The shortest day in New Zealand has passed, and whatever winter has already dealt to us we have the rest of July and August to look forward too or not if Mother Nature has her way and continues to be unpredictable in her fury. At the very least, we start to notice our days are getting longer.
Moment by moment, they are stretched out.
Funnily enough, they go by for weeks before we become aware of the changes. It is unnoticeable and similar to the subtle changes in our gardens. Most gardeners watch with baited breathe for changes to occur, then that magical moment arrives. Flowers via bulbs and blossoms on trees are beginning to bloom, and so has the days with both being received with much delight. We get to stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour.
Optimistically we could surmise that Spring is nearly here.
Are you up for a challenge? If so, head on over to Becky’s blog and view her take on perception as well as other bloggers from around the world.
Life at No. 22 
Beautiful winterscapes. Are those flowers in the last photos blooming this time of the year??
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Liesbet. The clematis which is a climber blooms in late winter early spring onwards. It was an indication of me being optimistic :-). The sun is now shining and less windy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice to see your winterscapes while we are in the heat of it here. I like how you did the triptych.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Eilene. The photos are a mixture of new and old. We live near the coast so the yacht photo is from our local area.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful winter shots.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Teresa, it was certainly interesting and fun capturing them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s why I love blogging.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I enjoy blogging it is an interesting “hobby” for me and I have met some very interesting via blogging.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is so true, Suzanne.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Suzanne – Our summer has been very, very late in arriving. This past week has been the first warm, dry week that we have had. I wonder if Vancouver Islanders will be allowed to request a doover? It only seems fair!
Love your photos and your thoughts behind them!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Donna, yes our summer can start in the second month. The weather can be unpredictable with temperatures high one day and low the next. Roll with the punches so the saying goes 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful atmospheric shots. Quite magical.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There is something magical about the snow. We have to drive a few hours or even further to see a good hoare frost down the South Island.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the triptych with the first three photos. It would make fabulous wall art.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Cathy, I have a few photographs to go on the walls, just a matter of making time to sort them out. Even worse is the indecision of which one to focus on!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I do like how you’ve broken that panorama of trees into three photos, Suzanne.
The flowers are very cheery.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Tracy, yes the flowers were put there to remind me and others downunder that spring and longer days aren’t too far away.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We have hints of wattle here, Suzanne, so it won’t be long now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, the relief! We all get there in the end 🙂 🙂 But the shock to my system, seeing these in 30C+, Suzanne!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think the optimum temperature is in the 20’s [degrees] not too cold, not too hot, just right 🙂 We have experienced high 30’s and mid 40’s and they were a challenge!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stunning square perspectives. You have spoilt us with this collection. As your days get longer ours get shorter, maybe I should head your way!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Perhaps next year you would be most welcome. It’s going to be a challenge for those in control to chose the optimum time to crack open those borders.
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh I know, I feel so sorry for those places that are completely reliant on tourism . . .although at the same time maybe this is the wake up call that we should rely on something so environmentally unfriendly
LikeLiked by 2 people
All beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Anabel and hopefully you are getting your fair share of sunshine in Scotland.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we had our summer about May! Hopefully it will return.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am sure it will return when you least expect it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The chickens go to bed a little earlier each night, so I’m noticing the shortening of the days. I hope winter doesn’t have any more tricks up her sleeve for you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sometimes Spring is the months for the most unpredictable weather. Whatever it throws at us, the weather that is, I’m sure we will cope.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure you will.
LikeLiked by 2 people
For me it’s winter on it’s way.. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
You have the hottest summer months to come to enjoy those lovely French mountains.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful, Suzanne. Love the hoar frost and the clematis but that sunrise is just stunning. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cheers Wendy, the misty mornings in the UK and France were a treat, and at least the houses were always warm with central heating over there. Well, the ones we were responsible for were heated. I must admit photos are more interesting in unfavourable weather 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fabulous wintry images. There’s something about the frost, the mist and then the clarity of a winter day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stunning shots Suzanne. You have captured the beauty of nature so well. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much for your kind comment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Wow! I absolutely love the top 3 shots of the snow covered trees, just beautiful and of course the others are gorgeous too. I do find it strange how you are looking toward Spring and we are in our summer heading for winter 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people