this just in, it's still winter

This shot taken before the holiday decoration were taken down from rue Nationale sums up the winter here so far:  long nights, lots of rain, low (for Amboise) temperatures.

shadows on the levee

Shoppers leaving the Sunday market have a great view of the Loire from the levee, but they're missing out on the shadows.  This shot is quite in contrast to yesterday's which was taken very close to this one.  But no more snow now.  The sun has returned yet it's quite cold (for Amboise).

frozen roses

Another shot from the snowfall of two weeks ago.  Here is a rose arbor on top of the levee next to the Loire.  The sky was very overcast, and I decided not to brighten this up as this is how it looked. 

gone but not forgotten

The snow of two weeks ago is gone, but not the photos of it.

rive gauche sous la neige

up on the rooftops

Sometimes in my photos, certain antennae seem to disappear.  Can't image how that happens.  But this time I think they add an interesting touch to this shot.

the curtain, two views

le portail rouge

it's so cold in Amboise ...

... even the polar bears are freezing.  This one is overseeing the temporary skating rink set up for the winter school vacation.

the snow catcher

At long last

After five years, the snow returned to Amboise yesterday.  While not a thick blanket as last time, it was enough to get some much needed snow shots on the trees and rooftops.

winter casts a long shadow

No, not yet

Alas this shot from five years ago is a reminder of how infrequently it snows here.  There are a few hints in the forecast that there could be some this week but it seems to me that the ground is just not cold enough to allow it to accumulate.  I'll never give up hope though.

BTW, this view is one of my favorites in Amboise.  I've taken it in almost every season and weather conditions  you can think of.  For example, here it is in spring.