Another snowstorm at the farm - photos taken with a new lens
I received so many wonderful comments regarding Friday's blog, The "Blizzard" of 2010. Thank you very much. In keeping with that theme, I wanted to show you these marvelous photographs of the next snowstorm, just a few days later, taken by my blog team, Eliad Laskin and Laura Plimpton. When Eliad, my tech guy, learned of my trip to South Africa, he asked Canon to loan a very special lens for me to use on that trip, and Canon generously provided. This lens is great for distance, zooming in on faraway objects, such as what I may see on safari. A few days after the "blizzard", and before my journey, the snow was falling heavily again and Eliad and Laura were interested in seeing the capabilities of this powerful lens. They started up one of the Kawasaki Mules and ventured out into the storm. I think you will agree that these photos are quite wonderful.
1 The snow was falling thickly and heavily. I wonder what these crows were thinking?
2 This giant mound is really a snow-covered burlap-wrapped boxwood.
3 A closer look at a crow and notice the little juncos?
4 The garden fence looks as if someone spread icing on it.
5 A closer look at the 'icing'
6 This is one of three finials atop the equipment barn.
7 A woodland stream grugling through the snow
8 So beautiful
9 This is the contemporary house on my property - it's nearly invisible.
10 These are not hoops, but rather the canes of wild bramble.
11 These snow-covered brambles look great in the woods.
12 And the fir trees look majestic!
13 I love their sweeping branches laden with snow.
14 Taken from this angle, it looks like we're in Yosemite National Park.
15 Snow, snow, and more snow
16 This looks almost like a fabulous painting.
17 A shot of the middle field - and very beautiful.
18 Looking further down
19 This is the little tucked away woodland shed.
20 Is this a snow-covered auto or merely a rock.
21 The small trees are larches planted on the edge of the carriage road.
22 The symbolic farm sycamore
23 A dawn redwood laden with snow
24 Another woodland stream
25 This is one of willow groves - the golden color of the bark looks great against the white snow.
26 The paddock fencing always looks stunning with a snow coat.
27 A bluebird house - I can't wait for their return.
28 The wire roof over the chicken yard has been totally blanketed with snow.
29 It's amazing how all the snow is just sitting there.
30 An Araucana hen testing out the snow - the chickens don't seem to mind it.
31 It's certainly a change for them.
32 A Jersey Giant, a Silver Laced Wyandotte, and more Araucanas
33 And more hens clucking
34 This is a rooster chasing a hen
35 White on white
36 A nice view of the houses
37 The often photographed allee of lindens
38 Meindert looks like he's aching to go out and play in the snow.
39 A lot of snow on the bloxwood allee
40 Two of my donkeys
41 More crow atop a weeping beech
42 The tall spruces surrounding the tenant house
Photos By Eliad Laskin
can't go wrong with canon!
Posted by: donna good | February 22nd, 2010 at 8:11 am
Your property surely is beautiful, whether it is snowing or not. How many houses are on your property. When having a tour via your blog, I wish I had a map of the layout so I would know where each house, barn, field, etc. is located, and then I would know where "I am" in the pictures. You are very Blessed, Martha, but I'm sure you already know that!
Posted by: Susie Poss | February 22nd, 2010 at 8:42 am
Those pictures should be in a book. Absolutely gorgeous...............
Posted by: Karen Tracy | February 22nd, 2010 at 9:02 am
Beautiful photos Martha!
Today in Sydney it was 35 degrees celsius so i am mighty jealous of all your snow.
Posted by: Phoebe | February 22nd, 2010 at 9:40 am
Great pictures...love the snow in winter. The snow just transforms everything into something of beauty. Looking forward to the next storm, if it doesn't happen know where to go to enjoy a
Winter Wonderland!
Posted by: Pauline | February 22nd, 2010 at 9:43 am
Martha~
So Beautiful!!! Just what a Monday morning needs!
