A little bit of nothing

​“I have nothing.” That thought permeated my mind when I attempted to fabricate a blog post. However, a quick look back at the past weeks’ photos showed that I did have a little bit of something. 

​It was more like several little bits of things. There were hints of green things, but I couldn’t say it is spring yet. The snow came and went. I couldn’t say winter was here to stay. 

The weather, to say the least, was anything but predictable. Cold and warm, rain and dry days, and sun and clouds, all made an appearance within the past weeks. It appeared to me that cloudy days dominated the forecasts. Whenever the sun made an appearance, I was sure to capture the moment. 

The reflections of its light helped brighten up some dark days. A simple oak leaf against a background of brilliance illustrated a serene moment in time. I was reminded of the word, apricity, which is defined as the warmth of the sun in winter.  There were days over the past weeks that I greatly appreciated apricity while on our daily walks. 

It was not just the sun providing the warmth. Certain weather patterns pushed the temperature to 60 degrees in Franklin on Jan. 26 which was a 24.2-degree departure above the normal, according to National Weather Service data.
February, not to be out done, had a high temperature of 62 degrees recorded on Feb. 10.

A few warmer days after a moderate snowfall led to the creation of fog. The conditions made for some awesome “dogs in the fog” photos. However, driving in the moisture laden air during those days proved to be a real challenge. 

As the temperatures warmed, some of the Applegate canines opted to enter the frigid pond waters.

Sadie, unaffected by the brisk temperatures, insisted on swimming in any spot of open water.

​Clem continued with his annual winter hobby of fishing for ice in the pond. 

​Meanwhile, the remnants of last year’s asters endured the sun and the snow.

I photographed this year’s snow drops in the sunshine and snow as well. A quick check around the yard showed that a cultivated pussy willow had catkins on display. In the woods, the skunk cabbage was beginning to bloom. Thanks to the thermogenic properties of this plant, it can produce heat and emerge and bloom even when the ground is frozen.

Nonetheless, the sun provided some brief moments of illumination and inspiration. Included in those moments was feline Lil’ Bit feeling the warmth of the sun. 

A little bit of sun here and a little bit of snow there added up to a little bit of something to write about.
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.