Six inches of it, blowing sideways. You can guess we didn’t move much, except to take care of the critters. It does absolutely no good to even try to plow the driveway while it’s snowing (unless feet are forecast!). So, we stuck it out and waited until the wind quit and the snow died down to a few flakes. Then we went out, in force, to tackle what it had left us. Will set out to plow the driveway but his faithful companion, Hondo, took one look and sat fast in the driveway. There was no way he was going out to “help” plow when the snow was deep. He gets sick to his stomach when the truck lunges through drifts! He stayed in the yard and “helped” me snow-blow the paths to the woodshed, goat barn, up to the house, and down to Whinny, the pony.
When we were finished, it struck me; even though winter is kind of tough, there is much beauty in it, too. Take, for instance, the delicate snow drift that curled out over the entryway roof. So very pretty! Or the frost, clinging to every single blade of grass or pine needle after a winter’s fog. Then there’s the fluffy, glistening snow on the pine trees along the driveway. We winter folk have that beauty that others only dream of. Even though we’re champing at the bit for spring, we sure don’t want to miss out on winter’s beauty. It beats watching the news and wondering if Russia will invade the Ukraine today… — Jackie
We had plenty of snow here in the PNW a few weeks again and flooding. No thanks.
Winter does have its own beauty. Our trees looked like a crystal forest with all the ice on them. Even though I hate the ice it is beautiful on all the trees. But I’m ready for spring. I’m ready to get my hands in the dirt, mow the grass, sit on the porch sipping ice tea and of course I’m ready for all the fresh vegetables.
Ahhh, fresh vegetables! I can’t wait for my first asparagus and salad.
New fallen snow is beautiful, isn’t it? I love the pictures. I don’t blame Hondo. I sometimes get motion sickness when the ride is super bumpy, so I understand his reluctance. I wish we were getting more snow. Everything here freezes at night and thaws during the day, melting what is left of the snow from a couple weeks age. What that means is I have to get the morning chores done early as everything turns to mud quickly once the sun comes up. Evening chores is a boot sucking, muddy mess. Have a blessed day.
That’s how we have to drive in and out of our driveway come break-up. We have to go early so we can still get back in while the drive is hard. If we are gone too long, we’re in danger of making nasty ruts that we’ll have for months.
Thinking you might want an extra propane tank (or two) for your greenhouse. Weather does not follow the pattern as it once did. We seem to be a month off over the past couple of years. We too are about 1 foot below average for snow. Some is predicted (not a lot) as is rain. Which is *not* welcome this time of year when temps can drop below freezing in the blink of an eye. Still have a decent snow cover on the garden area so that is good. But temps are a yo-yo – near 40 today then will be down to 17 for a high in a couple of days. Ya just roll with the punches (and watch the felines for entertainment).
Well, our tank is 250 gallons, which most folks use for their house heat. And, as we only use the heater during cloudy, cold days and nights, the propane lasts a long time. Last spring, we only used a 100# tank, which is, let’s see;;; 8# per gallon so that’d be 12.5 gallons. And we only use it from mid-April until about the second week in June. We start all the seeds inside the house.
We had a bit of a storm here. Started with rain. Then freezing rain (can anyone say ice?) then sleet. That turned to snow with about 3″ and a high last Thursday of mid 20’s (TX)(had wood heat stove and wood cook stove both going in this 70% uninsulated 900 sq foot cabin). Thoughts of 48 hours of no power last year at -4 (last February) strongly in my mind (we never lost power this year and we do have 2 generators). Snow is about gone and Friday should be (don’t hate me for this!) mid 70’s and Saturday mid low 50’s. The snow was pretty (I grew up in SW Colorado) and it was snow (not white snot). Cold weather crops survived with the help of the ice and snow insulation. The snow, except in real shaded areas, is all gone now. We often get an ice storm in March. How various areas of the country varies with weather. And this past year the weather has been WEIRD all across this grand country.
Yes, it has! I saw how Texas was getting hit and sure felt bad about that. Hopefully, all of our weather will straighten out soon.
I find that those people who can’t find beauty in all the seasons are the ones who never seem to be happy, ever. I love the snow, and the peace it brings. Or the startling bright stars and ring around the moon when a cold day is coming. Today it’s warm here, 35, which is a heat wave for the southern shore of Lake Superior. Makes us look forward to spring, and all the busyness it brings.
Yep, we had 37 yesterday. ABOVE zero! But today it’s snowing and blowing again. It was sure nice to have one beautiful, sunny day.
Thanks for the update. Yes, winter’s beauty is what helps us get through it here in Michigan too!
I’ll say. I love the patterns heavy frost makes on windows. Such artistry!!
Yes, indeed, it’s much more lovely than contemplating the news!!! Our son and newlywed, wife, just made a blog on yt, from her native country, Sweden. They like to video while taking a drive. At their house, on their drives, and no matter what time, it’s snow, snow, snow! I like to see the great outdoors when I take a drive, but they only see snow. I’m glad you’re getting your precipitation, Jackie. Here in zone 9, far north California, we’re about to hit the 80s. Even here, there’s something wrong with that! Once we hit January on the calendar, our precipitation simply stopped. I have volunteer peas and potatoes coming up in the garden, but can’t get lettuce, cauliflower, or celery to come up in the greenhouse with use of warming mats and grow-lights. What’s up with that? Great article, Jackie!
We’re happy we’re getting snow, although sometimes it seems to be a giant pain in the……
Our beavers were right; lots of snow but not terribly cold temperatures. It’s funny how they are right every year, unlike the weathermen and Farmer’s Almanacks.
I think sometimes God likes to joke with us gardeners!
So very true, Jackie. Although we’re tired of the 2+ feet of snow that doesn’t seem to want to leave, it’s very pretty blanketing the pines & stone walls. Throw in a couple of Blue Jays & Cardinals for color and an occasional blue sky & it’s picture perfect. Still…hoping it will warm up soon – kids are starting to come next week!!
Holy cow! I hope you have warmer temperatures soon. My kids aren’t coming until May. Thankfully!
You guys are so lucky to have your seasons, each with it’s own beauty. But here in sunny southern California, we do have our perts ?
I guess you do. Actually, most sections of the country have their various beautys.
Here in Southwest Wisconsin we are 1 foot or more behind normal snowfall. This will impact the moisture available in spring. We are experiencing warmer than normal weather. Our ground has lost a lot of snow cover. We too love the beauty of winter. It does cause one to slow down and give more attention to inside “tasks”.
That it does, Everett! I’m happy we’ve gotten enough snow to off-set the terrible drought we had last summer. I hope you get plenty of spring rain early so you can get on the fields.
I love winter, the quietness of the snow is so soothing. It’s beautiful, too!
I find winter enchanting. Thank you for sharing the beauty at your home
Comments are closed.