Posted by: Robyn | February 22nd, 2010 at 9:50 am
We hear so much about Eliad and Laura, about how much behind the scenes things they do. Would you care to share your "tech guy" with the rest of us? If he can keep you informed about the latest and greatest, could he not teach us all? Why keep such talent hidden?
Posted by: Amanda | February 22nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
So beautiful!
Posted by: Teresa Touey | February 22nd, 2010 at 10:50 am
Such a beautiful winter wonderland. Thanks for sharing, your beautiful pictures start my day with a thankful heart for the beauties of this earth.
Posted by: Karlene Wissel | February 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
Hi Martha,
These pictures remind me of the commercial where the woman is getting all the cat hair off of the sofa and says, "That's one big hairball". Well, that snow is one big 'snowball'! Wow, and yeah, that is kind of neat the way it stays on top of the chicken wire. The chicks are probably wondering what happened to the sky.
~
I suppose now you're taking pictures of wild game. I can't wait to see...I know I would not be brave enough to go on safari. I hope you're having fun! Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
Martha, My family gathered around the computer to see the snow. We live in San Antonio so there is not any snow down here!We have to go to Arizona to play in the snow. Thanks so much for sharing your farm,animals and the beautiful snow pictures with us. What such beauty you have to share with us!
Posted by: Mary | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 am
Dear Martha, thank you for sharing those pictures of your farm taken during the big storms we had recently. he storms were really amazing. My son and I ventured out during the blizzard. The wind and snow were really hiting us really hard.
I believe those pictures are shaded grey with the exception of the pictures of your chickens. The pictures are very beautiful. You must be very proud of your farm. I live where the place is used to be a farm. I only have very small lot but I am excited to plan and layout my garden and trees. You are definitely an inspiration. I am looking forward to hear your trip to South Africa. Take care. Hilda
Posted by: Hilda | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 am
Absolutely stunning!
I live in Vancouver where the Olympics are happening. We are enjoying beautiful warm sunny days but it would be nice to have snow. After all, it is the "winter" Olympics! We have even had to ship in some snow which is unusual for us as well.
Love those chickens and Meinhardt,
Susie W.
Vancouver
Posted by: Susie | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
WOW!!! Breathtaking photos!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | February 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Beautiful! Yes snowstorms cause traffic, accidents and layovers but this is it's true reflection. To stand back and look through another lens is most important.
Posted by: Janelle | February 22nd, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Oh, I so love all the beautiful snow pictures! I am a former Minnesotan and miss it so. . . . . So want to walk in it. (now a Californian)
Posted by: Nancy Hoffman | February 22nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Beautiful photos. Almost like the photos here in DFW. What kind of Canon camera did you use? I'm needing a new camera...
Posted by: SPerkins | February 22nd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Wonderful pictures! What a beauty nature can bring! Looking forward to more as the seasons change~ You will LOVE South Africa, Enjoy!
Posted by: Sheri | February 22nd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Hi Martha, What a beautiful winter wonderland. I love how fresh snow frames everything so nicely, bringing out the edges and curves of things you hadn't seen before. We're having an early spring in the North West. The plants are already starting to wake from their mild winter slumber. Trina
Posted by: Trina | February 22nd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I had to keep reminding myself that these are COLOR pictures! Beautiful...as I sit here in sunny California.
Posted by: Bonnie | February 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I love the snowy chickens!!!!!!
They are completely undaunted by their new snow roof.
Posted by: Yolanda | February 22nd, 2010 at 2:37 pm
These winter pictures have got to be your all time best and my favorites. Maybe it is your new lens. I agree with some of the other bloggers, these photos are so pretty they should be in a book. I love them. Your farm is wonderful. I adored the beautiful trees and brooks covered in snow. Thanks for sharing them.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | February 22nd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
The crows were thinking of South Africa.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 22nd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
.
The best, the best, the best!!!
.
Photo 16 looks like trees in Spring blossom!!
