Our Winter Wonderland

We haven't had the bitter cold polar vortex that has swept down on the Midwest and the east for at least three times this winter, but Mother nature brushed our world in a magical way this weekend with a beautiful, heavy snowstorm, that brought our world to a stand still. Mass text messages went out to residents in this area warning everyone to stay off the streets today as this winter wonderland went from her robe of white to a crystallized city of stillness and reverence of Mother Nature. As I begin this post, the warming has started and the icicles are dripping rapidly. On this Sabbath, holy day, all meetings were cancelled. I wish the quiet, peaceful feeling that fills the air would just stay throughout the Sabbath. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each Sunday was like this one, not the bad weather, of course, but that everyone just stops hurrying around, unites with their family, and worships God.

The winter blast began on Thurs., Feb. 6th about noon. Just at the same hour that we had planned a Reliv "Lunch & Learn" in our home where 20 people had confirmed they were coming. The house was clean, the food prepared, and everything was in order, but it was not to happen. We were having a special guest from Utah come and spend several days in this area doing Reliv events. It was decided her flight should be cancelled earlier that morning. With just 90 minutes away, we could see that the storm was moving in faster than previously reported. With email and texting, the word was soon spread that our luncheon was cancelled, too.

Although it was disappointing not to have our event, it suddenly opened up time not previously scheduled to get to some long awaited projects. Crismon and I stayed busy working the rest of the day...oh, we are so type A personality! But, we stopped later that evening to watch an episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford." This is a delightful series by the BBS. Why can't the US produce such clean, and uplifting programs to watch?

More snow on Friday and Saturday. Yes...about a total of 12 inches of snow in many area. Gratefully, Crismon works from home and he didn't have to worry about getting across the river to Camas. But, he did venture out to run a few errands. The snow was accumulating quicker than expected and he couldn't make it back up our hill. Instead, he abandoned the car by the median strip close to the bottom of the hill. We hope it survives these several days without getting hit. Watching the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia that night was a welcomed treat. I don't remember the last time Crismon and I sat in our basement to watch something on TV, but it was a captivating performance. Absolutely spectacular!

Saturday morning there wasn't much improvement, but Crismon needed to attend two funerals. Our neighbor, Gary Hatton, drove Dad to the Stake Center with his 4-wheel drive truck. Surprisingly, there was a fair number of people at both of the funerals. The first one for Shirley Smith, a long-time member of the Powell Valley Ward, and Boyd Crane of the Sandy River Ward. Crismon was able to catch a ride to the Sandy building and then friends helped him get home. A decision needed to made about Sunday meetings. The freezing rain started that afternoon, so it was now for certain that it would be too treacherous to hold church. Some of the members have been without power as tree branches have snapped, bringing down power lines. We have fortunately had power the entire weekend. It's now sounding like a small amount of fireworks going on with the ice crashing down from the trees onto cars and houses, etc. We're not out of the woods yet, as there is a bigger batch of moisture tomorrow. A few pictures I snatched from missionary, Sis. Kimble's Facebook, of the tree out her window. One below from our Bishop's backyard.

"Are you ever burdened with a load of care?...Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"...view from my window this morning.

Solid ice...it's not looking so good for the birch trees.