few months.

Closing Thought:

You’re never fully dressed without a smile!

Some Of My Winter Visitors

We are almost till March,but in Manitoba that just means we have about one more month of winter.It could be a little more or a little less.Temperatures may vary from pleasantly mild to cold.

Spring is coming, of that we can be sure.

Today I share a few of my winter visitors with you.I also want to share a few encouraging Bible verses.Some days I struggle to remain positive but reading these verses has helped me.

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28-19

The photo--Female Downy Woodpecker

8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Photo--- A sharp-shinned Hawk,eyeing the feeder.

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Photo---Male Downy Woodpecker in the snow.

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Photo---Red-breasted Nuthatch

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Photo---Blue Jay

This last photo is an attempt at an HDR shot.During our winters the photo subjects are scarce, so these Amaryllis flowers had to do. I took several, perhaps 4-5 pictures, some under exposed, some over-exposed and some just right, then took them into a program called Aurora and merged them into one. A little tweaking and this was the final result.

Closing Thought:

“Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

Winter Birds

The winter in these parts can seem long, partly because the temperatures drop so low that I don't even care to go out.When a day of milder weather breaks the cold spell, that means getting out of the house and looking for photo opportunities.One place that often has Bald Eagles is near the Pembina Valley and also near a Hutterite Colony. On this particular day I saw several Eagles there.The Colony puts some refuse on the field so it is a ready buffet for the birds.

Always a thrill to see one of these, whether in the sky or perched somewhere.

There must have been some tasty treat right here.Two Black-billed Magpies and a Bald Eagle.These birds were quite a distance away so the quality of the shots is not great.

While sitting in the car, waiting for the eagles a group of Hutterite young folks were going for a walk down the road.I got this picture through the car window.

Later that same day the sky showed some interning cloud patterns.

The end of the day and the snowy field gives an idea of the cold weather.

Just to warm things up a little, here is a summer photo, complete with a butterfly.

Whether an Eagle in the sky or a small butterfly on a flower,God's fingerprint is on each one.

Closing Thought:

Every moment of the year has it’s own beauty…….

a picture which was never before and shall never be seen again.

Snowy Scenes and Coffee

I know that by this time of year we are all ready for spring, but in Manitoba,we still have some more winter to get through. Yes,it has been cold, at times, very cold, but sill there is some beauty around.Let's see what we can find on a drive in rural southern Manitoba. I'll make sure the heat is on in the car so we will stay warm.

We have had very little snow so far this winter, but earlier in the season we did have some. One thing we can be fairly certain about is that with the snow we will also have wind.Here you can see the snow drifting across the field.

I zoom in of the snow and we can see the details sculpted by the wind. I find this quite fascinating.

 A few old stalks are enough to hold up the snow and shape it into unique patterns.

The old Oak trees stand tall and barren a little hill.

In the roadside ditch more unique snow scapes have formed.

Well,we've made our way around the countryside, saw some interesting snow scenes and now we are back at my house. I think the coffee or tea is ready and waiting.Will you come in and join me?

Closing Thought:

When you think of memories you’ve made with friends, those memories become treasures.

The Love Of God

February is the month of love and on the 14th many tokens of love are exchanged.
Now,whether you have a sweetheart at your side or you celebrate that day by yourself,as many of us do, one love never changes.The Love of God will endure forever.

All photos were taken within the last month or two, except the last flower one.That one goes back to the summer of 2017. The Snowy Owl was fairly recent and with the help of Steve,I was able to get this shot.I am very thankful for this opportunity.
Now to the words of the old song The Love Of God. May these words bless you today.

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

When hoary time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call,

God’s love so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

1. To write the love of God above
   Would drain the ocean dry;
   Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
   Though stretched from sky to sky.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Winter Blue Jay

Just when it seems that there is little or no color in winter, my friend the Blue Jay shows up and proves me wrong. I enjoy these birds on my yard all year long.In winter, especially,they add color and some action to the quiet landscape.

This Blue Jay is coming for the peanuts in the window feeder.

A little Oak tree is the usual landing place before visiting the feeder.

We take a closer look at this beautiful bird.

Finally at the feeder.Now to decide which peanut is the best one.They usually pick up several before settling on one.

This must be the one.Down the hatch and away he will go to hide it quickly and come back for more.

Closing Thought;

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:26

Beauty In An Ordinary Day

Once winter has settled in it's harder to find scenes that are not just black and white.

I find this season to be a difficult one as far as photography goes.Limited subject matter and not much color. Actually these pictures are not recent.The first one was taken in October and the rest in early November

The dark clouds add some contrast to the brown landscape.

A snow that clings to the branches made these trees at the lake look quite lovely. You can see the lake still had open water at that time.By now it is frozen over.

One small branch, with red leaves from the Mountain Ash on my yard adds a dash of color.

 Last years seeds still clinging to the branches of the Amur Maples on my yard, can be quite pretty with a cap of snow.

The berry clusters on the Mountain Ash take the prize for color at this time of year. They also provide some food for some of the birds.

Closing Thought:

A blessing shared makes even an ordinary day special.

I Just Came To Talk With You Lord

There are some songs which I love with the first couple of notes I hear, then there are others that take a little longer.Today I am featuring a song that has grown on me.It took me a little while to warm up to this song, but after listening to it many times over,I have come to love it.The words are a prayer of my heart.

I am including a video at the end of this post. It features Matt Fouch singing this song.
Since I like to know the words and read them,I am also adding the words, together with some of my own pictures.

I didn't come here to ask You for anything
I just came to talk with you Lord.

You've answered a million prayers or more 

That I forgot to thank You for

I just came to talk with You Lord.

Maybe tomorrow there'll be trouble and sorrow

And a thousand teardrops may fall,

But until I face tomorrows task

I have no special favour to ask

I just came to talk with You Lord.

How many times Lord have troubles brought me to my knees

Oh but this time I just came to talk with You Lord.

I have no selfish motive in mind 

Just want to thank you for all the other times

I just came to talk with You Lord.

Maybe tomorrow there'll be trouble and sorrow

And a thousand teardrops may fall

But until I face tomorrows task

I have no special favours to ask

( Partial solar eclipse of 2017 )

I just came to talk with You Lord

( Setting sun)

I just came to talk with You Lord.