Winter storm

Yesterday, when I thought it was probably about time to shovel the porches and walk-way, I was very surprised that I could barely open the door.  The snow had come down, falling vertically (rather than the wind blowing it horizontally and drifting), and it was pretty to watch, a winter wonderland.  So how had the snow drifted a good 12 inches on the porch???  Let's just say I got in more shoveling exercise than I wanted!

Here's a picture of the beginning of the storm. It snowed pretty steady for a day and half; I was so happy to see my neighbor come over yesterday afternoon to plow the snow in the driveway areas...it's a huge help.  I can get the truck out with no problem, but the car is another story.

Just to answer a couple questions from readers, I would have to report that I did not take a picture of the guitar my brother made.  Oops, should have done that...too busy playing.

And for those interested in the front of the bride's dress, from the wedding I attended over Christmas, well, here it is.  She looked stunning in it.

Another couple inches...

It snowed very lightly all evening long...and by morning we had a couple of inches. 

The curious little rabbits have been out to track the new snow. 

And the melt has already begun.  Thank goodness for the return of  some blue skies, sunshine, and no wind.  The morning is fresh and beautiful.

The thaw has begun...

Oh yea!  The sun is out, and it's blue sky from horizon to horizon!  And the thaw has begun.  It is so strange to see green-leafed trees standing in a blanket of snow! 

Here's my view, looking to the south, but the camera lens is not showing an accurate view of the mountains, as they look terribly far away.   This view below is really what it looks like from my porch. Wind River Peak is to the left.

Really??? Snowtober???

Really??? A week later and we have ANOTHER storm packed with moisture?  Yesterday it rained...all day. By evening it started to turn to snow, and it's been snowing steadily.  We're expecting to have snow all day.  Hey Mother Nature...did you get so busy that you overlooked the fact that the leaves are not yet off the trees??? ( Admittedly, this moisture is going to improve the drought conditions of this area.  Who ordered it to come all at once?)

Nevertheless, the hard working people who have been fixing electric lines and phone lines, working 12-16 hour days...are OVER IT.  As are the rest of us. 

This ring-necked dove, who has been perched in my pine tree all morning, looked over his shoulder at me and said, "Really?" 

So, this is day two of being stuck inside... which makes for a great opportunity to knit!  I'm happy to report that I am closing in on the big finish on the cotton sweater shawl.  I'm finally on the collar, with only an inch more to go!!  Then, I will attempt blocking this cotton project.  Hope it softens it and smooths out the twisty parts. 

Snowtember

The snow measured 5.5 inches.

Yes, they've dubbed it "Snowtember" with this unusual storm.  I saw on the news that in Riverton we've not had snow in September since the year 2000.  A good heavy snow is welcomed moisture, but with the leaves still on the trees, it usually means we will lose tree limbs. 

A lot of destruction of this sort was reported, such as big limbs coming down on vehicles and rooftops.  So, we've got a lot of clean-up happening in every neighborhood.

As the temps got warmer, more branches snapped.

To add to the "excitement," we also lost electrical power.  Mine was out from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  I was SO THANKFUL when it came back on. 

Sunny skies are in the forecast for the next couple days...

Makes you wonder what kind of winter we're going to have.

I'm getting impatient...

Looking out the window yesterday morning, my gaze was glazed over with this:

Yes, we need the moisture!  I'm thankful. But spring has been teasing us for a month.  A day here.  A day there.  I'm trying to enjoy each day's gift, but I have to admit, I am hoping this is the last snow of the season!

So, what it all comes down to is that spring in Wyoming is unreliable.  Every day...a mystery. Sunday: 50 degrees and sun.   Monday: 30 degrees and snow.  And it will probably continue in this strain until... suddenly it's summer.  

Thank you, African Violet, for giving me weeks of beautiful anticipation as you slowly open your blooms and brighten my gaze.  Thank you for whispering, "Patience, patience..."

Curb your enthusiam...

All the excitement about the warm spring temps has to be sent to the curb.  WY got hit with a dandy snow storm and lots of wind at my house.  I guess we got close to a foot of snow...but all mine was sculpted into drifts.  I can't get my car out of the garage, but I've got a pickup, so I could bust through the drifts and at least have a way out of here if necessary.

April is National Poetry Month.  The sculpted snow structures remind me of lines from "The Snowstorm" by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  The second stanza creates great imagery:

"Come see the north wind's masonry.
Out of an unseen quarry evermore
Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer
Curves his white bastions with projected roof
Round every windward stake, or tree, or door.
Speeding, the myriad-handed, his wild work
So fanciful, so savage, nought cares he
For number or proportion.  Mockingly,
On coop or kennel he hangs Parian wreaths:           
A swan-like form invests the hidden thorn:                
Fills up the farmer's land from wall to wall."

(Parian: referring to a fine, white marble of the Greek city of Paros.)