With the mild weather we've been having in Maine, there hasn't been much in the way of good ice skating conditions this winter.
Last week I thought I might be able to get out on the farm pond one cold and sunny afternoon but was disappointed to find its surface covered with a generous scattering of twigs, leaves and other tree castoffs, each herbaceous ornament perfectly embedded in the ice just enough to prevent being swept away, but not covered by a solid surface of ice. Lovely to look at, impossible to skate on.
Plans thwarted, I did the next best thing and took some photos of the botanicals on ice. Winter in Maine may not be easy much of the time but it sure is gloriously beautiful.