Thursday, December 30, 2010

Midwest Meterological Wonderment

How's that for a blog title?

Unlike other parts of the country we've had plenty of snow this year. Enough that the village snowplow took out our mailbox on Christmas!

Yesterday I showed you a case of whiteout. There have been many instances of that this year. We've also had lots of hoarfrost which is unusual because normally we only see one or two a year. It seems to be a daily occurrence here lately.

I'm sure if you search the term on a search engine you'd come up with a scientific explanation of how it's formed. But in the case of hoarfrost, I don't care. Sometimes knowning all the details just spoils the magic. You know what I mean?

And you can be assured that hoarfost is magic.


The view from my sewing room window last winter.

It creates a fairy wonderland in white. There are some benefits to living in a cold climate. Some of you may not believe that but it's true. Last week when I was driving out to visit my mom, the entire countryside appeared as if the sky had opened up and sprinkled powdered sugar over everything. Every surface was covered. Such a thing of beauty could make a person weep.

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Grove of trees dusted in hoarfrost.

This morning we were treated to the magic yet again.

I had to drive a mile or so to the town hall where they issued me a temporary mailbox. Here's the long view from our town hall west towards the town.

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It's not exactly a town in the traditional sense. There's a cluster of homes and two churches. In the distance you'll see the old country church. There are no shops or gas stations.

Here's a closer look at the scene.

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The Farmer and I were raised within spitting distance of the city of Chicago and city life holds no excitement for us. We don't miss the crush of people, the smell of bus fumes, etc. etc. We're happy to live in a peaceful setting.

Like I said, the natural beauty could make a person weep.

10 comments:

Renae said...

Wow! It's just beautiful!

Belle said...

You live in a beautiful area. I would like to leave the city and move to the country.
The hoar frost pictures are lovely.

LeslieT. said...

Beautiful pictures. It's a winter wonderland!

Lisa D. said...

I love hoarfrost! I've said winter is like the child that drives you crazy and makes you want to pull your hair out, and then they flash that adorable smile with those dimples and you can't help but love them. That's what hoarfrost does for me in the winter.
Here in northern Alberta, there are many little towns that are no more than the one you pictured. That is what I love. I can't even imagine living in the city again. I get almost claustrophobic visiting my sister-in-law in our nearby town of 6000. With a tiny backyard and neighbours who are within conversational distance as you sit on your back deck, and look out over the neighbour's yard across the back alley. I have to rush home to my nicely isolated farmyard!
Hope you get your mailbox up and working again soon!

At Home in English Valley said...

Hi Suzanne, Just wanted to stop by and wish you a happy new year. So glad to have met you this year, and hope that we can get together again soon. Love the photos! Love, Penny

Blondi Blathers said...

Here in Saskatchewan, hoarfrost used to appear only on the rare mornings when there was a lot of moisture in the air, but then be gone shortly after the sun came up. However, in the last three years or so, we've had a lot more moisture than we're used to, flooding and water problems all around, and now the hoarfrost can last most of the day and we have it a lot of the winter days. Kinda nice when the sun is shining on it and it's sparkling in the trees. But it must be a sign of the change in environment.

Yolanda said...

It is beautiful there. I just wanted to wish you the best new years ever. I love coming here. I think snow is on the way there. Stay Safe ane enjoy the new year.

Auntea said...

Here where I live in the midwest I have seen this beautiful wonder and enjoyed it's magic too, now I know the name for it. I'm like you, I don't want to know how it happens, I prefer to think that God decided to treat us to something magnificent and I am content with that. I envy you getting farther away from the city. I am a farmers daughter who wishes for more of the country life again. Maybe someday when my husband retires I can talk him into it.

Vee said...

You live in a lovely, quaint community. I would have thought that growing up so close to Chicago would make you both miss all that the city has to offer, but I see that small town living has charmed you. Nine miles to the a grocery store? That's small town living all right.

Julie Wallbridge (feminist farmer's wife) said...

From one Farmer's Wife to another: I'm thrilled to have found your posts. Beautiful photos - great writing. Thank you.