9 Inches of Snow!

Journal

Crazy day yesterday with over 9" of snow ... so beautiful ... but couldn't relax with the power on, then out for hours ... thank heavens it was restored late afternoon.  Did manage to keep warm by shoveling snow a bit, and while we had a bit of power in the morning, managed to sketch the view of our sideyard before my tracks disturbed the cushion of white.

Snow 2 24 15

Journal --

My front yard yesterday -- covered in snow. We're in for another few inches tonight ..... The ornamental grasses, pines and birches giving bits of color in the grey. The plunge back to freezing weather killed all the blooms on my Prunus mume (flowering apricot) ... I hope the fig trees survive ...

Petunias and Nasturtium

Journal -

Petunias and Nasturtiums -  After four days of iced in conditions and arctic temperatures, I REALLY had a need for color.  Found this cheery image on Wetcanvas.com and warmed myself by painting it this morning.  We are weeks away from petunias and nasturtiums.

30 Minute White Out

Journal -

A 30 minute white-out that followed our brief snowfall this week.  I could hardly see the trees near my house.  Then a drop in the temps -- 4F this morning.


After our short snow storm early this week which turned to sleet after 90 minutes, then sleet turned to freezing rain. I was able to clear the stairs yesterday, put another light in the cathouse on the porch for additional warmth -- but my long driveway is an ice rink --- our gravel road --- ice chunks, and our paved road hasn't been touched .... As long as the power holds, I'm okay ..... schools closed again as most businesses.

Here in piedmont NC we are not used to any of this ... so the few plows we have get the main roads ... and since we live 4 miles from the main road, we usually have to wait for a warm up or someone with a tractor and private plow before we can get out. We're supposed to have rain and warmer temps on Sunday ... thank heavens we stocked up on everything before the storm.

Snow - Sleet - ICE!

Journal --

Did the small happy dance as it snowed last night -- but dance cut short when our brief snow turned to sleet and then to ice ...As the sun came up this morning, EVERYTHING is coated in ice - porch, steps, driveway, the tertiary road we live on ... we are ICED in like frozen food.
I painted this from our January snow -- as there is not a drop of snow on any of the trees -- just that worrisome ice.  It's 17F this morning ....COLD!

Rose Hips

Journal - Rose Hips

Crazy crazy weather!  Yesterday was a balmy 45F filled with sunshine - and though the wind was cold and sent a chill -- it was a good day to get in a walk.  This morning, our 7F and brief snowfall with howling winds made any thought of spring fly from our minds.  We have snow in the forecast next week and bitter temps all week.  I know my friends will hate me for doing the happy snow dance -- but, despite the early spring flowers we viewed yesterday, I am so glad to see a bit more snow!

Carnations - Happy Valentine's Day

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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY - More from my bouquet ...

Snow Day on the River Tar

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The River Tar on Snow Day. Temps have dropped here and though we've had clouds and bits of rain, no snow in the forecast. Our own version of the groundhog prediction suggests that spring is around the corner. Still, at 30F this morning, I find that hard to believe and continue to hope for at least one more snowfall.

Red Geraniums

Journal -- I love the cheerfulness of red geraniums -- they remind me of all those I've seen throughout Italy -- windows, pots, cascading from walls ... We won't be able to grow any for a few more months ... but spring is coming ....

Blackie - RIP

Journal --

Though I sketched this in 2008, I immediately thought of posting it again as we had to put down my sweet Blackie yesterday. She was a spunky, independent little thing, looking more like a lynx than a cat. Of her 4 other littermates, she was the most skittish ... but every once in a while, she'd honor you by rubbing your leg or letting you give her a quick pet. She came home this weekend with an aggressive tumor along with FIV.... We will all miss seeing her sleek body streaking through the woods and nesting with her siblings each night. Rest in Peace, Blackie.

Snow Day

     

Journal - Snowfall -- our brief foray into snow.

It snowed here last Tuesday -- a brief, maybe 1/4" of snow that covered my property in a quiet blanket of white. I remember waking up utterly delighted to FINALLY have a bit of the white stuff -- not the FEET of snow that had befallen the Northeast US, but a wonderful dusting that just coated trees and fields.

I had to leave the house for a dental appointment -- about 9 miles away. While driving there, I stopped and took photos. I had traveled about 4 miles -- when the snow completely disappeared. I mean GONE! Not a damp piece of soil anywhere!

Apparently the snow line was mighty narrow -- and the band of white was a mere few miles across. I was so glad for the photos I captured or I would have thought I dreamed up the entire scene! This old building is 2 miles from my home, captured just before the snow melted.