Snowfall

Wet & Cold Winter

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read504 views

The past months have been very cold here in California. We were so grateful December for the rainfall after such a very long period of dry weather. Since then, it has been cold, extremely cold. On Saturday and Sunday, we had our first heavy snowfall of the year. This morning as well, we had some light snowfall.

California is colder than usual at this time of year, and it appears that Mother Nature is done with us. Still, we are grateful for every bit of rain we get.

Backyard in a blanket of snow.

Plants and trees were covered in snow, and as a result, we had a few broken branches.

Plants covered icicles and snow.

Sculptures and yard decorations alike were covered in snow; it wasn’t until the following morning that we all stepped out to clear the driveway and let the kids build a snowman.

Sculptures & Decorations covered in Snow.

Indeed, snowfall makes everything it touches and covers look beautiful, and brightens  the World. The flip sides to this beauty can be quite damaging and devastating: road closure due to massive flooding, debris, cracks, fallen trees, fallen electric poles, mudslides, rockslides, erosion, etc.

As I anticipate the arrival of Spring, I wish everyone a warm and safe Winter.

End of Year Beauty

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

This will be one holiday season to remember.

The weather has been at its best all year long and I am very thankful for it all. Christmas was wonderful at our home yesterday and this morning, we have been blessed with more snow fall. We woke up to a sublime sight as everything was covered in white (our second snowfall of the year).

Doe and Buck.

Early in the morning after breakfast, I excitedly walked around the backyard with my phone, taking photos of this beautiful winter scenery. Personally, I am quite content with this amount of snow and I am really hoping that we wouldn’t get more of it.

Partial view of my backyard.

My daughter pointed out the palm tree on the picture below, stating that the weight of the snow on some of the fans has transformed the tree into a fancy dress. Can you see it?

Partial view of my backyard.

I love the view from my backyard, which is still a work in progress. I love how snow makes pretty much everything look beautiful, fresh, dreamy and magical.

Partial view of my front yard.

With one or two days of sunshine, the snow will be completely gone, revealing all the lovely green. Before that, we should be able to build a snowman this time around.

Plants covered in snow.

I hope everyone is staying warm and having a wonderful time this holiday season.

White Thanksgiving

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read862 views

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — John F. Kennedy

Nature has blessed us with snow today!

Happy Thanksgiving.

It’s been so long since it has snowed this much in the High Desert, with some areas seeing more snow than others. The neighborhood is alive with children and adults building snowmen and engaging in snow ball fights. It is such a beautiful day and I am thankful for Nature’s gift on this Thanksgiving day.

Snowy Mountains.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Little Ray of Sunshine

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read559 views

Today we are having a little break from the dreadful weather. The sun is up, the skies are blue and light winds are expected all day with a 10% probability of rainfall. The neighborhood is alive. Some are busy with yard clean-up, setting up for a yard sale and others are soaking up some sun while listening to music. I have barely seen my neighbors in weeks, so it feels good to know they are still alive and kicking.

It snowed a little on Wednesday night and Thursday morning was extremely cold. This is the first time in so many years that I have felt this cold and we haven’t had so much back to back rain storms either. Still, we are very grateful to Mother Nature.

Backyard pallet deck on a cold morning.

The view of the mountains was particularly breathtaking on Thursday morning. So much snow, so much white.

Snowy Mountains.

We didn’t realized that one of planters in the front yard had retained water from the rain; and this morning, the water was frozen.

Frozen planter.

Thankfully all my plants are drought and frost tolerant.

Frost on pretty much everything.

My Report Cove furry boots kept my feet warm and got me through the day. I have had these Alpine inspired boots for thirteen years and they are my go-to choice for cold weather.

Keeping my feet warm (Report Cove).

The sun came up this morning and I had an opportunity to take a walk in the backyard. Not enough warmth to do some gardening, but enough to watch a horse trainer teach a horse to dance, most likely for an upcoming event.

Horse trainer.

There’s something about raindrops on plants …

Photinia Fraseri & Heavenly Bamboo.

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend despite the cold weather.

Snow Day Closure

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read450 views

What a cold and windy day! I was awakened very early in the morning by a bright light coming through the window in the dark night. I slowly got out of bed, moved the curtain and as I took a peek through the blinds, I realized it was snowing! I instantly grabbed my camera, woke up the hubby, opened the front door and began taking pictures of the front yard. Such a beautiful sight, I whispered. Everything always looks better and cleaner when covered in white and this was no exception. We stood there, for a few minutes, watching the Snow fall. The magic continued for another hour and then the Snow began melting quite rapidly.

Snow Storm.
Snow Storm (View from My Front Yard).

The School Principal called at around 5:00 AM to let us know that the School was closed for the day due to the Snow. That’s was a relief given that nothing was posted on the School’s website. The kids were a little disappointed that they missed the Snow because they really wanted to play in the Snow, make snow angels and build a Snowman as it was the case in 2011.

We are thankful to be Home, blessed by the company of one another and enjoying our favorite movies together.