Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to DECEMBER . Hope you have an awesome and grateful month!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Our Tiny but PRETTY Snow

I didn't think I would do this post since I had another one ready to publish.  BUT--after seeing the pictures and getting comments from my Facebook Friends,  I decided to publish them for you today (with apologies to my FB friends who have seen them already).  BUT--I know that many of you who blog don't 'do' Facebook---so hopefully you will enjoy them.  If you click on them,  they will enlarge to 16x10.

We had one of the prettiest  snowfalls during the day on Wednesday this week, even though it was quite small.  All last year (when we had quite a bit of snow),  I kept telling George that I wanted to see one of those 'wet' snows that clings to everything.... 

WELL---even though we only had an inch or so,  it was so pretty...  Both of us went outside and took photos... AND--George loved it also... Do you know why?????  WELL--there are two reasons:  1.  it didn't stick to the driveway or roads---so he doesn't have to  clear the driveway;  and 2... he said that he was happy that "I" finally got my snow ---so now,  I can be ready for SPRING.... ha ha ha   (Can you tell that George ---raised in Indiana --doesn't like snow much,  and that I ---raised in southwest VA---LOVE it???)

We are supposed to have a fairly mild winter ---so this may be our only snow...  (I know that you northerners are laughing at me being so excited about a small snow like this ---since you get SO much snow. )  BUT---this truly is the perfect snow to me.  I don't need to see 9 or more inches to love it!!!!!

Above is the front of our home.  The snow was really peppering down when we were outside getting some pictures.  Compare this picture to my header above.  There was much more snow last year ---but I still like Wednesday's picture also.  Another thing I loved about this little snow was that it came during the daytime ---so we can enjoy it.  Most of our snows seem to come at nights...

Note in this picture also that the container Roses are still out... (Last year,  they were cut back and put away into the garage for the winter by now.)  We have been quite mild so far this year with a very few cold days... Interesting how every year is different from the ones before. That is what makes life interesting, isn't it????






You can also tell in this picture just how much snow was coming down.




We have 3 Holly Bushes near the front porch area....  Here's a close-up of all of the berries that are on that bush this year.   Doesn't that look Christmasy??????




Here  is the bench in our front yard.   George built this little area for me to be able to sit out there and admire all of the Roses during the Spring/Summer/Fall...   Wanna come and share the bench with me????   Probably not ---since it's cold out there now!!!




As I've said,  I love seeing how a snow like this clings to everything.  Look at this windchime.... Can you see it?????




Here's a close-up picture of one of the Rose branches covered with snow.




And look at the poor Pansies in this flowerbed!!!!   Don't they look cold?????  I will say though that SNOW doesn't hurt them...  In fact,  they are protected from the cold temps by the snow... What Pansies don't like is FROST and extremely cold temperatures.




Finally,  this may be my favorite photo from Wednesday... We have 3 lit wreaths on the front of the house---and another one which is on the back deck ---hanging over the chimney area.   I told someone on a blog today that I absolutely love wreaths.  In fact,  we have a total of SIX wreaths in and around our home.   The picture above was taken of the wreath on our deck. Isn't this one pretty?

Happy WINTER to all (who are experiencing winter where you live)...  I've told many folks that we live in the best of all worlds here.  We do have ALL four seasons ---including winter.   But ---we don't have hard winters  like some do.   We also (because we are 2000 feet above sea level) don't have very hot summers either... (I was questioning that with all of the heat we had this past Summer though... ha ha )

Hope you enjoyed seeing our FIRST snow of the season!!!!   I was one happy gal!

Have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday.
Hugs,
Betsy

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos of your first snow-fall, Betsy. Do keep warm whatever the weather! We had our first snow last week which quickly turned to heavy rain. Since then we have had gales in the north of Britain with flooding and electric supplies out. Thankfully, being retired, we can stay indoors. The storm has subsided in our area of Yorkshire and I'm hoping that we're not snowed in this Winter.
I hope you have a peaceful weekend!

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, I did check out your photos on facebook. But, I am also happy to come see them again on your blog. Your house and yard look lovely in white. The wreaths are beautiful and I love the holly bushes. The red berries and the snow look so pretty together. I agree with George, the best kind of snow is the kind that does not stick to the street and driveway. Wonderful photos, have a great weekend!

