White Christmas

We are having the most incredible, unusual weather in our part of the Pacific Northwest! Our part of Oregon usually doesn't have snow at this time of the year. We hardly ever get this much and it never lasts this long. We are at day nine with the promise of more to come before this is over. We are not as prepared for snow and ice as parts of the country that are accustomed to this kind of winter weather so flexibility is the key for us. While I don't drive in these conditions my sweetheart has a lot of experience driving in snow and on icy roads. Yesterday he and I ventured out to visit my cousin and her husband in a nearby city. Before we could leave home my sweetheart had to 'dig out' the car that was encased in ice and covered with snow.The beauty as we drove was amazing and I couldn't resist capturing some of it to share with you. Here's the view from the passenger seat as we drove toward the main highway - not far from our home - it reminded me of the picture on a Christmas card.

A ways down the road the scene was still amazing.
Shortly after entering the highway it was necessary for my sweetheart to pull off the side of the road to adjust the tire chains. We parked beside this cute, old farmhouse.

On the highway again we drove between steep cliffs and the banks of the nearby river.Around corners, up and down the hills - we continued on toward our destination.The neighborhood where my cousin lives is filled with wonderful homes - some are old, some are new.Nearly all of them have a lot of character and personality.

The snow continued to fall through the night and into the early morning hours. By the time we got up this morning it seemed we would be covered in white in no time. The snow continued through the morning and into the afternoon hours and kept getting deeper and deeper. Outside our doors everything was decorated for the winter. The Butterfly Bush no longer stands tall - it is bent and every branch is covered with ice.

Just above - Christmas lights peek out from under a covering of snow, accentuated by little icicles.

The big Maple tree near the front door is outlined in white.

Every bush and tree bears the weight of snow and ice. A tall, lacy evergreen tree bends clear to the ground (middle of the next photo). It looks like a big bush covered with snow instead of the regal beauty that graces the front of our home.

The rock base of the lamp post at the front sidewalk is nearly hidden by snow.

The view outside the patio doors is much the same - and intriguing. Like winter yard art. A huge icicle hangs just past the middle of the patio doors.

Our shed looks like it has been covered with frosting and the Fir trees are sagging beneath the weight of ice and snow.

The patio fireplace and nearby birdbath look like little gnomes with point-y hats.Not far away another decorative evergreen tree leans to touch the ground. It normally stands taller than me but today it is bent completely over.

Our favorite piece of snow art is our patio dining set. It looks as if a giant angel food cake was set on top. The snow comes clear up to the bottom of the chairs. Anyone care to come over for a picnic?

The view from my window as I sit and share this post with you is a favorite. Just outside the window the Christmas lights shine in the beauty of the snow and ice that has graced our lives these past days.We are told the storm is not over. We are told we will have a white Christmas this year - perhaps not the way we dreamed it to be but a white Christmas we won't soon forget.