Monday, November 25, 2024

Where Did All This Snow Come From

 We had our first snow Wednesday, and it was a big one!  I knew it was coming, but I had no idea we'd get so much!





I love the first snow.  It's so magical, and everything's white all around us.  I love when the neighbors gather outside and we talk and share stories.  The neighbors look out for one another up here, making sure we have what we need in this fierce weather.  If I ever have any questions, I tend to ask F.  He's lived here for 15 years, and has seen many seasons.  He's the one who told me that "everything becomes still with the first snow."  He told me that again on Wednesday.



First thing I did, was go outside and covered the pipes so they don't freeze.  They use these birdhouses for that.  Not very attractive, but they are efficient.



Thankfully, I just went to the store and had some groceries in the cupboard.  Sometimes with these snow storms, we can get outages, and we had one.  It lasted for half a day, and it was coooold.  PG&E is excellent at calling to alert us when the outages have come, and when the estimated time will be to fix the problem.  Me and my neighbor, Lisa, keep each other updated as well.  I heard that a big tree limb came down and hit a power line.  But they fixed it before the scheduled time.  You're never so thankful to have hot water than during a power outage on a snowy day, and I got my lantern out, and lit many candles in different places through the house.





There are so many things to do when the first snow comes, and my son helps out with that - make sure there's anti-freeze in the car, get the lanterns out, have all the home essentials, and then there's the shoveling!  I actually like to shovel and get out there in the nippy fresh air and touch and feel the white powder beneath my feet.



The women up here are what I call "sturdy women" because they have to prepare for a great deal when it snows.  S. at the grocery store was telling me that she had to go to work that morning, so she just bulldozed through the snow to get there.  I appreciate their stories so much.  They don't take things for granted, and they carry on, working through the hurdles that surface, and at the same time taking care of all that is necessary.  They have comforts, but they don't dwell on them, knowing each day may be different than the next.  This neighbor walks her dog every day, and she's even braving it in the snow.



My lovely flowering bush is even lovelier covered in snow.  I hope it survives through it all.



At the end of the day, my fence was towering with freshly fallen snow.



The next day, it rained, and it didn't stop for some time.  I thought it was Ok to drive to the store to get some things I needed - essentials, batteries, and some food.  But shoveling the driveway after a snow and rain can be tricky.  Have you ever shoveled thick, sloshy snow?



The drive made me nervous, cause there was a big truck on steroids behind me. 😱  Once I got into town, that was even scarier, cause the road workers plowed the snow, but there were piles and piles all over, and hardly any openings to get through to the store.  That in itself is tricky.  You often wonder, should I have done this?



Back home, and inside I made some hot meals all week to warm the bones.







My son made these croissants from scratch.  Oh my gosh, they tasted like they were from La Bou.  This is a bakery-cafe that I think only has locations in California.





And then there are these.....if I can't be with my dad at Christmas, he will remain with me in spirit.  He loved these.  They are sweet, so I can only eat one or two at a time.



I haven't tried the Hershey's hot chocolate bombs yet.  I think they would be cute stocking stuffers.



Where did all this snow come from?  I believe it's a blessing from above - it was a gentle reminder for me to stop for a while; stop the internet and tv, look beyond that, and notice and appreciate the gift that has been given to us.  It came at just the right time.











In other news.....Mia lost her first tooth, and the tooth fairy left a nice surprise under her pillow that night.

Remember the craft fair they were having in my town end of November?  Well, it was a huge one, with dozens of booths to look at.  I talked with a few of the ladies, and one of the first booths that caught my eye was of vintage jewelry and ornaments.  Turns out, I knew the lady who ran the booth - she has an antique shop in town, and I have gone in her shop before.  The vintage Christmas tree pin called out to me, and I will wear it with my black velvet sweater.





And there was another item that I had to get - a ceramic heart with a red rose in the middle.  I still have to get some ribbon to hang it.



Happy Thanksgiving. 





~Sheri


29 comments:

Shug said...

Oh Sheri....that IS a lot of snow! It is Beautiful and I love seeing it on the branches of the trees. I'm glad they were able to get the electricity turned on pretty quickly for your area. It is wonderful to have neighbors who you can depend on if there is a need. You did good driving in to town..I'm glad you did and was able to get the things you needed. Those crescent rolls look so good...you really have a chef there who knows how to cook..all of the meals look wonderful. Sweet Mia...she is growing up and has her first tooth loss. The Christmas tree pin is so very pretty and up against the black sweater, it really stands out. This was a wonderful purchase. Hoping you have a fabulous Monday...stay warm sweet friend.

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness girl, where did all that snow come from? Did you have that much last year? I think that was a lot! Then with the rain - it melts some and becomes super heavy. Then at night when the temps go down - it can become black ice - so do be careful.
Good idea about the bird houses. And you do have lots of pretty candles for your power outages.
I remember last year if I am not mistaken, you buying those cute pink boots - glad you have them!
You are a strong woman too - just like the other gals.
Your meals look fabulous. So do the croissants - I would think they were would hard to make.
Your new pin looks good on your black shirt.
Mia's first tooth - she still looks a little wary of it. lol
Stay warm!

Debby said...

Looks like at least 18 inches of snow! Awesome. I have a friend who moved up to Alaska about 10 years ago and she loves the lifestyle there! I agree with you, about the locals. They love living there and snow is just part of the experience!
Beautiful photos of the trees! Sloshy snow is heavy snow! Just be careful you don’t throw out your back! My dad had a snow blower that would go out every year. It spent more time in the shop, then it did blowing snow! So back to shoveling!
I remember apples and cotlets. I haven’t had them in years.
Yeah for Mia on the loss of her first tooth!
You picked up some nice things at the fair.
Looks like more rain and snow is coming for today but looks like a clear sunny Thanksgiving weekend.
I’m wishing you and cozy Thanksgiving with sunshine, and a lot of pie! 😉

LoveT. said...