Big Dude said...

I've always thought snow on evergreens was pretty and especially on the holly branches - it's had to beat getting the perfect snow.

Tabor said...

Those early wet spring snows are the best, aren't they? Especially if they are only a few inches!!

diane b said...

I can see why you like snow. It sure makes everything look pretty. The Holly is my favourite. However, I wouldn't want to sit on that bench or shovel driveways or drive on slippery roads. I am lucky because I can see the pretty snow on your blog from the warmth of my study chair. Glad george is happy too.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I didn't think I would ever say this,but,I am jealous.You have more snow than we do. It is so pretty.I am still hoping for a white christmas.but so far all is brown. Yuk!Guess I'll just have to be satisfied with that.Even though I live up north, I still love the snow.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

It is pretty. I would happily pass on to you any snow that wants to fall here...

Anonymous said...

Ooooo, look at the snow!!! Sooo beautiful, Betsy! I, too, love that kind of snowfall-- just an inch will do it. Too much of it is not a good thing.

Unknown said...

Beautiful Betsy! I am reminded of my home in northern NY although I believe they are getting larger quantities of snow today. Sitting here in Georgia this morning, I am happy to enjoy the snow through your wonderful photographs!

John
connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

Snap said...

Gorgeous!!!!!

mamahasspoken said...

Ah yes the wet snow is a beautiful snow. And what made your snow better is the fact that it's not sticking to your driveway!

From the Kitchen said...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow--just not too much!

Best,
Bonnie

Christine said...

Oh, Betsy those snow photos are so pretty. I'm dying to see some snow somewhere this winter! I love the snowy wreath the best!

Karin said...

Like Ruth, even though I live up North, I still love the snow!It is so pretty! I just don't LOVE the howling, biting winds, the slippery roads, the bitter, piercing cold, shoveling out the car, and the length of our whole winters, LOL!! But then, we chose to live here because of hubby's job! No use complaining - complaining just aggravates my spirit! We are thankful for each new day the Lord gives!

I'm so glad you both got some great photo ops when the snow showed up and are sharing the pics! Enjoy!

MadSnapper said...

the wind chimes are cool looking and i do mean COOL. ha ha and i love that first shot of the house, the rose pots make it even prettier, i like the way they curve and what is behind them fascinates me. truly beautiful snow shots

I Am Woody said...

Hooray for snow!!!

penny said...

The snow added a love topping to your outdoor Christmas decorations without leaving enough for George to shovel., how nice of Mother nature to accommodate both of you.
Be well n happy, Betsy.
blessings,
Pam

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

Beautiful--it looks so pretty when it sticks to everything. We had snow flurries...okay, sleet here on Wednesday. Yuck! Have a nice weekend Betsy!

TexWisGirl said...

it really made for some lovely images, betsy! i like how your house is sided too!

amelia said...

Your pictures won't load for me this morning but I saw them yesterday on FB so no worries.

We have had blizzard conditions a few times already this year, you know, where the snow flies sideways!! Great fun when I walk the dogs!

Chatty Crone said...

I love the green and red in the snow - a picture wintery picture.

Now that is the kind of snow I like - here today and gone tomorrow.

Love, sandie

Loren said...

Oh Betsy! I love your snow pics!! I am with you ~ I LOVE Snow ♥ Wet snows are fun, Heavy snows are fun too !! Your wreaths and that Holly bush are JUST GORGEOUS!!

Have a great weekend! Love & Hugs!!

Serenity Cove said...

I'm laughing, but not at the 1 inch of snow, which I agree is a perfect snow. I'm laughing because you got snow before we did in Ohio!! We had a few flurries on Wed. but nothing that even came close to sticking.
I can't tell my husband because he would say "and you want to move to TN to get away from all the snow." Yeah...I don't think I will tell him.

Anonymous said...

I am soooooooooo jealous! The bench photo would make a precious card!

KathyA said...

Beautiful, Betsy! You know what excites me about snowfall? The first few flakes!! The rest is gorgeous, but when you've been waiting for or it surprises you -- those first few flakes are so special!!

