A sky of faded gray flannel. The swoosh of a cold wind bullying the treetops, making the old cedars creak and groan down to their roots. Frozen toes eager to be back inside, warming near a fire.

After days of sunshine and spring-like temperatures that sent juniper spores partying through the atmosphere, we're reminded that it's still just January.

I'm actually relishing this down time, despite the possibility of icy roads when I hit the highway after phone duty this evening, and it's not just because it shuts down the cedar fever party. If the forecast of snow in the morning comes true, it will be a good excuse to slow down and catch my breath.

But I know a day – or a few hours – of forced slowing down will be enough. I can only take so much gray flannel before yearning for golden mornings.

 

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Whether your sky is wearing gray flannel or gold, I hope you're staying warm!

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16 responses to “An Austin Winter”

  1. Rae Sinor Avatar
    Rae Sinor

    LOVE THESE FUR BABIES!!! Great shots Barb! Give them a big hug and a scratch from me! ❤

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  2. Gail Avatar

    “…juniper spores partying through the atmosphere…” Love that! Great shots of the dogs with wonderful light!

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  3. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'll give them each big hugs and kisses and tell them they're from Aunt Rae!
     
    From:

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you! The light yesterday morning was just glorious!
     

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  5. Ms. A Avatar

    I’m hoping I’ll BE ABLE to stay warm… it’s cold and wet!

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  6. catskillblogger Avatar

    I’ve reached the point in winter where I’ve given up any hope of feeling warm again.

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  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Move to Texas!!!
     

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I had phone duty tonight until 6pm…my windshield was already iced over and sleet pelted me while I scraped it. The roads are awful. I'm so glad to be back home with a toasty fire going!! Hope you stay warm!
     

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  9. Lady Fi Avatar

    Oh gosh – love love these backlit photos!

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you! It was just one of those moments – I was glad I remembered I had my camera!
     
    From: TypePad

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  11. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    Gosh, this was dazzling prose, friend.
    And I adore your sweet pups
    in that gorgeous light.
    Hope you’re staying warm
    (we had a pollen-stirring time of it
    a few days back, too. now it’s just
    brutal cold)
    -Jennifer

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  12. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    A faded grey flannel sky? Exactly! Oh, beautiful, beautiful!

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  13. lisleman Avatar

    It’s been so cold the only window I open is on my laptop. I do wish more drivers understood the dangers of bad roads.

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I agree! I was amazed at the number of people who got out on the roads. A large percentage of them ended up on a guard rail!
     

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  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank goodness the sky slipped into some faded bluejeans today!
     
    From: TypePad

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    We've been swinging wildly between warm/pollen and freezing cold ourselves. It's crazy! Stay warm!
     

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