Here’s the challenge of the blogger in the throes of winter.
Photos.
I stand here in the morning after I’ve had my coffee, holding my camera, searching for something, anything to capture with my lens. Something that you haven’t seen before? Almost impossible after seven years of blogging. A new view of the inside of the cottage? Equally impossible. (Unless I do something like hang upside down while photographing the kitchen…)
For example, you’ve seen Riley’s Dish Garden before. Many times. The plants have changed a bit, but I’d bet money that this particular configuration is the same as the last time I took a photo of it. The morning light makes it look interesting, however, so I’m going with it.
It’s friggin’ cold out there. Unless there’s a great sunset, I’m basically looking at snow. I’ve taken hundreds of photos of snow over the years. It’s white, there’s a lot of it out there and, quite frankly, unless I tromp through the woods, I’m not going to come up with anything new. And maybe not even then. I’m sick of the snow at this point. Don is sick of the snow. Scout is sick of the snow. End of snow story.
And I’m not tromping through the woods.
We’re suffering from cabin fever here. I’d love to take some photos of little green things emerging from the ground, but I don’t think that will be happening for another month, at least.
I think I need to dust this plant. See the little cobwebs? That’s something that a camera lens can do for you – help you to see tiny details that you might miss otherwise. I cropped this photo into a close-up of the plant and there, right before my eyes…little cobwebs. Edited to add: And dog hair. No mites, don’t worry.
Maybe I should do this with all the areas in my house. It would bring a whole new level of dirt and dust awareness to my cleaning regimen.
Don has a gig tonight. I’m staying home with Miss Scout, who cannot be without either Mom or Dad for any length of time these days. I’ll treat myself to a long soak in the tub, bubble bath included.
We watched the first two episodes of House of Cards last night. We’re wondering if this season will bring the same excitement, brazen behavior and ruthless actions as the first two seasons. So far it doesn’t seem that way, but it’s early on in the 13 episode season, so we are refraining from any conclusions until we see more.
I call the Underwoods (the characters played by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright) the Macbeths of Washington D.C. Very Shakespearean, this series.
An Octoroon received a rave review from the New York Times. Huzzah! (Don’t look for my name in the credits in the review. I didn’t come on board until the last moments in the process. I am in the program, never fear.) I’m so honored to have been a small part of this incredible production. This play is an important, powerful work. It’s heartbreaking, wildly funny, and tragic. It’s daring and beautifully written. You can read about it in the review, if you’re interested.
Happy Saturday.
The review was very good! happy you had an opportunity to work and get out and about for a few days mid-winter! How are your Impatients doing? My geranium seems to be struggling but I have hopes for it! That white stuff is coming down again here today again! I really want SPRING to start soon.
They’re doing pretty well, Dottie, though I have to pinch at least one of them back. It’s way too leggy! Fingers crossed that they make the transition from the house to the porch successfully!
Good Morning Claudia –
I know what you mean about the cobwebs. Unless you stand at a certain angle or the room is flooded with sunlight it is often not possible to see the webs and then one day you look and there they are right before your eyes. You are certainly not alone in feeling a little cabin fever. Sometimes it is helpful to tackle a cleaning or organizing project maybe a cupboard, a closet, or even a drawer. I hate starting a big project like that, but I always feel gratified when it is behind me. In any case, my favorite mantra is, “And this, too, shall pass”.
Did that the other day. Cleaned out a drawer…today? I’m going to read!
We watched the first 2 episodes of House of Cards last night too. Like you and Don, we are determined not to binge watch this time!
We are sick sick sick of winter. We have had very low temps and wind chills but not much snow. But, we have made it through Jan. and Feb. so there is hope for spring!
More snow is apparently coming on Sunday. Yuck, yuck and another yuck!
I am in agreement about the snow also but it looks like more is coming our way Sun. night. Where is SPRING??? Doris
We’re getting that same snow, Doris. Enough already! Spring, please, please come. Today our local weather guys said that this is the coldest February ever recorded in the Hudson Valley. Sigh.
Winter seems to have gotten the best of many of us this year. I decided to watch Season 2 of House of Cards and then treat myself to the new season. I seem to have forgotten so much of last seasons plot. Getting old? or so much going on in my brain. I’m speed watching and will be ready for the new season soon.
hugs,
Linda
There’s a lot to remember, Linda! We were trying to remember things from season 1 as we were watching last night.
