Blue Wall with Cherry Tree and Snow

We didn't get much more snow last night, just an inch or so, but it's gotten much colder. A friend of ours, who's something of an amateur meteorologist, assures me that the snow is over. "There's no more moisture in the air now" he tells me. We have about 12" and I guess I should count my blessings because where he lives (and where up until about three years ago we used to live) there's two feet of the white stuff! My sister-in-law who lives in the Seattle area took a break from grading her elementary school students' papers to strap on her cross-country skis and go skiing.

For some people though, the snow hasn't been as amusing. Our neighbor slipped and fell on the icy pavement and the next day, because he wasn't feeling any better, the aid car was called to take him to the emergency room. Good thing he went, turns out he cracked a rib. Another neighbor, who has to have kidney dialysis several times a week had to call for a volunteer to come take him to his appointment because he didn't feel well enough to drive and his wife didn't want to attempt it. My amateur meteorologist friend wasn't immune to the hazards of the weather either. While trying to put chains on his car he slipped and tore a muscle in his shoulder. As for me, I've ventured out on a few short walks, but for the most part I'm playing it safe and just waiting for it all to eventually go away.

PS - see the faux cat in the window? Bruce took our not faux cat Sal outside today (he walks on a leash) and Sal made it off the back porch, gingerly scoped out the scene and made a bee line back for the porch and the comfort of the house in about 30 seconds.