Therefore all seasons shall be sweet to thee,
Whether summer clothe the general earth
With greeness, or the redbreast sit and sing
Betwixt the tufts of snow on the bare branch
Of mossy apple-tree, while the nigh thatch
Smokes in the sun-thaw; whether the eave-drops fall
Heard only in the trances of the blast,
Or if the secret ministry of frost
Shall hang them up in silent icicles,
Quietly shining to the quiet Moon.



Friday, November 03, 2006

A Frosty Morning


This morning was the first real frost we've had and everywhere looked so pretty. There's one point in our woodland walk where you can come out of the wood and loop round through a very rough meadow which isn't cultivated or cared for in any way. This is where I took the frost photographs because in the wood itself the frost hadn't penetrated through the leaf canopy which is still quite substantial.


I've never tried to take this kind of photo before and I haven't quite got the knack of showing the clearcut rime around the edges of the leaves.


This one is a bit better, it would be easier on leaves that have turned colour but everything is still green in the meadow.


This seedhead looked lovely but again the photo doesn'r really do it justice.


I really liked this willow branch because already you can see quite clearly the tightly furled buds of next spring's new leaves.


Back in the wood again it's a completely different picture, although it's only about 8am the sun is shining through the trees onto the warm brown carpet of leaves, it was still very cold though but with the blue skies and the crisp feel in the air it was a pleasure to be out. I did bring out my warm winter jacket today though. It's been a beautiful day from start to finish and hopefully tomorrow will be the same.


It seemed a good day to make an apple pie so here it is ready to go into the oven.


I did something I never normally do and brushed it with milk before baking it, I shan't do it again as it looks uneven and slightly burnt even though it wasn't. Normally they come out a nice golden brown. Lesson learned - stop trying to get fancy:)


There was leftover pastry so I got out a jar of last year's mincemeat which I need to use up - it's full of alcohol and actually improves with keeping so it isn't as horrendous as it sounds! So this is the first batch of mince pies which are for Steve and Hannah (of the broken wrist)- Steve has always loved them and they've been eating bought ones for at least 3 weeks so they might as well have some proper ones. Many years ago the teenage Steve quietly removed a jar of my homemade mincemeat and stashed it in one of his drawers along with a spoon and ate his way through it. I didn't know he'd done it until he told me about it a year or two back.:)
I'm away for the next couple of days staying with friends in Cheshire, we're going to see my god-daughter(their daughter)performing in HMS Pinafore. I've never seen any Gilbert and Sullivan before so I'm not sure whether I shall like it or not inside - outside I shall enjoy it immensely and applaud like mad.

13 comments:

rel said...

Rowan,
I'm confident that you will enjoy the HMS Pinafore inside as well. It's a delightful play. I saw an amateur presentation when my dad played a part. Perhaps that's why I found it so pleasing.

Your pies look delectable and with my keen imagination , I could actually smell apple pie fresh from the oven as I looked at your pics..

Your frost pictures are well done and portray again the perfect feeling of a beautiful crisp sunny morning that thrills the soul.

You have plenty to be thankful for and I thank you for escorting me around with you ;-)
Have a grand weekend.
rel

Lynda (Granny K) said...

Another lovely post Rowan! I'd love a piece of that pie - with custard please!
I think you'll enjoy Pinafore too!
Look forward to hearing about it.

Melissa said...

Frost is tricky you need enough light to get the contrast to show it off but too much and the whole thing gets blown to pieces with too much light and refraction.

I need orange said...

Nothing to apologize for in these pics!!!!!! Very nice indeed.

I, too, am ready for a piece of pie. :-)

I love Gilbert&Sullivan. I hope you enjoyed it!

-- Vicki in Michigan

Anonymous said...

Rowan I love your frost pictures, they are excellent. I find your accounts of the walks you take very descriptive, I especially like the way you give atmosphere to what you write, I could feel the frost in the early morning air, and I can smell that delicious pie fresh from the oven.
Enjoy HMS Pinafore..I love Gilbert and Sullivan, and have a super weekend.

Anonymous said...

Those frost pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us! I love them! My mouth is watering for that apple pie, which so happens to be my favorite kind! Will you adopt me?
;-)

Janet said...

Your frost photos look pretty darn good to me!
And I'll go along with everyone else....I would love a slice of your apple pie. It looks wonderful.

Have fun and enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan!

Julie H said...

Where to begin??? The pie looks scrumptious, I am sure that I can smell it! I am convinced you will like the musical - as to the actual production you are seeing who knows. But usually it is a lot of fun.

Your frost photos are amazing!!! I live close to the ocean and we don't get frosts. Gosh it must have been cold while you were snapping them.

Anonymous said...

Rowan, these frost photos are lovely and a rare treat. I felt I was right there with you as you took your walk through the woods and fields. My own wild places are something of a frosty mix at present too, the bronze of fallen leaves, green of frost touched grasses, hints of red and gold showing through here and there.

KaiBlue said...

You have a very good eye for capturing the innocence of a frost morn, a glorious autumn afternoon, or a delicious pie!!
I miss home..so thankyou for all your pictures!!
PEace, Kai.

Anonymous said...

Grindleford was glorious on Friday too! You have captured so beautifully the colours that were all around me that afternoon and all through Saturday.

Sorry I didn't get to meet up with you this time - I'll be back between Christmas and New Year - join me for a glass of Christmas Cheer!

Daisy Lupin said...

Your frost photos are really good. Isn't it amazing how different it all looked under the leaf canopy.

My father was a great Gilber and Sullivan Fanatic, and consequently, with the amount he played the songs on the piano I am liable to burst into song anytime one strikes up. I love them for their memories.

Anonymous said...

Rowan, if I go to your home for tea will you serve me a slice of that delicious looking apple pie? Oh and a mincemeat tart please.