Since this time last week, we’ve had our first real snow, as my midwest-born-and-raised husband describes it. If you recall, I’m a delicate southern hothouse flower, and I really thought that inch of white stuff we had last week qualified as “real snow.” Be that as it may, we finally accumulated enough in the driveway to have it plowed, and the first snow mountain of the season made its appearance. Last year, Mount Sno-More remained until the spring thaw. Other years, it’s come and gone with the snow tides.
The temperatures have dropped as well – it’s almost as cold as it is in Florida. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) No iguanas falling from our trees, but a different interesting phenomenon is shown here. Steam venting from the clothes dryer condenses and freezes right as it leaves the vent pipe, giving us our own, home-grown stalactites and stalagmites.
Even with below-freezing temperatures, the direct sunlight melts some of the snow and ice into interesting patterns.
This reminds me of holes in the ice we saw on the glacier in Alaska.
The other difference this week is in the wetland. Last week, we had open water. This week, the water has frozen and snow has covered the ice. It looks like any other field on the surface. The water isn’t all that deep, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was frozen solid.
I’ve seen only the usual winter birds this week – mourning doves, robins, juncos, cardinals, starlings. I haven’t seen the ducks and geese flying over that we had last month. Fewer tracks in the snow than last week. I’ll have to observe whether that’s a pattern related to the colder temperature or time of year, or if an undetected factor plays a role. The abandoned hornets’ nest still clings to the branch of the leafless tree, with no changes apparent to the naked eye.
To see the world through others’ eyes, visit “That’s My World”, a weekly meme sharing photos and impressions of all the world seen through the bloggers’ eyes and lenses.
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I agree with you, Wren. The amount of snow we have here in the Ozarks would leave a true mid-westerner very much unimpressed, but it’s plenty as far as I’m concerned. The cumulative total of snow I’d seen by the time I was 35 was probably less than an inch.
hihi, you obviously have a lot to learn. You may have fun exploring it.
Yep, this is quite a cold spell we are going through here in Minnesota too. I know it is hitting other parts of the country and we will all be glad to see it warm back up a little bit.
Wren: You certainly have been sparred up until now. Things will change as we get closer to February.
Yes, some of the worst winter storms arrive in February. Thank you for reminding me that there’s still stuff to look forward to.
we’ve had more snow to date this season than the past eight years we’ve lived here. and, its been colder than prior years. i am soo ready for Spring and the warmth of the sun’s rays. this cold weather is not conducive to a happy me
have a great week wren!
Thanks for sharing your world! I love the patterns you found in the ice and snow. I’d love to see what the wetland looks like unfrozen.
Keep reading, Ms Stars. it will thaw eventually.
Were supposed to have a slight melt on Thursday, at least near Oxford, Michigan. I like the snow, but can’t wait for it to melt…
Must be really tough for bicycling, Tony. I’d settle for clean road surfaces, even if the lawns were partly covered.
Terrific captures, Wren, and I do feel the cold!!! This was my world last year! This year it’s just wet and gray! Stay warm!!
Sylvia
Beautiful winter shots. It is amazing how cold Florida has gotten. I know you’re not in FL and I’m not either but your reference to FL amused me since I have family there who have mentioned it.
I only know what I read on Pure Florida.
Such a pretty, white world you have. It looks cold though and makes me think I’d better grab another cup of hot coffee before I continue looking.
Nice photos, Wren and a great post. We do not have any igaunas falling from the trees here either.
Cold as here in my world. Love the “stalactites and stalagmites”, awesome.
That stalagmite is pretty cool! We’ve had real cold temps, too and I’m ready for it to warm back up!
What lovely photographs you found in your wintry world. The third is especially delightful. Of course, I happened to be born in Southern California and love living at the beach … though I must admit … summer crowds and traffic can be daunting for a few months.
Hugs and blessings,
That’s my world every winter. Time to move!
The trick is finding a place with mild winters that doesn’t have ferocious summers, and that hasn’t been discovered by everyone else, leading to unbelievable traffic jams. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
That’s cold, Wren. Even here in Charlotte we have teens overnight and just above freezing during the daytime – we should be 40-50s average. I worry about the waterfowl in states that are frozen solid…
Stay warm and keep track of the phenomena around you!
Mary
We have quite a few out back when it isn’t frozen, Mary. I don’t know where they go when it is. The little birds can come to the birdbath or puddles for water, but that’s not enough for a duck.
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