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, I love your snow pictures! I can't get over how beautiful the holly bushes look with snow on them. Thanks for checking up on me, I was just getting ready to post again. All is well. Have a great weekend! :)

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love your snow photo, Betsy, and I had to chuckle over your excitement! We had a little bit of snow Tuesday. It was enough to cause several fender benders not far from here.
Have a nice weekend!
Cheryl

imac said...

Snow, love to see, but when you have to go out in it to work most early mornings,its not sooo good.
Love your photos tho Betsy.

Lady Di Tn said...

Enjoyed your snow photos. The Xmas babies post was a cute one. Peace

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

It was beautiful, wasn't it, Betsy!!!!
xo, misha

Linda@VS said...

I love how the bright red and green of the holly pop against the snow. Your house and yard look beautiful. It's probably no coincidence that those of us who don't see much snow seem to enjoy it more than those who see plenty of it every winter.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The second and third pictures, and the wreath are my favorites. Your pictures are beautiful!! I do see some sweet little pansies peeking out! The snow completely missed us, we were to get as much as four inches. I think the best part of snow is watching it fall!!! What did you do to the header picture, anyway? Is that real snow coming down? But it is so perfectly round! Did you add it by computer or something? The whole thing is just so beautiful, I love seeing it when I visit. I hope you have a great weekend, Betsy!!!

nanny said...

I agree with you....the wreath is my favorite too....beautiful

I love a wet snow too. I love the way it clings to one side of the trees. But like George, I love it not sticking to roads and driveways...come on spring/ha

Neal said...

I am like George. Snow is fine with me as long as it doesn't fall on my driveway or the roads. :) The pictures are beautiful and I love to take snow pictures and look at them.

HappyK said...

Snow certainly makes everything look so pretty. Thanks for sharing all your pictures.

A Colorful World said...

What a perfectly gorgeous snowfall! It has made your house and grounds look like a wonderland! I too think one or two good snows each winter is enough (I am from AL but spent a lot of my childhood in Md where the snow was gorgeous and fun but very COLD!) It is just a perfect Christmas if there is snow! But I hate to travel in it or be in out in it for any reason when it's wet and cold! I hope this isn't the last you see this year, but I'm with you (and George) a couple of inches that sticks to everything EXCEPT the road is just about PERFECT!

Thanks for the comments on my post!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

I love it when snow sticks to everything like that. Beautiful!

trump said...

You have a very nice looking home Betsy, and a very tastefully decorated one at that. And thank you for your blog visits to mine again, we have not recieved any snow just yet my way in Pennsylvania but I'm hearing its soon on the way! Richard

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Beautiful photos of your home Betsy!!! I love your snow photos!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Anonymous said...

Guess what? I saw your snow pictures here first. I haven't seen them on Facebook yet :-) I read George's blog post about the snow before this one. I have a similar comment. You have had more snow than we have had this season. Our time will come soon, though, I'm sure!

Ms. A said...

The photos are beautiful! I love looking at the snow, as long as I don't have to drive in it. The berries and wreath make it really look like Christmastime.

Terry and Linda said...

We had the same snow only it was a dry snow so it's still here in our very cold weather. TRADE YOU!!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Wendy said...

Nice to see you happy and back on your feet once again. I haven't posted in quite a while, but I do remember you being sick a while ago. Your post reflects such happiness and I'm glad!

And you have more snow than we do 'way up here in the frozen North!! We have absolutely no snow yet! We've had a few days of sprinkles, but that's it and it's all melted! So unusual this time of year.

I love wreaths too. They are just so pretty.

I wondered why you still had pots of flowers out on your front step. I did not know they were roses. Your pansies really don't mind snow. They must be the hardy variety.
Sending hugs

Ann said...

I will admit that when everything is covered in a blanket of snow it does make for a pretty sight but I still don't like it....lol
I think I could enjoy it more if I never had to leave the house in the winter. Driving in it is horrible.
Glad you got your snow and it made you happy

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

This is the kind of snow that I like...pretty but not hanging around!

Fred Alton said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy! Thanks for sharing them. I love a snow like that when it doesn't snow on the road...just on the grass, trees, and plants. Ha. ☺

Small City Scenes said...

