After the Ice & Snow December 26th, 2013

Christmas was very different for us this year. We lost power in the ice storm on Sunday, the 22nd and didn't get it back for almost 48 hours. We woke up to 54° in the house on Monday, which was bearable, but it was only 48° on Tuesday.

We went to a hotel for breakfast and to book a room, but luckily when we got home to gather our things, the power was on. As beautiful as it looked, getting out to take pictures of the ice storm was the last thing on our list when the power was out--and it was now late in the afternoon of Christmas Eve, which Jane spent sorting out the fridge. What could we keep, what should be thrown out? Threw out the turkey and more... went to the grocery store to get another turkey and a number of other things. Sure makes you appreciate power when you don't have it for a couple days--in the winter especially.

Boxing Day was a bit warmer. It snowed, so the ice on the trees was hidden but the snow looked beautiful on the trees, and it wasn't falling off quickly like it usually does. I was thinking of going somewhere "better" than the park across the street to get some shots but decided the park was ok this time.

These shots will look much better enlarged--just click on them.

Someone else showed up with a camera.

Squirrel nests took a beating in the freezing rain. The one in this tree looks pretty tattered.

Clinging leaves add a touch of color.

Hundreds of trees came down in the storm, and countless thousands of branches. We only lost one fair-sized branch. Normally this is a clear path through the park. Just ahead of here it was impassable without a machete.

Color...

Black & White

Based on the forecast, the ice may stay on the trees another day or two. If it does, maybe I'll venture down to the lake or to a creek to get some water in some shots.

- fini -