Snow, Wind and Rain

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

This week brought us snow, wind and rain.  Earlier in the week we witnessed the most beautiful gentle snow fall of large flakes that float gently to the ground. Then came steady strong winds with rain and snow mixed.

Temperatures ranged from the teens in the mornings to as high as forty-eight during the day.  Today it is twenty degrees and the sun is shining.  The absence of wind is welcome.

This was a great week to play in my studio.  I allowed myself to play with new techniques and color applications.  Ken's sister was here visiting and we were like a couple of kids playing with paints for the first time.  Life is good, especially when shared with family and friends.

South to Quake Lake

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

"High country snows change the looks of the area surrounding Quake Lake. Ice on Quake probably averages between 20"-26" currently. The high country snows also drive big horn sheep down the mountain sides in order to find food and refuge from extreme cold. The herd captured here has ewes, young from last spring and the solitary patriarch of the clan. Regal and solitary he stands near the herd under constant vigil."

"This time of year the Madison River wears a cloak of snow covered banks, ice encrusted rocks and boulders, and a vibrant blush of red willow. Even though conditions are harsh she continues her rapid journey down the Madison Valley to the confluence that becomes the mighty Missouri River."

                                                                                                                 --  Ken W. Hall

Yesterday was a spectacular day so Ken and his sister traveled south toward Quake Lake.  Today it is cloudy and windy with predictions of up to four inches of snow.  Temperatures remain in the teens and twenties at night with daily highs in the thirties and forties.

Green Glow on Ennis Lake

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Pressure of the under ice flow of the Madison River while flowing across Ennis Lake sculpts the shore line with layers of crystalline ice. This particular day, overcast skies filtered the last remaining rays of soft light into a shimmering glow on the frozen rocks along the shore line. The ice in this spot was between one and two feet thick. Nature painted a inspiring palette for curious eyes and hungry souls.
                                                                                    -- Ken W. Hall

It snowed all day yesterday and into the night.  Ken took his sister to see the ice formations on Ennis Lake and captured this awesome image.  We ended up with only a couple of inches of snow.

It was about nineteen degrees this morning and it is thirty-four now.  The sun came out and melted a lot of the snow. 

Planting Seeds in February

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Yesterday we woke to five degrees outdoors.  It was fifteen degrees when we left home and headed to the Madison Farm to Fork greenhouse.  Once inside it was a pleasant sixty-four degrees.

Several people turned out to prepare the beds for planting.  I learned a lot from all these seasoned growers.  Many of them have been working the land all their lives.  I felt blessed to be in their company and learn from their years of wisdom born of experience.

Before leaving we planted seeds that will be harvested in time for our Farmer's Market.  It is such a joy to watch this project grow from its humble beginnings a few short years ago.  I am blessed to know the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to offer this amazing gift to our small community.  It is difficult to know how to express my deep gratitude to them.

The weather yesterday was awesome.  The wind was silent and temperatures reached into the low forties.  Ken said the weather predictions are this will last all week.  Is it really February?