Neither Wind Nor Biting Cold ...

... can keep a photographer from seeking the perfect shot.

To record the last day of January, I ventured out on a bitterly cold and windy day.

I've always enjoyed this red barn on a blue-sky day. Today, the pigeons added a spark of surprise. This is the Conbeer Farm on Hickory Hill Road outside of Johnstown, NY.







The snow and wind created their own sculpture along a back country road. The hardest part of taking this shot was protecting the camera's lense from the headwind and blowing snow.

As the wind swept across an open field, it created a fog-like-snow-blow to mask this red barn and the standing corn stalks. I admit it! I cheated. This one is taken from inside the car. I had to time the sweep of the windshield wipers that were clearing the blowing snow!

Fear not! The bear has not made its first appearance of the new year -- yet! These scratches are from the fall. I liked how the snow framed them on this telephone poll today. This pole is just around the corner from our cabin in the woods.






Pulling into the driveway, I was reminded that winter is far from over, and we already have too much snow. In winters past, we have been able to walk directly onto the roof. I wonder if this will be one of those years.



Finally, the afternoon sun illuminated some new icicles on the roof. If you look closely, they tell their own story of creation.

Tomorrow starts a new month. Every day we're one day closer to spring's arrival. (Do you see me dancing in the cabin?)

新年快樂

Happy Chinese New Year to Everyone!

May the red you wear bring you hope and prosperity throughout the year.

May a stranger hand you lucky money as a symbol of fortune and goodwill.

May you remember your family and friends and wish them good cheer.

May you slurp an endless noodle.

May your tastebuds encounter sweet treats for sweetness throughout the year.

May you see each day as a new beginning, filled with the future you wish to create.

May you share a pot (or two) of tea with a good friend, and may that friendship continue to grow throughout the year.

Carol (1960, a rat!)

Hats off to Tony

Hats off to Tony, a student in my online business-planning class, who is currently serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. military.

We'll keep you and the other soldiers in our thoughts.

Thank you for doing what you're doing.

Who, Me?

This sign made me stop and laugh on a very cold January day. It caught me off guard as I wound my way down along the Cuyadutta Creek in Montgomery County (NY), just south of Sammonsville.

Along the way, I spotted several families of ducks. Most were difficult to photograph, however, because there were no shoulders to pull off on to photograph the waterfowl. On a warmer day, I might park the car in a safe spot and walk along the road to quietly capture the birds on the water.

Finally, this weathered barn has been demanding my attention for several days. Today, I stopped to record its exposure. Anyone recognize it?

Crossroads of Old and New

On my way back up the mountain today, I passed through Amish country. The entire community had gathered for an event. It may have been an Amish wedding, as these often occur on Thursdays.

I like this first photo. It shows the comparison between old and new. Here, a buggy had pulled over to allow a snowplow to pass. It reminded me of the crossroads we face in life. What direction do we go? Which path do we follow? What values do we form?

Although this picture doesn't tell the whole story, there were over 100 buggies parked near this Amish home and barn. These buggies, with tops, are for married couples. On the other side of the barn were topless buggies, for the single men in the group. I passed one topless buggy sporting an umbrella, trying to shield the driver from some snow and wind. Note the window dressings in the background. Here, in upstate New York, the slanted curtains are one of the Amish signs. This house rose quickly this past fall. They will probably side it in the spring.

Out of respect, I did not take any photos of the Amish directly. They do not embrace photography of the face, as it conflicts with their belief of the graven image.

Finally, I passed a weathered, red barn. I know it's not what you're hoping to capture, Judy, but it reminded me of you. On a blue-sky winter day following a fresh snow, we must wind ourselves through the back roads of the Mohawk Valley. I'm sure we'll find your red barn!

Tomorrow, I depart again for Hershey. This is a quick trip down and back. I'll bring back a memory or two to share. Promise.

Virtual Meeting of the Minds

Today is the first day of classes for my newest sections of online students. Many entrepreneurial spirits will join me for six weeks of Creating a Successful Business Plan. More creative minds will begin a journey of the soul in Writing for Children.

Spending time with my students is one of my favorite activities each day. Why? They become my teachers, my guides, and my mentors as I travel with them along their chosen paths. They enrich my life with the dreams and stories that they share.

What path are you chosing to take today?

Five Bald Eagles!

Call me crazy, but ... I escaped the cabin this afternoon during a heat wave of 24 F. I was in search of some winter meditative shots. My goal was to capture something on my camera other than the birds at the feeder.

What did I find? Five bald eagles. I didn't have the right equipment or good light, so this is the best I got to preserve the moment. The eagles took residence along the Sacandaga River, just off of River Road, in the Town of Hope. It was breathtaking to see. Anyone else intrigued by the sighting of the symbol of America in a town called Hope on the eve of the president's inauguration?

Before I found the eagles (or they found me), I took a few other shots.

I always like to find tracks in the snow, especially when they're near signage. I guess these deer knew they were in a safe place. I like the two different trees growing along side each other.





