madison wander

warm days are usually grey, overcast and supposedly depressing making it difficult to make the effort to head out and make snaps. the low sun of clear, cloudless days in the winter is quite a shock when i venture out as they are the coldest. the light though is worth the initial shock - shadows so defined that they seem concrete, space is confused, objects penetrated. embracing the upper midwest - even though i feel things north should be above the 45th parallel – with the same gusto as those snow birds brag about constant sun and 40C days, and now that i realise that the snow adds patterns to the bottom of the snap in ways that cleared asphalt and grass don’t, an outing to madison to wander neighbourhoods.

feeling a bit of a loss, as the warm-up over the weekend here had melted most of the snow which usually happens when i come to terms with a different landscape it changes. for once getting there took precedence over going as we took the interstate rather than the back roads even though they are more interesting with their drifted spots, and ice patches.

thriftiness slows down what progress was made as a free extended parking spot is searched out and the usual spots, those out by the lakes, are taken by people out ice- fishing. am reminded that territory is extended with a few days below freezing.

choose the messiest neighbourhoods, downtown and the isthmus for the possibilities. more snow but in these areas, winter seems a minor inconvenience as there are still upholstered chesterfields on the porches, bikes locked on the steps, oars propped against the railings and empty beer cans on tables. christmas decorations are thrown into the mix.

madison here seems more southern than northern as life is out front of the house not hidden in the back yard. it seems, though, that winter walking paces differ. i slow my pace, allow the street furniture align itself as i pass while those less thrilled with the season see walking as a way to get someplace. gawking is more problematic. somewhat prepared i have ubaldo out and ready as i know that if i stop or even slow my pace, i’ll be a block behind.

still am habituating to the season as i forget that the low sun means less daylight. starting late and a snack means less sun time – have to remember to curtail peckishness until after dark – barely a roll used before before my shadow gets in the way.