First Snow of 2012

[3piggles]

The snow is supposed to turn to rain, so we may not even have this much by afternoon. At least we have enough to make the poor tree in the back yard look pretty.

[lonestarpiggies]

Looks beautiful, but cold!! I hope it doesn't rain, what a mess! Stay warm!

[3piggles]

Instead of rain we got wind-driven sleet. Ugh. Hope it's not to icy for my trip to the mailbox!

[lonestarpiggies]

Oh, I bet the roads are a mess. Hope you don't have to go anywhere and can just build a fire, or something. We haven't used our fire place since we've had the kids because I'm paranoid they'll get too close. Now that they're older, I suppose we could give it try.

[3piggles]

We had a three-sided screen to keep daughter away from the fireplace when she was little. Don't know how much they cost. Fires were more dangerous for her when she got older and helped vacuum out the ashes before they had all cooled, lol. Hub said he wanted a new vacuum, anyway!

[newpig]

I had one of those three sided guards as well - they aren't expensive here - about £25 - and they attach to the wall so no hope of kids knocking them over. Definitely worth it. I don't use it now that the kids are older and we've moved house. Our coal/wood fire now is a stove so they can't fall into it and I don't use the gas one very often in the Drawing room and they are sensible around it.

Laurie, the snow looks lovely but I'm glad we haven't had any this year. So sick of it after last winter. We've had two record breaking winters - from the coldest last year to the warmest this year. Woke up to a really bad frost this morning and is first one I've seen all winter. I'm even starting to think about Spring and plans for the garden.

[3piggles]

Once the leaves die and fall off the trees, it can get really bleak outside. The snow changes a dead landscape to a pretty one. Temps fell below freezing and are still there, so the tree branches are still coated in snow and look like crystal. If the sun could burn through the clouds, it would be fabulous!

We have a wood fireplace, and no place to store a cord of wood, so we have to buy it at super market for about $6 for an hour's worth. I'd love to convert the fireplace to gas, instead.

[yodelpig]

It looks lovely! I hope that things are not too icy and dangerous now!

We are having a very mild winter here; I have a couple of roses that are still flowering and the crocuses have come up a month early and are looking like they are going to open on the next sunny day!

[Bean]

Pretty! But hope the weather isn't stopping you do anything. Like newpig, I'm releived we've had a less eventful winter weather-wise (so far!) as it's made life a lot easier!

[lonestarpiggies]

I've thought about getting a screen, but should probably have someone come out and check the fireplace before we use it. It has a gas starter and hasn't been used in 5 years, I bet. I'll add it to my list and maybe I'll get around to it by next winter.

We're having a mild winter, too. All the leaves finally just finished falling this week, after a very windy couple of days. Since we have a 3 day weekend and it's supposed to be warm, we need to get the raking done.

[jolovespiggies]

I love the snow if I am inside. I always hope for a white christmas but it is very rare here.

Hugs

JO xx

[cavyabbyprincess2]

We only had one major snowfall this year and that is okay with me. lol We have had alot of rain though. I hope we have a pretty spring this year, I am so excited about planting flowers again. But if it has to snow one more time I guess it will be okay.

[Bean]

We've just started to get really cold weather over here. There have been a few flurries but nothing significant so far where I am, although other parts of the UK have had more. Eastern Europe is getting a thrashing with temperatures as low as -35c in some parts. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[3piggles]

I noticed Newpig's comment that the snow was pretty but none had fallen over there. I guess that has changed a bit, lol! Just talking to friends in Europe who can't even find a snow shovel or sand for the walkways. I told them kitty litter and kosher salt in a pinch! We have so many things to combat snow and ice over here, as we get it so often. Wish I could ship some over there!!!

Denver, Colorado got 51" of snow in some places. I'm only 5'2", so it would be up to my arm pits. Oy! Still, I'll take lots of snow over bitter cold, any day!!! Not sure exactly how cold it is, but reports said Ukraine got down to -35C.

That was also pretty much the only snow of 2012? We're about 10" below average?