I spent quite a lot of time outdoors recently which you can see in this week’s photo diary. Luce and Theo are still waiting for a proper snowfall despite a couple of fleeting flurries early this week.
I noticed on Sunday that some flowers and buds were hiding in shrubs despite the frost and chills.
Late Monday night I saw chatter on Twitter about a moon halo in the sky above Sussex – and elsewhere in the UK. I grabbed my tripod and took some photos from a field next to our garden. It was rather amazing to see this huge glowing ring caused by moonlight reflecting off ice crystals in the atmosphere. That bright star to the upper left of the moon apparently is Jupiter. I was so tempted to wake up Luce and Theo but it was way too late plus a school night.
Finally some proper snow falling when we woke up Tuesday morning. I dashed to the Ashdown Forest as soon as I dropped the kids off at school. Not this bench, but another one nearby made me imagine all sorts of love stories.
Wednesday: Mirror, mirror, here I stand, who is the fairest hen in the land?
Thursday: I was taking some photos of some incredible sweet chestnut trees (post next week) when I turned around and caught my son dancing on this tree stump.
After school on Friday, we went off for a walk to name trees without leaf clues in the winter. Luce and Theo swung, took photos and climbed as we easily identified four different trees by their twigs and buds. (Psst…I have a free tree spotter sheet printable if you want to do the same with your kids).
Without fail, ‘our’ pheasant stops by every day – even when it’s snowing – to have a snack under the bird feeder. Saturday morning the robin joined him.
And, it’s already week 6 in this year’s photo diary which is part of Project 365. Wishing you all a lovely week ahead.
Katie says
a lovely range of shots, especially the reflection!! x
Kriss MacDonald says
thank you Katie 🙂
Xandi says
Your photos are always so stunning. I love that one of the bench, it looks as though it holds many wonderful stories.
Kriss MacDonald says
Thanks you. If there hadn’t been a coating of snow I would have been tempted to sit in that bench for a bit.
Christine says
Great photo of the bench, very atmospheric. I’m impressed with your moon halo – we were lucky to see it too but I didn’t attempt to take a photo.
Kriss MacDonald says
I had to do some experimenting to get the halo shot and it was so cold too.
Verily Victoria Vocalises says
Gorgeous images as ever Kriss. The colours on that pheasant are beautiful and I love the chicken photo! #365
Kriss MacDonald says
Thanks Victoria – the chicken made me laugh.
76sunflowers says
What beautifully amazing photos. Is Ashdown Forest Winnie the Pooh territory?!
Kriss MacDonald says
Yes it is except this is a completely different area from the Winnie the Pooh trails. The tree and bench was taken near Wych Cross.
Claire says
Beautiful pictures, the bench one is stunning 🙂
Love the chicken and its reflection 🙂
Kriss MacDonald says
Thank you Claire.
Kim Carberry says
What lovely photos! Absolutely beautiful x
Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours says
Adore the photo of the bench in the snow, looks so peaceful. The pheasant looks amazing and so good to get out even when it’s cold. I must get out and about more with the children 🙂 #365
chickenruby says
I love the look of the UK in winter and I’ve seen a lot of pictures this week that have made me homesick, however the reality of the cold and wet soon knocks it out of me…lol
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
What a gorgeous collection this week Kriss, love them all. The bench is a particular favourite x
Erica Price says
I love the chicken shot. Looking forward to the sweet chestnut post – one of my favourite trees. I love the distinctive bark pattern and the zigzaggy leaves.
Stephanie says
I love that picture of the been in the show dusting. So peaceful
Su Tyler says
I didn’t notice the robin with the pheasant until I read the text!
I can remember the first time I saw a moon halo – walking home after a rather late night!
Jane - Our Little Escapades says
What amazing photos for the week. I love the photo of the moon, I have no idea how you take photos like that x
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One says
That moon halo is so impressive and I do love your vain hen!