A Spoonful of Sugar

March is certainly making an entrance.  The 1-2" of  predicted snow followed by freezing rain, sleet and generalized yuck, has outdone itself so far this morning, giving us about a 5" base for the remaining precipitation to crystallize on.  At least above freezing temperatures are on the horizon, so there is light at the end of the tunnel, the season of mud  Spring is on its way!

The most exciting thing about this, is that it appears the temperatures beginning this weekend and into the extended forecast will be perfect for tapping trees and harvesting this years sap flow for syrup.  We have about 2 cups of syrup left from last season, and I am rationing to make it last.  Who wants to go and buy syrup after being spoiled for the last year?  So I am looking forward to this spoonful of sugar which will make the medicine of next few, hopefully final days of winter, go down quite nicely.

Ole' Man Winter's Identity Crisis

Poor ole' man winter, I guess he was just jealous of the glorious fall and decided to start a month early.  In the almost thirteen years that we have lived here, this is the earliest winter.  We have complained in the last couple of years about the sparse snow, but it seems that the early results are in and winter may just pack us a punch this year.

The talk for the last several days, after the chaos of Sunday's light snows, has been of the cold.  In the forecasts over the past week, last night supposed to be the coldest, then moderating to more seasonal 31-32 degrees over the weekend.  That has changed just a bit.  The coldest air will actually be today.  We are waking up to a balmy 13 degrees, and should top out around noon closing in on zero.  Then the winds pick up giving us an evening and overnight of 25 below zero windchills, some forecasters have even mentioned 30 below...pishaw!  We will recover some from the desperate cold, making it back into the twenties in time for some lake effect snow Friday and Saturday.  No longer are we expecting those 'seasonal' temps.  

 But truly, what is seasonal when ole' man winter has an identity crisis and decides to take over?   Stay safe!!

Time to Shine

Today the sun is shining and it is simply gorgeous.  The kind of spring light that revitalizes the soul after the long dark months.  As a result of this glorious light, the snow pack has taken on a pearly aura as it gracefully recedes.  Let us hope that the coming storm continues to stay South of us and we only get the predicted 1-2" tomorrow evening, and not more to sock us back in,  I am so enjoying watching my yard and garden begin to reappear rested and ready for its time to shine.

Six Words

Winter, it's been real; now springtime.

Timey Wimey

We finally have some real snow on the ground!  When I loaded these pictures, it left me wondering whether there wasn't a little timey wimey thing happening this cold snowy morning.... do you see the swirling portal in the tree by the barn too?

"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually, from a non-linear non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big bowl of wibbly wobbly timey wimey... stuff"  The Doctor
 
Happy Weekend!

Silent Sunday ~ Snow

Silent Sunday~Winter Shadows

Silent Sunday~Lacy Snow

Snow Globe

Today, moments were spent going about my business from the inside of a snow globe.  Watching the snow drift so lightly down around me, as workmen were in and out fixing the things that all seem to break down when it's cold and snowy, I decided that comforting and tasty treats were going to be my goal.



A buttermilk, pesto and Parmesan bread will go nicely with homemade pasta a fagioli.



To top it off, warm blackberry cobbler ala Pioneer Woman.

I hope your weekend is beginning with the warmth of family within your snow globe.

Silent Sunday~ Snow, The Novelty Hasn't Worn Off Yet

The First Rule of Sledding

Nothing like the first real snow to make the kids desperate for sledding.  So despite it only being 17 degrees, off we went!


Now Class........ Can anyone tell me the first rule of sledding??



Always look up the hill, once you get to the bottom!



Quite the move inspired by dad and Sid racing down the hill.
I still can't believe I caught him in mid air!!
A fun outing despite the cold!

Winter fest Hodgepodge

Brian's cousin Amy and her family were in town today. We headed downtown to see the snow-sculptures that were the anchor for this weekends Winter fest. The above were our favorites the first is 'feed me Seymour' and the second is 'first date.' It was a lot of fun to spend a couple of hours with family in the snow.

By the way, all of the kids were playing on the snow hill, you can tell we haven't had much of the white stuff here for them to get sick of, yet ;) Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the reindeer were all in attendance. I had to add this photo, because I was simply fascinated by the reindeer's feet, crazy hugh? (the feet, not me ;) All in all a great way to start the holiday week!