Snow Days

 Birds waiting for a spot at the feeder                                      © Diane B. Reed

Winter has arrived in all its glory. The snow started yesterday, paused for a few hours, then gifted us with 4 inches of fluffy, sparkling snow overnight. Everyone is shoveling, plowing and snow-blowing, though a second and third wave of snow is expected tonight and tomorrow.

Cedar Waxwings looking for berries  © Diane B. Reed

For the birds, finding food is the top priority. A flock of Cedar Waxwings stopped by, stripping berries from the tree across the street. The birds are queuing up for the bird feeder and the ground feeders are scratching around in the fluffy snow for seeds that have been dropped. It's a hard time of the year for the birds, if you have a feeder don't forget to fill it!

We feel pretty lucky that we were able to make a recent driving trip to Denver and back without any serious snowstorms. In fact, the worst weather we encountered was in the Blue Mountains -- dense fog and icy patches. Hit that coming and going.

Snowy landscape at the pond                             © Diane B. Reed

So we plan to enjoy the snowy weather. It's beautiful and much needed. Precipitation is significantly down here and in the West. Our farms and vineyards will need the water this summer, so bring it on!

Frosty!

© Diane B. Reed

We're locked in freezing fog here in the Walla Walla Valley. Every day they predict that the sun is going to come out, but we haven't seen it for days. The hoarfrost is building up on everything and it's absolutely magical. But our neighbors just returned from Christmas on the coast, where it was sunny and 50 degrees. I have to admit it sounded pretty nice after a few days of freezing fog.

© Diane B. Reed

On the other hand, we have friends who moved to Maine just in time for the big ice storm, lost their power and ended up spending Christmas in a motel room with their dog and cat. So we feel fortunate to have heat and lights so we can look out at the frosty scene from the warmth of our home.

© Diane B. Reed

© Diane B. Reed

It's the time of that pause between Christmas and New Years, the ending of one year and the promise of the next. Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy one!