A Snowy Monster and Other Things in My Garden

When I woke up yesterday morning, this is the scene that greeted me outside the front windows:

It was a perfect snow for several reasons:

1. I was off work, so I could stay home to enjoy it.

2. There was enough snow to be beautiful but not enough to block roads; so those who had to get about could do so safely, as long as they drove carefully.

3. It will all be gone soon, as spring-like weather is forecast for this weekend.

I quickly pulled on warm clothes and got my camera. I spent the next hour or so wandering around, snapping photos. I was euphoric over the snow which outlined the tree branches:

The old oak tree behind our house is a survivor. It was once a magnificent, perfectly formed tree, but its top was ripped away by the tornado that came through, exactly twenty-one years ago. I thought it would die, but it has surprised me!

I headed for the front garden, and for a moment a snowy monster gave me pause. Then I recognized an old rubber lizard, who has lived in my garden for about fifteen years. He's rather large, and the older he grows, the more life-like he becomes! Below the lizard are various garden ornaments.

Here's a scene from the lady garden. The snow brings out the lady's true nature: rampant and unruly!

And some views of the woodland garden:The tree with the birdhouse is a trident maple. Winter highlights its lovely peeling bark.

I was feeling artsy with my new camera, so I enjoyed taking shots featuring snowy patterns:

Despite the snow, I saw signs of spring, as well as the last remnants of last year's dried seeds and blossoms:After traipsing around in the snow taking all these photos, my hands were freezing! But no problem. Another nice thing about the snow is that it inspired Lou to build a fire, so this is what was waiting for me when I finally went inside:

Stay warm, and may all your monsters be made of rubber!

Almost a Miracle

A White Christmas? Here in Helena, Alabama? It hasn't happened in my lifetime, and I always said it would take a miracle. This year the miracle didn't officially happen, but it came close enough to be exciting. On Christmas Day we had snow flurries most of the morning. Nothing to stick, but wondrous, nevertheless. I went to bed, contented that I had seen at least a glimpse of the wintery stuff. Then, when I woke up yeasterday morning, I looked out the window and the woods were white! 

I think we had about an inch. Nothing mind boggling, but still rare for us. Most of the snow was gone by the afternoon, though a few flurries continued through the day. I was out early, a coat over my pajamas and robe, taking the following photos as the snow swirled around me.

Here's a view through the rose arch. One can see the outdoor Christmas tree, its white lights visible in the gray winter light:

There was just enough snow to frost leaves, branches, and garden ornaments:

Here's another look at the outdoor Christmas tree, from the front lawn:

The woodland rabbit watches the snow come down:

This weeping blue cedar is beautiful year round, but I especially like how it looks with a dusting of snow:

Here's a view of the light snow in the upper woodland garden:

Now, those of you who live in northern regions, please don't snicker at my little snowfall. It is for us, after all, almost a miracle!

Blessings to you. Stay safe and warm!   Deborah