LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, January 25, 2016

And Now the Calm



We still have plenty of snow lying around.  But we're finally enjoying some above-freezing temperatures so we can expect a big meltdown.  Our roads will remain icy for days yet so we don't plan to leave the community for a while.

The birds don't seem to have minded the snow and they surely have appreciated the water we have available.  We have a heated water dish for the sub-freezing weather and the birds really flock to it.  We also have several brush piles deeper in the woods to provide shelter for the birds.  (And some smaller animals, I am sure.)  And some birds actually use the bird boxes for temporary shelter in the winter.


Tufted Titmouse before the snow blew furiously.

The first blast of snow left little on the trees despite the depth on the ground.  It started with sleet and the snow came down in fine flakes rather than big fluffy ones.  So the snow initially fell off the tree limbs.  I'm sure the winds also played a factor.

The snow we got on Saturday night after a very brief respite, was the fluffy kind we are more accustomed to.


 You have to love the bright red of the cardinals in the snow




The little wren appreciated the snow cleared from the deck railing.


We are expecting temperatures in the 40s today and tomorrow and that should really help with clearing the roads.  We are hoping it won't freeze again overnight because we are expecting rain later tomorrow.  So fingers crossed that the warmer temperatures hold.

Schools are still having "Virtual School" days and those will continue for some even after the bricks-and-mortar school days return.  Some rural roads will not be safe for school buses long after school resumes.  The children living there will continue their work on laptops, tablets, or "blizzard bags."

And we are beginning to finish leftovers, pork roast and turkey.  When that's gone we have plenty of food in the freezer and pantry.  So we are weathering the storm quite well.  And are grateful for that.

Thoughts go out to those who are still struggling in the massive weather system.


9 comments:

The Bug said...

I can't believe I'm envying you your snow - ha! It's probably because I'm sidelined with shingles, so I don't have anywhere to be for a few days :)

Anonymous said...

Love the look of the snow there, especially in the tree with the Cardinal. It's always so lovely and quiet after a snow, and then the hard work begins. Hope the warm weather continues and all this snowy splendor will melt into a winter memory.

Arkansas Patti said...

You were prepared so all you had to do was enjoy. Do hope you are spared refreezing however which can be treacherous. We are still bone dry and drab here. Stay warm and safe.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Perfect photos! Glad you've fared well through the storm! Being prepared for it really is key. We've had times when we weren't, and have learned our lessons the hard way. Enjoy the rest of your week as we both watch the snow melt!

Take care!

Ms. A said...

Beautiful photos! I think our temps were around 70 today. I feel for those dealing with the really bad snow conditions. It's a shame something so beautiful can create such huge issues.

Nance said...

Lovely bird photos.

Tara said...

yes, how can you not love the Cardinals in the snow? Beautiful bird!

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Bug - I had shingles last spring and have lingering neuropathy from it. Hope that doesn't happen to you and that you recover soon.

Robin - Yes, it is quiet after the storm. And then the sound of shovels. And then quiet again.

Patti - Yes we were prepared. And there wasn't even any urgency to clear the driveway beyond a path to walk up to the street. Couldn't go anywhere so we worked on it slowly.

Kim - During the winter we keep a stock of everything just in case. Not so much snow but often ice on the roads from the fog or freezing rain.

Ms. A - Yes, even in WI, there are occasionally really deep or unexpected snows that shut down everything. We do empathize with those who aren't as lucky as we are.

Nance - Thanks. I do love birds in the snow, especially if you capture a colorful one.

Tara - I agree. So many winter calendars show cardinals in the snow.

KB said...

The cardinal in the snow is a breathtaking photo!!!! I am jealous - I wish we had such bright birds!

I'm glad to hear that you're weathering the storm so well. It's a lot of snow for an area that's not used to it.