I don't think this Adirondacker will be renting too many canoes or cabins this month. The snow is up to the windows and the lake is feet thick in ice! Maybe in June?

I liked this weathervane and ice fisherman. Notice that the sun placed a small strip of light on the lake, yet in the background above the mountains, storm clouds are approaching. Life in the mountains! If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes.





Finally, a little color in a very white world. Sometimes, any color will do when spring seems so far away.

The weatherman is predicting temps near 30 later this week. Yippee! It's time to get a suntan.

Hanging Out

This feathered friend is a red-breasted nuthatch. We only have one at our feeder at the moment.

I think he was meditating here. Lost in thought. He simply hung from the donut bag and contemplated that next sugary bite.

The two hairy woodpeckers were just here, both hanging on icicles. As I set up a photo shot, they flew away. It would have been a terrific memory moment.

I'm hoping that the weather cooperates this week and I can get out and about and take pics other than birds! Fingers crossed. I'm going crazy in the cabin!

Just Call Me Homer

"Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?" Just ask Homer, our resident red squirrel who thinks he's at a breakfast buffet each morning.

It's hard to chase him away. He's good entertainment for the cats. The Siamese sisters are going cabin crazy. Although they are indoor cats, in the late spring, summer, and early fall, they can lounge in the hammock on the enclosed porch. We call it the kitty-cat condo.

While Homer fine-dined, this chickadee hung out on an icicle patiently awaiting its turn.

This morning, when I awoke, the thermometer read -16 F. We all deserve donuts, with a side of hot chocolate.

I keep reminding myself that each day is one day closer to spring, whenever that might be. Tonight's forecast? More cold and, of course, more of the fluffy white stuff. That would be snow for you non-North Country folks.

Full House

With the cold morning temperature, there was frantic feeding at the birdfeeder this morning.

I was lucky to capture a pair of hairy woodpeckers this morning. The male is at the top. The female is on the side. A chorus of chickadees joined the morning music.

It's good to be home.

An Unusual Perspective of the Farm Show

I beat the bitter cold back to upstate New York, where temps tonight are to dip to about -20 F, and that's not the wind chill! It's good to be home.

While I was at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, I toyed with a book idea and took a few photos. I'm not so sure about the potential book project at this point. My eyes may be too sensitive to be with the animals and hay for more than a few hours to take the necessary photos. I'll have to give that some thought.

The lighting was quite difficult in the exhibit areas. These photos are just some unusual perspectives of patterns and colors on some of the displays. Enjoy!

Heading South

To escape from the brutal north winter, we're headed south tomorrow -- to Pennsylvania! The weather forecast for the Keystone State isn't looking too balmy; they even have snow!

My daughter and I will be spending time at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. My favorite event is the sheep-to-shawl competition. My daughter likes the hand-cut French fries and maple sugar cotton candy, plus anything with horses.

I have an idea for a book, and although I won't be doing any specific research or photography for the book on this visit, I will be making contacts to place this project on the must-do list for next year, if possible.

We're also going to spend time with family and friends, and even stroll and eat at Roots Market in Lancaster.

So ... if you have a moment, stop back later this week and take a peek. You might see some Amish Country photos from the week.

Congratulations to Jessica Kennedy!

Former Writing for Children student J. Aday (Jessica) Kennedy has signed her second contract with Guardian Angel Publishing for her picture book called Clumsy Cantor.

If you haven't met Jessica, please do. She bills herself
The Differently-Abled Writer, and I guarantee she will inspire you in the new year.

Jessica, it's an honor to watch you travel your chosen path. Continued blessings to you and those you touch on your travels.

Hair-ied Over the Incoming Weather

As the the skies clouded over this afternoon and another winter storm quickly approached, the birds at the feeder ate frantically.

Today, we were visited by a pair of hairy woodpeckers. This is the male. You can tell by the red head marking. My daughter thinks he's sporting a Mohawk, with his tuff of hair sticking out. Well, we do live just north of the Mohawk River Valley!

You know you live in North Country when ... your rearview mirror falls off the inside of the car window because it is so bitter cold (-10 F) and you hold it with your right hand and drive with your left! (Shifting is a bit of a challenge!)

You know you live in North Country when ... seeing the sun is the exception and you no longer get excited by pending weather.

You know you live in North Country when ... you call for an oil delivery when the path to the oil tank is cleared and not because you're ready to run out of fuel.

You know you live in North Country when ... you pick up packets of donuts for the birds and not your family to feast on.

You know you live in North Country when ... standard procedure is to walk around the car to kick the snow out of the wheel wells before you head inside. If you don't, your wheels may be frozen in one direction until the next thaw.

You know you live in North Country when ... you call heading to Pennsylvania for a few days "going south."

It's Hard to Work When Distracted

I really meant to work. Honest.

As I typed away, I was distracted by a downy woodpecker at the feeder. She's a beaut.









