The Return of the Snow

We all knew that the warm spell (see previous post) could not last, but still deep down in our hearts I think we were all hoping that it would, even when we knew that it shouldn't. But God knows best and thankfully He controls the weather not us, so just when we were all getting used to the idea of spring, He sent along a doozy of a snow storm to wake us out of our fancies.

The snow came down steadily all Sunday afternoon and by the time of our awakening on Monday morning eight inches of fresh snow was laid on the ground.


Our faithful snow team was out bright and early clearing the driveway so Josh could go to work, but there was so much snow that they were still working hard at it long after Josh departed.


We are very thankful for our sturdy little tractor. He plows our snow in the winter and cuts our grass (or more accurately, dandelions) in the summer.

After lunch, Josiah and I headed out back to see what we could see, and were pleasantly surprised at all the unique sights that the wet snow had helped to create. It had landed on the reeds making them look like they were wearing funny little top hats.

When we had finished admiring the stream we both headed back to the glade. Josiah rushed on ahead of me but I thought nothing of it and continued on my blissful way taking pictures and suspecting nothing.


So imagine my surprise and disgust, when as I walked into the glade a huge pile of snow dropped from its resting place and landed directly on my head. Upon looking up I saw this naughty little boy in high glee shaking branches above my head. My goodness!!!

Josiah, after getting down from the tree, let me in on the secret of how to create your very own snow blizzard.


First find yourself a nice pile of snow, and begin to toss the snow around in a frantic manner. Make sure you do this for some length of time and with enough ferocity.

Soon you will look, to any observers, some what like the above picture. In short, nearly invisible. Your Homemade blizzard is now complete, but just a warning to those inclined to "give it a try". After it is all said and done......

You will probably look a little bit like this.=)

~Chs

The Melt Down and a Sunny Walk with Friends

Slowly but surely the temperatures rose last week, gently warming the snow and creating our second melt down of this winter season. While it was a nice break from the cold, I personally am struggling not to be discontent and long for spring too much;) as we all knew that the warm spell would not last. (as will be shown in the following post)

One day it was extremely sunny and very pleasant, even though it was just in the high thirties. Baby enjoyed it so much that she stayed outside most of the afternoon soaking up all the Vitamin D she could.


The same gorgeous afternoon I released my Duckies out of their pen and gave them a stroll around the yard. They thought about joining the chickens in their house, but thankfully thought better of it and contented themselves with waddling around in the puddles.


Despite the gentleness of the melt, all the snow turned into water was too much for our little pond, especially because all the land around us drains all it's water into our backyard. The ducks loved it but it created for quite a bit of slogging around for us humans.


On Saturday we decided to take advantage of the sunny afternoon and go for our February hike at Beaver Lake trails. We asked along Mr. Reiche as well as a few of the Bryson girls and headed out ready for adventure!


One of the first objects that attracted our attention was the cutest little chipmunk scurrying around int leaves, of course he did not stick around long enough for a proper picture, but I think this one of him diving off the log is pretty adorable anyways.


One of the reasons for this walk was our search for the first of the skunk cabbage. To our great surprise and over bounding delight, we found not one, but dozens and dozens of the little plants poking out of the cold moist dirt. It is amazing how early they will venture out of hibernation and even though they are not stunningly beautiful, nor at all nice smelling, they hold a place in our hearts as one of the first plants seen in spring.


Though it was all gone at our house, here, the ice still retained a hold on the lakes and marshes, just enough to add to the beauty.


On our way to our final destination we made our way up to pinnacle peak, as the Bryson girls had never before reached the summit.


Our true destination however, was the old ruins of the house that once proudly stood here. All that is left of it now is the steps going up to the house and a few broken rocks indicating a foundation.


A few yards away from the house ruins is an old empty well. It is still all intact and the way the stones are so neatly and firmly put all the way around the sides was quite a tribute to the builder.


Moss is slowly taking over the surface and creating a quiet picturesque look to the abandoned well.


A lovely afternoon was had by all as we partook of some healthy exercise and enjoyed the beauty of God's creation. The old foundations also reminded me of these verses;

"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”
Luke 6:47-49

~Chs