.
Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | February 22nd, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Wow Martha. Breathtaking once again. I love the first picture of the chicken yard. I can just imagine them clucking along and having their own winter wonderful.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: NeatNicole from Illinois | February 22nd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Isn't it fascinating to see how the animals react to such extreme weather!your chooks made me laugh!
Posted by: Ramona Barrry | February 22nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Gorgeous images! Your beautiful chickens seem unphased by the cold conditions.
Thank you too for continuing to inspire me daily. I write about your work often on my blog.
xo,
cristin
Posted by: cristin @ simplified bee | February 22nd, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Love those pictures! Why is the snow just sitting on the wire of the chicken yard? Hope it stays that way. You are so nice to show us the wonderful pictures you take because your farm is so beautiful anyway. It does look like a winter wonderland. We are looking forward to your pictures in South Africa. Take care.
Posted by: Sylvia | February 22nd, 2010 at 4:43 pm
these shots are beautiful! always forget how lovely snow can be
Posted by: {this is glamorous} | February 22nd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
How beautiful! What type of lense did Canon let you borrow? It sure takes fabulous photos!
Posted by: Lita | February 22nd, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I agree with one of the earlier comments, these pictures would make a marvelous book. Winter is such a lovely time of year.
Posted by: Cathy | February 22nd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I'm currently traveling in the desert of California and missing my home in Montana. Your pictures gave me a lovely taste of winter. So lovely! Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
Posted by: MoonstruckinMontana | February 22nd, 2010 at 6:53 pm
The crows were saying "I didn't know those were brambles. We were just getting set for a croquet game!"
Posted by: Nan | February 22nd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Beautiful, just beautiful.....You are truley blessed.....
Posted by: Sylvia Vales | February 22nd, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Lovely, and it will be fascinating to follow your camera and lens use. I being in a bit of hurry while changing out lens allowed one to roll off the table onto the floor. A major repair bill later makes me now think I need a second camera. And the games continue.
Posted by: Margie | February 22nd, 2010 at 8:21 pm
These are FABULOUS photos.
What a lens !!!
Posted by: Becky HK | February 22nd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
The shed in the woods covered in snow is adorable. The capability of the lens on the close up shots is fantastic. You could sell the gorgeous photos. I also adore the photos in your magazine. Sometimes I will cut out a favorite one that makes me excited for the current season, and replace it when a new favorite comes along. It is a great way to appreciate the photography in it. Thanks for making life beautiful!
Posted by: Wendy (Give Love Create Happiness) | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Hi Laura and Eliad, You two sure did a great job, not only of getting a special lens, but of taking all of these fantastic photos of Martha's farm with even more snow. It's fun to see how others, like you visualize the farm during a heavy snow storm. The variety of photos is absolutely wonderful and each and every one is stunning. I always love the photos of the animals and these were spectacular. It was interesting to see how the chickens reacted and how the snow collected on the wire coop covers. Fascinating! Thanks for all that you do helping with Martha's wonderful blog. Stay warm! Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:11 pm
.
.
More Snow Thru a New Lens
.
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The woods stand silent witness to the changing seasons,
Every picture forwards the many different reasons.
So much beauty is produced and leaves a lasting memory.
Poor visibility keeps birds from venturing far in their territory.
Soft sticky snow clinging to objects changes the look of things;
Temperature is everything - Chickens enjoy spreading wings.
A rooster keeping his house in order, same old same o;
The bluebird house will soon have a traveling 'Romeo'.
Beautiful woodland streams gurgling along, as life goes on.
Enchanting scenes that would sparkle too if the sun shone;
Wild bramble canes have displayed a picture of their own,
The symbolic sycamore tree very impressive standing alone.
The sweeping branches laden with snow weighted to the ground,
Looking up from the base majestic 'great north' timber can be found.
Lots of snow, yet you know hiding underneath a new beginning.
