Somehow I got in my head that yesterday was Wednesday, apparently traveling followed by two days of schools starting with a two hour delay messes my perception of what of the week it is.
Anyway this daffodil is encased in ice from Sunday night's all the way to Tuesday morning's wintery mix of doom. It wasn't as bad as the picture would make you believe. For the most part the roads remained clear until Tuesday and that was due to the cold temps finally cooling down the roads so that the ice/snow/whatever could stick.
The flowers, on the other hand were all encapsulated in ice from day one. Which was a good thing because the ice gave a big of insulation from Monday night's bitterly cold temperatures. The ice is gone now, but the flowers are still a bit droopy. I don't know if they will fully bounce back, but they are still alive.
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Cold
The last time we saw this fellow it was reasonably nice out. Since Thursday we have had a high in the upper 70s over the weekend followed by the wintery mix of doom. I don't know if it is the same blue bird, but it is in the same spot and looking a bit put off with the return of winter.
I have to agree, I'm tired of the brutal weather pattern of late. We get one or two days of almost 8o degrees and then bam, winter is back. As I right I can hear the patter of rain/freezing rain/sleet on the skylights. The schools already have declared a two hour today, a slight improvement over this morning's 5:30 am announcement via phone.
I'm done with winter.
I have to agree, I'm tired of the brutal weather pattern of late. We get one or two days of almost 8o degrees and then bam, winter is back. As I right I can hear the patter of rain/freezing rain/sleet on the skylights. The schools already have declared a two hour today, a slight improvement over this morning's 5:30 am announcement via phone.
I'm done with winter.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Sweet Rewards
We got 4 1/2 inches of snow yesterday. Then it rained, sleeted, and lord knows what else during the night. As a result we woke up to a big sloppy mess that was "only" two inches and very heavy. I knew with the deep freeze predicted for tonight it would turn into a sheet of ice and the driveway would be a mess for quite some time. So I proposed to the kids, if you shovel the driveway I would bake a rat from them. Max and Rebecca lit up at the offer and were soon outside and shoveling away.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
It was hard work and they were not so thrilled with the bargain. I sweetened the deal by offering to bake two treats, Max would get his beloved pumpkin pie and Rebecca would get a chocolate eclair pie.They worked hard for about ab hour and got the large area outside of the garage cleared away. They came in to rest and get some lunch. I tossed all the wet gloves and Max's jacket into the dryer, which was much appreciated when they went back outside.
I'm not sure how long it took, but they did clear the whole drive. I went out afterwards and I was really impressed. They did a terrific job and certainly earned their treats. Unfortunately we got another inch or so of snow, but it isn't as wet and Jacob has already volunteered to clear it away. He wants in on the baked goods and is willing to work for food.
So while all that shoveling was going on I was inside baking away. I ended up halving the recipe for the eclair pie I made for Rebecca's birthday last year. I think it came out even better this time. As fr the pumpkin pie, well it's an old favorite and very dependable. I think I will even let the dynamic duo enjoy their respective pies for breakfast tomorrow, sine we of course don't have school.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Big Snow!
I'm going to leave this here with just the facts.
Snow fall started at roughly 3:40 pm.
This picture was taken at about 10:40 pm.
It is now a mixed bag of snow and sleety stuff falling from the sky.
There is no school tomorrow and most likely none on Friday.
The kids are out of their minds.
The predicted high on Friday is 44.
Welcome to central Virginia.
Snow fall started at roughly 3:40 pm.
This picture was taken at about 10:40 pm.
It is now a mixed bag of snow and sleety stuff falling from the sky.
There is no school tomorrow and most likely none on Friday.
The kids are out of their minds.
The predicted high on Friday is 44.
Welcome to central Virginia.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Twilight Over Soccer Fields
Today Rebecca had what should be her penultimate winter training session, but considering the impending winter weather of doom it is unlikely that tomorrow's practice will be held. The whole winter training has been hit or miss. Between snow storms and subzero wind chills the club has cancelled roughly half of the sessions. This has been far from surprising since the training is done outdoors and it is winter.
Tonight wasn't too bad, but the girls were chilled to the bone. They appreciated the toasty van when practice was over. I asked about tomorrow and the girls said that the coaches told them to dress warmly. I guess the club is going to wait and see how it all pans out. Meanwhile I did my shopping first thing this morning and I refuse to set foot in a grocery store until Friday.
