winter – Page 3 – Jennifer's Journal

Vivian’s View From Here: Window Cats

Published on January 18, 2017 by J. Kelland Perry40 Comments

Greetings, humans! 041-800x415

Vivian K. Perry here, back for another guest blog on Jennifer’s Journal. I have new photos to share today!

We had snowy, blowy weather last night, which gave us pretty windows to look through when we woke up. As much as Maisie and I don’t like it when it gets too cold, sometimes snow can add an aesthetic appeal to our long winters.

The first pic shows some of Jennifer’s other cats.

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Now on to us real kitties…

img_2419-832x1280 At first, I thought I would like it outdoors today.
img_2417-1280x941 I quickly changed my mind.
img_2418-1271x946 Maisie seems oblivious to my discomfort. (Please disregard the high-tech reading lamp)
img_2422-1280x574 I am quickly let back inside, and then…
img_2427-1066x1280 …the shoe is on the other paw!
Ha! Snow on her nose 🙂

Thanks for taking a look through the window on our world.
See you next time!

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How is your winter going?
Do you have snow where you live?

Arrival of Winter & New Horizons

Published on December 18, 2016December 19, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry24 Comments

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

Winter came early to our corner of the world, and so far it has packed a heavy punch in most areas. These photos were taken a week ago, after our first significant snowfall. We’ve had more since then.

Inspiration can come to the artist in us in many ways. I hope to expand my own horizons in the coming new year, and I wish the same for you.

Here are a few new horizons from Perry’s Point to inspire creativity through the frosty months ahead.

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We live on Snowy Beach Avenue now! 🙂

004-1280x841 006-1280x1061 010-1280x813 019-1280x852 025-1280x807 035-1280x850 I must give credit where credit is due: Paul “helped” with these next three. They were taken in the last couple of hours before sunset.

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“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” ~ Christopher McCandless

WPC: New Horizon

What do you see on your horizon for 2017?

Abstracts in Seasonal Photography

Published on February 24, 2016February 25, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry32 Comments

Designing abstract images from nature photography can be creative fun. When you play around with your photos to highlight shape, colour, texture, etc., you can come up with some interesting captures.

In this post, I share images from the four seasons.
All but one were taken here in Newfoundland.

Winter in Newtown

Cold Atlantic off Perrys Point, Newtown, NL — Cold Atlantic Ocean off Perry’s Point

Spring

Iceberg, Greenspond, NL — Iceberg in Greenspond, NL

Spring Thaw, Newtown, NL — Spring Thaw in Newtown

Summer

Thunderclouds, Newtown, NL — Thunderclouds over Newtown

Evergreens, Garden Cove, NL — Evergreen Branches in Garden Cove, NL

Autumn in Newtown

Granite on Perry's Point, Newtown, NL — Granite and Lichen on Perry’s Point

Partridgeberries on the Point — Partridgeberries

Mackerel Sky, Newtown, NL — Mackerel Sky in Newtown

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
~ Albert Einstein

Vivian’s View From Here: Weekend Blizzard

Published on January 29, 2016 by J. Kelland Perry34 Comments

Hey, everyone, I’m back!!

Vivian K. Perry here, to tell you all about the
snowstorm forecast for most of the island of Newfoundland tonight and tomorrow.

We’re well acquainted with winter storms in this neck of the woods, but I think we are in for a mother of a blizzard this time, with 30 to 50 centimeters and high winds promised for central, and for us, before it’s all over!

Here are Maisie and I, first this morning, and second, how we will weather the storm:

Besides all of this, there is still work to be done. Please watch this little video clip below of me in Paul’s office. He puts me in a bed on top of his printer when I get lonely for his company. Be sure to turn up your volume so you can hear me purr.

Stay warm and see you all next time after we dig out!

A “Brrr”-ning Question…

Published on February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 by J. Kelland Perry27 Comments

Just chillin’ out on the barbecue…

Winter’s Glaze

Published on February 11, 2015February 11, 2015 by J. Kelland Perry44 Comments

A Chilly Welcome ;) — A Chilly Greeting?

A couple of weeks ago, we weathered yet another “lovely” ice storm. The freezing rain painted every surface with sleet, resulting in slippery walks, treacherous roads, and a thick coat of glittering rime on just about everything. Oh Joy!

140 (1280x721) — Our neighbour’s view of our point of land, with the ocean view lost in the fog beyond

If you’ve never heard about the phenomenon of “ice-fog”, this is what it looks like.

