Tomorrow, December 21st, is the winter solstice and this makes me very happy because it marks the moment in time when the days begin to grow longer again and the nights shorter. Because I leave for work so early and get home quite late, I don’t get to see much of the farm in daylight, unless I’m outdoors, waiting for its arrival in the chilly morning air. I did just that, one recent morning, as the sun was beginning to rise. I know I’ve shown you other mornings shrouded in mist, but this particular daybreak looked especially magical all glittered with an icy frost, as well.
Are you thinking out of focus? I’m thinking impressionist painting!
The sun was approaching the treetops.
A veil of frosty mist draped over the paddocks.
The frost coated every tiny leaf of the teucrium hedging growing in the terrace gardens.
I hope that these gardens will soon be covered with burlap. The plants look so cold!
A few minutes later and the sky was a bit brighter.
The sunrise, coming into focus and illuminating the farm
It was a misty and frosty morning at the farm.
The frost looked like stubbly whiskers growing on the newel post.
The mist seemed to grow heavier with each passing minute.
The frosty branches of a camperdown elm – I love its graceful, weeping growth habit and its slightly twisted branches.
These upright branches belong to Syringa standard or standard lilac. It’s so fragrant in the spring with its clusters of lilac flowers.
Right nearby is the grove of apple espalier, growing on support wires.
After a few hard frosts, this apple tree still holds onto some leaves and even a few apples!
Looking towards the stable, you can barely see its shape through the heavy mist.