-35

Today is a magical -35, so I did not venture outdoors. Mother Nature certainly is proving her dominance. She certainly is PMS ing...lol.. and I am not finding her hints of spring so amusing. It did however give me an opportunity to catch up on posting my Australia pictures.

Stony Plain Church

No pictures from yesterday as I was in Wetaskiwin and Edmonton and just had no time, to busy running errands and driving.
These pictures are of the Luthern Church in Stony Plain AB. I never tire of the beautiful stone work done in the days gone past.

 

I won't be posting for a few days as we are helping moving my Mom's dearest friend from her condo into assisted living. It's only Feb and I have already broken my resolution for a picture a day. Life does get in the way and I realize that was a very ambitions goal to set. I will, however try the best to stick to my goal as close as possible.

Chickadees

- 13 today, but the birds were loving it. I guess the bright sun makes them happy too!

 

 

Silver Skate Festival

I stopped in at the Silver Skate Festival in Edmonton. Some very talented people showing their snow sculpturing abilities.

Busy

Today, I was too busy to get out to take any pictures, but I did manage to get this one off my balcony. I wish that the power lines were located elsewhere as it is so hard to shoot without them in my pictures.

Cold but beautiful.

Today is very cold and crisp. I managed to get a few pictures on the country drive to Wetaskiwin. The hoar frost was just starting to fall off the trees.

This caught my eye, while I was in the Tim Hortons drive thru...love how the snow clumped on this bush.

Winter returns!

Well, I knew it was too good to last. This is what we woke up to this morning.It is somewhat of a welcome as the snow tends to get so dirty at this time of year..the cold returned as well. Mother natures reminder to appreciate each and every day.

 

 The snow is so heavy on these branches. It reminded me of a bunch of hands reaching out.

 

This is the snow pile that was cleared off a parking lot. I couldn't help but see the head of a dog in it. Had a lot of visions this day - probably due to brain freeze.

Another balmy day

Beautiful day today +3...The poplar trees are starting to take on a greenish hue.

 

I'm not too sure what exactly this is covering this tree is but it certainly does provide a bold contrast against the snow.

 

                                                                       What's up?

Spring?...

Well it certainly feels like spring today +3. Absolutely beautiful. So many people out enjoying the day and everyone with a big smile!

I love planes and can never resist taking pictures of them.

Only in Canada - hey!

Yes, we may have winter but that doesn't stop the die hard atheletes from competiting in a tournament. Only about -25 with a cool wind chill!

 

Signs of spring

Although Spring is officially 6 weeks away, mother nature is providing us with subtle hints that it is on the way. Today was still cold, but when bundled up in layers is bearable. The bright sun was gleaming off the sap on these green tinged buds. Each day they are getting longer and greener.

 

 

The pussy willows are starting to expose themselves a little more now.

Happy Valetines Day!

A perfect day for a fireplace and a glass of vino.

 

Oops, looks like someone drank mine...

Sky life

Another brutally cold day. I had visions of this hanging in an Art Gallery as a painting, after some worldly government had spent a few million to commission an artist.

 

Interesting how this planes lights create this sky streaking. I look forward to learning more about this as I play around with my camera.

Woody woodpecker

This area of the woods is an absolute banquet for the woodpeckers. Hopefully I will be able to catch a few snacking this year.

 

 

I was curious upon seeing this single tracks. After researching it, I discovered that the weasel, fox and coyote all walk in a straight line. Strange for a four legged animal. By the size of the paw prints, I would guess that these particular tracks were made by a coyote.

M is for the Magic in My Life

 

 Life is truly based on ones perspective. This W from the word slow appears as an M.

It is all about perspective.

M for Me is for all the Magic life has to offer.

 

 This pine cone is hiding amongst the long needles of the scotch pine.

Holy leaf

Something majestic about this solitary tree.

 

 Curious to what sort of insect dines on this. The holes glimmered like tiny diamonds.

-31 Bitterly cold day! Brrrrrrrrrrrr

Today I didn't get too far from the car as it was brutal outside. Shall we say, my walk was short. The setting sun was shining a spot light on these trees. Quite pretty against the frigidity of the surrounding air.

 

Did a little post editing to see the different effects it would have. Actually, I think I like it better.

 

The colors on the ice and surrounding area provided by the setting sun, I think is rather attractive.

Northern Lights Classic Ballroom & Latin Dance Competition

Today I got to spend the day at the dance competition. This is an annual competition and was held at the Central Seniors Center in Edmonton. The attire was beautiful and the dancing incredible. A very enjoyable day! The lighting was very difficult to work with and I used both of my cameras. This is with my Nikon S6300 point and shoot.

 

The following pictures were taken with my Nikon D3100 - quite a bit of difference in the clarity of the photo.

This is my favorite picture of the day.

One of the youth couples competing in the Latin Dance - so hard to capture on film due to their speed and my inexperience.

Evening snow fall

Trip to Edmonton, Alberta. Thought I would take a pic of the city skyline. It is so pretty at night.

While driving home the snow started falling harder. I love how my new camera catches the falling snow.