We've Got Snow!

There are many winters here in the western mountains of Virginia that bring no snow to speak of. Just an inch or two once in a while might be the pattern for the season. And then there are winters that put snow on the ground in December and keep it there until March, but those are few and far between. This winter has been marked by the extremely cold temperatures, along with a "fair to middlin' " amount of snow. Until last night, that is!

We are right in the path of this nor'easter that is hammering the mid-Atlantic, and this morning we got up to 15 inches of beautiful snow. Thank goodness it's not heavy and wet like predicted, but dry and powdery. This photo was taken just after daybreak.

Yes, the walk is already shoveled, and you can't see that the driveway is already plowed, along with a with swathe through the front yard for the dogs. My husband is not one to enjoy a cozy morning inside, relishing in the warmth and comfort while the snow piles up! He was outside by 5:00 a.m., keeping the snow at bay and hoping the wind doesn't start to blow.

The dogs were reluctant to follow Robin outdoors, but eventually Mother Nature's calling was just too strong and they had to go. Really. It was easier for the big dogs to find a workable spot for their needs, but poor little Cheyenne was bewildered for a minute or two. As she trotted up and down the walk Robin had shoveled, with the snow higher than her head, she finally found a spot to make do until we opened up that big path through the yard. Now all four dogs are inside with me, while Robin is still fighting snow outside. We have smart dogs.

Cheyenne

Ernie

Leah

Red

It's just past 10:00 a.m. and the snow is still coming down, although the sky seems to be getting lighter. I like snow and the homey feelings it evokes. It's a great opportunity to hunker down indoors and do something I enjoy, like reading a good book, making something with my hands, or cooking and baking. Robin, on the other hand, has to be out in it to feed the livestock and make sure they can get to water. And, if he doesn't do all that plowing and shoveling, we'll be stuck for a long time. Once the melting begins, all those paths he keeps clear will be the first to dry up and return to normal, making it so much easier to get from the house to the car.

How about were you live? Are you relishing in a gorgeous winter snowfall or hating every minute of it? There's really no use to worry and stew about it. None of our misery will make it go away any sooner, so we might as well enjoy the few sweet hours of peace and quiet it brings. It won't be long until the magic of this white winter beauty is gone.