Saturday, January 4, 2014

First sunrise of the new year

Sunrise at Lake Padden on New Years Day
Yesterday I remembered that I took some pictures with my cellphone at Lake Padden on New Years Day and had forgotten about them. The pictures I took on the hike last Thursday were taken with my camera, and it wasn't until I wondered how these New Years Day pictures turned out that I was prompted to take a look. The picture above was so good I had to share it!
After the walk, ready to eat
Cindy, who is the person from the Fairhaven running store that sponsors our walks, always has a nice little gathering to ring in the new year at Lake Padden, where we take only one trip around the lake before having coffee, cocoa, and treats to share. As you can see, the fog moved in and apparently didn't let up for several hours.
Food and drink on New Years Day
The food was so delicious, and Cindy makes a spicy Mexican coffee with chocolate in it that I love. I did keep the amount I ate to a minimum, because some of us decided to take a second trip around the lake afterwards before heading home. As you can see from the way we are dressed, it wasn't exactly warm, and after stopping to eat I was pretty cold and anxious to get going. And no, I didn't stay for the Polar Bear Plunge. I briefly thought about it, but just one look at my swimsuit while dressing for the day was enough to change my mind!

One of my blogging friends mentioned a book that I received from my local library yesterday, The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I had to wait for the book, since it's very much in demand, and once I started to read it I couldn't put it down. I loved it, but I hesitate to recommend it because it's a fantasy mystery that would not be everyone's cup of tea. But it sure was mine! It's one of those books that I think about long after I've finished it and will read it again. I cannot remember who suggested it; my habit is to open my handy link to the library if a book sounds interesting and put a hold on it. It was several weeks ago, so I would like to say thank you to whoever it was who suggested it. And I've discovered the Neil Gaiman is a prolific writer, so I've already put a hold of another of his books. This blogging universe enriches my life in many ways!
:-)

27 comments:

  1. I love fog....and the low lying cloud bank that envelops the lake and mountainside is outstanding!!

    You know I always enjoy your hiking friends and your sharing of all the goings-on. You have a full life.

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  2. oh i love gaiman...smiles...that first pic is really cool...nice elements to it...the water, the fog the light and mountain...looks like a pretty cool spread as well for the snack...

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  3. that opening shot is gorgeous. well, i'd not have done the polar bear dip and i think i'd freeze just standing around watching folks. :)

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  4. I love seeing the pictures, DJan! We have a New Year tradition of a hike, also, although Kailyn and I went on New Year's Eve in the afternoon this year.

    Thanks for the recommendation of a book I haven't heard of! I went immediately to our library and put it on hold.

    Happy Trails in 2014, dear DJan!

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  5. Used to I didn't care for the fog and found it gloomy. Nowadays I enjoy it and find it rather mystical. I was up in Washington - Whidbey Island - for three months and the entire time was beautiful weather. I think we only had one storm. Such a perfectly beautiful state.

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  6. That first photo is worthy of being framed. I clicked on it to enlarge it and ended up staring at it for a while. It's so beautiful. The walk around the lake sounds wonderful.

    Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look it up. It sounds like it could very well be my cup of tea.

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  7. Lovely foggy shot...that must be ducks in the photo. Love that green grass! :)

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  8. Great photo, and I love the colors of the jackets in the fog in the second one.
    I followed the link on the book and read about it. It does sound very weird! Don't know if it is my thing or not, but I'll put it on my list.

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  9. Oh, a lovely, gentle sunrise filled with mystery and possibility. Perfect!

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  10. That top photo is beautiful, DJan. It reminds me of a Chinese painting with the misty background. I just love to get together with people, too.

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  11. Happy New Year! I've been on a blogging break, so I am just catching up. Your photo is stunning. I'm amazed at the photos that can be captured using an iPhone.

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  12. I've read a cpl of Gaiman's books. They're good for what they are, but I'm not a real fan of fantasy or sci-fi. Btw, love the photo!

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  13. Your sunrise photo is gorgeous DJan, what a great way to start the new year. The group seems to be having a great time even in the cold.

    I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the book. It won the 2013 Goodreads Coice Award for fantasy. I have it on my wishlist at Amazon.

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  14. It's always important to celebrate. Celebrations reward and are markers for where we came from and where we're going. Besides that the eats look pretty delicious.

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  15. Beautiful morning. So glad you shared that photo.

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  16. Neil Gaiman is in a league of his own. I need to read this book. Thanks for the reminder. I'm wondering if he is the Philip k dick of the 21st century.

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  17. A great way to start the New Year with good friends, food, exercise and a good book waiting for you at home.

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  18. A great way to start the New Year with good friends, food, exercise and a good book waiting for you at home.

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  19. This is a truly lovely sunrise. The fog gathered around you as you ate - layers make for warmth, eh. I am experiencing a truly RED sunrise this morning as I type this and look out the window - I wonder what we are in store for next? Have a wonderful day Djan :)

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  20. I'll order the book- thanks for the recommendation. The first photo is gorgeous- a treasure. On a different note, how did you set up the running store sponsoring your walks?

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  21. That top photo sure is a beauty! I enlarged it and gazed at it for a while. Breakfast sounded good – I have not had mine yet. Our coffee pot broke on New Year’s day and I bought a new one but have not made good coffee yet – I have to learn how much coffee to use – first it was too weak and yesterday too strong… I hope you’ll have a great year of walking. Best wishes, VB

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  22. you always look like you're having so much fun. You are a lucky woman. Happy Happy New Year Jan

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  23. Thanks for the book recommendation. I'll check it out. Your photos, as always, are wonderful, and I love the bright clothing you are all wearing. Looks like the perfect start to a new year.

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  24. Love all the shades of silver in that first one and my what a spread you all enjoyed.
    Had to laugh at the swimsuit debate. What is more humbling?
    I haven't read Gaiman. Might give him a look. Thanks.

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  25. That misty sunrise is eerily beautiful.

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  26. The idea of spiced coffee made me smile and long for a sip, just a taste. Coffee and I do not mix well so little sips are all I can handle to avoid a racing heart! It's been that way for years!
    Lovely way tone out on that day!

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  27. ps...sorry DJan if you went on a wild 'goose' chase this morning...I haven't got the hawk images posted on my birding photo blog yet.

    I'll let you know when. [the top of my Hootin' Anni's blog tells you which photos are posted for the week on my birding blog with a link]

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