This is a dream...
We had snow and sleet yesterday followed by cold and crazy wind today. It's mid-February so it feels right to be dreaming of flowers. For now, here are some crocus that jumped into my camera from the gardens of Long Hill on March 13, 2024.
It seems to be turning into a pattern, snow overnight Saturday into Sunday followed by mixed precipitation.
I woke to snow-covered surfaces and sleet and there is rain in the forecast for later today. While I'd like to get out for a walk my outside activity today depends on whether the roads are clear enough to provide safe footing.
Today I took advantage of the calm between snowstorms to walk on the beach at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. While the temperature was pretty warm for a winter day, the wind was howling so much that I felt the chill.
Snow from yesterday's (small) storm sat on the inland side of the beach while the tide swept the lower side to clear sand.
A bit of snow greeted me this morning, falling overnight and continuing into the daylight.
There was up to 2 inches on the ground, enough to convince me that walking on Merrimack College roads and sidewalks was better than venturing out on town roads. The temperature is in the mid-20s, warm when you compare it to tonight's forecasted low of 4 degrees.
A fading camellia jumped into my camera during last week's visit to the greenhouses of the Lyman Estate in Waltham, MA.
The air was chilly, accompanied by a bit of a breeeze. The tide was retreating as I walked on the northern end of Plum Island this afternoon.
It is always good to spend time by the sea.
At the end of January the landscape feels a bit drab.
Today I visited the greenhouses of the Lyman Estate seeking a bit of color. While there were not a lot of flowers in bloom I was still able to get the color fix I needed.
Knowing there is snow coming tomorrow with cold following soon after I knew I needed to wander someplace different today. I wanted streets to walk rather than woods because there is still a layer of snow on the ground from last weekend's snowfall.
I chose to walk in Salem, hoping to see some new murals. There was a section of new-to-me murals along with many I have enjoyed in the past. This mural wrapped the walls of adjoining buildings.
It felt almost warm today in contrast to past cold days.
Winter warmth and a well-timed low tide supported a coastal walk so I headed to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for a walk on the beach. While the beach was clear, the dunes sported a coating of snow acquired during Saturday's storm.
A slightly warmer day today supported wandering with a camera in my hands.
Ponds at Harold Parker State Forest show reflections of trees in ice.