We are so tired of the snow here in Maine too. Saying goodbye to our snowiest February on record and hoping for warmer temps, sometime before long. Always enjoy your photos and your summer gardens are so pretty. Enjoy your bubble bath! We have to treat ourselves in some way.
Can’t wait for the garden, Susan, but it sure seems a long way off!
Everyone has cabin fever here. I’m done with winter photos, too and am starting to surround myself with spring in the house…I may be delusional, but happy.
Delusional is a good way to go, Linda!
I can’t stand looking at it out the window any longer, either. More on the way for tomorrow and Tues. ugh. I have to mention that yesterday morning, at 7:04 AM, I heard a bird sing just a few bars outside our window. I yelled for joy. Just a few seconds of wonderful, but to me it was a promise!!
Oh, that must have been a joyous sound, Chris!
Just had a Cooper’s hawk on our deck railing! That briefly made me forget about the cold and snow…more on the way I’m afraid. While having the sun stream into our home is always a good thing…it does manage to show my inadequacies when it comes to a cleaning regimen. This happened to us last week…saw dust where it shouldn’t have been, and it led to a three day whirlwind of cleaning….dare I say spring cleaning? I usually spray my plants with a few drops of dish soap and water to get rid of those mites…works every time! Enjoy your bubble bath! ;)
It isn’t mites. In this case, our home is very dry and we get cobwebs everywhere! Even on the plants.
So done with February, endless dark, having a cold and feeling cold. My pioneer stoicism finally got up and left (probably because it was cold). My daughter pointed out that in June I’ll be complaining that I can’t sleep because it doesn’t actually get dark here, but I’ll take that over winter anytime.
Thank you for the link to the play review. I can’t get over the energy the actors must possess to play those particular roles night after night. You must be very pleased with them and your role in the production.
Enjoy some “me” time today!
I’m very pleased with them, indeed. They are an enormously talented cast!
It’s always wonderful to hear compliments on a project you’ve worked on. They make your efforts so worthwhile.
We have beautiful snow here and no wind (for a wonder). We need any moisture we can get, but this beautiful dry snow isn’t going to help very much. I might take some pictures when it stops.
P.S.: Cobwebs on plants can be bad news–spider mites!
They’re not mites. I don’t have mites on any of my plants. We have a very dry, very old home and we get cobwebs everywhere! I’m constantly going at them.
I’m with you taking pictures of the same thing and finding that ONE. That perhaps might be interesting or new! As to snow… I take a picture here and there– we don’t get near the amount of snow that you get! The alternative ? GRASSHOPPERS! a few years back we had that awful plague! I took more than enough of those creatures.
You’re creative- you’ll find something to photograph. Upside down !!!. Now that would be funny!
Enjoy your SOAK later!
Oh I looked – DIDNT find the book drawing winner. Did I miss it?
I haven’t posted it yet, Pat. Most likely, I’ll post the winner’s name tomorrow. Hang in there!
Congrats about being part of An Octoroon’s success! I’ll read the review later, as I’m about to drive my daughter to the high school musical rehearsal for Guys and Dolls.
Such a great musical! I was in it many moons ago – playing Sarah Brown. Right on the edge of my vocal range at the time, so it involved lots of worry and stress!
I don’t mind at all seeing Riley’s garden dish again..I think it is a sweet little tribute..I plan on getting out tomorrow to browse around our local antique mall so hopefully the new snow will not arrive to early in the day..Loved the review..An Octoroon sounds amazing..I haven’t been to a play for so long..Wishing safe driving and a full house to Don tonight and a very relaxing soak to you….
It is one of the most powerful pieces I’ve ever seen. Truly wonderful, Nancy.
I read the review yesterday, stumbling upon it in the serendipitous way that can only happen when one is online and browsing with no purpose or direction. I caught the name of the play and read quickly, trying so hard to find your name! Oh well, those who follow your blog KNOW you were there and helped the play be a success. Congratulations!
