Snow and Wind

It started on Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue until Tuesday evening.

The snow began falling on Sunday afternoon, transforming the neighbourhood into a winter wonderland, starkly contrasting with Saturday's clear skies. This wintry spectacle is forecasted to continue its performance until Tuesday evening, blanketing our town in a thick, white coat.

Peering out of the kitchen window, the world outside seemed to have undergone a dramatic transformation overnight. The once-familiar scenery was now a canvas of pristine white, significantly different from yesterday's shades of grey and green. The wind relentlessly hurled snow and sleet with such force that it sounded like a shower of coarse sand against our home's sturdy vinyl siding. This symphony of nature's storm created a bewitching, intense ambience, reminding me of the winter season's rugged beauty.

outdoor winter scene
Sunday January 31, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1170 s at f/2.8 | ISO 200
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 130 s at f/9 | ISO 800
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/9 | ISO 6400

I started the morning by feeding Alphie his favourite breakfast, Friskies Stuf'd & Sauc'd Kick'n With Chicken & Dripp'n in Gravy. I then prepped for my morning coffee ritual, setting up the Chemex, scale, and Barazza
grinder. I planned to cook frumenty, enhancing it with a hint of saffron for a special breakfast treat.

Our neighbourhood had remained untouched by snowploughs since yesterday's snowfall. Bhavna and I had cleared our driveway the previous evening. However, thinking about the back-breaking work ahead and the new snowfall, she snuggled back into bed.

A subtle wave of panic washed over me as I realized it was Monday, 1 February, marking a month since my last contract concluded. The job search, a chore in itself, loomed ahead. Determined, I resolved to make the day count, actively searching for new opportunities.

food in bowl with coffee mug and notebook
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/2.8 | ISO 1600
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/16 | ISO 12800
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | JC Penny MultiCoated Optics 80-200mm f/4.5 @ 200 mm | 1640 s at f/8.0 | ISO 800
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/16 | ISO 10000

Companion

The ever-thoughtful Dan James has triggered me again (in a good way).

How has your experience been in finding the cameras that work best for you? Has it been more like a continual quest for the ideal camera or finding one that’s good enough for your needs, and making the best of it?Dan James

I’ve never had the money to be a frequent upgrader, but I had the urge to do so. I read too many gear reviewers and was always talking gear. But after I bought my Fuji X-T2 (used), I realised I didn’t care anymore. Some screws have fallen out from the bottom near the tripod mount. The base plate is scratched (I often used a tripod l bracket), and the paint is starting to wear from use. But I enjoy using the camera. Quite often, I fall asleep with the camera next to me on the couch. It’s no longer a camera. It’s a companion.