REMEMBERING THE SNOW

The last time it snowed was just before Christmas. Although only a thin layer covered the ground nature looked magical and dreamlike. This blanket of white transforms the landscapes and brings calm in our hearts. Suddenly you feel as if in a contemplative reverie and life seems much more enjoyable.

Unfortunately the weather has changed lately and I feel very nostalgic when I think about snow-covered sceneries and the exhalirating snowfalls we had in November and December. All this appears not to be real now that the days are depressingly grey, boringly uniform and we are experiencing warm weather as well as continuous rain...

Here are a few clicks which I took just before Xmas. The area you see is not far from my home (10 minutes). On this very day, it was bitter cold, but the sun was shining bright. A frosty and beautiful winter day, just as I like them!

WINTER WONDERS

A few days after the big snowstorms we had, the weather got a little calmer. Although the temperatures were well under 0° C (32° F) the sun came out and we found ourselves immersed in it's wonderful rays. The sky was duck blue, the sun shining bright and the snow was scintillating -I must say that, lately, we have been very lucky to enjoy many splendid winter sunsets...

Then, a week ago, the weather changed radically. The thermometer rose (12° C/54° F), the foehn (a warm wind from the West) started blowing and unfortunately it started raining buckets. Within one day we switched from polar to Mediterranean temperatures. No need to tell you that all the snow melted away in no time.

Now, the landscapes have lost their coat of white. Anyway, it seems that we will get more snow this week as it's going to get a lot colder. Anyway, while waiting for the next snowfall, I still have many pictures to share with you, so I hope they'll give you much pleasure...

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On another note, I just wanted to let you know that:

. My article, pictures and "Chocolate Delight" have been featured in G2Kitchen's "Holiday Special". You'll learn some things on myself and will discover what Xmas represents for me.

. I have also taken part in Love Feast Table's "Cookie Exchange" by submitting my English "Coffee Kisses" recipe, a few photos and writing an article (regarding one special christmas holiday I spent in England).

. And least, but not last, you'll also find me talking about my Yule-tide and New Year feasts in an article on the French Larousse Cuisine site (in French only, but use Google Translate to read it in your own language).

I hope you'll enjoy my work!

THE WINTER IS SOVEREIGN

Frost Junkie

White fields
Minus
Mountain cold
The numbing fog

Arctic wind
Intense
Freezing dawn
A bitter gust

Frost junkie
Artisan
Ground sleeper
The winter sovereign

Glacial sculptures
Frozen
Nimbus form
Twelve in numbers

The north chronometer
Ageless
Aberrant art
From the creator

~ Lyrics by Sarke, Norway

This year winter has arrived much earlier than usual - at least one month in advance. Ten days ago we got our first serious blizzard-like weather and minus temperatures (-8° C/17° F during the night and -3° C/26° F during the day). Brrr, it was quite chilly and Siberian looking...

On the last Saturday of November, it snowed the whole day long. That first snowfall was quite important and nature was covered in a dreamlike powdery coat of white. What a beautiful sight!

As I find winter storms so exciting there was no way I was going to stay home looking at it through my windows. I had to go out in the freezing cold, walk in that crunchy white powder, feel the crisp air bite my cheeks and inhale the clean smell of fresh snow.

So, armed with my camera, dressed like an Inuit and eager to face the hyperborean climate outside I set a foot out of the house. It was snowing quite strong, my hair was frozen and the wind was quite strong, but I courageously shot pictures of the magificent scenery that offered itself to me. It was really a lovely walk and day!

SILENT SNOW

Dust of Snow

By Robert Frost (1923)

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR FRIENDS

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2009!
May peace, happiness, joy and health always be by your side...
Thanks for visiting my blog and for your kind comments!

TWO MONTHS AGO... AND NOW

I can't believe that two months ago, it was still warm and the trees still had most of their leaves. It's incredible when you think that, now, it is freezing cold and snowing...

I hope those pictures will bring you a little warmth. They were taken in the Veyrier vineyards which are situated only 8 minutes away from my building block!

THEN...

AND NOW...

ICY DAYS

Although it hasn't snowed again since more than a week, a coat of white still covers the landscape and everything still looks dreamlike...

Of course, it has melted a little and since it's freezing cold outside, there is ,in reality, more ice than snow. Nonetheless, it is very beautiful!

In my kitchen. Looking out of the window.
I am lucky to be able to enjoy the remarkable view that is offered to me.
Both Salèves are a real treat for the eye...
Icicles hang from the water pipes and the (horse) chestnut tree has a glamorous silhouette.
The Salève looks very cold and frosty, almost surreal...