Merry Christmas

I hope Santa was good to you!

Retro Christmas

Christmas is a nostalgic holiday. It reminds us of the time when we believed in the magic of Santa Claus an the unbearable anticipation of his visit.

It brings thoughts of Christmas past, deep white snow, time with family some of which may no longer with us, and treasured gifts.

And of course there is the story of a birth, over two thousand years ago, in a far away land, that has shaped our world and brought peace to so many.

Saratoga Spa in winter

In the 1930's New York State built a complex of buildings at Saratoga Springs as a center for relation and rejuvenation in the foothills of the Adirondack mountains. The spa had mineral bath houses and many springs where patrons could "take the cure". Doctors were hired to prove the effectiveness of the treatments. Little scientific validation came out of those studies, but like so many things in life, it is faith that motivates people into believing what science cannot prove.

Today the spa remains and visitors from around the world are still attracted to the springs.

Red barn

Why is it that so many barns are painted red? Is it just tradition?

It turns out that centuries ago farmers preserved the wood on their barns with linseed oil. Often they would add ferrous oxide, rust, to the oil for added protection from wood rotting mold and moss. The rust contributed a dark orangish red color which has led to the tradition of painting barns red.

Tree of vines

Perhaps a transplant from Pandora?

I have never seen a tree like this. The trunk seems to be made up of vines, creating a unique texture. I will have to revisit this tree in the spring to better understand the structure.

Now that's a Christmas tree!

No lights, no tinsel, no colorful glass balls. Just big and tall and thickly coated with bright white snow.

Closed for the season

I am guessing we will not see any birds in this nest for a while. Now that the bush branches are empty of leaves, and most of the snow has dropped from the thin branches, we can clearly see how much a bird nest can hold.

Snow bails

A few weeks ago the farmer was bailing hay, gathering the crop. Now his field is blanketed with snow, as are these forgotten bundles of straw.

Mystery photo take 6

A hint of the season, but what is it?

Barns preserved

When suburbia overtakes a community there is a natural tendency by some to conserve the heritage that originally defined the region. What was once thought of as passé and inferior to progress is now revered as historical, quaint and even fashionable.

Victim

We continue to loose our small town specialty stores, where you would likely deal with the owner and be known by name. The draw of plenty of easy parking, large selection and lower prices have given us the big boxes, like Home Depot and Lowe's. Unfortunately this takes away from the community and rewards far away corporate headquarters.