Snow, Winter, Flu Shots

Here it is, Saturday December 17 and Christmas is only 7 days away! And it's again snowing!  

We tend to plan our days after we take a look at the forecast. The bitter cold we had this past week has been a topic on both local and national news. Not only was it cold but the wind howled. B had noticed that we had a major draft around the the propane fireplace in the family room. Rather than go out a buy something to cover the opening, he used a combination of heavy bath rug and some boards to eliminate the draft. It really made a difference!

Because more snow was forecast for this weekend, we headed to Sam's yesterday afternoon for a battery to be sure the lesser used car would start when needed. And I had a few things on my list - bread, bananas and a Sam's chicken. Naturally we filled the cart with some other things. And while we were there we got our flu shots. We had anticipated getting them when we visited the doctor for our 6 month check up. But since our appointment was late in November they had run out. We opted to get the shots at Sam's. While I'm not a fan of shots, I'm really not a fan of the flu. We have had flu shots each fall and have had no bad reactions and also no bouts with the flu. 

And the forecast was correct. This morning snow was falling when I took Honey out for her early morning (5:30AM) walk. It's now 10 AM and the snow has turned to a kinda sleety mess. Temperatures should be in the 40s this afternoon and tomorrow. So glad we can stay home. The picture below was taken from my office window on the second floor that overlooks the driveway. It's nice being on the inside looking out!

We have these neat windshield covers that hook over the mirrors on each side. They really work! 

And as you can see, the road is covered. The township plow was by spreading cinders. If the temperatures don't rise this afternoon, B and I will do some snow blowing.

It's December!

After we got all that snow, it warmed up and all melted. Good! While it's nice to watch snow fall, and snow can look lovely, the reality of snow is something else!  Fortunately, as retirees, we don't have to venture out in the snow. So after it snowed we stayed home. And because of the wind and drifting snow, we did finally have to get the snow blower out and blow off the driveway. And then we enjoyed the rest of the snow melting. And we have been having mild (for November) days but cold nights. The other day we had a beautiful frost. I generally am the one to go out in the morning to get the paper that is delivered curbside. The frost on the shrubs was so lovely I went inside to get my camera. One of these pictures will be my new screen saver.

On the walkway to the side door (that's in the front)

This is such a pretty evergreen and tipped with frost it's really lovely!

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Our Thanksgiving dining room table.

And now that it's December, all the pumpkins have been put away and Christmas and winter things are out. We have decided to not put up all the trees this year. We are limiting it to easy to assemble or already assembled trees. There are many holiday touches around the house but no big display. Easier to do but still festive. Are you ready for the holidays?

First Storm of the Season

The news has been talking about the storm this past week as it traveled across the states. The weather here was lovely with sun and mild temperatures - and it was hard to believe we would need to worry about SNOW. And Saturday I was watching TV in the Family Room with Honey in my lap. And around 9:45PM I took her out and when I turned on the outside lights I was shocked at the amount of snow on the ground! And the wind was howling. Out we went after bundling up in my knee high rubber boots, hooded coat and gloves. And the wind blew and waved back and forth with the trees creaking, ice stinging my face and Honey very skittish. And the snow continued all day Sunday and overnight. And except for quick walks for Honey, we stayed in the house. This morning we awoke to drifted snow and grey skies. The wind has died down but is still noticeable. And while the roads are clear because the township plowed starting Saturday night, our driveway is full of drifting snow with patched of wind swept driveway showing. Our afternoon job is to deal with the snow so we can get a car out of the driveway. I did take some pictures. 

The table on the deck shows the depth of the snow

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And branches were down in the back yard

And you can see the wind swept yard and more branches

And then I came up to my office with Honey to post.  And she kept me company. 

Our Fall Porch

I have been organizing things this past month - and part of that was uploading pictures to the computer. I love the side porch at the Park house. While it's on the "side" it faces the front and is next to the driveway. So, it's the door most visitors use. I had moved the small outside love seat to the porch in the summer and this Fall I decorated the area. And I loved it! So inviting! This past week I put the cushions away and took the hanging wondering jew basket inside. Winter was coming (and we got snow today!)

But I took pictures to remember how inviting the Fall Porch was. Comments for pictures are now below the picture.

The driveway is to the left and you step up one step to the porch. 

And this little green frog greets you. I've had the frog for quite some time. Last year I spray painted him green and highlighted the welcome words. If you poke him gently he bobs. So cute!

And clearly Fall is on it's way out with snow that started last night still falling. More on that later. 

Sunlight and Sprinklers

After a rather wet several days last week, it finally dried out and really cooled down. The trees are turning and the temperature overnight has been moving down. The last two nights we were in the 30s.... COLD!  Because of the rain we had turned off the sprinklers. The past few days have been sunny and cool but the ground was drying so we turned the in-ground sprinklers back on yesterday afternoon. They are set to water if it's an odd day so this morning they were doing their thing. Having moved sprinklers around in our South Jersey house, we really appreciate the convenience. As I've mentioned, Honey is not a fan of water! This morning she had her morning walks (yes she has several) by the time the sprinklers went off in the back. The back yard was really lovely with the sun bright and the water dancing in the sunlight.