Friday, January 7, 2011

Summer Dreaming on Such a Winter's Day


"I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape - the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show."
~Andrew Wyeth

Last week, I got up very early in the morning when we were in Asti.
It was so cold, there was even frost on the chaises. Yes, there is beauty in this winter landscape, but I'm missing the warm months already!

Ahhh, remembering last summer....

We drove to the Russian River at the Summer Bridge later in the day to check out the river levels. It's a fisherman's "thing" to do. The river is a raging torrent!
In fact the Summer Bridge is gone.

The river last summer...

Back at the house, I noticed the Mulberry Tree has lost all it's leaves and got it's annual haircut.
Oh, how I miss those beautiful green leaves!

It's hard to believe they will grow back like last summer.

The grapevines have all been cut back, everything is bare.

They too will grow back and look just like this.
Dreaming of summer...

Cold and gray, dead or dormant, the garden is asleep.

Dreaming of summer...

It's like everything is hibernating, waiting to come alive again.

Dreaming of summer....

I'm learning to appreciate the beauty of winter, but it's hard!
Mr. A prefers winter because he is a winter steelhead fisherman.
Me? Not so much! But I'm trying!

Because Summer is my Favorite Season, I'm joining Laurie at Bargain Hunting With Laurie for Favorite Things Saturday!
I'll also be joining The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays!

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30 comments:

Katy Noelle said...

Ah, I love winter because it makes summer so beautiful and vice-versa. California winter.... so lovely and mild, really. It's happy to remember it again.

Kathysue said...

Delores this is such a beautifully photographed and written post. Thank you for sharing your lovely gardens and the contrast of summer/winter. Loved this, Have a great weekend, Kathysue

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Delores,

I'm a summer person too; especially since we lived in the tropics! Weather-upgrading is always easier than downgrading. But the time will pass fast and that is a good thing for getting other things done.
I've posted my January snow of 2002 since we didn't get some now... Looks very romantic though!
Hope that in The Netherlands the ice and snow is not too bad tomorrow as Papa is celebrating his 90th big style and so many have to travel... Not us, Pieter is still doing his cardio rehab this month last but he's doing excellent. Went with him this morning and I'm proud of him, moving so fast and so strong. It did hurt to see others struggle so hard. We're blessed; even in winter!!!

Have a great weekend!

Mariette's Back to Basics

Lori E said...

It had better warm up there before I get there. If I want cold I can stay in Canada. :o)

Lizabeth said...

I'll take your mild winter any day! We are down to 6 degrees this evening. I really don't like it when it's that cold. Your yard landscaping is so wonderful, I enjoy seeing pictures. I really didn't know California gets that much of a die back for the winter. One thing is for sure when spring beauty starts it's truly a miracle! Stay warm..
Liz

NanaDiana said...

I came, I saw, I read. What is really funny is that I came close to using that header for my post yeaterday about the family living outside under the Christmas tree.Great minds think alike, huh? ..and then my mind went in another directin... Hugs- Diana

savvycityfarmer said...

I'm absolutely positive your "summer" dreams will come true LONG before mine ....
being in the midwest and all.
no complainin' now ya hear.
It's 12 on my thermometer.

Your "estate" is so beautiful, D.

mary beth said...

Ohhhhhh! Thanks so much for these glorious pictures! I need constant reminders of what lies ahead to get me through these winter months. I love the stark beauty of winter, but not as much as the lush greens of summer. This post was so encouraging!

Kathy Walker said...

Beautiful pictures....Love the Wyeth quotation.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Not wishing my life away, but I am looking forward to Spring.Snow predicted here for Sun. and Mon.. :( Not looking forward to the next 2 months.
Enjoy your weekend.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Delores, you sure captured the striking difference of the seasons. I am NOT a Winter person, but, like you, am TRYING to appreciate it! I have always dreamed of living in a warmer climate but it won't happen. Your home and grounds are so beautiful, even in the winter!!! It is 28 right now. I should be cleaning but I am still feeling awful with this cold so am bundled up here in my office. Stay warm!!!! XO, Pinky

Jacqueline said...

I too am a summer girl. I always say I was born in the wrong place, I should have been born on a tropical island. Alas, I have to return to bone chilling cold and don boots and sweaters (I do like boots and sweaters though!) Such pretty images, they are some of my favorite things too.

Dianne said...

I love winter!!! It's so sculptural, nothing hidden behind all that foliage!
Thank you for giving us the MOST beautiful blog in cyber world. I visit daily and have enjoyed it so much!!

Vava (aka Virginia) said...

Give me fall and winter. And, if I had a refuge such as yours, oh my goodness. Such beauty ANY time of year!!!

Lila said...

Mmmm...I'm dreaming of summer too! Love those pictures!
xoxo
Lila Ferraro

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

Beautiful Delores! I LOVE your home and grounds...I too love winter to be able to see the bare bones of the structure of things... It's always a good time for US to rest too. I really Love that. We just had an avalanche of snow and I've posted some pictures if you'd like to peek... Happy New Year,
Hugs, Donna

The Tablescaper said...

Delores:

Yes, it is a different kind of beauty. It makes us look a bit harder to find the beauty. And maybe, after all the extravagance of the holidays, we need the time to search a bit.

I'd love to have you join Seasonal Sundays. Your post would be right on target!

- The Tablescaper

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Delores,
I can understand you so much from the bottom of my heart.
Greetings, Johanna

Bonnie said...

Clever title and post. I love to contrast the seasons. Winter silhouettes are beautiful.

The Tablescaper said...

Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

- The Tablescaper

Lynn said...

Beautiful pics, just a few more months...

Sarah said...

Delores, Asti is a beautiful spot any season, but it's fun to see the contrast. This is a wonderful post!

Mary said...

Glorious vistas & photos! I'm a Fall & Spring person when things are in transistion. So much beauty in your winter landscape :-)

Jenny H. said...

Gorgeous photos and vistas! I too am looking forward to spring and summer, but enjoying winter while it's here.

Marlis said...

Your home is so beautiful no matter the season. I totally love all seasons, but I probably love spring and fall the best. Stay warm!

La Dolfina said...

Love the juxtaposition of the seasons... just beautiful - BOTH!!!
Hope you're having a lovely weekend :)

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Your pictures are so pretty.
CAS

Hollywood forever, Kevin said...

I'm with you, bring back the summer!

On Crooked Creek said...

Delores,
Your photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with us. I'm a Spring and WINTER girl, myself. If our predicted SNOW comes this evening and in the morning. . .I'll have a very interesting post for Metamorphosis Monday!
Fondly,
Pat

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Delores, your photos are so pretty, and the contrast between the summer and winter photos is really amazing. of course, as mild as your winters are, you won't have to wait long for those summer days. It's snowing here in Ark. now. Our winters aren't very bad, but they do last longer than yours. (I can't imagine doing any kind of cold weather fishing!! Yikes!) Thank you so much for linking to Favorite Things. laurie

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