Tonight wasn't too bad, but the girls were chilled to the bone. They appreciated the toasty van when practice was over. I asked about tomorrow and the girls said that the coaches told them to dress warmly. I guess the club is going to wait and see how it all pans out. Meanwhile I did my shopping first thing this morning and I refuse to set foot in a grocery store until Friday.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Snuggle
It has been very cold around here lately, dropping occasionally down to the single digits at night. Which is shockingly cold for the average Richmonder and darn cold for those of us from more northern climes.
I think the red boys have the right idea. They like to snuggle up with each other when they are not on crumb patrol. They are silly dogs, but they are not stupid dogs. John and Dell have even figured out it is better to duck under the deck to avoid the wind when they are forced outside to do their business.
Oh and as to school, there indeed was school today with only a two hour delay. The slightly warmer temperatures helped clear off the roads, just in time for next week's storm.
I think the red boys have the right idea. They like to snuggle up with each other when they are not on crumb patrol. They are silly dogs, but they are not stupid dogs. John and Dell have even figured out it is better to duck under the deck to avoid the wind when they are forced outside to do their business.
Oh and as to school, there indeed was school today with only a two hour delay. The slightly warmer temperatures helped clear off the roads, just in time for next week's storm.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Snow Day
Today was the second snow day of this week, coming after a whole week off from last week's snowstorm. Thankfully it looks like the kids will be all back in school with just a two delay in the morning.
I love the snow, I love sleeping in, I love my children, but it is all wearing thin. I ran away a bit today to go shopping at Costco and to see Meryl a bit. It will be good to get back into the old routine. Plus I think we are now out of the built in snow days in the school calendar. The school year may be stretched out a bit come June.
I love the snow, I love sleeping in, I love my children, but it is all wearing thin. I ran away a bit today to go shopping at Costco and to see Meryl a bit. It will be good to get back into the old routine. Plus I think we are now out of the built in snow days in the school calendar. The school year may be stretched out a bit come June.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Snowy Night
Last week, between MLK Day and four days of school canceled from snow, the kids had a three day weekend morph into a nine day snowcation. As you can see here Mother Nature is back to her tricks and we are getting a second dose of wintery weather, so of course no school. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
Fortunately the roads were completely clear of all the compacted snow and ice from last week's weather. Hooray for 64 degree days in January. However the hammer dropped back down today and we were well below freezing for the high. I hope this week's snowcation isn't as long.
Fortunately the roads were completely clear of all the compacted snow and ice from last week's weather. Hooray for 64 degree days in January. However the hammer dropped back down today and we were well below freezing for the high. I hope this week's snowcation isn't as long.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Dachshund in the Snow
Amazingly we still have snow on the ground, a rare occurrence in these parts. At most the snow lingers for a day and a half. However the wintery weather with the temperature staying below freezing has allowed the snow to stay.
It isn't the nice fluffy two inches pictured here, but there is more snow visible than not. The brisk weather and snow has made at least two of my children say it is almost like Vermont. This cold weather will last for a few more days and by the end of next week it will be much , much warmer.
So us crazy northern types will enjoy winter while it lasts.
It isn't the nice fluffy two inches pictured here, but there is more snow visible than not. The brisk weather and snow has made at least two of my children say it is almost like Vermont. This cold weather will last for a few more days and by the end of next week it will be much , much warmer.
So us crazy northern types will enjoy winter while it lasts.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Man and Dog
This week has been a total wash in regards to school. Monday was a holiday, Tuesday school was cancelled in anticpation of the snow fall, and there has been no school since then plus Friday has been called as well.
All we got was barely 2 inches of fine powdery snow. However this fine powder quickly compacted to ice that gets thoroughly frozen each night as the temps dip well below freezing. I ventured out Wednesday and it was a white kuckle ride down the hill in my subdivision. I didn't skid, but I could feel how little traction my relatively new tires had. Today was much better, but there are still areas in the school district that are still icebound. The upshot is that Monday's planned student holiday/teacher workday is now a regular school day.
School or no school, Larry has the right idea. It is a good time to read a good book with a dog in your lap.
All we got was barely 2 inches of fine powdery snow. However this fine powder quickly compacted to ice that gets thoroughly frozen each night as the temps dip well below freezing. I ventured out Wednesday and it was a white kuckle ride down the hill in my subdivision. I didn't skid, but I could feel how little traction my relatively new tires had. Today was much better, but there are still areas in the school district that are still icebound. The upshot is that Monday's planned student holiday/teacher workday is now a regular school day.
School or no school, Larry has the right idea. It is a good time to read a good book with a dog in your lap.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Snow!
