Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, January 18, 2013

STRANGE WEEK here on the Cumberland Plateau

Most of you know that I am fascinated by the WEATHER.... (I seem to talk about it alot!!! ha)....  Anyhow we have just had a week of almost every kind of weather possible... Beginning last weekend,  it was like SPRING... Our temperatures got up to almost 70 degrees.  George and I were working in the yard ---and got almost too warm!!! Can you believe it ---in JANUARY????

Above and below are two pictures showing how our SPRING FLOWERS think it's March --and are trying to grow/bud/bloom... GADS--it's too early!!!!   The Jonquils (Daffodils) above are growing TOO fast.  You can even see a couple of buds on some of them...

Be sure to click on the photos to see enlargements.




AND--even though our Crocuses haven't popped up yet,  the HYACINTHS are BLOOMING.  Unbelievable!!!!




After the Spring temps/weather,  we next experienced FOG..... Here are a couple of photos I took from the deck looking out onto the golf course fairway.  Fog makes for some great pictures..




AND---as the day continued,  the fog just got worse and worse....   I don't think the fog lifted that entire day.




Next came more RAIN..... AND --it kept on for hours and hours and days and days... There was flooding all over East Tennessee.   We had nothing severe here on the mountain --but we did get alot of rain.   It seemed to go on FOREVER....

Above shows the water between our backyard and the golf course fairway...




Here is what I call the Betsy and George WATERFALL in our back yard.  This area is usually just a rocky area (no water)--but when it rains hard like it did,  we have our own waterfall here.  How 'bout that?????




Finally,  here is a picture of the water out front ---going down the hill next to the front flowerbed George built a few years ago... Some of you may remember how this wall fell when he was first building it---due to high water.  He has built a really nice ditch for the water now,  and it seems to flow well...




If  Spring temps,  fog, and flooding weren't enough ----guess what we had NEXT???  We had FREEZING RAIN...  Again,  it can be dangerous --but we didn't have enough to break any limbs or cause any damage.  Freezing rain is like fog since it makes for some really nice pictures...  Here are two which I liked. (Please enlarge them.)




I called them,  GLISTENING TREES.....  Neat picture,  isn't it????  George took this one.




After the Spring weather (with temps in the upper 60's--almost 70) ---the temperature dropped rapidly and stayed in the lower 30's most of the rest of the week... It was miserable being outside (putting out bird seed for my backyard birdies).....

One evening ---just before dark,  while I was on the deck putting away the bird feeders,  this is what I saw on the golf course fairway... I'm surprised that this picture came out as well as it did since it was almost dark...  I had to use a flash and my long lens.  There were EIGHT deer paying no attention to me --but busy eating...




The weather forecasters (who never seem to get our weather correct) predicted that we would get 3-5 inches of snow yesterday... Everyone believed them --and even the schools here were cancelled for the entire day...  Guess what????  We got NO SNOW---not a drop!!!!!   I was so disappointed --but truly not surprised...

Instead we just got more Freezing Rain --and some SLEET (pictured above).... Fun Fun!!!!




FINALLY ---to close out an interesting week,  here is what the sky looked like after the system finally left us yesterday afternoon.... 




Here's one more picture of that PINK SKY....  Isn't it pretty????   Guess what that means??? It means SUNSHINE for us TODAY ---and hopefully,  for several more days!!!!   Most of us in this area are ready now for some SUNSHINE....

Can you believe our week?  Here's what we had:  Spring temperatures in January--which turned cold quickly;  Fog;  Rain-Rain-Rain--which led to flooding;  Freezing Rain;  and finally, Sleet.....  Very interesting!!!!

BUT--the one thing I wanted (SNOW) never happened...  I told someone on Facebook that I need to just get over it --and start wishing for SPRING... ha ha

Have you ever had a week like this????  Unbelievable...

Have a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday!!!

Hugs,

67 comments:

pembrokeshire lass said...

You're right.....what a week! Some lovely photos, though! Especially the freezing rain on he trees. We've woken to snow here this morning....sorry! We often miss it in in Pembrokeshire when the rest of Wales has a covering. I bet the children will be enjoying themselves today as school will be closed! Joan

Catherine said...

I can't believe your flowers are coming up already Betsy! Is it that global warming thing or has Mother Nature just gotten herself all mixed up! Enjoy the warm weather!
xo Catherine

Elizabeth Edwards said...

the weather is so confusing. wild! we had some snow but not much. it made schools around here 2 hours late. but that is about it. so it just messes with the morning commute. amazing view. that sunset is spectacular. have a good weekend. ( :

mamahasspoken said...

