Winter has hit Indiana early and it has hit us hard. We had a big storm right after Thanksgiving that dumped 8 inches of heavy wet snow, then two more minor snows this past week, plus a short rainfall that turned into black ice yesterday. The main bridge over the Wabash has been closed three times as it ices quickly.
Today we have this:
It is 0 degrees this morning and another snowstorm is expected to come through on Sunday. Sigh.
The heavy snow has frozen into large, icy sheets that break into large, icy chunks when shoveled or plowed. Our drive has been shoveled, but after the snowplows pushed a lot of the street snow back up in front of it, it was difficult to get out again. Two neighbors, Paul and Chris, came over and shoveled that away, from our house and a couple of others. Backbreaking work and a surprise, but we are so very grateful! (Note to self: bake those men a couple of loaves of bread!)
The dogs have not been to the park for a week. It's just not accessible for me on a walker right now, and with Craig's fall history, it's definitely a no-go for him, too. (You can see that heavy, chunky snow pushed up by snowplows at the park's entrance.)
So, the dogs have been playing hard inside and out. Hesitant about the snow at first, Florida boi Tammo has come to enjoy a good romp or two around the back yard.
They've also enjoyed simply cozying up in the warm house and napping. (For the record, all four of them SNORE.) Mama is with us; she's in the doggy bed on the floor.
There are some bright spots despite the abysmal weather.
Little Elsie Mae has turned one month old! We are all enchanted with her and I can't wait to meet her.
The Rock Fairy came again and we were a lucky recipient!
It is a holiday rock,
I am convinced the rock fairy knows me, especially after the last one with a big horseshoe on it.
I even suspected Kathy. I learned long ago to never underestimate her capabilities. For example, she makes chain mail jewelry that she sells to support causes for those who are blind.
A gold and white bracelet that Kathy made me.
An orange and blue one to wear when my college team, the University of Illinois, is playing a game. Note that it is a completely different pattern from the first. All Kathy asks is for someone to check it when she is done to make sure she did not slip up on the colors. Impressive, right?
She could do this, but she would need help with the delivery aspect. Her parents live on the next street over, and while they do drive her places, they are in their 80s and I know would not be out in this snow and weather. This delivery has allowed me to cross Kathy off my list of "suspects."
So, who is it? I have no idea. And that's okay. It's a lovely project and our neighborhood loves and appreciates these surprises that are left for us to find. Thank you, Rock Fairy!
Finally, today's Yuletide Photo prompt is, "Krampus is coming! Who's been naughty?"
The only thing I could come up with was The Twelve Days of Christmas I did with my models in December, 2020. All my Lady Phases, save one, had blankets, and so for the tenth day of Christmas, I had the mares stage a protest of "ten mares a'griping."
Not sure it's Krampus worthy, but it works for me!
Stay warm, everybody! And stay 'tooned!
