It’s January, up here in NW Wisconsin, which means we’re in the throws of winter. Some folks in the south just can’t figure out how we live with temps like this… It will frequently dip below zero in January. On those days, I tend to stay in. But we’ll also have plenty of days at zero or above too. When it’s above zero, I do like to venture out on a winter walk. It is so beautiful with the thick blanket of snow covering everything. Last week on a beautiful day I was on a winter walk along one of my favorite places, a path along the river, when I was reminded of repurposing. Here’s why…
I actually find it much easier to bundle up with layers, and get outside in the winter, than to try to bear the heat and humidity of the south’s summers… I’ve experienced that, there’s only so many layers you can take off, and yet the heat is still present and oppressive.
I’m not alone on the winter walking idea, our small town has paths along the river it clears for folks like me that enjoy to get out and experience the outdoors, (during all 4 of the seasons) Wisconsin offers.
Most all the leaves are gone and the ground is covered with a thick blanket of snow, which opens up the view for details to be noticed.
Like these pretty red berries still clinging to a bush next to the frozen riverbank, waiting for a Cardinal or Cedar Waxwing.
The picnic tables have been put away for the season. Though most of the trees lose their leaves in the fall, you can see the now brown leaves of the White Oak clinging tight until spring.
Although the picnic-ing season is over, in winter around here, another season opens up…
Ice fishing season… On my winter walk, this particular morning, I saw this lone ice fisherman out there on the frozen river, waiting for his catch. I can appreciate ice fishing, but I’m personally not a fan of walking on frozen ice over a body of water in general, so it’s not a sport I would enjoy much. The ice cracks and makes noises that can kind of freak me out. However, there are a lot of folks around here that do love it, in fact the movie ‘Grumpy Old Men’ was filmed a short distance from here.
So how does ‘repurposing’ fit in with all this winter walk stuff?
Well, across from the river, well seen in the winter, due to a lack of leaves and foliage is this:
See that small garden folly on the left side of the picture? That has been repurposed. It was not built as a garden folly, in fact in it’s original format, it sat up much higher.
(fellow New Richmond-ites, do you know what it was?)
That cute white garden folly came from here:
It was originally part of the Methodist Church.
Do you recognize the top bell tower? That’s what I was told was repurposed into the white garden folly many years ago.
This gorgeous church building, in the picture above is actually the 2nd Methodist church that was built, the 1st one was taken by the infamous cyclone of 1899. Then sadly, this 2nd church building was destroyed by fire in the early 1970’s. Some parts of this structure were able to be restored though. I’ve read accounts of the pipe organ and stained glass windows being restored and are now in use in the new church building… and this bell tower… I’m so glad that someone had the foresight to rescue a part of this lovely historical structure too.
So what’s it like in your neck of the woods? Are you able to get out and about and see the quiet beauty nature holds in the winter? Who know what details you might notice with the foliage gone, that just may help you appreciate a little history along the way too.
Read more:
Click here: Last year I noticed a lot of shades of orange on a walk.
Click here: Other neighborhoods and day trips.
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Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction says
Brrr…it looks cold! Glad I could join your winter walk from indoors! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!
Shirley Schmidt says
I am a fellow NR resident, approaching our second anniversary here. I first heard about you from Rene Claassen. She introduced me to your blog that I have enjoyed ever since. I share your enjoyment with re-purposing and beautifying living spaces. I have a store on Etsy featuring vintage items. You have inspired me … thank you!!
Liz says
Oh fun Shirley! So as a fellow NR person, were you familiar with the garden folly and connecting story?
Donnamae says
You are so right…you can see so much more in the winter, with the leaves down! That’s a beautiful job of recycling…a bell tower to a folly! My oldest son, just came home after living abroad, we were waiting outside of the airport in the cold a few days ago…waiting for my hubby to bring the car around. My son breathed in the frigid air…and said…”Wisconsin has the best air! It’s fresh! There’s nothing like it!” That’s why I stay here in the cold! 😉
Liz says
Donnamae, I totally agree with you… the air… and the water are great here!!
Pondside says
Someone was thinking ahead – what a great re-purposing!
I enjoyed being taken along on your winter walk. We don’t get that crisp sort of winter day up here, so it was fun to imagine.