Surviving Winter

My prayers are going today to the people in Buffalo, New York who are literally buried in snow and freezing bitter cold.  Mother Nature has really buried them in one of the worst snow storms.  I can not imagine living there.  It has been bitter cold here and after hearing how much snow Buffalo had, it makes our snow fall seem like a dusting.  Regardless winter weather is dangerous and black ice is no fun to deal with.

My prayers have been answered so far in regards to my neighbor's tree.  The tree has survived some gusting winds of  35 mph.  It is going to be awhile before they can clean up the branches that did fall. It is too cold for anyone to be outside for very long.  The last two days we have had high winds, blowing snow, and wind chills below zero.

I ventured out yesterday to see my dad and despite the fact I was bundle up, I still got very cold.  The wind stung my face and my hands felt like I did not have gloves on.   I wish I was somewhere else where the warm breezes blow.  I just keep dreaming about flip flops and sandy beaches.

My husband and I are usually still walking outside this time of the year, but the weather is definitely not cooperating.  We were discussing the fact that we need to find something to do for exercise before we turn into couch potatoes.  We will probably have to start going to the university to walk.  It is hard to believe that is has been almost two years ago that we walked our half marathon.  I wish right now that I was in San Antonio.  We need to set a new goal and get ourselves in shape.  It is the only way to get through this awful winter.

I just got a smile on my face as the sun has come out.  I can still hear the winds howling, but that sun is a sign of hope.  I am going to venture out again to meet some friends.  My gratitude today is for my warm house, sunshine, and spending time with friends who help chase away the winter blues.

Stay warm and safe where ever you are.

Life is beautiful !!

Elizabeth:)

The First Major Snowfall And Winter Has Not Officially Started

My prediction for the first major snow fall has come true.  We awoke this morning to snow everywhere.  The schools are closed and their unfortunately was a fatal accident this morning on the highway.  Many prayers are being sent to the family.  This is not going to be a good winter and I am fearing a repeat of last winter.  The winds are suppose to pick up as the day goes on and the temperatures will continue to drop.  Tomorrow the temperatures will be highs only in the single digits and with wind chills well below zero.  YUCK!

This picture is the back patio area.  The snow is continuing to fall and there is suppose to be five inches before it ends.  There is a scarecrow sitting on the ledge of the fence beside a mum which is now history.  We need prayers because the tree you can see to the left has split from the weight of the snow.  It is actually our neighbor's tree.  The leaves are still on it, as the leaves are still on a lot of trees around the area.  If the winds continue to pick up as they are, my fear is this tree will split again and it is coming right at our house.  It is actually bigger than the picture depicts.  Some of the branches have already fallen over the back fence which is about fifteen feet away from this patio fence in our yard. I told my husband this was going to happen.  I wish people would trim their trees. 

You can see that the tree is towering over the second story of the house behind us.  I just looked out the upstairs window and a big branch is resting on their swimming pool.  This is going to be a big mess to clean up.  Please God, do not let this tree fall our way.  I also am praying it does not damage my neighbor's house.  Trees are beautiful in the summer and when the snow falls, but they are dangerous especially when  loaded with leaves and wet snow.

My husband said I will hear the tree fall if it happens.  He said he heard the first split this morning as he ate breakfast.  He didn't know what it was at first and then he looked out the kitchen window.  This fall is already proving to be awful and just think it is not winter yet.

The road crews have announced that no secondary streets will be salted because, there is a shortage of salt  from last winter.  I pray that people are extra careful driving on the roads.

Laney loves running through the snow and it is fun to watch her.  It is not fun to clean her off.  She looked like a big snowball earlier as the snow sticks to her fur.  Thank goodness for hair dryers, towels and mops.  What can I say, hello winter and goodbye to flip flops.  Stay safe and warm !

Life is beautiful !

Elizabeth:)