After numerous fits and starts, the much promised snow made its appearance. The schools had been shut down in anticipation of its mid-day arrival, so of course nothing really happened until about 4 pm. We could have easily snuck in at least a half day of school. Anyhoodle, we had a lovely day home.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Nate of course had to run outside barefoot. He does this every year and pretty much regrets it about three steps in. This evening he then "complained" that I was mean for making him put on shoes to take out the garbage and move the can to the curb. I replied that he was more than welcome to do the whole task barefoot if it was such a horrible thing to wear shoes. With a big smile he put on sneakers and went out sans coat. Turns out it is pretty cold outside.
He's such a silly boy.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
First Snow
And first walk of the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
After endless seeming rain, extreme (at least for here) cold weather, and a variety of aliments plaguing the dogs we finally got back into our old routine of a long walk after the last two kids get on the bus. It was still snowing, but that wasn't going to stop me. Dell wasn't too sure about the idea, he keep looking for a signal that it was all a joke and we were going to cut the walk short and head back home. John meanwhile, with nary a limp, just motored along. Eventually Dell got over it and was far more enthused for the last third of the walk.
Of course the renewed vigour most likely came about when Dell realized how far we had gone and we were headed in the right direction for home.
Recalcitrant dog or not, it was very nice walk after being cooped up for the past few weeks.
I love how pretty everything looks with a nice coating of freshly fallen snow. Since it was the first snow of the season I brought my camera along to take pictures. I knew the snow would be gone by late afternoon so if I wanted pictures it would have to be in te morning.
I was not at all disappointed with the scenery. the newly fallen snow was working its magic. I think my best picture from this morning is this lovely shot over he water course leading to a pond. It starts out as a just a glorified drainage ditch, but it does have running water for most of the year. with all the snow the trees have a feathery appearance. The water acts as a strong anchor in the composition while the sky above adds in soft colors with just a hint of pink.
The snow is all gone, but we did get our first snow for the year.
Thursday, January 09, 2014
Concentrated Dose of Winter
This week we got a dose of real winter weather. No snow so far, but some seriously low temperatures for the area. Single digit lows with below zero wind-chills knocked the area for a loop. Schools systems initiated 2 hour delays or cancelled classes outright.
On the first day of the arctic blast I understood the reasoning behind our school system's 2 hour delay. Some of the schools have antiquated systems that might not be up to the task (we are in the land of the heat pump) and then there is the very real possibility that the buses might not all start up. A 2 hour delay gave the powers that be time to check things before opening up the schools.
Happily there were no problems and children all made it to school.
So you would assume that since there were no problems school would be back to normal on Wednesday, the following day. But that is where you would be wrong, we got a second 2 hour delay. Meanwhile Chicago laughs at Virginia's cold weather paralysis.
As for today, things were all back to normal. It was starting to warm up and I got inspired to go outside and take a few winter pictures. So I present to you Ice Crystals and Ice Columns.
On the first day of the arctic blast I understood the reasoning behind our school system's 2 hour delay. Some of the schools have antiquated systems that might not be up to the task (we are in the land of the heat pump) and then there is the very real possibility that the buses might not all start up. A 2 hour delay gave the powers that be time to check things before opening up the schools.
Happily there were no problems and children all made it to school.
So you would assume that since there were no problems school would be back to normal on Wednesday, the following day. But that is where you would be wrong, we got a second 2 hour delay. Meanwhile Chicago laughs at Virginia's cold weather paralysis.
As for today, things were all back to normal. It was starting to warm up and I got inspired to go outside and take a few winter pictures. So I present to you Ice Crystals and Ice Columns.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Frosty Morning
We have had some very frosty mornings the past couple of days, as evidenced by the traceries of frost on the glass tabletop out on the deck. The sudden and rather early plunge in the temperature has caught out a few people in the neighborhood.
The backflow piping for sprinkler systems jut up into the cold air and those that hadn't winterized their systems yet swaddle them up at night to prevent freezing. Then they are forced into running their sprinklers in the predawn hours to keep the water moving. My neighbor was one such vicyom, which surprisd me since he is very handy about the house and fixes his own cars. It turned out he called his guy to winterize their system four weeks ago and they just got around to blowing out all the water today. i wouldn't be surprised if they hire someone else next year.
Meanwhile I'm happy that I never did fire up the lawn sprinklers this year. It was such a wet spring and summer I did not see the point of wasting water and money. As a result,I was already winterized. Being cheap sometimes pays off.
The backflow piping for sprinkler systems jut up into the cold air and those that hadn't winterized their systems yet swaddle them up at night to prevent freezing. Then they are forced into running their sprinklers in the predawn hours to keep the water moving. My neighbor was one such vicyom, which surprisd me since he is very handy about the house and fixes his own cars. It turned out he called his guy to winterize their system four weeks ago and they just got around to blowing out all the water today. i wouldn't be surprised if they hire someone else next year.
