On Thin Ice

A couple of weeks ago we had some cold clear weather and a thin layer of ice formed on the local pond.

Signs were posted to prevent people from walking on the ice and the ducks adjusted to the new layer. Or did they?

 

They skidded in for a landing and walked slowly and carefully across the ice.

 

But open water ..

was just better.

 

 

then quite suddenly, the ducks started rushing at the edge of the ice,

 

and like a living ice breaking team pushed their way across the ice and more and more ducks joined in ... 

 

until one whole side of the pond was clear

 

 

as they continued to swim around the water cleared

 

and back were the blue waters and beautiful reflections.

 

our job is done here

...way better...

 

yes, way better!

 

 

Hope winter is being good to you and you are getting some blue skies and not too much ice and snow.

 

I am still busy on non art projects and have not been spending enough time painting, I hope to get back to it soon.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

 

happy Whimsy Wednesday,

 

Until next week,

 

Gillian.

 

 



On Thin Ice?

"On thin ice" generally means a risky or uncertain situation.

But here it just means that we have had a bit of cold weather lately and the local pond is partly covered in ice; the ducks keep part of the pond ice-free for feeding and strut, preen and sleep on the rest.

The sky was clear and the early afternoon light was creating beautiful reflections as well, a bonus. The mallard below had just scooped up some water.

This pair at the edge of the ice.

This series of three pictures of a drake first preening, then fanning its feathers, then taking a drink of the thin layer of water on top of the ice.

 "Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."  Albert Schweitzer

The ice had captured bubbles, reeds and leaves:

"Those who cannot understand how to put their thoughts on ice should not enter into the heat of debate."  Friedrich Nietzsche 

The open water was reflecting the sky and greens and orange browns of the surrounding trees as well as the birds. Below an American Widgeon.

"In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed." Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Mallards in the open water, first the male and then the female, she appeared to me to be smiling.

 

 "It's a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water." Franklin P. Jones

Striking a pose on top of the ice.

...and going for a waddle, in this series, she nearly slips in the second picture, then sort of glares at me and turns her back and wanders off.

"By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest." Confucius 

Back at home, here is the ice covered gargoyle in our backyard fountain.

I started a few paintings this week, but none are ready for the big reveal.

Thank you for dropping by, Happy Whimsy Wednesday, until next week.....................