cold before snow

While today was warmer than yesteray, it was still pretty cold. When I finished my second walk of the day the National Weather Service reported the temperature in my locale at 19 degrees with a wind chill of 6 degrees. Luckily the right combination of layers allowed me to walk outside comfortably.

I expect two more days of dry pavement walks before snow arrives.

Instead of sharing a view of winter I'll leave you with a photo of a camellia in bloom in the Lyman Estate Greenhouse.

snowflakes

This morning's walk was accompanied by the crunch of snow underfoot and snowflakes in the air.

winter trees

Trees wearing bare branches stand tall, creating a reflection in the Shawsheen River.

bright

Painted crates and cans create a splash of bright color.

ripples

As the tide flowed out it left ripples in the sand.

music of the waves

It was a good day for a walk by the sea, a walk accompanied by the music of the waves.

I arrived at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge about an hour and a half before low tide. There were sections of beach that were clear of water and other sections that still hosted quiet pools.

Listening to the waves as I walked provided a sense of calm.

breathe

I feel like I can breathe again.

The inauguration is over, we once again have sane adults leading the government of the United States, and it's time to look forward to positive change. I'm so relieved!

under a bridge

The Clipper City Rail Trail in Newburyport, MA almost forms a loop, leaving a small connecting section off trail. This morning I was able to connect the loop, walking along the road between the ends of the trail.

At one point the trail went under the road into a bit of a dark tunnel. It was lined with sculptures of fish, some lit in blue. I loved this fish, snapping at what appears to be a floating clam.

A Common Thread

This afternoon I headed to Lawrence with hopes of finding something new painted on a wall. I visited murals I had seen in the past, walking, looking. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a splash of bright colors on a building that appeared to be a block away, down a cross street.

When I got there I found a mural created by Mattaya Fitts that she called "A Common Thread".

Here is a statement from the artist as published here:

"This mural is inspired by the city’s past and present as a manufacturing giant that has become home to many different immigrant communities over time. With textile/factory work being “a common thread” in many immigrant households (including my own family and the family who owns the building), I decided to depict a young woman passionately sewing the day and night away, adding to her headscarf (which doubles as a map). Helping her out is a Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird known, with sub-species found all over the world. I like to think that she’s making a map of all the places she has gone and will go, creating a legacy but staying true to her roots."

building clouds

As the day wore on, clouds started to decorate the sky. Today's dry weather is predicted to change to heavy rain tomorrow.

It was a good time for a walk in Harold Parker State Forest.