So No Snow...

  Our big winter event of the year was supposed to be a "dusting" of snow here on the Bayou.  For those who do not know, this would be a big event, indeed!  It rarely ever snows this far south and when it does, folks stop what they are doing to play.  Even the stodgiest of adults will marvel at the tiny white flakes falling from the sky.  Snow is just something we do not see.  That said...the snow was a no go.  Nope, nary a flake floated down from the sky.  No fluffy white snowman makings could be found adorning the yard.  Not a single snowflake managed to sneak its way to the Deep South.  

Ice coating the back steps going off the deck.  Think I will refrain from using these steps for a while!

  We did, however, have ice.  Just about dark, it started sleeting and, of course, there were the numerous rumors that this was snow.  Nope...just ice.  The type ice that makes your back steps treacherous.  The type ice that makes roads just slick enough to cause problems because folks do not use commonsense.  The type ice that one can do without.  This sleeting continued for several hours before finally ceasing after midnight.  This morning, with temperatures pushing the mid-teens, I ventured out alone.  I did not want the old dog to slip and slide down the ice-covered steps.  Needing an armload of firewood, I found that task a bit more than I bargained for as the wind had uncovered the woodpile and the sleet froze all of the wood together!  Oops!  Problem solved as the second woodpile was nice and dry.  

Icicle covered cedar tree caused by the hours of sleet last night.

  As I rounded the house to make my way back inside, I noticed my poor cedar tree looked like something from a winter wonderland.  Icicles dangled from every branch!  The little tree was bent over from its extra weight causing the icicles to dangle like a heavy, bejeweled fringe.  How lovely!  But how cold for the tree!  

  So our big winter event saw no snow....but lots of ice!....and icicles!....I headed back inside to stoke the fire and get another mug of hot coffee.  Whew!