Early this morning...

Early this morning, I ventured out for a walk in my neighbourhood. The sky was a blanket of grey, and a chill hung in the air, the temperature just 2ºC

This morning, I ventured out for my daily walk around my neighbourhood, the sky overcast, casting a soft, muted light on the surroundings. The air was crisp, hovering around 2ºC, fresh and invigorating and filled with the aroma of wet and decaying vegetation. It was one of those peaceful mornings.

As I returned home, I walked along Salisbury Road with my pocket camera, noticing a couple walking toward me on the other side. They walked in tandem, the woman cradling a baby wrapped snugly against the chill. I raised my camera, capturing this simple moment of family and warmth amidst the cold. I smiled, connecting to this brief shared slice of life.

Montgomery Hills, Montgomery Township, Salisbury Road
Tuesday 5 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

Continuing my walk, I climbed the small hill on Salisbury Road. I turned my lens towards the back of the houses lining Jackson Avenue. My attention was drawn to the neat lines of the drains in the run-off area. These drains, often ignored, play an essential role in managing rain and melting snow, channelling water underground to prevent flooding. When covered in snow in winter, the gentle slopes become a playground buzzing with children's laughter. I took my kids to play here when they were younger. They would sledge down, their lively shrieks piercing the cold air, their faces flushed with excitement and cold. I also captured this scene as a reminder of how simple joys persist, even in the most structured of environments, and how every element around us, no matter how mundane, has its own story.

Only 20 minutes

Despite the early December chill, I attempted my usual 30-minute morning walk through Montgomery Hills.

Despite the early December chill, I attempted my usual 30-minute morning walk through Montgomery Hills, pushing myself along at a serene yet brisk pace. However, I completed only about 20 minutes of walking time. I had started the walk later than usual, and I was concerned that I would not return home in time for a 9 AM meeting.

The cold, damp air clung to the surroundings, creating a misty veil that softly enveloped the neighbourhood. The streets and lawns around Salisbury Road, some still in slumber, were blanketed with a dewy glimmer, reflecting the subdued light of an overcast sky.

Trees, now bare, stood as silent sentries, their branches etching delicate patterns against the grey canvas above. The quiet is profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of fallen leaves underfoot and kids excitedly gathering for the approaching school bus. This walk is a tranquil leisure, a brief but personal communion with early winter's muted, restful offering.

Jackson Avenue
Jackson Avenue · Monday 4 December 2023 · Apple iPhone 11 Pro · iPhone 11 Pro back camera 6mm f/2

First Real Snow of 2023

I am home today with a stuffy nose and sore throat, but when I looked outside and saw the snow on the ground, I knew I had to take advantage.

I was under the weather all week and woke up sniffling with a parched throat. I had no aches, but all the same, I administered a COVID-19 rapid test. I contacted the director and the rest of my security architecture team to let them know I was taking a sick day. When I looked outside and saw the snow on the ground, I knew I had to take advantage. This is the first real snow of 2023 for the Princeton area.