This is some kind of Polypore fungi that grows on dead wood. In this case a fallen Ash tree. Temperature just got over freezing point 0°C so the frost transformed into these fantastic drops.
Hang on when things fall, ha de Gött!
These bright red berries under the snow sits on the Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus). In Swedish Olvon. The berries does not taste very well so they are left on the up to five meters high bushes even during winter. They are edible in small quantities even if it’s toxic causing vomiting and diarrhea. It has a distinct acidic taste. Used in nature medicine to relieve muscle cramps.
Don’t judge by the exterior, ha de Gött!
Never give in or budge. Go to the top.
Can’t beat them, join them. Move or get passed over.
Solid as a rock. Firmly stand ground.
Now linked together as one. Still stand when you fall.
Up or down, all is intertwined, ha de Gött!
Party all night, bubbly wine, fireworks and loud singing out of key. Celebrate, out with old, in with the new.
A new years day macro to symbolize the promise of a fresh start.
Cherish every drop, it’s an ocean, ha de Gött!
So the calendar says it’s the end of a year and the start of another. Time to reflect back on the past to set a firm base for coming opportunities.
The little virus still challenge us and for me personally 2021 has been a struggle trying to recover the loss of my son. Photography and this blog has been my medicine. There is always something new to learn and explore in this art form.
So on this last day I’ve challenged myself to pick out a picture from each month. Hope you like them. I wish you all a Happy New Year for 2022, in Swedish, Gott Nytt År 2022!
Look back to see forward, ha de Gött!
The village Grebbestad with 2000 year-around residents, was first mentioned in the beginning of 1600. Like many of the small villages in Bohuslän the development is linked to the herring- and granite mining periods. Today it is a seaside resort with an exploding population during the summer holiday season. Exploding in number of residents, otherwise it would be quite noisy during summers if the population actually blew-up.
Already in 1844 it became an official seaside resort with both cold and hot bathhouse. The mud bath was considered very healthy. The sheltered harbor was also good for trade and shipping. In 1858 there were 7 cargo ships registered in Grebbestad.
A cannery was established in 1870 and even if the cannery is closed since many years the brand name is still used. In the building a micro brewery today makes a very good beer. The first motorized buss line in Sweden was established in 1911, between Grebbestad and the railway station 5 kilometers away.
Don’t get stuck in the mud, come clean, ha de Gött!
They say that every snowflake is unique. Makes me wonder who’s been checking them all? True or not, King Frost has an amazing ability to create fantastic displays. Together with the low standing suns amazing light, this was on display yesterday.
Stop, you will see beauty around you, ha de Gött!
Outside the small town Grebbestad lays the Greby grave field. Even if it’s unique for this area there is not much known. There are around 200 graves that dates back to Iron age, year 200 – 600. Many of the burial mounds have large stones at the top. Very few excavations has been done but in 1873 historian Oscar Montelius examined ten of the burial mounds.
He found in almost all graves an urn with burned bones often with some small objects like a bone comb or glas beads. Ceramic vessels with an ear and a glass bead molded in the bottom. This type of pottery has been found in England and Germany. This suggest that this burial site was connected to a trading place.
There is an interesting legend that was told to one of the disciples of Carl von Linné, Pehr Kalm who visited in 1742. According to this fishermen from Scotland visited the area during the herring periods. Legend has that a Scottish army invaded and raided all the way to Bullaren 25 kilometres inland. A local army defeated them in two battles where the final one stod at Greby. None of the Scotts made it home and their remains was buried here. There is however no evidence found for this.
Come in peace, get home in one piece, ha de Gött!
Snow and buds, ha de Gött!
Christmas is about community. With the Covid-19 lock-downs and restrictions it’s hard to meet family and friends.
Don’t forget the lonely ones. Those without family and friends, whatever the reason.
Sometimes it’s enough with a smile and meeting the eyes of that stranger in the street. A nod or even a hello, it half the face is covered by a mask.
You can be that twinkling star, ha de Gött!
UlleHaddock 