That "S" Word!

snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow, snow

Okay, what's the big deal?  It's February, it's the middle of winter, snow is expected, right?  Yes it certainly is, but so much?  The fluffy flakes started around noon yesterday and carried on through the evening stopping for a brief few hours.  I know the snowfall hadn't resumed at 2 a.m. when I turned out the light for sleep time.  When I woke in the morning the visibility was really diminished as the snowfall was quite heavy and winds had picked up tossing those flakes everywhere.  The storm of the winter thus far is supposed to carry on until at least midnight in our part of the province. 

So what's the big deal?  We're just not used to seeing so much snow.  At this moment, about 30 cm has arrived in my town with another 4 to 6 cm expected before it stops.  This is the largest storm in 5 years and in the intervening years, the winters have been mostly mild, hence the big wallop to the psyche.  This day didn't turn out to be an official snow day, but some businesses closed early, libraries, the town government offices, the regional gov. offices closed early also.  There were few people out on the roads so these places wouldn't be carrying on any business anyway. 

photo credit:  Province of Ontario traffic camera

Only in Canada would shovelling occur to assist cars to make it on to a major highway.  This is the main east-west route through Southern Ontario.

photo courtesy of my friend James

 What's under the blanket of snow?  Any guesses?

I've been through many blizzards/snowstorms in my life.  I'm an old gal, I'll survive this one too!!!  I've been indoors for two days and do need to get out tomorrow for some pics of this winter wonderland.  :)

Reminder that Winter is on it's Way

"It's a marshmellow world in the winter, when the snow comes a tumblin' down...."

Not so fast!   No snow here just yet, but it's trying. 

I spent some hours yesterday shopping for Christmas in nearby Ajax and Pickering.  As I drove toward Ajax I could see the dark, angry looking clouds in the distance with the snow showers descending.  I just had to pull over to snap a couple of pics.

Mr. Sun is struggling to overtake the snow clouds.

Small specs in the picture are snowflakes on my car window.  The snow came down really hard for about a minute and none of it stayed.  

So winter isn't here just yet.  Yay!