Cleon's Visit

The winter storm named Cleon has been visiting our area. The snow began yesterday afternoon and has continued all day today. They say Cleon will be here until midnight.

My Dearly Beloved shoveled a path out to feed the birds this morning.

Of course Annie had to be out to help him. 

She had to keep watch in case a rascally squirrel decided to attack. 

She tries to communicate with the squirrels. "Don't be afraid furry little beast. I wouldn't hurt you." I don't think she meant that last part. 

She sat patiently in the snow for some time. The birds come in to the feeders. They know who she is after. They also know to stay out of the way if a squirrel is about. 

Did I help with the snow removal.  Of course I did. My DB took a picture of my hat as I was removing my boots. You can see snow accumulation on my hat. It hasn't stopped coming down. Luckily it isn't all ice. 

I hope you all are staying warm and safe.

Snow, Luna and The Birds

This morning we had a heat wave for a few minutes before the cold front came in. So Luna and I decided it was time to get out into the neighborhood and test out the new fallen snow. I guess we had 4".

She loves to be the first dog on the block to break snow. There wasn't another critter track in the driveway before we went out.

 Several people have asked me if I can see her in the snow. It is difficult but you can see her. That is why I have to keep her teathered. Besides I am afraid that someone driving by wouldn't see her and there would be trouble.

 By the time we got home she had snowcicles on her whiskers.  She loves this kind of weather.

When we got back to the house I made a hot cup of tea and did a bit of bird watching. We had quite the influx of field birds. Brown headed Cowbirds and a few Starling joined the masses of House Sparrows at the feeders. They have a game they play. First you see them... 

Whoops... 

Now you don't. Ever vigilant for the Cooper's Hawk that patrols the garden. One can't blame them for being so skittish. 

The temperature dropped all afternoon. Quickly getting into the twenties and upper teens. This will be the high tomorrow what with the wind whipping through here. 

I am glad the snow is insulating the garden. I hope you are all warm and safe inside.

Snow Again

Today we woke to even more snow than we got yesterday. This is what we got on top of yesterdays 5 inches of snow and one inch of ice.

This is the second go round of trying to get our driveway cleared in case we need to get out. We cleared it yesterday and then more snow and ice arrived. There is a State of Emergency called for in our city. You aren't supposed to get out unless you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. We don't have 4-wheel drive so we will stay in for the day.

But yes I do get out and help shovel off the drive. As you can see we are only getting down to the ice. It will hopefully melt off with the sun coming out today. I wonder how long the sun will last.
Early this a.m. my DB shoveled out to the bird feeders and chunked away some of the ice so the birds could find some nourishment.

Yesterday Lincoln looked more like a bear.

Today he looks more like a Snowy Owl.Luna was sort of excited about the snow yesterday. With just one layer on the ground she could still get around farily easy.
Today my little Snow Princess looks disgusted with it all. She seems to be saying "Aww Dad do you have to take my picture again. Can we go in now?"
Even the knot garden is looking a little lumpy today. The globe is barely showing. Yes, we had some snow.

Snow Caps

We went from the watery world of spring rains to Winters Mix of snow and sleet. Then we woke to snow capped objects in the garden today.

Doesn't Ole Man Winter realize that we are ready for Easter bonnets, not snow caps?? He isn't much of a fashion monger.

I hope that this is the last snow report that I have to issue. However March being as fickle as it can be I have built snowmen in mid March. It will be intersting to see how spring plays out this year. No more freezes please. Ok, I have put in my order how about you?

I often wonder how plants survive in the watery corner of our garden. I planted a Rodgersia Pinnata in this corner last summer and of course we had the driest ever. Rodgersia is supposed to thrive in wet places. I watered until I was sick of doing so. It hung on as far as my eye could see. I will be anxious to see if it pops up this spring.