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The snowstorm having passed and the roads clear, we went off to Clifton Park early on Monday.
Would the fixed-up house be sold?
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We’d driven past this house many times. It was lost amid encroaching trees and shrubs and was on the point of collapse.
Then last March, it was uncovered and we watched as it was nicely restored.
But it has been without a buyer now for months.
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Every time we passed that house in its dilapidated state, we imagined stories of the family that had lived there and of how it came to be abandoned.
It may sound daft, but I always felt sorry for the house which would have been someone’s home once.
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It was good to see it restored which must have been quite an undertaking.
So we’ll be happy when one day we drive by and see that it has been sold.
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The Hudson was more or less ice free, despite the intense cold…
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…until the Stillwater Bridge.
Then, it was ice and snow-covered for an expanse.
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At Clifton Park, injections in my neck and shoulders gave blessed relief to tight muscles and soon we headed home.
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Enjoying the cold, bright morning.
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Back at the river, I was charged with getting a picture of the much-photographed railway bridge.
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We’d never seen it like this before.
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Before the onset of old-age and technology, I was an organised sort of person and I liked things to be properly ordered. My photograph albums were in sequence.
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There is, I am sure, a reason – no doubt my fault, that my photographs do not download in order.
Perhaps this could be rectified if I was prepared to endure the annoyance it would involve, but for now I’m not.
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Consequently, these images are not in sequence, not that it really matters.
You may recognise some of these scenes that I capture in all seasons and varying types of weather.
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Which way did I fancy going home? I was asked.
“You be the driver!” I said.
(An observation, not a command. It’s a Wiltshire thing.)
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Decision avoidance. I never make one if I can persuade someone else to.
Perhaps it’s blame-avoidance?
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Decision-maker brought us this way.
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With snow on the ground, it’s all good.
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Also, he decided, I should capture these poles.
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And those trees.
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Here, we turned a corner just to drive past these beautiful creatures.
And the driver slowed to a halt!
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Usually, he barely slows down, either out of consideration for another driver, or because he’s afraid people may not like having their animals photographed.
Whereas I would not be nearly so thoughtful.
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A couple of times, I got out of the car.
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It was the only way to appreciate the view on such a clear day.
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Then, just as I began to admire this tree, a FedEx van hove into view and there was apparently not nearly enough room for it to pass…
So I grumbled as we sailed under it.
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Apple trees dancing a jig to warm up.
Doing the hokey-pokey?
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“Which way?”
“You ‘m still be the driver.”
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Which is better?
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Maybe neither.
The reason I don’t like making decisions is because I have trouble – deciding.
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“What if…”
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…”but…”
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“on the other hand…”
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…“maybe…”
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…“then again…“
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…etc…
Lovely, and peaceful, winter scenes. 😍
So fun to see the horses and donkey, in the snow.
Thank you for sharing.
Catherine
My compliments to the driver. He chose magnificently! Maybe your photos are set to save in size order rather than in date order?
Your story of the house reminded me of this Ted Kooser poem: “The Abandoned Farmhouse”.
https://www.josieholford.com/abandoned-farmhouse/
That’s lovely, Josie.
And then this abandoned farmhouse in the Pennines just came up on my X feed: https://x.com/PennineThe/status/1882120408893391040
Oh, that is poignant!
Thank you, Carolyn, for the beautiful photographic update of your fascinating world! Just as well, you are not in charge of any country!
Joanna
I can think of few things I would like less!
The railway bridge in the white snow is definitely worth a photo (or five)! And I love the horses in the snow. I think Grant has quite an eye for what will make a good photo! I don’t have a problem with it at all if you post more than one photo of the same landscape (far or near), it’s always beautiful!
The lovely blue sky is a treat. We just have grey gloom and rain here. It’s cold too. January drags on, relentless…
Best wishes, Pete.