Snowy Dreamscape

After a rather mild fall and early winter, the cold and the snow have arrived big time.  Time to go out and take some photos!

Now it's time to stay indoors while the temperature plummets.  Predicted nighttime low later this week, -14F / -26C.

Emerald Lake, NWT Canada (Painted)

Had a Photo to Painting Marathon last Saturday over at Google Plus, so I spent a few hours Saturday turning photos to paintings!

Kiev Pechersk Lavra (Painted)

Had a Photo to Painting Marathon last Saturday over at Google Plus, so I spent a few hours Saturday turning photos to paintings!

Autumn in Uman (Painted)

Had a photo to painting marathon Saturday over on Google Plus, so I spent a few hours on Saturday turning photos into paintings!

Soviet Era Locomotive

• HDR Photo

Soviet Era Locomotive, seen at Kiev Polytechnic Institute. As Locomotives go, this is a small one.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Cold Fun in the Wintertime

Kiev Ukraine, January 19, 2012

Although it may not look like it, this is a religious ceremony. Every January 19, Orthodox Epiphany, believers take a dip in whatever outdoor body of water that might be handy, whether it's an ocean, a lake, a river, or a pond. This is in commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan many centuries ago.

This photo was taken today in one of the numerous events around Kiev, Ukraine, and the Orthodox world. Last year's event locally was a bit of a disappointment, because the temperature that day was only 1C/34F. This year's event was held in much more favorable conditions. At 10AM this morning, it was -7C/20F, a temperature that's considered much more suitable for this event.

If I were to ever try this, the body of water I would look for would be the hot tub!

Tall Grass

Chincoteague National Wildlife Area, Virginia USA

She Who Has No Name

* HDR Photo

At the Holodomor Memorial, Kiev. An exercise in the "rule of thirds."

Mediterranean Sunrise (Painted)

In a painted style!

A View from the Belltower

• HDR Photo

The view from the belltower at St. Sophia.

A Wintery Mixer

We've had cold, we've had dreary, dank, and dark, but we haven't had much resembling a real winter around here. This is probably the mildest winter I've seen in my six winters here. In fact, I've seen a lot more snow in my years in NJ, USA, which is about 700 miles closer to the equator than is Kiev. But here in Kiev, people are a lot less likely to let the weather keep them indoors. Why these three were here, drinking beer, I don't know, but I've never seen that in NJ! :-)

Day of Kiev Fireworks

• HDR Photo

May 28th was the "Day of Kiev," the birthday celebration of Kiev. The celebration started on the 27th and ran until the 29th. Most cities here seem to have their own days, although not all have the budget to have a real celebration. It's generally another reason to get out in the often short summers, but is not an extended weekend with days off. Oh well. With 3 of the last 5 weekends being long weekends, I guess they didn't think we needed another long weekend. (Says who)?

Happy 1,149th birthday Kiev!

Dreamscape, D&R Canal, NJ

Another creation in the dreamscape series.

Park Gazebo, Winter

Park Gazebo in Winter, Mariinski Park, Kiev.

Done with a "painted" effect.