We in East Tennessee are feeling the bite of Old Man Winter. We’re having more in the way of snow and bitterly cold temperatures than we have in many a year. High temperatures for the last four days have been in the low to mid-twenties; low temperatures have ranged from nine to twelve degrees.
In addition to the cold temperatures, it’s been quite windy, pushing the wind chill down, down, down. So since January 1, I’ve stayed off the mountain. But when we got close to a foot of snow last night through today, I had to take a hike.
What can I say: I love playing in the snow.
But I bundled up extra-good. I can’t emphasize highly enough that if you’re going to hike in extreme weather conditions, have good gear.
This snow is different than the snow of going-on three weeks ago, which caused widespread power outages in my area. That snow was heavy and wet. This snow is light, fluffy, and pouffy. We could have a power outage, sure, but this light snow is less likely to cause problems.
I’m proud as punch of this picture. If you look closely, you can see individual snowflakes.
Remember all the mushrooms I found last summer? Well, this configuration made me think of a snow shroom.
The light, fluffy snow made puffy globules on everything, which could be dispersed simply by blowing on it.
And this snow didn’t bend the trees. Here’s a particularly happy-looking tree. Perhaps it knows how gorgeous it looks, clothed in snow.
Even tiny trees wore clothes of feathery snow while still standing upright.
More snow is expected on Thursday. Already, we’ve had more snow this winter than in the past ten years combined!
Here’s a picture of me, bundled up. I stayed toasty warm. 
Writing: things are going well. I’ve drafted my first short story of the year, and I’m honing and polishing it to be submission-ready. I also plan on writing flash fiction to post either here or on my short story blog. And tonight, I’ll begin revising my newly-drafted novel, Heart’s Chalice.
22 Comments
I’m going to be very insulted if you don’t share any of the writing-in-progress with me, you know.
I LOVE the snowflake picture! That’s amazing. It hasn’t stopped snowing here long enough for me to take the camera out. Seriously. We’ve had constant lake-effect snow for the past few days. It’s light and almost airless, too — although I think today’s was a bit heavier.
*grin!* I’ll be happy to share. When I have the short story ready, I’d love to run it by you to see what you think. And I will be delighted for you to Beta-read Heart’s Chalice when it’s ready.
Yeah, that snowflake picture — I yawped with delight when I saw how nicely it had turned out! Yes, airless snow — excellent description. I love it. Hard to make snowballs with, though, heh!
TL, you look warm. Good for you for bundling up like that. Love the snow pics. The writing sounds like you’re in a good flow. That good.
Could you get more disguised then that! They are the most fabulous pictures and magical to boot.
Just dropping by to wish you a happy new year! These pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!
Stay warm and all the best to you in 2010.
Hi, Leah! Thanks so much. It was a wonderful hike and provided even more inspiration for the writing end of things.
Thanks, Gabrielle! Glad you enjoyed.
Yes, the woods are amazing, magical, especially when covered with snow.
Happy New Year, Denise! Great to see you. I’ve tried to comment on your blog, but I couldn’t find the comment links! Am I missing it? Anyway, I wish you all the best in 2010!
I love the snowflake picture, and those trees look covered in Christmas flocking! I’m glad you were able to get out and play for a bit.
Thanks, Bunnygirl! I was amazed by how well the snowflake picture turned out.
And ha, I love to play in the snow just as much now as I did when I was nine — actually more, since I have better gear now than I did then, lol!
I can see the snow flakes! Great pictures!
Thanks, Amie! It’s amazingly lovely, light and fluffy snow, and I think more is due for Thursday and Friday.
I hear sleigh bells!! Are ya listening??
I can’t pick a favorite among the pix, they all grab me deeply, each and every one. Snow shroom is cute of course.
Puffy, poofy skiiers snow.
And Heart’s Chalice is still afire.
I’ve actually got 11 of my 12 new songs sewn up, concept and hook wise. 11!! Just number 12 to go. Maybe I’ll make it about a walk in the snow.
xo
What beautiful photos. You certainly have excellent gear, though I’m not sure I’d let you on a plane on it.
lol, Squirrel!
Thanks. Yup, two balaclavas definitely help keep the noggin — and the nose — warm.
I love it when the snow gathers that thickly on the branches! Even more magical is when the branches are encased in ice and the sun shines. Though more tricky for driving…
Loved the snow shroom.
Glad you had fun in the snow on the mountain. Leave it to you to find a Snow-Shroom! The wind here knocked the snow off the branches before I could get pics. Bundled up- good, suggestion you may want goggles so your eyes don’t freeze.
Fantastic shots of snow-
Sounds like writing is doing well-
Stay warm n safe in the cold!
Jannie! How did I miss your comment?! My eyes must have been crossed — or perhaps I’m snow-blind. We have even more snow, of the light feathery variety.
It’s going to look downright weird to me outside when it melts! Yay about getting your songs sewn up, and I think a song about walking in the snow would be delightful!
hehe, Maya. Glad you liked the snow shroom. And yes, this feathery icy snow in such cold does make driving tough, especially on secondary roads!
Thanks, Snaggle! Got goggles, but didn’t need them that day. Haven’t been out in the snow since, though, because it has gotten even colder. Brrrr! Might try for a hike today, though.
And things are going to warm up later this week and be sunny, though I’ve forgotten what the sun looks like, heh!
Happy New Year, Thomma!!! The pics are lovely and you look warm, my (((((friend))))). We’re due a slow warming here this week.
Thanks, Kimmi! And Happy New Year to you, my (((((((((friend.))))))))) We’re due for a slow warm, too. Will be nice to get back to regular hiking! It’s just been SO cold. The other day, it never got up past 16!
Is that you in there? LOL
Hey – so my blog feed keeps telling me that your last post was Dec 12… But it being a MONTH later, i started to get suspicious and went in the old fashioned way. Low and behold, you HAVE updated! *scratches head*
So, yeah… sorry I haven’t been around. Don’t know what’s up with the feed but I’d better go around and see who else I’ve been missing out on.
Happy New Year, my friend. And good luck with those goals!!
Hi, Wylie, and thanks so much. Yup, I’m here! I’ve had other folks tell me that for whatever reason, my blog isn’t very good at appearing in feeds. I don’t know why it misbehaves like that!
At any rate, I’m glad you’re here, my friend.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful 2010!
Missed this somehow. What gorgeous pictures! Especially the one with the individual snow flakes. You look cute as button in hour extreme weather gear. And love your snow-shroom.
Happy winter hugs, KS
Thanks, KS!
hehe, seems if there’s a mushroom to be found, of any conceivable nature, I’ll run across it. lol! Guess what. Though we’re experiencing a warming trend, it’s snowing again today. But over the next few days, we’re supposed to have sunshine. What a thought! Though I love snow, it’ll be nice to see the sun again.
((((((((((((((((snowball hugs)))))))))))))))))))), my dear friend.