3.28 - In Memory of My Father

3.28.13 In Memory Of My Father  • © Margaret Helthaler

Shortly after I returned from my walk I learned my father had passed away in the early morning hours. Somehow the view of these distant hills, captured at the top of a heart-pumping climb, is an appropriate homage to the man who was such a distant force in my life. Goodbye Dad.

3.27 - Downhill

3.27.13 Downhill  • © Margaret Helthaler

I didn't much feel like walking this morning so I decided to take a quick but steep trip up Sunrise Drive. True to it's name - the bright morning sun cast long shadows across the road and by the time I was on the descent I was warmed by both the sun and the exertion of the climb.

3.25 - Dreary March Monday

3.25.13 Dreary March Monday  • © Margaret Helthaler

Took a quick walk along my regular route on Big Hollow Road this morning. The chorus of spring birds was at odds with the lingering brown winter dampness...

3.22 - Relentless

3.22.13 Relentless  • © Margaret Helthaler

The light was beautiful this morning - aglow with floating crystals of snow - but the relentless cold has me feeling uninspired...

3.21 - 14 degrees

3.21.13 14 degrees 2  • © Margaret Helthaler

3.21.13 14 degrees  • © Margaret Helthaler

Spring continues to remain elusive...

3.20 - Buried in a Blanket of Snow

3.20.13 Buried in a Blanket of Snow  • © Margaret Helthaler

3.20.13 Buried in a Blanket of Snow 2  • © Margaret Helthaler

The Southern Catskills greeted the first day of spring under a blanket of snow.

3.19 - First Robin

3.19.13 First Robin  • © Margaret Helthaler

We received nearly 1/2 a foot of snow last night and earlier today, but the robins that flocked to our yard after my husband cleared some paths have left me feeling optimistic that spring is truly just around the corner...

3.18 - Woodbourne Barn

3.18.13 Woodbourne Barn • © Margaret Helthaler

3.15 - Slant of Morning Sun

3.15.13 Slant of Morning Sun • © Margaret Helthaler

A touch of warmth on a COLD, COLD morning...

3.14 - Keeping Warm

3.14.13 Keeping Warm • © Margaret Helthaler

A hawk sits with ruffled feathers in an effort to ward off the bite of the damp March air...

3.13 - Blackbird Singing...

3.13.13 Blackbird Singing... • © Margaret Helthaler

3.12 - Rainy Tuesday

3.12.13 Rainy Tuesday • © Margaret Helthaler

Rain filled skies thwarted my plans to walk this morning, so instead I headed off to share a cup of tea with my friend and walking companion. On my way to her house I stopped at the rest area along Route 55A my husband and I frequently ride our bikes to. I long for sunny, warm summer days and the return of bike rides...

3.11 - Then It's Gone

3.11.13 Then It's Gone • © Margaret Helthaler

3.8 - The Snow Returns

3.8.13 The Snow Returns • © Margaret Helthaler

3.7 - Winter Geese

3.7.13 Winter Geese • © Margaret Helthaler

3.6 - Barn Quilts

3.6.13 Barn Quilts • © Margaret Helthaler

3.5 - The Silver Kiss of Morning Light

3.5.13 The Silver Kiss of Morning Light • © Margaret Helthaler

3.1 - Purple Mountains Majesty

3.1.13 Purple Mountains Majesty • © Margaret Helthaler

I love the changeable winter light enhanced by distant snow squalls...