Nature Designs

Interesting designs on a maple tree.  I would imagine that the markings indicate a viral or fungal disease of the tree, but they are an intriguing pattern.

The lichen adds texture and a decorative element.

The red thorns of the hawthorn bush contrast very nicely with the pale stems.  New red buds at the intersection of the thorn and branch are ready to open out as soon as the days get warm.

The branches of the thornbush make an intricate, spiky interplay.

Winter Water

The winter landscape is enlivened by flowing water.

 

 Always curving, the little waterway invites us to imagine what's around the corner.

 Positive shapes, negative shapes.

 The sound of the flowing water is always refreshing.

Pink Roses

Well, it's Valentine's Day and here are some pics of a very pretty bouquet of pink roses that my husband bought me. Roses are always lovely and, in the middle of winter, I appreciated
them even more.

St. Raphael's

I drive by the St. Raphael ruins fairly often and I never get tired of seeing it. It was completed in 1821 and was built by Scottish highlanders under the leadership of their beloved bishop, Alexander Macdonell, the first Roman Catholic bishop of Upper Canada.
Unfortunately a fire destroyed the roof in 1970 and there wasn't enough money to repair it so a new, smaller church was built attached to the old part.
The graveyard surrounds the church as was the norm in the 1800's and early 1900's.
Beautiful dimensions to the building.
The little round window focuses your attention on the sky - look up to heaven, it seems to suggest. I'm sure the church was a place of inspiration and solace for those early settlers, who were so poor and worked so hard as they established a new home in Glengarry county. Many of their descendants are still here.

There was too much snow and ice to get right up to the church to get some interior shots - maybe I'll remember to do that this summer.

Baby Knits

I have been having some fun knitting some baby items. Many people do not use blankets for their very young babies in their cribs, so bunting bags are becoming more popular. They keep them warm and cozy, and give the babies a gentle hug.
A little pink sweater with an eyelet pattern.