097 (1280x789) — A ghostly mist hangs in the air, glazing everything in a sheet of ice.

I hoped to capture some shots of sunshine on the glitter, but the forecast wasn’t cooperating. Not one to miss an opportunity, however, I headed outside to see what artistry I might find under the heavy grey overcast of gloom.

The scene is still, frozen in windless silence. I find a stalk encased in a shell of ice.

Abandoned clothespins encapsulated on our summer neighbour’s line.
Who knew they would prove useful for this shutterbug?

Fences are crusted with frost, and icicles trickle in abundance.

The fog begins to clear…

…and the clouds lift a little, allowing a few thin milky rays to shine through.

All at once, everything glows with a sparkly sheen…

…and the “batty catters” take on a cold blue tint at the ocean’s edge.
A wide band of slobby ice meanders in the water near the coastline.

018 (1280x834) — Grass that reminds me of glass straws

090 (1280x606) — The opening sky colours our sea blue once again.

So far, we’ve enjoyed countless sunny days and not too much of the white stuff.
But that may be about to change; a winter storm alert is issued for the weekend.

How are you braving the winter?
Are you longing to put this season behind you?
Or are you finding beauty in unexpected places?

January Blue

Published on January 15, 2015January 28, 2021 by J. Kelland Perry55 Comments

It’s a blue winter day on Perry’s Point.

It isn’t a sad and lonely day, but one painted with the hues of a brilliant blue sky and a blanket of sunshine, the kind of day where the sun and snow merge to design graceful shadows in the hollows of the landscape.

Sun on the newly fallen and drifted snow creates a tapestry of shadowy forms,
from the palest baby blue to the deepest of indigo.

The slanting afternoon rays of sunlight hold little heat,
but warm the heart of this nature-lover nonetheless.

The surface of the snow waves and crests,
while most of the bay lies still under a layer of slush and ice.

Dunes of scalloped white surround me…

…and the only hint of sound is the faint exhale of a frigid breeze.

Certain feathered creatures have already been here.

At the end of the Point I reach the icy blue coastline…

…where the water is still full of movement in spite of the sub-zero air.

Cold, but fluid…

…clear and beautiful.

Other shadows dapple a weather-worn barn…

…and sun-bleached fences.

Hidden in shade, a bird house waits for spring, and a new tenant…

…while our neighbour’s fishing boat awaits a new summer.

Ben Perry’s shed is called a “store” around these parts.

Still more shadows hide in furrows of snow and last summer’s grasses. I wade in.

My toes are like ice cubes inside my boots at this point. I hop over the fence to home.

Time to put the kettle on…

…and thaw myself out with a cup of tea.

And my world changes from blue to green.

How is your January going? What is the colour of your winter?

Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed

Staying Warm…and Inspired

Published on January 12, 2014August 23, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry20 Comments

At long last and according to our milder forecast for the next few days, I don’t have to wear this when I go out for a walk.

There have even been sightings of robins, can you believe it? Could Spring be arriving extra early this year? Or are these poor, confused robins that forgot to fly south?

In any case, I’m happy it is warmer for how ever long it lasts, and thoughts of winter ending at some point (the days are getting longer!) fills me with anticipation. Husband and I are considering a tropical vacay in a couple of months, so that helps me keep warm too, with visions of hot sandy beaches and warm fun-filled nights, and the smell of fruity drinks and suntan lotion by a relaxing pool.

But you know what else helps to keep me warm? My peeps here at WordPress. And as promised, here is a shout-out to my most prolific commenters, a rather diverse group, who also happen to be bloggers too.

TALKTODIANA – Diana is a gal full of wit and wisdom, a friendly, community-minded breath of fresh air whose blog I adore. A fellow Canadian with a lovely sense of humour, Diana always comes up with interesting topics to blog about.

Miniscule Moments of Inspiration – Kath Unsworth is a writer and illustrator from Australia. She pens and does the artwork for children’s books, loves animals, and she never fails to stimulate and encourage me with her creative talent. She is also a wife and mother, and lives and works on a dairy farm.

Almost Spring – Elizabeth is another blogger I follow from the Land Down Under. An introvert like myself, her blog is all about her journey from “we” to “me”, and how her divorce has propelled her into a fascinating study of self-examination and what an individual needs to define and sustain a sense of purpose and wellbeing.

GREENLIGHTLADY – Wendy is another fellow Canadian – from the opposite coast! – who is a photographer extraordinaire and an inspiring poet. She blogs about the beauty of nature and all the things she is thankful for, and is always there with a supportive word.

