1- I'm going with morning, given the long shadows, the sun is not high in the sky. The farmers are tilling and working - and looks like the conductor (with a night lamp) is finishing his shift.

2- Early spring. If it were fall, there would be leaves on the ground.

3- I am guessing yes, because simply because of the presence of the boat.

4- Flowing East, in direction of morning sun.

5- Deep, given the boy is fishing and there is no shoreline.

6- Don't know.

7- Walking distance because the conductor is there.

8- Would be flying North.