Meanwhile I'm happy that I never did fire up the lawn sprinklers this year. It was such a wet spring and summer I did not see the point of wasting water and money. As a result,I was already winterized. Being cheap sometimes pays off.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Winter is Coming
Today we got our first snowfall of the season. It didn't stick and it didn't last for very long, but we did get a sustained snow flurry for about an hour.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
I was on the phone with my husband when I glanced out the window are saw the first flakes come down. I blurted out with unrestrained glee "It's SNOWING!" Then proceeded to do a happy dance. Hopefully I didn't damage his hearing, I think not since he did sound genuinely happy for me. I'm a northern girl at heart and the first snowfall is always my favorite.
I know winter won't officially start for quite some time, but I'm ready for it. Our home has a new roof plus skylights and autumn has reached that dreary stage when everything seems dead. The lone holdout is my parsley, which still retains its vibrant shade of green. The weather is cold and our dogs have the right idea of getting all cozy under their blankets.
Friday, March 08, 2013
Colorful
At one point during the big not so snowy snow storm I went outside to shovel and take pictures.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
The shoveling wasn't a big deal and if I didn't care if the front steps and deck would be icy from the snow melt refreezing I wouldn't bother. But I do care and I was once thanked by the UPS driver for being among the tiny minority that keep their front steps ice free. So off I went to remove slushy snow from the walkways.
When I was all done shoveling I glanced at my sleeve and noticed the clumpy wet stuff that was passing itself as snow. I love the colors and the contrast to the bright white of the falling chunks of snow.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Winter in Dribs and Drabs
It snowed again here and for once nothing got cancelled. Of course it being a holiday weekend not much was going on in the first place. In the end it was just a trace amount since it was a bit too warm in the beginning for anything to stick, by mid day it was all gone.
Nate said this was an ugly picture, everything looks dead. I see his point, it is an ugly time of year. Everything is dried out and battered, it's hard to believe that spring really is just around the corner. That's a big thing I miss about proper winters. At least there is solid snow coverage for a few months, thus hiding all the dead annuals.
Nate said this was an ugly picture, everything looks dead. I see his point, it is an ugly time of year. Everything is dried out and battered, it's hard to believe that spring really is just around the corner. That's a big thing I miss about proper winters. At least there is solid snow coverage for a few months, thus hiding all the dead annuals.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Ode to Avalanche
In honor of the actual winter weather we have had this past week I present an Ode to Avalanche.
There is a whole science to avalanche control, enabling ski resort areas to determine if conditions are right for an avalanche and trigger them in a controlled fashion preventing, hopefully, accidental deaths when a skier happens upon conditions ripe for an avalanche. An added bonus is that a controlled triggering also enables them to be captured on film. Mind you an avalanche is still an incredibly destructive and powerful force regardless to what caused it.
Originally I found this over on SnagFilms, but the embedding options are awful. With a bit of poking about I found the Ken Bailey's (the director) YouTube channel and was able to embed the film the way I want.
There is a whole science to avalanche control, enabling ski resort areas to determine if conditions are right for an avalanche and trigger them in a controlled fashion preventing, hopefully, accidental deaths when a skier happens upon conditions ripe for an avalanche. An added bonus is that a controlled triggering also enables them to be captured on film. Mind you an avalanche is still an incredibly destructive and powerful force regardless to what caused it.
Originally I found this over on SnagFilms, but the embedding options are awful. With a bit of poking about I found the Ken Bailey's (the director) YouTube channel and was able to embed the film the way I want.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Winter Roses
You know I just can't get over the fact that roses can, and do, bloom in the winter around here. I'm used to New England winters, after the first frost nothing blooms until spring.
I found these little beauties in the sheltered alley behind the Synagogue that holds our Sunday school. The picture is from last weekend when it was still mild. Since then the temperature has dropped and I seriously doubt the blooms are still around. It'll be interesting to see how they fair when I'm next up there. We car pool with another family so sometimes it can be quite a gap between my turn to drive. In all likelihood they will recover over the course of next week when the temperatures rebound to the sixties.
I found these little beauties in the sheltered alley behind the Synagogue that holds our Sunday school. The picture is from last weekend when it was still mild. Since then the temperature has dropped and I seriously doubt the blooms are still around. It'll be interesting to see how they fair when I'm next up there. We car pool with another family so sometimes it can be quite a gap between my turn to drive. In all likelihood they will recover over the course of next week when the temperatures rebound to the sixties.
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