I have some of my spring bulbs poking their heads out of the ground too. I'm hoping that it doesn't hurt them too bad when the single digit temps hit us next week.
As for the schools closing, driving on the ice can be more dangerous then the 2-3 inches of snow....

Jeanne said...

Wow! What a week! I love your glistening trees! I hope you get your snow before winter is gone. We love snow too and might have to make a trip to see some soon.

Hootin Anni said...

Golly, to think, you two have your own waterfall!!! That's cool. :o)

I just read the comment that you left for me on my Friday blog....wow, the Ballard family [I went to Google] sounds quite an interesting bit of history in Va. But, I would much prefer to read Anne's bio [Ballard's wife that was kidnapped]. Her words would make a good southern writing!!! I'm sure of it.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

It has been a strange week. We ended up getting about 6 inches yesterday. It's a pretty, heavy snow.

MadSnapper said...

sounds like you covered all the seasons but summer in one week. wacky weather all over the world. cool waterfall you have... we have a ditch like george put at the wall, it goes around the side of our house for when we get rain of which we have had none for 3 months. we did get sprinkles twice of 1/4 inch total..

Sharon said...

The most incredible thing of all about this to me is how completely different the weather can be at your house and at mine when we are 60 miles apart. Your pictures are beautiful, but I'm glad I'm in Florida!

pam said...

I know!! We got out early yesterday - no snow, but lot's of cold windy rain. But today....sun!!!!

joy said...

This is really a great week to take marvelous pictures. Very awesome!

Karin said...

That's quite the weather documentary! Truly unbelievable for January! Love your own little waterfall - another millenium and it could be a huge cascade as this trickle wears away the rock! Our weather is strange up here too - snowed heavily, melted enough to dry the streets and then in the deep freeze on the week-end. No wonder we have construction all summer as the roads buckle and heave with this constant change, making them pothole pathways! Enjoy your week-end!

Marcia said...

Bright blue sky but cold here this morning. Temps will warm again this weekend then cold next week. I see green tops breaking through the soil but nothing nearly as far along as you have.

linda m said...

You really have had quite the week weather wise!! Those are some incredible pictures you too - I can't say I have a favorite as I love them all. Today it is going to get warm followed by dropping temps into the single digits and below zero. I am patiently waiting for Spring.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

That's some crazy weather. I hope your spring flowers don't get too mixed up!

I Am Woody said...

Crazy weather! Vol Fan's family posted some interesting stories about trying to get home yesterday in all the snow Knoxville got!

Dorothy said...

My, my! You really have had a strange weather week! I guess those bulbs thought it was Spring the other day when it was so hot!

Donna said...

I agree that the weather has been crazy! We're delighted to finally see blue skies and sunshine this morning! We got over 8 inches of rain this week - incredible! I guess you've heard that 441 thru the Smokies washed out in a section. Now Cherahala Skyway too!

Our daffodils are 3-6 inches tall. No buds yet. They are way too early, that's for sure!

TexWisGirl said...

you ran the gamut, didn't you? each weather pattern made for good photos. like your own personal waterfall. :)

Ms. A said...

Talk about all over the board!

I love your fog photos and the one of your very own waterfall... although the reason you have it might not be ideal. At least you don't flood. That's always a big potential for it in my area, we're low.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I seem to talk about the weather a lot....it is a big part of my life nowadays....it has been extreme this week....neat pics

troutbirder said...

Good grief. What a roller coaster. I don't think the flowers coming up in Jan. can be a good thing though......

Out on the prairie said...

Hope all your flowers survive.It is goig to be inthe 50's here today and 20's Sunday.

From the Kitchen said...

We are still experiencing the same old weather--cold and dry!! Love the "weather" photos.

Best,
Bonnie

MTWaggin said...

That is just crazy weird but we always think the things we have no control over are weird! LOL We are supposed to get cold again but not below 0 then warm up - IF they are right.

OLDLADYWITH FLARE said...

THE WATERFALL IS MY FAVORITE PICTURE.

GRANNY FROM STORIES N C

Sylvia K said...

You certainly have had a little of all kinds of weather this week! Amazing! Terrific captures as always! Hope you have a great weekend! Enjoy!

Serenity Cove said...

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you lived in Ohio:)
Except we would have had the snow too!!

