Winter 2008-09
December 31, 2008 - January 1, 2009
The New Year's Eve Snowstorm

Robins flocking in looking for food seems to be a sure sign recently of a good-size snowstorm approaching. I'm amazed they're still around. (Dec. 31, 2008)

This flock settled in the bushes out front of the kitchen and wood stove.  The bushes, some sort of holly, are still covered with red berries that they seem to enjoy.

This one I think was wondering how he could get invited inside where it's warm for the coming storm.

January 1, 2009

This afternoon, New Year's Day.  The plows finished clearing out the lot late last night. I got out with the snowthrower and shovel around noon and picked up where they left off. (Jan. 1, 2009)

This was a relatively mild storm, 6"-8" of light and fluffy white stuff the snowthrower ate right through with little effort.

I can at last get to the wood racks again.  This is critical today as the temperature reached a high of 11º F, the 40 mph wind gusts have dropped the wind chill factor to well below zero degrees.

Even with light snow, this yard and lot seems to get bigger with each storm.

I cleared wide paths in preparation for the next snowfall. Planning ahead in the winter is important -- so there's someplace to pile future storm and blizzard accumulations.

I even dug out to the new birdfeeders way out back. With flocks of wild birds watching and waiting, I filled them early this morning wearing the new L.L. Bean snowshoes Barbara gave me for Christmas. (Jan. 1, 2009)