14" of Snow!

It started about 2:00 yesterday and snowed about 1 inch an hour all afternoon, evening, and night. I measured at 11:00 a.m. and it was still 14 inches even though the temperature rose above freezing. On this photo, you can see my dog, Kookie, in the middle coming back up our driveway. She loves it.



It looks like more than 14" on top the bee hive. We cleaned the front opening so that there was ventilation. The bees will cluster with the queen in the center. The worker bees take turns being on the outside (just like in March of the Penguins).



I walked down the driveway (dog in front) in the ruts Steve created with the UTV. He still got stuck in a couple of places--no way our 4WDs will make it out anytime soon. Our road isn't plowed and Interstate 81 is still closed. The governor declared most of Virginia a disaster with the National Guard helping stranded motorists on the interstates.

We had to cancel our trip to the Grand Canyon--we can't get to the Charlotte Airport. But, I guess we will have a white Christmas! And, this makes our dog very happy.


We stocked the feeders this morning with the downy woodpecker already taking big bites out of the suet cake. I noticed so many dark-eyed juncos on the ground--now I know why they are often called snowbirds.

First Snow-- Purple Finch and Red-Bellied Woodpecker

Yesterday, I awoke to 3 inches of snow on the ground. Darn--I had to go to a meeting in town in the morning (where there was little snow--only slush and freezing rain). When I returned, I bundled up and went on a walk.


At noon, the snow was still coming down and sticking to the trees like cotton candy.


The field across from our land did not seem to have as much snow. Maybe the wind blew it away.



Later (while watching endless college football), I heard a bird fly into our new patio door. The Purple Finch sat on a chair for a long while, then flew up into this burning bush about 10 feet from the house. I was glad he flew off later.


This morning, a male Red-Bellied Woodpecker enjoyed a suet cake. No other bird will challenge him at the feeder.

Even though winter is not my favorite season, I don't mind that this snow is sticking around for awhile. Hope it stays until Christmas but around here, that's doubtful.