Snow

Most of winter has managed to slip by with nary a shiver--the grass still green with small daisies peeking through-- more like a prolonged version of early spring that left me longing for the clear progression of the seasons and a landscape swathed in peaceful white. Then a few days ago the temperature dipped and finally last night the beautiful snow fell, transforming the world.These are scenes from my chilly but exhilarating neighbourhood walk this early afternoon.

 

Chateau of the Dukes of Bretagne (Brittany) under leaden skies

 

And with a simple turn my view changed to the cathedral rising misty and unfocused up from the snow filled oak park.

 

 Detail of a side entrance to Nantes Cathedral with its myriad of small narrative scenes

Some of the intricate lacework of carving that covers the cathedral facade

Cathedral gargoyle sporting a natural hairdo of fern against a clearing sky

Along one side of the cathedral an ancient gate to the medieval city

Detail of the gatehouse

Doorway to a medieval era courtyard

Beautifully patinated ancient hardware

Sculptures gazing out over the chateau

. Full view of the gatehouse--part of the ancient city wall

An anthropomorphic gargoyle hovers in the now sunny sky alongside the cathedral.

Nearby an angel unfurls a banner...

and an ancient annex reveals the many changes the centuries have made in its windows and doors.