Crystal constitutional...

There had been a hard frost this morning when we took the dog out for her morning constitutional. There was some watery sunshine and a cold nip in the crisp, still air. It's the sort of day when nature seems to hold it's breath as the frost thickens on twigs and leaves.

If the dog looks as if she's always waiting for us it's because she probably is. Walks have become more and more of an amble as we stop every few minutes to capture an image of the view here or a frosty leaf there.

What that poor animal has to put up with for photography and a blog...

I find frosty, hazy winter days the most interesting to photograph. The countryside on these hushed days aquires an enchanting atmosphere.

If you look closely you can see the tiny crystals that have formed on the leaves and stems.

 They look like they've been dipped in sugar.

The frost highlights the structure of spent seed heads and turns them into jewel-like forms.

Everything has a delicate beauty and a sparkle as it catches the sunlight.

Leaves are outlined in glittering crystal....

The grass in the park is crunchy with frost and a misty haze hangs over the shrubs. It's definitely a "wrap-up-warm day" with layers of clothes and hats and gloves.

After several attempts to take photographs with my gloves on (and hitting the wrong button) I put them away and braved cold fingers.

I can never understand why some folk don't wear hats. Imagine all that heat they're losing through their heads....

Frost forms it's own patterns with a helping paw or two..