Creature Camp

Views from the Winter Kitchen

In spite of our best intentions, we tend to retreat to the kitchen in winter; to the warmth of the large granite fireplace, flickering reflections on copper pans, the worn oak table and a little wine in the Twomey Vineyard glasses we purchased last spring in California. The palette is simple, wood and a white crockery collection Peter calls "stainware."

Late at night, a soft snowfall is illuminated by the kitchen door light.

The silhouette of an antique twine holder, a gift from JCB and surprisingly useful!

After a series of gray days, I suddenly notice reflected blue in one of the three kitchen windows, it's as if a film is playing out on an old fashioned projector.

...and the view when I turn around and see...

golden light across the snow covered ground. Simple winter joy.

Miss Havisham's Roses

The bouquet was left to dry in its perfection. A downy film of dust covers remembered white petals, so fragile a small breeze would scatter their curls across the ground. If you look closely you will see the beauty I think of as Miss Havisham's roses.

Macros for a winter's day.

"So!" she said, without being startled or surprised; "the days have worn away, have they ?" Charles Dickens ~ Great Expectations ~

Celebrating the 200th Birthday of Charles Dickens

卄丹ㄗㄗㄚ れモ山 ㄚモ丹尺

The countdown has begun! Chinese New Year begins tomorrow at midnight, 23 January, 2012.

The Year of the Dragon in macro photography.

Ｋ∪れム 卄モㄚ 下丹匕 匚卄◯ㄚ!

Time Lapse

Yesterday was a very big day at the vet's for Cooper. A check-up confirmed he is a healthy little boy and four shots, a pedi and a microchip later he was home with a new toy for good behavior. Six hours later he was whiney and restless. We watched him closely, moments later bumps appeared all over his head and muzzle. It was like watching a dahlia bloom in time lapse photography. The on call emergency vet said "Benadryl" while moment by moment the bumps increased in number and size. Peter broke open a gel cap and smeared the recommended dose on a plate. I gave him a piece of chicken which he ate so we sprinkled bits over the gel which our small buddy eagerly lapped up. More bumps bloomed across his back and chest, but an hour later Cooper's muzzle looked like a dachshund nose again. We took turns holding him late into the night while the medicine did its job and his eyes finally grew heavy.

Our patient is wobbly today, but back to his sleek self and there is a new notation on his medical chart! It's worth noting that he has had these shots before and this was a new reaction.

A microchip is inexpensive peace of mind. A little lost dog was brought to our vet last summer. A quick scan found the owners, summer tourists, who live in Florida.

Hard to Imagine

The temperature was -7 degrees F when we got around to looking at the outside thermometer this morning. Shards of ice crystals gleamed like jewels on the upstairs windows warmed by the sun. I think that's why I love etched glass so much, it reminds me of frost.

Morning view from my fogged window.

We are flying south, way south, later this winter. It's impossible to imagine that kind of heat in our present deep freeze. I purchased sunscreen finally, guided to a small collection on a bottom shelf in an unrelated aisle I never would have found without the aid of a store employee. The same was true for mosquito repellant. There is little demand for those items in Maine right now.

I've pulled out a few tee shirts to try on...and other summer clothes. The cold air hits my skin and goose bumps instantly appear...texture on pallor. Yes, warmth is very hard to imagine!

67 Years!

My parents' anniversary today!

Created with Zen Brush and Ghostwriter for IPad.

Snowfall

Today in Maine.

From my kitchen window.

"Outside? Me? You're kidding!" Cooper said soulfully (which is pretty much the way he says everything related to snow.)

Dachshunds have short legs!

It's Been a Busy Day

A storm is moving into Maine with high wind and freezing rain mixed with snow. The usual winter mess and reality check after a beautiful Holiday. The Christmas goodies have long since disappeared from the grocery store shelves, the fish look tired in the display case and local stores have reverted to winter hours and fewer days. Main street in my small town is very quiet now. Many people are heading for warmer climates, but most are ready to settle in for the season...they know what's coming and have seen it before.

The sun was shining brightly this morning and walking through the rooms, coffee mug in hand, I could see it's been a busy day!

Paperwhites are winter's small miracle!

Wolf Moon

The Wolf Moon and the onset of winter signifies a time of bone coldness and quiet on a night in rural Maine. The roads are deserted. If you are passing by, windows in the houses are like opaque, dark, blank eyes and one light shines in the back where folks retreat to the warmth of a wood stove. If you are lucky, and the weather is clear, branches weave delicate patterns across the yellow disk that is the Wolf Moon. It is a time rich with mystery and eerie shadowy shapes as creatures venture out into the night. Their tracks are visible in the morning.

The best way to capture a full moon is with a long exposure and tripod, so, of course, I didn't do that. The series was created with a macro lens, portrait setting and flash!

We celebrated the last full moon supper of the season in cheery warmth at Salt Water Farm in Lincolnville, Maine.

To Start ~

Sea Urchin in its Shell

First Course ~

Potato Gnocchi, Lobster, Cream, Tarragon

Second Course ~

Maine Shrimp, Garlic Toasts, Pecorino, Bibb Lettuce

Third Course ~

Poached Codfish, Green olives, Fennel, Saffron, Tomato Conserva

To Finish ~

Cinnamon Rice Pudding, Cara Cara Oranges, Medjool Dates, Wildflower Honey

We say our farewells with promises to meet again in spring. Outside, the moon shines brightly over Penobscot Bay and we start the long drive home.

Promises Made

I can't think of a better way to say "goodbye" to 2011 and ring in the new than a wedding on New year's Eve,

the young...

...and not so young...

gather together with friends in the candlelight...

rejoicing with music and dance.

Roses for love...

hands joined together...

promises made and a journey begins.

Happy New Year!