Usually when a review is published in the Times, only the stage manager, producers and designers (set, costume, etc.) are published. Sometimes, they add more, but not often. In this case, my name was in a separate column under “Staff” – which is just fine, considering I thought it might be too late to even get it in the program!
I’m sure you’re not alone, Claudia. There must be 1000s of other avid shutterbugs all the country desperate for ANYTHING else to capture with their cameras too. Spring, no matter how soon it gets here, won’t be too early for anyone this year. Except maybe guys who make part-time $$ plowing out people with their pick-up trucks. THOSE guys may be sorry to see the end of snow season. As for me, I’m guessing we might see some very interesting “melting” photos from you in a few weeks. Have a great evening with Miss Scoutie. PS – you’re making me very curious about “House of Cards” [and I love Kevin Spacey anyway]. I think I may have to add this to my Netflix list.
House of Cards is excellent. Start with Season One, Janet. I think you’ll love it.
I did read the review. You should feel really proud to know you made a difference in something that got written up, quite in-depth…in the New York Times!
Gosh, I know what that is, when you can no longer leave the dog for too long. My girl is younger but she seems to get stressed out every time I leave now. She gets the wary, worried look. It was better when we had a second dog, so that they could commiserate.
I do see the photos in the news…walls of white snow everywhere. My husband always reminds me that the beauty of it gets ‘old,’ when you’re living and working in it, having to get around in it, like just going to the grocery store. I hope you get the thaw soon. I’m looking forward to seeing spring photos from you. Your property is so pretty; I bet it’ll be gorgeous. In the meantime, glad you have some green things growing in the house.
Have a good rest-of-the-weekend. We may get a few showers here in SoCal. We definitely need it. By the way, loved hearing about Caroline’s occupation. The Dollhouse! To be continued(!)…
Scout gets worried, but she also has some problems with ‘holding’ it if left alone too long. She’s a good girl and that alone really stresses her out.
If that’s a Jade plant, you have mites..There shouldn’t be any brown..the chlorophyll is being sucked out of it..Enjoy your bubble bath..
Actually, I think I spoke incorrectly on that one. It isn’t a jade plant. The jade plant I have is on the island and it’s doing just fine. They aren’t mites. I checked. Some of it is actually Scout’s microscopic hair! Plus, they’re not brown – it’s just an effect of the morning light.
Seeing your blog title made me laugh! I was just sitting here thinking that I should do a blog post with some photos, but all I see outside as I look out my window is SNOW! I live in central Oregon and though it has been a fairly “snowless” (well, less than normal) winter, I still feel like all I’ve seen is SNOW here and on everyone’s posts! though I must say.. there are a few in the southern states who have been posting pictures of their little greenies coming up, and early flowers and I’m so jealous! So I don’t think I’ll go outside today to take photos. When we moved here 2-1/2 years ago from SW Washington (where it’s milder and less snow) it was a real novelty to see all the dumpings of snow here.. and I took probably thousands of pictures! so I’m done with snow pictures too. Love your blog! Marilyn
I’ve seen those posts with new plants emerging from the ground. I don’t mind telling you I’m jealous, too!
Unfortunately, I just read tomorrow’s weather forecast – 3 -8 inches. Where the heck are we going to put it???
Thanks so much for your kind words, Marilyn.
I bet you’re sick of snow, I can’t blame you. I’m sick of those dresses on Facebook (and apparently everywhere else) and I honestly don’t care what color they are! lol Spring is coming, let’s hang on!
Mary
Oh for goodness sake, I can’t believe all the talk about those dresses! I’m up to here with it, Mary!
We’ve had two days of constant snow. It wasn’t bad tho cause it was that light, powdery snow. However a couple of hours ago it turned to freezing rain. Yuck!
Judy
Yes, it’s snowing here now. We’ll probably get a few inches. Maybe more (but I hope not.) We already have over 2 feet on the ground!
Im so over the snow here too :( but you’re right it’s going to be a while before any green appears. We got snow again last night.
We’re getting your snow today, Dawn. I’m ready for Spring, how about you?
Love the idea of photographing in an attempt to find what needs dusted or cleaned. I was wearing my glasses the other day while dusting (I don’t usually bother wearing them) and found a huge cobweb hanging from the ceiling. Maybe I should wear my glasses every time I do the dusting from now on.