Love at the Lighthouse

My photog daughter​ and I went for a walk on Monday evening, cameras in tow (of course), down through Sheriff's Meadow, out past Eel Pond, then along the beach to the lighthouse, and just as we were thinking, "Not much going on around here - how many more photos of this lighthouse do we need," we came across a young couple at the Lighthouse - newly engaged, as it happened, out enjoying their brand new status along with the glory of the evening, so what could we do but give them a little mini shoot to help them celebrate. Both Asad and Michelle are physicians, in the process of moving from Chicago to Boston (and now planning a wedding). Lovely. Ironically, our first thought upon seeing these two frolicking beneath the lighthouse was, "Darn, they're in our shot," but it turned out to be a really fun encounter and photo session. This is what it's all about for me, folks - people and connections, and is one of the big reasons I love living here.

Edgartown's Last Blacksmith

Edgartown's last blacksmith also happens to have been my Uncle Orin Norton. Orin was married to my grandmother's sister, so technically he was my grand uncle, but I always just knew him as Uncle Orin. He died when I was around ten years old but I have vivid memories of spending time at his farm picking vegetables and wandering around, into and out of his shop, and watching him work. Here's a gem that was passed on to me by my friend Karen Child: a woodcut by the late Sidney Noyes Riggs depicting my Uncle Orin's blacksmith shop, probably created in the 1950s. Mr. Riggs was a noted Vineyard artist and was a prolific creator of wood cuts depicting Vineyard scenes.

Meanwhile, Over at Trad Diary

New Trad Diary post, here.

Valentine's Weekend Blizzard

Being confined with a mild case of the sneezles, my photography today was limited to views from my windows. I even half thought, oh good, a day off from taking pictures, but that thought didn't last long (see prologue beneath my banner photo). It was a fun game, actually, and the screens and glass rendered an interesting effect on the photos. I see from the posts in the local media that there are plenty of photos being taken at my usual haunts, so it's not as if the public will be suffering from any lack of Edgartown Harbor, Lighthouse, Whaling Church, Reading Room, streetscapes, etc.

Anyway, for all that yesterday's Hallmark holiday means to me, which isn't all that much, to be honest, the Valentine moniker may as well be used for something constructive: the name of a majestic snowstorm, along with yet another delicious snow day and excuse to stay hunkered down indoors with creative projects. Having a slight cold makes it an even more perfect excuse not to leave the house. I wish this day could last about a week.




It is the Lord's Day, after all. Stained glass made as a gift for me by my daughter when she was in high school; icicles made by winter.



No bikes on the sidewalk.



I love these natural snow wells, created by wind and snow swirling around the base of the tree. Or maybe they're made by squirrels, running really fast.



I meant to bring this in for the winter. Oh well, it seems to have suffered no harm and the good news is, I won't have to lug it back into place for the summer.



I made this platform for the grill out of slabs of granite that have been a part of this property and configured in various ways for as long as I can remember. No grilling today.



I'm glad not to have to go anywhere today, thank you.



Living room window.



No porch music today.









Blue swing.









As difficult as it is to imagine now, soon it will be time to start digging in the garden again. All the snow we've had this winter will surely be a boon to the 2015 gardening season.

Between Snows

Posting one more from last week's storm while waiting for tonight's storm to hit. I can't say this enough: I love winter, I love snow, I love weather.

Snow Days 2015

Waking up to a drizzly, gray, and somewhat gloomy Friday morning - streets that were white and cushioned and quiet only two days ago are today wet and dirty, the traffic passing beneath my window once again humming and splashing along; back to normal, ho hum. I'm glad to have these moments to savor from our three delicious snow days.