And then, I just had to try to capture the sunset through the icicles. My neighbors must think I'm crazy. (Good thing my cabin sits back from the road!) I was hanging out the window, holding onto the frame with one hand, while trying to focus and snap with the other.

While in town today on errands, I noticed a sheet of icicles hanging from an overhang. They were 5-6 feet long. Imagine the sunset shots through that frozen water.

Working from home can have its challenges! I'm glad I get to do it!

Now, back to work. I promise. Really, I do.

Between Snowstorms

Morning light was too great a temptation. Work could wait -- the light would not!

I headed out in search of a sight I had seen yesterday during white-out conditions. Mother Nature had painted thin white stripes of snow on the west side of standing trees. It was difficult to photograph these trees today, however, as there was too much snow on the side of the road to pull over safely to capture the beauty. I found these skunk-striped trees on a side road. Not as many as the stand I had seen yesterday, but still quite stunning.

One of my favorite small waterfalls is along Mill Lane. This country, windy road runs between Oppenheim in Fulton County and St. Johnsville in Montgomery County in upstate New York. This waterfall sits on private land. Oh, to own this home and hear the water tumbling at night. To dream ...

I guess someone forgot to tell this critter that the trail was closed. I laughed when I saw the footprints and the sign. At first, I thought they might be human prints, but they thin out further down the trail, so I'm not sure.






And home again. Cabin Sweet Cabin.

Tomorrow's forecast? Snow, of course.

A Thought for a Dreary Day

"The grand show is eternal.
It is always sunrise somewhere;
the dew is never all dried at once;
a shower is forever falling;
vapor is ever rising.
Eternal sunrise,
eternal sunset,
eternal dawn and gloaming,
on sea and continents and islands,
each in its turn,
as the round earth rolls."

- John Muir

Chasing the Light

To celebrate the completion of my latest manuscript, a 5,000-word book for grades 3 and 4 on living green, I grabbed my camera in search of some fresh winter shots.

I ended up chasing the light.

As my afternoon sun shared its last rays, colors illuminated the sky. The search was on for the perfect shot -- not an easy task with power lines, cable lines, phone lines, and general distraction. This was the best I could do before the sky's batteries ran out. The shot is taken just north of Gloversville, New York.

Getting there was no easy task. First, I stopped for a family of turkeys. What do you call a flocking of turkey feathers? An escaped gaggle of Thanksgiving Day blessings? The correct question is: What is a rafter? Thank you, Alex Trebek.

Next, I stopped for a parade of deer. WikiAnswers says the correct response is a herd or a mob. I kind of like the mob idea. Imagine calling your car insurance agent. "The mob got me."

Finally, I made it to a deserted back country road. Just me and the camera.

Before the sky shot, I caught last rays on the Sacandaga River just north of Wells. Had I had a friend with me, I would have ventured back to Auger Falls for some winter ice shots. I don't trust myself enough to stay out of trouble back there by myself. It's one of my favorite waterfalls.



But what does a waterfall enthusiast do when one of her favorite falls is now posted No Trespassing? What a shocker. A collection of water cascades near Hope, New York, has always captured my fancy. Today it was posted. This ice formation is just at the bottom of the tumbles. I may have to track down the owner and ask for permission to trek up the falls this spring. It can't hurt to ask.

As I drove around today, I listened to the original Broadway cast's recording of The Phantom of the Opera. (My daughter's an avid musical theater fan. She had left one of her Christmas CDs in the car.) These words continue to echo through my head:

Let your mind
start a journey through a
strange new world!
Leave all thoughts
of the world
you knew before!
Let your soul
Take you where you
long to be ... !

What's in store for tomorrow? A little renewable energy. In the spirit of living green, I am pampering myself at a Native American spa. I will partake of the sweat lodge, the healing waters, and some medicinal herbs, leaves, and flowers. In other words, I'm going to be a major veg. I figure I deserve it.

Hope your soul takes you somewhere you've never been before.

Saying Good-bye to Christmas

It's time to put it all away. Tomorrow, the tree will come down, and the ribbons will be stored away till next year.

It's hard to believe that 2009 is just upon us and the snow is already reaching higher than the porch. (That's about three feet.) In the past, we've had winters where we can literally walk to the roof using the snowbank in front of the house. Only time will tell what this season brings us. (I'm wishing for an early spring!)

Lunch today with my friend, Kati, reminded me of a favorite song by Adirondack folksinger, Dan Berggren. The song is called "Seize the Day." You can listen to it here.

Now, seize the day, squeeze every minute from the hour ... You have the power.

Better Than Catnip

The two Smalley kittens are having a blast these days watching the birds right outside the dining room window. In the past 24 hours, we've been blessed with a multitude of downy and hairy woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and more.

We're not sure who is noisier! The birds chirping at the cats, or the cats chirping at the birds!

Stay tuned. I hope to capture some good shots of the woodpeckers at the feeder as it starts to snow. Again.