Nellie said...

Yes, it has been quite a week weatherwise, hasn't it? The trace of snow that we received on Thursday afternoon had disappeared by the morning, and we have sunshine today. Sun! Now that's something we haven't seen in awhile!

xo Nellie

carolina nana said...

Your week sounds just like ours except the we didn't get any freezing rain. The cold temperatures froze what water was still on the roads and everything else this morning causing a 2-hour school delay.
Hope you all have a great weekend
Blessings
Marilyn

happyone said...

We've had some crazy weather too. But I'm amazed that you have plants growing already!!

Chatty Crone said...

So many nice pictures to look at - we have had lots of rain and overcast skies here too - today is sun -yeah!!

Unfortunately the plants here think it is spring too - bet they were shocked today! It was cold this am! Phew!

sandie

Together We Save said...

We have been having strange weather, we had snow yesterday and for about 4 hours it looked like a winter wonderland, then out popped the sun and it was all over. I did share a couple of pictures of oldest daughter playing in the snow in K-town.

Your pictures are amazing, as always. Love the shot of the deer.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Yikes! And I thought we had changing weather in Manitoba. LOL You sure captured each of these weather stories very well.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Wild stuff this weather pattern Betsy! It's crazy over here as well. The daffodils and hyacynths were a real puzzler! The humans are confused....imagine how the poor plants feel - obviously!
Your crazy weather week made for some great shots though!
Hugs
R.

imac said...

Big snow show here all night - they say.

Lady Di Tn said...

I did not know you were on the hill this past week but from your weather description we muddle through the same kind of weather. Have a wonder weekend. Peace

Carletta said...

It's crazy here too Betsy! This time last week we had 70 degree weather and today 34. We could get snow this weekend.
I guess looking at your daffodils I should go check on mine. I think at this rate the robins will soon appear.
Have a great weekend!

Small City Scenes said...

Whew! What a week. But does look like the same here. We had so much rain I thought we'd have to build an ark when the weather changed and it down into the teen F which means sunny days and blue skies that lasted awhile and we did get some snow but just a trace and today is FOG---all day. Thank goodness no freezing rain although they do make for pretty pictures. MB

Ann said...

we've had some crazy weather here too. Last Sunday it was 65 and I was out in the back yard with short sleeves and no jacket. Today it's in the low twenties and I'm freezing.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Weather systems seem to be weird everywhere these days, but you surely did have an interesting variety of it for one week. Glad you stayed safe. And you got some beautiful photos out of it. I feel sorry for the jonquils and hyacinths, though. They had a surprise awaiting them, didn't they?

Connie said...

You really did cover the whole gamut of weather this week, Betsy. I can't believe you have flowers blooming already! Wow! Hope you have a nice weekend.

Neal said...

Just to make you envious :) ... I texted my niece in Cumberland Gap yesterday evening and they had gotten about 3 inches on snow. She said it was beautiful. You sure did get the whole range of weather...everything except what you wanted.

Rohrerbot said...

Wonderful post Betsy!!! Our weather is doing the same stuff over here. We just got out of another historic freeze!!! Nasty for the desert. The poor birds were super hungry! Love your ice on branches pics but to be honest, they are all very cool. Smart planning on George's part for the abundance of water days around your place. That actually looks very cool how it all flows down. The only thing that makes me sad? Those poor bulbs. Hope they are okay.

Linda P said...

What an interesting set of photos capturing the strange changes in weather. I love your waterfall and the pink sky. Hope the weather is settling into a normal pattern for the time of year. The heavy snowfall that we were expecting across Britain has arrived in our region. We are not quite snowed in yet on our hill, but it's not a good idea to drive or even walk out because of the impacted ice under the fresh snow.

Anonymous said...

All the seasons passed your way lately, Betsy. Each one had its own unique beauty though.
Love the mysterious fog photos.
Hugs

Small Kucing said...

Yay spring is here :)

I do love to look at the blossoming flowers. snap more photos please

Janice K said...

Oh my. Nothing so dramatic up here. I did notice some daffodils peaking thorough the ground though.

Enjoy the smells of those Spring flowers while you can and Have a great weekend!

HolleyGarden said...

What a wild week of weather! I always worry when it's so warm in January that the eventual freezes will hurt the tender shoots. I love your waterfall! And the deer are amazing. So many! I hope the weather settles down a bit. It's got to be confusing the plants!

Ginny Hartzler said...

