Boats by frozen lake

North Andover, MA

After I took this picture and climbed the hill towards North Andover Green, I decided that the legs were moving and it was it was time to think about something other than how cold it was.  I started counting wreaths from the top of the hill and got to 303 on the way to Pfizer.  I thought that I was seeing a lot from my bike, but the wreath count exercise showed how much I don’t see.  It was challenging to keep up the count and distinguish round wreaths from garlands and bows while keeping an eye on the road and traffic. 

Sunrise over Marsh

Marsh is in Boxford, MA, view from the back door.
Patrick took this picture of wind and dogs at the beach in Ipswich on his excursion with the dog while I was at work.  It looks a lot more inviting than the view of my desk.

PRAYER America's Only Hope

Topsfield, MA

It's very unusual to see a religious sign on a lawn in this area.  I disagree with the statement, but it did give me something to think about for a while while pedaling on a gray morning.

Hiker strips down to ice blue dress and long white gloves

Boxford, MA

Red and Yellow Plastic Men in Snow

North Andover, MA

Spotted a variety of items on the curb post Christmas this morning.   These teams of plastic men in formation on a table with legs removed brought the thoughts back to my family's beloved wooden 
 foosball table.  Hopefully, it has not come to such an ignominious end. 

 Once I came past the North Andover Green, my eyes were drawn to the wreaths on many, actually most, of the homes along my commute route.  There was a tremendous number of them and I regretted not counting them along the ride.  I did count about 20 at the intersection in downtown Andover, including reflections in windows, and I counted over 50 wreaths from the intersection to 1 mile further along my route.  I had so much looking for the wreaths that it was the most joyful commute I've ever had. 

Andover, MA
house of many wreaths

Boxford, MA
classic colonial on the return trip

Backyard winter branches

Silly Dog, Frisbee, and Shadow picture

Andover, MA

There is a stone sundial on this hill and a view of buildings in Boston, surrounded by a whole lot of New England tree cover.  Patrick took this picture of Mocha.   This is my view of birch on the same hill.

A hawk flew over when I was running in Boxford later in the day.  This is the 3rd afternoon run in a row that I've seen a hawk fly low over the road. 

Christmas Eve bicycle ride

 Andover, MA

 North Andover, MA

Boxford, MA

Fantasy Christmas Tree

Boxford, MA

LAWN MOWER REPAIRS

Haverhill, MA
I liked this for a few reasons
it's shockingly out of season
the advertisement by painting on wall seems quaint in this time of internet, billboard, and glossiness
you really cannot get more simple than this

There is a similar shop in North Andover, on my commute from my former apartment.  I'll try to get over that way for that matching photo another day.

Beastie heads to points north

Christmas run

http://www.borderlinerunningclub.com/

Winter Sun viewed on the run to the run
North Andover, MA

Festive socks at the North Andover Green
North Andover, MA

 Christmas Hats head off down the road

 Group assembles in snow and waits for stragglers to arrive for official picture
Georgetown, MA

 Hamburgers and chips at the party

 Top of ice sculpture saved from 4th of July race

View of the sledders on the run from the run
Groveland, MA

Some of the folks from the club are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon in 2014.  The challenge is to run from the south rim to the north rim and back in a day.  That seemed appealing this morning, the running and Grand Canyon part of it.  The idea of taking a flight across the country for the purpose of a day long run on the other hand makes very little sense to me.  In any case, my training would need to increase considerably for that type of run to be an enjoyable experience.

Farm stand adorned in pine and lights

 

West Boxford, MA

smells wonderfully piney

Bird Tracks on Snow

Mocha and Patrick on the trail

West Boxford, MA

Red Berries in Snow

Pfizer Campus, Andover MA

Since I started taking these pictures, I've noticed that red berries in snow are a bit of a theme around here.  I don't remember ever noticing them before. 

Snowy Backyard Sunrise

Patrick's dream of snow comes true

Wildcat Forest, West Boxford, MA

Ice fairy's not afraid of the cold

Fleet of red bicycles in snow

Ten degrees when we arrived in Rowley, MA for Patrick's preview of the course at Ice Weasels Race.  It was snowing by noon, so imagine my surprise when I saw the Ice Fairy behind me at the start line.  Now, that's a way to stop the rest of the field from complaining about the cold!