The first snow is magic, it looks very beautiful in your area.
The picture with the two birds looks beautiful in the light of the candle.
I wish you a wonderful new week

Billie Jo said...

Sweet Friend, Thank you for sharing your beautiful fresh snow! It made my day! I am glad you and your neighbors are safe and sound, of course. And that you had all the things you needed to be comy and cozy inside. Congratulations on the first Tooth Fairy visit for your sweet Mia! I love her Christmas jammies. I miss those! Stay safe and cozy up there. Hugs!

Ginny Hartzler said...

It is so beautiful there! And you have such wonderful neighbors! Where did your son learn to bake like this? They look perfect to me! Mia is even more adorable with a tooth missing!!

Julia said...

The snow is so beautiful where you live! I'm glad to hear your power outage was short-lived. Your son is quite the baker! Those croissants look delicious. And I love the Yogi pumpkin spice tea you have photographed. It's a favorite of mine. How exciting Mia lost her first tooth and got a visit from the tooth fairy. Love her cute smile! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm thankful to have met you here in blogland. Take care and stay warm and cozy, dear friend.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post, photos and words, you brightened my day. Enjoy and be safe. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🦃🍁🍂🦃🍁, Virginia

Jeanie said...

I love your perspective on the snow -- a gift to help you slow down and look beyond technology and just appreciate it all. You did get a tremendous amount. I'm glad your power wasn't out for too long and that you were able to make it into the store to get supplies. It's that time of year!

R's Rue said...

It’s beautiful.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Carla from The River said...

Hello Dear Sheri,
What a lovely post.. because you know how I love snow too. :-)
We are winter kindred spirits. xx oo
I loved how you wrote this post, community is so important, I agree.
Happy Thanksgiving my dear Sheri!
Carla

Estelle's said...

Wishing you a very blessed Thanksgiving Sheri! Yes, the snowfall is beautiful at first but after living in Maine, those winters just lasted far too long! But, it sure makes for a beautiful holiday! Your food looks delicious for a cold day! Stay warm and cozy my friend!

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Your first snow of the season is lovely Sheri. I love the snow for all the same reasons. A good time to slow down, make delicious meals, and appreciate the gift of life. Your son's croissants look divine! He's becoming quite professional! Mia has lost a tooth already? Wow! Time is certainly flying. Have a lovely Thanksgiving and enjoy that beautiful snow.

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Ha sido una nevada imortante, hasta ha cubierto en parte los coches.

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Ha sido una nevada importante, hasta ha cubierto en parte los coches.

Red Rose Alley said...

Thank you for following us, Autumn. I appreciate that very much. : )

Marilyn Miller said...

I love seeing all of your snow. Yes, It is quiet when snow is on the ground and we do need to be prepared when it comes along. The croissants are gorgeous, nice job by your son. Oh, the first tooth lost is such an event. Love the Christmas tree pin on your black jacket. So very pretty!

DeniseinVA said...

Hello my friend, lovely post. I will be back to comment on it properly in a day or so, but wanted to wish you and your family A Very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! Goodness Sheri, so much snow! :0 Stay safe and warm!

MELODY JACOB said...

The first snow truly does bring a magical stillness, and it sounds like your community makes it even more special. Stay warm and enjoy the beauty! I just shared a blog post, let me know what you think.

Debby said...

Sheri, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I’m thankful for our blog friendship! God bless.

Louca por porcelana said...

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Stunning photos and gorgeous brooch! Blessings dear Sheri.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The snow is so beautiful there! I hope you have everything you need and can stay inside and enjoy it! Love to bake when it's so cold outside. Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Donna said...

Aww! Little Mia's first lost tooth! A fun memory...
And look at all that snow! Wow!!
Stay warm my friend!
hugs
Donna

Susan said...

Hello Dear Sheri....YOWSERS. You got more snow than western Massachusetts! Ours is just a couple inches. Your snow fixtures are beautiful. All your meals look yummy! Loved your post, as always. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend. Stay warm!

Rose said...

OH, my, all that snow! It is just so beautiful! I always feel like a kid at heart with snow when it first starts falling...just cannot help but love it. It sounds like you have great neighbors and that means so much.

Veronica Lee said...

What a cozy post, Sheri! The first snow really does feel magical. I love how your neighborhood comes together—it sounds so warm and welcoming. Your son’s croissants sound amazing, and those vintage finds are such great treasures! Stay warm and enjoy the snow!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

What a wonderful post. There is something magical about the first snow!! But there is a lot of work and bother if the snow is deep. Love all your photos- thank you. No matter what, I always get just as excited now about snow as when I was a kid!! (Ok I am in Florida for the winter so I will only be enjoying the snow through your pics- The other first, Mia's first tooth loss is also exciting... A wonderful post - thanks.

DeniseinVA said...

First of all, Mia looks adorable with her missing tooth photo. The pear tree pin goes perfectly on your black top and I love the ceramic heart. I always look forward to the first snow. Yours looks does indeed look magical. Lovely that you have your son to help out, also those wonderful neighbors who look out for one another. Such pretty photos with your candles, I especially loved the first one because of the birds of course :) I have been hearing a lot about the pioneer spirit lately, it sounds like it still runs strong in your neighborhood. I found the same from the stories my sister used to tell me when she lived in Norway. Yes, snow can be very tricky but I haven’t done that for many years, or driven in it. The pioneer spirit is strong in you my dear, says I with a smile but truly meant. You do what you have to do. Your son made croissants? Wow! They look incredible! Thoroughly enjoyed all these pictures Sheri. I could keep going but I will stop for now and say thank you for sharing them all. Have a wonderful season to come and thank you for another delightful post.

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