Unwritten Law

For about as long as I can remember, it has always snowed before or on Halloween in Colorado. It is rare to get a Halloween without snow or cold or wind. 

I think it is some kind of unwritten law in Colorado to have it snow on Halloween. And this year was no disappointment.

We didn't get much snow, more like icy precipitation. But it was really pretty as the sun came up on Halloween day.

The other unwritten law in Colorado is that radio stations must play "Riding the Storm Out" by REO Speedwagon when the weather is stormy.

The View...

From my kitchen window...

Both with and without snow

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Fun with S*N*O*W

Deadly Spring Snows

This was the scene we woke up to on May 1, 2013.

Another Spring storm had blanketed the area with snow. That makes at least one storm a week since the first of April. And each storm has given us any where from 6" - 24" of snow. Now I'm not complaining....living in the arid West gives a person a whole new appreciation of any moisture. No matter the form it comes in.

But these Spring storms, though beautiful and usually short lived, can be deadly. A report coming from Grand County in Colorado (a county located in the central mountains west of Denver) recently told of the deaths of an estimated 100-200 birds. The heavy Spring snows covered the birds food sources and the birds starved to death.

And more recently, an avalanche occurred in the Colorado High Country killing five men - the state's deadliest avalanche in more than 50 years. These backcountry snowboarders were all experienced and were equipped with avalanche safety equipment (Avalung breathing device and avalanche airbags). But the avalanche which this group triggered happened so quickly, the group had no time to react. There was one survivor - he wasn't buried as deeply as his companions and his lower left arm was free which enabled him to clear the snow away from his face so that he could breath. He was buried over 4 hrs before help arrived.

image source

In the above picture a cornice of snow is about to fall. Cracks in the snow are visible in area (1). Area (3) fell, leaving area (2) as the new edge.

This recent deadly avalanche was a slab avalanche, which occurs when a thick layer of hard snow breaks loose from a weak, deep layer of snowpack underneath. Most frequently, this will occur when snow has been deposited or redeposited by wind.

These Spring Storms have come not only with snow but with high winds. On a recent trip to the High Country. Hubby & I observed deadly overhangs or cornices on almost every mountain peak - the snow being deposited there by the winds. These overhangs are just waiting for the right trigger to set them on a course down the mountain.

Always be aware when trekking in the mountains. Mother Nature is nothing to be trifled with.

March Madness

Whew! So glad March is over! It was a crazy, hectic month!

So many places to go and things to get done. There was a Kindergarten musical to attend - The Emperor's New Clothes - which was fun! It was quite amazing to see all those little people on stage singing and acting. The musical lasted approx. 1/2 hour and there were very few forgotten lines and missed cues. Every Kindergartner had to memorize the whole play before roles were assigned.  WoW!  Huge Kudos to all the faculty that assisted with this performance. It was truly amazing.

Then there was the visit from the Tooth Fairy. Her first to our house. And snow to be shoveled. And the Vernal Equinox to celebrate. And more snow to be shoveled. The delight in seeing the first flower of Spring. And more snow to be shoveled. A School District Art Show to attend (pics to follow later).

Amidst all of that, there was endless hunting and searching for an enticing piece of property to call our own. And then the weekend drives to look at them.

Needless to say, I am most glad April is here. Even though I will probably be busier than ever since growing season will soon be upon us. April is National Garden month here in the U.S. and there is Earth Day to celebrate. So this month I will be posting as much as I can about plants and gardening and nature. (You won't want to miss this Sunday's Art Post!) And I will write more about the challenges our 'new' family unit has faced in the past year along with some ponderings and revelations.

Snow Humor

For those out there who are a bit winter weary.....

Loveland Pass

When Hubby and I take our road trips, we more often than not go up into the mountains. Our travels often take us places we have never been. This gorgeous September day found us exploring Loveland Pass.

Loveland Pass is located on the Continental Divide in the mountains west of Denver. The Continental Divide separates the river systems that drain into the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. 

looking north from top of pass

driving north toward the top of Loveland Pass

Loveland Pass, located on US Hwy 6, is the highest mountain pass, elevation of 11,990 ft, in the world that regularly stays open during the snowy winter season. This steep, twisty road is considered to be especially treacherous with numerous hairpin turns which make it difficult for snowplows to clear the road. 

The treeline is quite apparent in the above photo. Treeline is the edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing. Above treeline, trees are unable to grow because of harsh environmental conditions - extreme cold, strong winds, or lack of moisture.

looking south down the valley from the top of Loveland Pass

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is located at the west side of Loveland Pass. And Loveland Ski Area is on the east side of the Pass.

Loveland Ski Area - this photo was taken in October

Cat Tales ~ A Visit from Jack

We had a visit from that Jack person last week. And he left us a nice powdered sugar coating on everything outside. 

But the orange Jacks are okay and it won't be long before Daddy takes a carving knife to them!

Purz and Catnip Dreams ....... Gomez

Question for The Readers...

Can anyone tell me why this fire hydrant is so high off the ground? 

***HINT***  This picture was taken in Leadville, Colorado, elevation 10, 152 ft.

I'll post the answer on Thursday.

Crop Circle Style Snow Art

The Creativeness of Simon Beck

Coffins and Other Chill Inducing Images

Some images from past Frozen Dead Guy Events ~ the Coffin Races, Polar Plunge and other "Chilling" Pics!

Source of Images