I knew it was just a matter of time till you got your own waterfall!!! I adore the fog pics and the beautiful pink sky! We were promised 4 to 6 and only got a dusting.

diane b said...

It must be hard to know what to wear each day wondering if it is going to be warm or freezing cold. That was a mish mash of a week. At least not boring heat like we have here every day over 30° C every day , blue skies and no rain for months. The garden is brown and it is too hot to go out there and do any work.

Terry and Linda said...

What an amazing week. But your spring flowers are thinking spring so I wonder if you are going to have an early spring.

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

Anonymous said...

It certainly was an interesting week and you captured it well in photos. Our neighbor's jonquils opened this week! We've had 12" rain since Jan. 1. I'm thankful but boy was I glad to see sunshine today.
Wishing you and George a good evening. Mildred

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

WOW you can say you had a week of exciting weather. I would of loved the 60 and 70 day. Your poor flowers do not know if they should sprout, bloom or go back to the WInter mode. We've had the same kinds of weather too. I loved reading your blog and loved seeing all your very lovely photos. I look forward to seeing many more of your wonderful photos. Hugs Judy

LV said...

At least, you got it all within the same time.Took a lot of adjusting to all those changes. The waterfall circle is complete, nature knew the great love you two had for them. So many change things happen to turn out to be blessings.

Anonymous said...

Poor you - longing for snow and having to put up with rain! The freezing rain shots are fabulous though as are the pink skies.

Linda G. said...

Very nice pictures and great monologue to go with them!

DeniseinVA said...

Wow! You had a whole cycle of weather there Betsy. Here in Virginia we are supposed to get into the 20s on Tuesday. Roll on Spring :)

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Such a variety there. Sorry you didn't get the actual snow part. :-(
It seems fitting that you two would have your own waterfall though.

Roberta said...

Dear Betsy,
I like so much visiting your blog !! I'm waiting for snow too, but it had rain almost all the last week.. About your beautiful photos, my favourite is the deer's one ! Living in a city, I have never seen them so near at home !!!

Greetings from Italy !!
Roberta
La Sportina

Elizabeth said...

It sure was a crazy, crazy weather week wasn't it?? Here in NE Mississippi we had exactly the same stuff as you...and I was hoping that YOU would get snow because you love it so...aawwww, the sleet was the best the system could do for you. I have to tell you that at our house we got no snow, but 30 miles away in Tupelo there was some, and down near Jackson there were inches and inches. My daughter went to visit friends at Mississippi State University and there were remains of snowmen! Oh what crazy weather for the Deep South!!

Your pictures are wonderful! The ice was just enough to cause the glistening, but not enough to bring down branches. Had to watch out driving though, as there were slick spots.

I hope you'll have time to look at my blog about this weather, because it's got lots about my backyard birdies...I worried about them like they had never been through weather before!!

Enjoy this current sunny weather :-)

hugs,
Elizbeth

Unknown said...

Living in Okieland, I am completely used to the wild variations we go through regularly weather. I have seen myself 70 degrees one day and 23 the next!!

Now please can you send some of that lovely rain to us, we are desperate out here, and your lovely yard looks so lush and green.

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

The weather here has truly been very strange! Wonder what the next few months will bring!
Have a great Sunday, Betsy!
xo, misha

Nancy said...

Hi Betsy,
So glad to catch up with you again; I have missed you...I have kept up with you through FB but have missed your blog so much and all the wonderful pictures you have to show us....

This week was certainly no exception....Full range of weather uh?

Be safe and keep the photos coming....

Jo said...

Hi Betsy, you would fit in well in our home town, Marquard, South Africa. Being a farming community, people talk about the weather a LOT! I simply LOVE your foggy photos, your icy tree branches and your private Betsy and George waterfall. In fact I love every bit of this post! I'm linking your post to mine today while I continue my post about blogging and snail mail! Have a wonderful week, my dearest Betsy. (((Hugs))) Jo

Rose said...

We have been having the same strange weather. It didn't get to 70º, but did get to 50. And I have not seen any hyacinths blooming, but then I have hardly been out. It is just wild how it has been. And I heard on the weather last night that we may have another dry summer, but hope they are wrong.

Grandma Bonnie said...

I love the fog photos. I can hardly believe the weather here has been crazy also. It was sweater weather over the weekend. Then started out nice on Monday and got really cold in the after noon. This morning it was 4 deg. when we got up to feed the animals. My wish is that spring comes early this year.