Before Dawn on Friday Last

 

 

The forecasters had predicted it but one has learned that in this area, with it's many influences (bays, mountains, valleys, etc.) snow is very difficult to accurately predict.  Just the week before, there was similar talk of white precipitation but we got nothing.  So, it was a sweet surprise that we got a little snow on Friday last.  At 5:00 a.m. I got an automated call from my school district saying that we'd be starting school two hours late.  Hooray!  There'd be time to see the garden in the light today.  But when snow is falling, I get very excited as it only happens a few times a year here.

 

 

 

 

Why wait for light? 

You folks living in cold climates may laugh heartily at this little bit of snow being cause for schools starting late.  Growing up in Alaska, I only recall one day in my 12 years of school when school was cancelled due to the weather. It was bitterly cold and strong winds had blown a great deal of snow in sideways causing it to drift over people's homes.  It took us a day to dig out and then things returned to normal with huge drifts everywhere.  Anyway, here the threat of a dusting of snow causes people to rush to stores to buy bottled water, space heaters, shovels, etc.  I usually make sure that there's peppermint schnapps on hand to mix with hot cocoa.

 I love the way snow decorates our gardens.

The fish are not sure how they feel about snow.

View of my neighbors' garden from mine.  It's for sale along with a beautiful Victorian jewel box of a house if you're interested in moving!

Cotoneaster lacteus  is becoming a favorite plant even though it hasn't found a permanent place in my garden yet.  Who could resist this burst of winter color?

Rhododendron sinogrande seems to be doing o.k. after the big freeze a few weeks ago.

As it was getting light out, another call came saying that school was cancelled.  This was our last day before Christmas break  so we got to add another day to our vacation!  Of course we'll have to make up the lost day but a snow day is very exciting because there's suddenly a free day to where there previously was none. 

Who couldn't use some extra time to get some holiday projects done?

 

Schefflera taiwaniana's new growth at the very top was burned by the freeze but so far the rest of the plant looks o.k.

Trachycarpus wagnerianus from Cistus this summer is looking adorable in its winter coat.

I may need another one or two of these cuties!

Trachycarpus fortunei is starting to look like it may get taller eventually. 

The hummingbirds are glad for the mahonia blooming now when there are fewer nectar sources.

My school is at a higher elevation than the street where I live (pictured)  and there were reports of more than three inches on the roads in higher elevations.  

Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'  laughs at snow!  I'm seeing a lot more of these in my future!

Grevillea victoriae ‘Murray Queen’ wearing a crown of snowy jewels.

Happy snow day to you all!