Alees of lindens, boxwoods, newly planted larches all winning.
The paddock fencing always looks stunning with a coat of snow.
The willow groves and colored bark look great with their golden glow.
Exquisite beauty all around, there are fabulous scenes to paint.
A little tucked away shed provides a meeting place that's quaint.
.
Posted by: celia stock | February 22nd, 2010 at 11:53 pm
It would be fun to also see some photos of Skylands covered in snow.
Posted by: Mark in Seattle | February 23rd, 2010 at 1:43 am
Martha, thank-you for allowing us another escape into your incredible winter wonderland! Pure poetry... I can almost step into the photos.. and become one with the silence, the cold, and the sound of fresh snow crunching under your feet. Your photos are perfection and we so appreciate your thoughtful efforts and your willingness to share them with us! You and your caretakers certainly do an admirable job with Canitoe Farm. Just seeing how much you love, cherish, cultivate, and sustain the farm, it's apparent that there could not have been a more more appropriate and deserving owner for that property; we wish for you many more years of happiness in the home you love so much.
Posted by: Andrew | February 23rd, 2010 at 2:02 am
These pictures are more beautiful than the last. I enjoyed them very much.
Posted by: Carolyn J Dyer | February 23rd, 2010 at 2:47 am
Martha!
Please stop tormenting us with these insanely beautiful shots - especially the trees! I'm losing my mind because I want to have my own prints. You know I really have no idea why you don't sell your photographs. They truly are stunning. PLUS you can donate the money to charity! How about that? Hmmm? Please consider. Would love to frame some of these and hang them in my home.
Posted by: Marie | February 24th, 2010 at 4:21 am
Hi! Martha! I love this photo, it is so beautiful, I just love the snow, winter, because I live in California, all year long sunshine.
Please review some of my wire design, I created by photo kind similar as yours, from my student- Sweden- a snow view from her back yard,
I offer workshop travel with CRYSTALLIZED TM- Swarovski Elements, created very unique technique on wire-contemporary style- with 3D layer.
for this year, I'll teach at Cruise, and Italy, Wish you could join with me, or introduce this different kind trip to people who live love to travel with beading or wiring, make jewelry during the trip.
Posted by: Lilian Chen | February 24th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Dearest Martha,
I have been home since May 2009, dealing with heart and lung problems. I look forward to your show daily. It is so ispiring to see you setting this role of simple enjoyment of life and our resourses. Like you, my childhood was spent on a rural farm/ranch, and I have lifelong skills that stand me in good stead and a full appreciation of our natural bounty.I was born May 19th, 1942 6th child in a family of seven. I live by a rural golf course, in a small guest house that I understand was built by Kitty of Gunsmoke. I have a view of mountains, trees and abundant wildlife.I was a teacher for years of 4 and 5 year olds. I paint, sketch wildlife and try to give back.
Thank you for taking me to countries I will never see in person, and experiencing the thrill of how people are working to protect the good things with which we have been blessed .
I love your segments on healthy living and am able to adapt most of your wonderful and tasty recipies to my low sodium, restricted fluid intake.Your show is something I look forward to each day. I love the peole, the znimals, the products and your creativity.
Thank you so much for your show and for you.
Sherry
1170 N Tapadero drive c12,Dewey AZ 86327
Posted by: Sherry Vargo-Rolo | February 24th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
beautiful! i love the snow at the farm. the pictures with the chickens with the snow in the background are perfection!
Posted by: nadia | February 24th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
These are FABULOUS photos. Truly wonderful.
What a lens !!!
Posted by: Sarah Gardner | February 25th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Great.
Posted by: Ed Stacey | February 25th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Thought you might like to see this, Martha. Lol! Maybe you can speak to the woman on your show.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1254021/Knit-cluck-Somerset-craft-club-keeps-bald-rescue-hens-warm-knitting-woolly-jumpers.html
Posted by: Marie | February 27th, 2010 at 3:41 am