Day 114 - Sadie

After a very rainy day, the sun was a welcome sight today. We took the dogs out to the farm for a run. They had a wonderful time and so did we. I decided to take my camera along, something I haven't done in quite some time. I snapped this picture of Sadie as she was standing on the hill and watching Dexter. As you can see, there is still a bit of snow around. The good news is they're announcing warm temperatures and rain for the week ahead so there shouldn't be any left by this time next week. YES!

Day 112 - Welcome Weeds

Spotted these yellow flowers while walking out at the farm. They are a type of weed. They look a little like dandelions. I know weeds aren't always welcome but these happy flowers brought a smile to our faces today. We still have patches of snow here and there so ANY colour is more than welcome.

Day 79 - Frozen

Another branch seen on one of our walks. The frozen water caught my eye. I like the way the blue of the sky is reflected in the ice. I also like the small frozen droplet. Talk about being suspended in time.

Day 75 - A Little Less Snow

Due to the time change and the slightly longer days, we can now make it out to the farm during the week if we leave right after school. It's a nice way to decompress after a busy day at school. We went walking in the woods again today. I decided to take another picture to show that there is a little less snow, on the trees at least.

Day 65 - More Snow!

The rain ended in the morning and was followed by more snow. We headed out to the farm again. This time we ventured into the woods. It was so calm and quiet. We had a beautiful walk and a very good workout. It was funny to watch the dogs when they went off the path. There were times when they looked like they were swimming in the snow. Since it was snowing I left my camera at home once again. The iPhone sure does come in handy. We're supposed to get another 20-30 cm in the next 24 hours so I may have to take an indoor picture tomorrow if I want to use my camera.

Day 64 - Snowy Trails

Well, I guess somebody heard all my complaining about the lack of snow in Quebec. We had a snowstorm on Monday and then received another 10-15 cm this morning. They're forecasting 25-40 mm of rain between this evening and tomorrow morning and then another 30-45 cm of snow between tomorrow evening and Monday evening.
We did manage to get out to the farm before the rain started. It was snowing pretty hard so I decided to leave my camera at home. I snapped this picture with my iPhone. The larger path was made by Peg and I in our snowshoes. The smaller paths are from Dexter and Sadie venturing under the trees where the snow wasn't quite so deep. We had a great walk. We worked hard and the weather was mild.

Day 36 - Colour

Today's assignment was to go abstract today and make a photograph that focuses on form and color rather than detail. I decided my colourful tuque would be a great subject.
We took the dogs to the farm today. It's the first time in over a week that I've been further than the mailbox at the end of the driveway. I managed one lap around the field, stopping intermittently to cough. After one lap, Peg sent me to the vehicle and continued walking with the dogs. Once I made it to the car I decided to throw my hat on the snow and take a few pics. The picture above is the end of the tie string. This hat isn't the warmest but it's perfect for mild days like today and you can't help but smile when you look at all the colours.

Canon XSi
Lens: 100 mm
Focal Length: 100
F/stop: 2.8
Exposure: 1/250
ISO: 100

Day 9 - Mystery Plant

Another shot from the farm. I'm not sure what this plant is but there are patches of it all around the pond at the farm. I like its softness and the different shades of brown on it. I was trying to capture the snowflakes that were landing on it but it was a bit tricky as there was a bit of a breeze. Oh well, it wouldn't be fun if there weren't any challenges, right?

Canon XSi
Lens: 100 mm
Focal Length: 100
F/stop: 4
Exposure: 1/100
ISO: 400

Day 8 - Frozen Fungus

Peg saved the day once again with a 'fun'gus find. While walking out at the farm she found a Puffball about the size of an orange. Normally, when you step on one it ejects its spores in the form of a puff of smoke. Since it was frozen we weren't so sure if we'd get the smoke. We had to work a little harder to get it but as you can see we did manage.

Day 4 - Reflections

Most of the pond surface is frozen but there's one section that is not. While out walking I caught Dexter 'looking' for the other dog in the pond. Specialists have told us that Dexter is definitely blind. His retinas were never attached and he has cataracts in both eyes. Fortunately, I don't think Dexter realizes this. He runs around and plays like any other dog would do. We've noticed that he reacts to shadows and reflections so perhaps his sight is limited to that. He continues to amaze us and show us what's possible when you don't let your limitations get in the way. An important lesson, especially on more challenging days.

