I grew up in Idaho. Winters could be brutal, with weeks of temperatures below zero, and heaps of snow that never melted. Then I left home and spent winters in Illinois, Washington, Alaska, Colorado, Nevada, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
So. Many. Brutal. Winters.
Now I live in Rainier, Oregon! Winters are grey and wet. People ask me, “Doesn’t all that rain bother you?” My answer: “I don’t have to shovel rain!” Sometimes winters get cold enough here where the snow will stick on the ground, but usually you can still see the grass growing up through the snow because the layer is too thin. In 2016/17 we got a good snow. Last winter, I recall one day in which flakes fell from the sky, but the ground stayed too warm for snow to collect and make a layer of white. That was our snowiest day of the year.
I miss the snow in years like that. Not that I want another Idaho winter, but there are things about snow to love. This year, winter lasted for a week!
For a few days the snow fell, and then melted a little in daytime warmth, then snowed again at night. For my area, this was a massive major snowfall and I was having a blast. I built a snowman and made a snow angel and giggled at the Hussies in the snow.
Some of the deepest snow was in the early morning or at night, when the temperatures stayed cold enough for it not to melt.
All good snow storms come to an end, especially if you live where I do. Soon it got warm. And then more upper level moisture moved in. From what I hear, it dumped another foot of snow on Seattle, but it was warmer here, and dumped rain. And rain. And rain.
{Stay tuned. Guess what happens when tons of rain falls onto a thick blanket of snow? Yup. Flooding.}
Conscious Engagement 
hope the flooding is not damaging
and this is a great photo-rich post – the color in the hussies in the snow one really stands out with all the white and muted pics –
and love that fern for hair
Thanks for your concern! There was no damage so far. My biggest concern right now is that the raging creek loosened up the soil around the roots of the big trees along the creek, and a big windstorm, or more high water is going to take down some more trees. I lost eight trees one year for that reason.
The bright chicken shot is courtesy of some Instagram photo editing! 🙂
wow – eight tress is a lot – and hope the soil is not too disturbed –
and cool editing – make that warm editing for the vibrant color – ha
Ha ha “warm editing!”
We have that kind of snow now and for the last few weeks here near Woodstock NY. I have to confess that I love it, since I grew up in NJ and we had seasons with winter having snow. Also I can work from home, so it is okay if travel might not feel safe for me. Best wishes for the not-flooding and strong trees that stay well and rooted in place–
Donnalee thanks for your comment. The only parts of New York I know very well are way up north, from about Lake Placid to Gouverneur on up and also a little bit around the Finger Lakes…so I don’t know the Woodstock area very well. But the New York winters I did see were serious winters!
I get what you’re saying about being able to work from home. It makes all the difference if you don’t have to drive on snowy roads.
Gosh, that is gorgeous and I’m almost jealous. We had pretend snow that didn’t really stick. My daughter was so disappointed she couldn’t get a snow day off work. I’m sorry to hear the trees are at risk. That’s rough. I do not want another snow like the Christmas snow in 2016. It’s hard to see people getting hurt because the roads are a mess. Most don’t know how to handle driving in snow. I say the same thing, we don’t have to shovel the rain. That’s why I live here. Hope you are doing well. It’s been busy here.
I have been doing well, Marlene! I’m sorry your daughter didn’t get her snow day. 2016/17 was a good snow year. Yes, I worry about my trees all the time because they are mostly old trees, and there are no young ones primed to take their places. I have tried to plant a few…but so far they haven’t grown taller than a couple feet because the deer keep eating them! Urg! I also worry because I don’t own a chainsaw and if I get enough trees in the creek, I’m going to have to bite the bullet and learn how to use a chainsaw. Eeek. Can’t leave them in the creek because that would cause even worse flooding than you’ll see in my next post.
It’s always something when you own a house. I think I’m going to try and sell this summer. Not sure where I’m going but I think I’m done here. I’m ready for simple. As for a chain saw, I’ve used my share. Tried to kill an avocado tree with one. The damn thing came back next year bigger and better with avocados that actually had flavor for the first time. I’ve used so many and as long as you are careful, they can be fun.
Beautiful and more to come before this winter is over.
You are right! Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, snow has always been a reason to celebrate. More snow means more snowpack in the mountains, which means less drought in the summer. Bring it on!
Something we are painfully aware of down here too. It’s been a good wet winter with good snow so far. With any luck it will continue a little longer.
I’m glad to hear that.
You have a beautiful place. So close to nature. 🙂
Thank you, and I agree with you. It’s why I bought the place. The house is nice…. but the LAND. ❤
Yes, yes! The LAND! Beautiful.
(Did you have major work done inside? The kitchen or something? Or am I mixed up?)
You are correct! Good memory. I just finished a big kitchen rennovation. Tore out walls and rearranged everything. It’s a big change and was a good decision. It’s making me love the house a little bit more. But never more than I love the land. 😉
The two go together. Glad the work is done. Always a pain. Do you have a porch or something to watch “the land”?
I do!
🙂
I grew up in Northern ID. Snow, snow, snow! Now that Im in the Portland area I actually sometimes miss it. Sometimes! Usually just during the holidays. ❄️
Ha ha! I get you, entirely. Where in northern Idaho? I lived in Sandpoint for Junior High and New Meadows for high school.
I grew up in Coeur d’ Alene. Moved here for more career opportunities