Oh what fun, Betsy. I am clapping my hands for joy just for you. I like to see a little snow falling too. We don't get too much out this way either. Some years a lot and some years none at all. Just a random shot here. So enjoy while it sticks around. MB

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I think we got about as much snow here in our neck of the woods as you did. Fun and not inconvenient (but I do like warmer weather). Nice pictures! Have a splendid weekend!

carolina nana said...

That was a beauty of a snow fall and your pictures are awesome !!
All my roses and other things I usually have moved into the green house by now are still out due to our mild weather here also. Hope we don't have to pay for this mildness later on in the winter !!!
Blessings
marilyn

Lynn said...

Betsy, I think you just posted to your blog after FB so I could enjoy all the beauty of your "perfect" snow once again. I did! It was perfect. Like I said on FB, it is amazing how just a little snow changes the entire feeling of the landscape. Thank you again for the lovely pictures. Thinking of you and hope you enjoy your weekend.
Blessings,
Lynn

Diane said...

That last picture, the one of the wreath, could be a Christmas card Betsy. Snow seems to make everything magical. Diane

Anonymous said...

Very pretty snow pics, Betsy! I especially love the holly berries covered with snow!

SquirrelQueen said...

Oh Betsy, that little dusting of snow really is pretty. You really look like your ready for Christmas now. From your photos it looks like its coming down pretty good.

It's white here too but no snow just ice fog covering everything. The weather guys say snow flurries this weekend but doesn't sound like we will get much.

Happy Weekend.

Birdman said...

We're in hopes of a snowfall that STAYS soon. Need that white 25th.

Kelly said...

...we haven't had any snow, Betsy. :-( They said our winter is going to be warm and mild, rain but no snow. How disappointing. last year we already had 6 inches on the ground. Oh well... Your snow was very pretty...

Cassie said...

Betsy, what wonderful snow pics! I miss the fluffy white stuff. No snow here in Phoenix, though the nutsy inhabitants are running around wearing heavy scarves and coats. Sheesh people, it's in the 60's & 70's! Have a great weekend.
x-c

Carletta said...

That front that came through was supposed to bring us a dusting but we never got a flake. :(
I'm sure I'll see some and maybe a lot before winter is over so I'm glad to see you got some.
I mentioned on George's post that I thought you liked it as much as me.
I LOVE that last shot of the wreath - it would make a perfect postcard or Christmas card. :)

Tammie Lee said...

Lovely wintry images Betsy. I love the red, greens and snowy whites.

Connie said...

I'm glad you got your snow, Betsy. I know how much you love it. Those bright red holly berries look so pretty against the snow. :-)

Rose said...

I love the wreath one, best...but sure like the bench one, too. I just love snow pictures anyway.

Andrea said...

Hi Betsy, I believe you to have the best conditions, not very hot summers and not very long winters. You are blessed. That first photo is so beautiful, and being in a country without snow, that is a dream, to get a photo with falling snow. That is already a fantasy photo for me! And your header i still remember last year, whey you described all the locations around your house. How fantastic those scenes are!

JDS said...

Betsy, you have posted some outstanding photos over the years but these might be my all-time favorites. Especially the one of the holly and the one of the wreath.

I am with you, I like it when snow clings to things. I much prefer seeing branches laden with snow after a one-inch snowfall than bare branches after a six-incher. I can't explain why it is, but things just look so much more peaceful when everything has snow on it instead of just the ground.

Now I am chomping at the bit to take a winter vacation, which we do most years, since that is likely the only way we will get to see snow down here in the Tampa area...We did have a half-inch accumulation the week after my sixth birthday, back in January 1977, that I remember vividly...And on Christmas Eve 1989 we had flurries that went on for almost an entire day but left only a very thin coat on the hood of my car. It had to be less than a millimeter because you could see the individual flakes, almost like someone had spilled a salt shaker, instead of a solid sheet of white.

Oh well, enough reminiscing about me. Merry Christmas to you and George and I hope you gets lots of wet snows this year!

Annesphamily said...

Hi Betsy you sure make snow inviting. I love these Christmas time shots you are sharing with us. Anne

Pat Tillett said...

Beautiful! Even that small amount of snow would cause chaos where I live! I'm glad you are enjoying the season...