Canon XSi
Lens: 100 mm
Focal length: 100
Fstop: 2.8
Shutter Speed: 1/80

Day 3 - Watch that first step

We pass this building every time we walk the dogs at the farm. We actually park just past it. Today Peg commented on the number of doors and windows on this side of the building. She thought it would make a good pic. So, I pulled out the camera and took some pictures. I find the blue very interesting. It looks like I did some post editing but that really is the colour; no touch ups this time.
Peg laughed when she saw the picture. She said the upper doors look like mother-in-law doors. Apparently, that's what elevated doors with no step or platform are called in Newfoundland. I don't think you need any explanation about why they're called this. If you'd like to know more about where these doors come from check out this site.

Camera: Canon Xsi
Lens: 70-200mm
Focal Length: 70
f/stop: 4
Exposure: 1/100

Day 331 - Snowy Firsts

The forecasted 1 cm of snow seemed to have multiplied. Added to the accumulation of yesterday it made enough for snowshoeing. Only November 27th and we headed out to the farm and put on our snowshoes for the first time this winter. We tracked through the fluffy snow as more flakes dropped from the sky and the dogs romped around the field. They wore their coats for the first time but the extra weight didn't seem to slow them down at all. They had a great time breaking trail, stepping on the back of our snowshoes and catching snowballs. It's days like today that make icy roads and shoveling worthwhile.

Day 324 - Happiness is . . .

With the busy week and the early sunsets we haven't been out to the farm for a week. We made it out there this afternoon and as you can see from Dexter's rapturous face, he was thrilled! The two of them raced around, wrestled, only stopping now and again for a little snow snack. They are now snuggled up on their beds snoozing; probably dreaming of their next winter romp.

Day 295 - Towers

While out at the farm, I decided to venture outside the fence to the path by the power lines. These pictures were taken from directly under the tower. I really like the lines and patterns. Couldn't choose which I preferred so I decided to post both. What do you think?

Day 281 - Contrasting Clouds

While walking at the farm today around 6:00pm. the clouds played a wonderful game of contrast. For the first half of the walk, the clouds were a cotton-candy pink on a blue sky. Then they changed to an ominous snow-blue on a pink sky. The only touching up I did was to crop out the power lines. Quite the feast for the eyes!

Day 277 - WOW - Wide view Of the World

The long-anticipated and much "NEEDED!" wide angle lens arrived today! It's a Canon 10-22mm Ultra Wide. Needless to say it did not take me long to get to the post office to claim my parcel. I played around considerably trying different subjects and angles. Peg liked this one. The contrasts of light and dark, warm and cool colours and different textures caught her fancy. This is yet another view of our favourite field at the farm.

Day 276 - Floating Fall

Another beautiful day so we decided to head out to the farm with the dogs. The trees are full of colourful leaves and after all the rain, there is water in the pond once again. Along the walk Peg picked up a few coloured leaves. She thought floating leaves would make a good picture. I like the contrast between the three colours. I had an orange leaf but that one floated away. I also like being able to see the dirt and plant life below the water's surface. Thanks for the idea, Peg.

Day 266 - Backside

We headed out to the farm before supper this evening. We figured we better get a good walk in as they're announcing LOTS of rain over the next couple of days. Brought the camera but wasn't feeling particularly inspired. I decided to take another picture of the private sign shown in one of my August blogs. However, this time I shot it from the backside. For some reason I really like this sign. I think it's the effect of the rustic with the 'new' growth in the background. Not too sure but I hope my inspiration will return soon.

Day 262 - Misplaced Garbage

We decided to deviate from our regular walking routine at the farm today. We went under the fence and took the path often used by motorcycles, snowmobiles and even jeeps. There is a wooded area on either side of the path and power lines above. While walking we saw evidence that people left more than their footprints behind. The picture above was a rusted piece of metal. We're not sure what it was but it kind of looked like a bucket off a tractor. Further along the path we also saw a rusty fridge that looked like it had been used for target practice. It's sad to see such a beautiful area used as a dump.

Day 260 - Digger Dane

No, Dexter did not lose his head, not permanently anyway. While out at the farm he found a groundhog hole and figured he'd try to find the owner. Luckily for all of us, no one was 'answering' the door. Dexter thought he'd try and get a closer look so he dug a bit and then stuck his head in the hole. I couldn't resist.