Finally, a beautiful, spring-like weekend!  I’m well aware that here in Maine we could still get snow right into May, but I’m feeling hopeful that our “April Fools Day” storm was winter saying “I got the last laugh.” Today I was out in the garden cleaning up last years mess.  All of my animals were out there with me, each doing their share.  I’ve never let the horses in there before but I decided to give them the opportunity to munch down on some clumps of grass and whatever else they deemed edible.  I figured they would take care of what I didn’t get, and then I can rototill next weekend, as long as it doesn’t rain.  I’m actually quite surprised by how dry the ground is after a soggy month or so.  The hens were very excited as I raked leaves.  So many grubs, worms and beetles became exposed, making a very tasty meal for the girls!

I didn’t bring my camera out while I worked but the images below are from a few days ago.  I was in South Bristol at a massage clients house.  I knew that I would be finished with the massage about an hour before sunset, which meant the light and sky would be gorgeous.  I was a bit disappointed when I fist arrived because it was cloudy, windy and cold.  We even had a snow squall pass through!  But once it passed the sky opened up, leaving the view from the east a vibrant indigo blue.

This first image is of Miles Tower.  A fabulous contrast against the stormy sky.

The next few images are of the South Bristol Harbor, a beautiful fisherman’s haven.

Too bad gas prices aren’t $3.19 anymore!!

And this last image is my client’s dog, Gustov, who he rescued from the streets of Mexico.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

When I looked out my window this morning and saw this, my first thought was “spring cleaning.”  Maine style!  Four days ago it was just about 70 degrees.  The very next day it was in the 30′s.  We only got about 3 inches of snow last night but the ground was just about bare prior to that and my snow shovel was put away for the year, but not too far away.  When you live in Maine, you have to have a snow shovel handy right into April, and some old timers say it can snow in May.  Oh my, I hope not!

Our power went out, too, so when I could stay under the warm blankets no longer because of purring cats and restless dogs, I got dressed and headed out with them and my camera.  It was actually quite pleasant.  Spring snows can be that way.  In a day or two it will be gone and by this time next month we may start to see the first of the black flies.  Personally, I’ll take snow any day!

So anyway, here is a glimpse of what could possibly be the last snowfall of the season.

Cody peeping through the fence, and I know he’s thinking “are you coming in here too?”

Fella & Muffin

Boo practicing his barn cat skills!  He’s peering down at the hens.  Don’t worry, he has discovered they are bigger than him!

Fell and Cody having a conversation.

Ready, set, chase!

My wild boys!

It’s a good thing they love each other!  According to my critters, spring snow is fun!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

Inspired once again by a post from The Shutter Sisters.

If I’m ever in a down mood or when I’m feeling uninspired, all I have to do is usher my two dogs outside to the pasture and hang out with my them and my two horses and 11 hens. It really helps that one of the horses thinks he’s a dog. Well, I suppose he can’t help it, being a pint sized miniature horse! He always initiates play when we are out in the pasture.

He and one of my dogs, Cody, especially love to play together. They chase and play tug-o-war. The images below are from two days ago, plus I included some from last winter that I think really demonstrate lightheartedness. Needless to say, I am very entertained by their antics. In between shots I engage in the play, too!

This one just makes me smile.

Yikes!!

Dressing up for Valentines Day!

Feel the love.  How can I not smile!

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The whole week the weather forecast kept saying that Sunday would be the better of the two days for the weekend.  The reality is that the sun only vaguely appeared for maybe 5 minutes, which meant the rest of the day was overcast, foggy and showery with some occasional down pours.  Open Farm Day still happened and although the turnout wasn’t as numerous as years past, we still had fun.  My favorite part was watching all the children interact with the animals.  There were LOTS of goats meandering around, three Bernese Mountain Dogs, a couple of baby turkeys, a small flock of baby chicks, a few larger hens, Gumdrop – a sweet miniature horse, and 5 other horses.

The pictures below should give you a little taste of the day.  Hopefully next year many more of you will find yourselves there to experience it first hand.

This little girl, who came properly dressed for the warm rain, was such a joy to watch as she ran with the goats!

Those eyes and angelic smile is enough to melt any heart. . .

Sweet bunny from Archway Rabbitry.  The next two images of rabbits are also from Archway Rabbitry.

Lots of love & kisses at the farm!

A very content little baby goat, who was carried around most of the day.

One of the baby chicks.

Such delight!  Look at the ears on that chick!!

Sharing the love . . .

Gumdrop is shopping!

Sweet Bella

Although Bear is a big boy, I have learned that Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely gentle and calm.

Sorry, I just can’t resist – she’s too cute!!

“It’s raining, it’s pouring . . . !!”

A baby turkey.

Two very sleepy and worn out young’uns!

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits

I’ve been busy lately, even in all the rain we’ve had.  At least our wells won’t go dry and our gardens won’t shrivel from lack of moisture!  They may get moldy and attract an army of slugs, but no, they shall not shrivel.

On the first day that the sun did finally burn it’s way through the seemingly endless canopy of clouds, my neighbor and I built a small yard for the hens.  They are only 2 months old, which is a bit too young to wander around the property, but they seem quite content to go in and out of their coop.  Here are a few pictures of them.  I have Golden Comets and Plymoth Barred Rocks.  I really love their feather patterns.

Annabelle just graduated from the 8th grade and below is a picture of her all dressed up.  My baby is turning into a beautiful young lady!

And last, but certainly not least, is a picture of my son, Nijel.  He’s a hard one to get pictures of because he’s either at work or off doing his own thing.  However, he does like to hang out with the chickens, which is where he was when I captured this image.

Maine Lifestyle Photographer in Bristol - Children's Photography, Family Photography, Weddings, Events, Portraits