The Measure of Winter

"Nonna's Farm," photograph by Terry Rowe

A few hours before the official start of Spring, a few winter reflections. The usual quantitative measure of winter is the average low temperatures, how many days below freezing, how many inches of snow.

My measurement of winter is more personal, although still quantifiable.

How many layers of clothes did I wear before heading outside? At least three, topped by a down vest and then a coat. Gloves, scarves, and hats required.

Did I break out the snow boots? I did, they’ve spent the winter in my kitchen by the back door.

Did the snow shovels come out of the shed? They lived on the side porch this winter and got quite a workout.

Was the bill for heating huge? It was. Ouch.

How many days was my office closed because of weather? Four, although not a day of rest – snow had to be shoveled, cars cleared off, and other chores completed to keep the house and property safe during storms.

And, the last, most telling measure of a long cold dark winter is how many pots of posole did I make? Five, posole is a traditional Mexican soup / stew. It’s hearty and filling. Every time I knew we were in for a long cold stretch of it I’d make a bit pot of posole and have filling food for days.

So today, facing the last few hours of winter I have taken its measure and we are complete. Onward to spring.

Overview of a Week of Photography (Week 8)

The eighth week of my 365, a photograph a day, project. I made a more concentrated effort to get out more, out of my back yard and house, and into the wider world. Of course, the weather was a bit more cooperative - less snow and a few, very comfortable days, that rose into the 50s.

The first photo to start this week is the Jefferson Memorial, my favorite monument in Washington. It's a graceful and elegant tribute to Thomas Jefferson.

Union Station (train station) has many wonderful architectural features and will likely see me return for more photographs.

A small still life, a found bottle, scarf, rock, and peacock feathers. I love the frosting on the bottle, and the bright blue-green of the feathers.

Another weekend in Charlottesville and I used the time to work on street photography. This elegant older woman was a wonderful subject.



















And, if I'm in Charlottesville, I must visit the University of Virginia campus. A warmish February day saw students and visitors taking advantage of the weather to enjoy the Lawn in front of the Rotunda.

The broken windows of a chicken coop on an abandoned farm in Loudoun County form an abstract view of the world.

Boundary Channel flows into the Potomac River. The channel waters reflect the sky clouds with a perfect intensity.


















If you would like to see my work on a daily basis, as well as other projects I undertake, please follow me on Facebook at tART - Photography and Art by Terry Rowe,  https://www.facebook.com/tarrowe. If you'd like to purchase a print of any of my images please contact me or visit my website, http://terry-rowe.artistwebsites.com/.

Overview of a Week of Photography (Week 7)

Week seven was a week of juggling work and travel plans. A heavy snow fall melted during a thaw only to have more snow roll in. A long holiday weekend saw me driving to Charlottesville one day, Cape Charles the next, and back to Alexandria on the third day. The weekend became extended when we had just enough snow fall to keep everyone tucked in at home.

My dog Bear, day dreaming. Could it be about squirrels? Or a big fat bone? Or maybe a long walk....

A garden stake marking the peony is a stark graphic against the snow.

Abandoned tulips, cast down in the snow, are turned into art with textures and text.

My trip to Charlottesville was to visit with friends, and participate in a belly blessing ceremony. It was a wonderful afternoon of laughter, sharing, stories, and song.

In little over a week after this picture was taken the beautiful Demory Marie was born.

Next stop, Cape Charles on the Chesapeake Bay. I stopped in Capeville to photograph a favorite cemetery statue. The piece was finished with textures and text.

A painterly photograph of the Cape Charles marina in the early morning.

This week of photographs ended with a re-visit of the abandoned tulips. This time more snow and a hard freeze created a new composition and a different mood.

If you would like to see my work on a daily basis, as well as other projects I undertake, please follow me on Facebook at tART - Photography and Art by Terry Rowe,  https://www.facebook.com/tarrowe. If you'd like to purchase a print of any of my images please contact me or visit my website, http://terry-rowe.artistwebsites.com/.