Seasons Change, and so have I – Carla and I started blogging around the same time and was my first follower. As her blog name attests, she has gone through many changes, even since she started blogging, and I admire her for her honest and forthright views on everything from mental health to current events. She is from Kentucky, USA.

jmgoyder – Julie is a sweetheart of a lady from Australia (what is it with these wonderful Aussie women?) who is a retired Creative Writing and English lecturer. She keeps us inspired with her posts about her husband with advanced Parkinson’s disease, and her ~~teenage~~ son who has just turned twenty. She poignantly shares her life, the highlights and the low moments alike, with her readers. Always a worthwhile read.

For all bloggers out there, is there anyone you know who warms your heart and is deserving of a “bouquet” for being a loyal follower? Or is there a blog you follow you’d love to tell the world about?

Winter Woes and Looking on the Bright Side

Published on January 7, 2014August 23, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry24 Comments

Well, what a week it has been around these parts! Old Man Winter in Newfoundland, as it has been for much of the continent caught in the “Polar Vortex,” is baring his teeth and delivering a wallop to most areas, a wallop stronger than any in recent memory. It has made some of us wish we could hibernate until spring, and others long to escape down south for an extended vacation or even retirement.

But the weather has also made some people shine. Like the old expression about when the going gets tough, that is just what was needed when our version of a “perfect storm” arrived: record low frigid temperatures, record amounts of early snowfall, and lengthy bone-chilling blackouts, the like which has not been experienced since 1994. Add a blizzard and our inadequate power infrastructure for our needs today, and you’ve got real trouble.

photo credit: Newfoundland page, Facebook

Sometimes it takes a situation, (or a “crisis,” if I may, Premier Dunderdale) to see who the heroes are, to see who is willing to stop complaining, roll up their sleeves and help wherever help is needed. No matter where any blame lies that contributed to the power problem, I’m the sort of person who prefers to look at the positive side of things whenever possible. I have heard stories of gratitude for those who shovelled, plowed, or dug people out of their homes. I have seen good folks answer the call when warm food and shelter were needed, and still others with wood stoves and propane fireplaces open their homes and offer comfort. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Newfoundland Power maintenance workers and crews, the snow plow operators, and everyone who worked and is still working tirelessly to return everything back to some semblance of normal.

But it is the personal stories that warm me more than any wood stove can. Like the couple who went ahead with their wedding Saturday night in spite of the blackout and the freezing temperatures (link below). No, perhaps it was far from ideal, but they have quite a story to tell their children and grandchildren one day.

Even my daughter and son-in-law were up to the challenge this weekend, when they decided not to postpone our granddaughter’s sleepover birthday party at home, but went ahead with the event in the dark. Son-in-law even barbecued hot dogs outside in the freezing cold for them. And the party was a success! These are the things lasting memories are made of.

So whether this makes you think Newfoundlanders are hardy, or just plain foolhardy, that is entirely beside the point. All I know is the warmth of the human spirit is alive and well in our little corner of the continent.

Do you have any storm or power outage stories to share? How about one with an unexpected positive spin?

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/couple-braves-blackout-marries-by-candlelight-1.2485547

Guest Post: Vivian’s View From Here – Part II

Published on March 14, 2013August 23, 2014 by J. Kelland Perry30 Comments

I’m baaack!

Hello there, Peeps. Vivian K. Perry here, Jennifer’s (dare I say) favourite cat. Just don’t tell my sister Maisie, capiche?

Jennifer asked me back to host her blog today, because she is a little bogged down writing an especially exciting chapter of her new novel.

Whatever! I was happy to oblige, nonetheless. This is my second time guest blogging on Jennifer’s Journal. If you’re interested, and I’m sure you are because I’m so cute, you can see my first post from last summer here.

Maisie and I do agree on one thing: we are getting bored with the cold weather. We miss the summer days of hunting little creatures, and basking in the sun. It is warming up a bit, but it’s still darn chilly on the paws most days.

So we while away the hours with our indoor activities.

**Still looking pretty spiffy there, Alex**

Nice! A little something for my wish list. — **Nice! But do they come with kitties on them?**

Lying on legs, one of our best loved pastimes — **Lying on humans, one of our best-loved pastimes**

Sometimes, we get on each other’s nerves, as sisters often do. I was thinking Maisie looked entirely too comfortable having our little house all to herself, so I had to act.