Wrong Month

We finally got some of the white stuff.

I actually had to shovel last week.

I shoveled enough of the deck so I could set out bags of kitty litter for the garbage. Another dusting came through that evening. These two storms were the really light fluffy snow. I started shoveling and realized I'd be better served by just taking the broom and sweeping. That's actually easier on my knees.

The next storm that passed through on its way east to dump feet on New England, started as ice here before changing to snow. The pattern on the deck was cool. The tree that hangs over the north end, prevented some of the snow from falling on the deck. Then, as the snow turned to water and dripped, it created this interesting pattern.

The snow was plastered to sides of trees. I have always liked that particular look, as if someone traced the edges. It crunches underfoot when it's like this.

This is the most snow we've had this year, so far. I really would have preferred this in December. It's hard to get into the Christmas spirit when that spirit includes snow.

We had rain on Sunday past with temperatures in the forties. I don't think there's any doubt that we are in a period of weather transition related to global warming. It seems kind of weird that we'd have a blizzard and then one of the warmest winters on record the next year, but weather extremes and swings are probably going to be the norm now rather than the exception. And I feel for farmers. This isn't nearly enough snow to provide drought relief. The heavy rains of Sunday didn't soak in. The ground is frozen, not very far, but frozen nonetheless. All I had in my backyard on Monday was this.

As much as I don't want to tackle the experience of shoveling 2 or more feet, I can't help but wonder how dry it's going to be this summer. The weather we counted on can't be counted on anymore. Chicagoland has always had a 50/50 chance of a white Christmas. I guess I should get used to more brown than white. I can handle these kinds of snows so I wouldn't mind a couple more before the winter turns to spring. My broom and I are ready.

Beverage:  Dunkin' Donuts tea

Deb