Friday, March 25, 2016

Treasures of Winter Skies


Spring equinox this year came in March 20 with a sun halo gracing the sky that morning. It was a fair day, not so sunny, but the presence of the sun halo declared that the air was saturated with ice crystals. And then came a snowfall in the afternoon, which lasted for two days.

No sign of spring, botanically, is in sight at this time since the ground is still blanketed with snow. But the touch of the breeze and the warmth of the sun herald the obvious arrival of spring.

So, while waiting for the awakening of the perennials that hibernated in the soil and the rebirth of the foliage, I'm going to perpetuate some treasures of the sky that I gathered through the course of winter. This blog will be followed later by other natural events that have impacted the life of this creature who thrives blissfully among the wonders of the universe.

Note: you may click on each picture for enlarged viewing.


The oval disk of the sun at midday







The sundogs and sun halos







The sun shining through the haze




Captured through a misty car windshield





Cloud formations






Early sunsets















Sunrise as viewed from our bedroom window







Out in the open fields and a frozen river





"Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing."  (Isaiah 40:26)


At night, the northern lights frequently illuminate the darkened firmament













The diverse shades of the night sky, all taken from our balcony






the heavenly luminaries:  the moon, the stars peering through the stratus clouds and through the trees











The phases of the moon








the full Cold Moon of December 25





"If I say:  'Surely darkness will conceal me!
Then the night around me would become light.
Even the darkness would not be too dark for you (God),
But night would be as bright as the day;
Darkness is the same as light to you.'"
(Psalm 139:11,12)

Have a wonderful weekend, dear readers!


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Thursday, March 3, 2016

Winter Rolls On

Oh, yes, winter is definitely still rolling on, though spring is creeping behind, all set to take winter's place.





I'm not sure if I'm ready to embrace spring right now. For one thing, I'm still on the lookout for that kind of day in winter when all the bare trees are extremely coated with frosts while basking in the lustrous blue sky. It came perhaps twice, but the frosts were not as thick enough as I've longed for, and I've missed photographing the recent one. (sigh) Below is the other one.





For another thing, I haven't been out skiing at all! Unfortunately, my present circumstances limit my winter sport activities. How long had it been since I skied last? Years? Oh, no!






Okay, enough for sighing. I'm still enjoying the winter and enamored with it as fervently as from the start. And before it fades out, or while waiting for that sought-after day, I'm making this memory of the little gifts of winter that I garnered through the past two months.

Sights around our new home, some shot from our balcony and through the window panes:



























A section of the frozen city river with rising fogs, just a few strides from my work place:












Somewhere in a nearby municipality:
















Anywhere else:












The conifers:














The evening and night skies, all taken from our veranda:




















These are just a few of the infinite creative marvels that exist in winter, created with a vital purpose, essential food for the spirits, indisputable evidence of a powerful  and generous Creator, bonding elements between God and humans.

"For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world's creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable."
- Romans 1:20

I never cease being fascinated by our Creator's amazing creative works. My heart will always brim over with appreciation for such bountiful gifts of love.

"He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has even put eternity in their (human's) heart." 
- Ecclesiastes 1:3

You may enjoy viewing more photos from my other photo blog here: Some Gifts of Winter


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