A Dying Pine Forest, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

We have many, many pines in southeast Massachusetts - enough that it normally seems green all year around. I'm not sure what caused this section such trauma but, even in death nature makes the still-standing trunks visually compelling as art. (Photographically, I applied an infrared filter to darken the blue sky and removed all color).

What a cool planet! Definitely one of the favorites I've visited. Whoops - sorry - I wasn't supposed to comment publicly on my interstellar travels.

Christopher Columbus Park, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park is an oasis of space between the City Hall/Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market/North End areas of downtown that provides a link between those areas and the waterfront.



This walkway/archway through the park provides a nice holiday season feel. The Custom House tower is on the background skyline.



Puddles almost always make for a fun photograph. Ah Boston, a great city to visit any time of the year - whether from near or afar.

"12 Degrees at Priscilla Beach Theatre," Priscilla Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Sounds like "12 Degrees at Priscilla Beach Theatre" should be the name of a play. But it's not. It was the temperature today after the sun warmed up everything. 

Only a few months until the stage will echo with the sights and sounds of a new performance season.

"The Last Five Years" in May,

"The Drowsy Chaperone" in June,

"Guys and Dolls" in July,

"Bye, Bye, Birdie" in August,

"Damn Yankees" in September, 

"Dames at Sea" in October.

You can contact Priscilla Beach Theatre by phone at 508-224-4888 or online for tickets!  You'll be glad you did. It is extraordinary that we have such a wonderful and magical venue right here in Manomet - your support and attendance are important.

Frozen Salt Water, Plymouth Rock, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

It's frigid cold this day - single digits - nobody out on foot except me. At center above is the granite canopy that marks the location of Plymouth Rock. The area to the right is the frozen sea water of Plymouth Harbor.

Frozen seawater by the Plymouth Rock.



Same thing looking the opposite direction at an empty dock area (Rocky Hill in Manomet is in the background). It's been mighty cold so far this winter.

Pond Art, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

This little pond had a fine thick ice surface suitable for hockey and skating until a few days ago when a half inch of snow fell. The kids this time did not clear a space for hockey so I decided to create some "art" on the clear white surface before the big blizzard hits today. (I use the term "art" loosely). This free form peace sign (using just a snow shovel) turned out better than expected. The conditions of a solid ice base with a shallow coating of snow do not occur often but, next time I'll be ready to sculpt a masterpiece. (And I use the term "masterpiece" very loosely).

Quincy Market, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The downtown Boston area around Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are decked out for the holidays.



On this December weekday evening, there weren't very many people out and about.



The Quincy Market, which opened in 1826, offers visitors all manner of food choices.



Snow is conspicuously absent.



The Custom House is in the background.































At nearby City Hall, a small rink affords visitors the opportunity to glide around on the ice.

Benches, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

When I was a young man, I don't recall even noticing a bench.



As an older man, it's one of  the first things I notice. Along with where's the rest room.



I don't sit on benches much yet but, that day is coming. I'll be really glad they are there.

A Winter Walk, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Cold but, starkly beautiful on Cape Cod Bay in the village of Manomet.



Too cold to sit but.......



....never too cold for a beautiful smile.

Red Skater, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

Round and round and round she goes.



The only sounds are the laughter of her children, the scrape of skate blades and the occasional shriek of a hawk or the chatter of a squirrel. Life is good.

Winter Cold Snap, White Horse Beach, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

The reason there are no people walking the beach at low tide on this sunny day is because it's about 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the wind is blowing 15-20 knots, and most sensible folk are inside where it is warm.

At Bartlett Pond, same cold, same wind but, with lots of ice. It may be harsh weather conditions but still, it is stunningly beautiful. (Both images above are in-camera panoramas).