Frozen bay

I have posted a photo of Irondequoit Bay before, but this time we are looking at the lower bay, with a view to the North. Also the bay is now covered in ice, although I am sure it is not too thick yet. During the winter there are people who drive their cars on the ice, and sometimes the ice is not sufficient to support the weight. Not something I care to experience.

On the horizon you can see the Irondequoit Bay Bridge, a long strut bridge of almost a half mile in length. When this bridge was completed in 1967 it provided a shortened means of travel between Irondequoit (and Rochester) and Webster on Route 104.

As I shot this photo I looked over the reeds and was surprised to see what I think is a red tail hawk on the ice, tearing at it's pray which appears to have been a duck moments ago.

A bit more sensible

More Christmas lights, this time not so over the top. It is amazing the range of work people put into this tradition. Some just throw a few lights on a bush but others take the time to do something planned and classic.

Let's go nuts!

No, this is not our house, but someone pretty close by. They obviously put a lot of time and energy (including electricity) into their Christmas light display. Some people get a little carried a way, but it is really neat to see live. The photo does not do it justice.

Click the photo for a bigger image.

Star of Bethlehem

Although yet to fully bloom, this flower is know as Star of Bethlehem for it's star shaped blossoms. It is native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa but also grown as an ornamental in gardens. I saw this example at a florist and loved the bright green color contrasted to the developing white flowers.

Winter

The calendar tells us that winter will not start for a few weeks but, around here, winter weather arrives early and stays later than the solstice. Some area schools were closed and driving was challenging. It seems we all have to learn how to drive in snow each year.

Mystery photo take 3

OK, another mystery photo. What do you think this is? Your comments are welcome!

First snow of 2009

Snow comes to Bartell Lane... the first cover of 2009. But it will not be the last. This was the view out my front door this morning after a bit of snow overnight.