Contrasts

Funny how we get used to winter driving conditions. We have white-outs and black ice, challenges that would have caused stress in November, but which in late February are all just part and parcel of a daily drive to work.

The 6 Challenge

In response to an online challenge in Ronna's blog, where we were asked to select the 6th photo in our 6th file, I came across this shot of a determined little bird that did not let a strong Arctic breeze deter it from getting a much-needed snack.

Tracked

Every day on my way to work, I drive past a pond, which although it is located a few feet from the Trans Canada Highway, is actually the epitome of natural tranquility. In summer, the surface of the pool, which is surrounded by trees, is mirror-like, and in winter, the snow-covered surface leaves tell-tale traces of clandestine visitors. On a daily basis, I see an array of prints on the snow. I wonder what animals use the pond as a bridge, but have not yet seen any of the shy forest creatures -- until this week.

Icy medium

Who knew that ice could be just such a versatile medium?

The sculptors demonstrating their talents at Winterlude obviously did.

Winterlude

Staged in the shadow of Parliament Hill, the annual Winterlude festival in Ottawa features attractions such as acrobats who rise above the crowd, and some cool personages.

Which is a lot like the spectacles you can catch every day in the House of Commons.

Midwinter motif

Apparently, according to that scientific climate gauge -- the groundhog -- we have about six weeks of winter to go, before we are complaining about flooding.

The humidity in the air gives early mornings a dreamlike background, which make the next six weeks a little more bearable.

One of those days

You know you are going to have one of those Mondays when there you are plowing along, and the truck ends up in the ditch, and somebody comes along and takes your picture.

Sculpted

The crucifix at St-Grégoire Roman Catholic Church in Vankleek Hill is a detailed sculpture that gives the impression that Jesus Christ pumped some iron in his day.

Icy cylinder

We have been toughing out a typical January cold snap here. As the temperature drops to below 35 C, everything is at risk of freezing.

This solid ice cylinder was formed in a drainage pipe on the Long Sault Bridge between Hawkesbury, Ontario and Grenville, Québec. Luckily nobody was standing around when this block hit the ground.

Fresh dill

In the wake of a day of freeing rain, vegetation takes on a silvery sheen.

Sunrise on the Ottawa

Shooting a sunrise on the Ottawa River at Hawkesbury is a great way to greet the day, if you are dressed for the cold, the damp cold.

Tenacious visitor

You never know what you will find hanging around a feeder.

Peace on the Hill

The Peace Tower on Parliament Hill is lit up like a Christmas tree at this time of year.

The place where politics is the name of the game actually looks calm and dreamlike, especially at night.

Late flight

Winter always seems to catch us unprepared. But even geese were surprised to see our first major snowfall of the year last week.

Hey, Rudolph...