Snow Rollers!

The weather has been brutal in central Ohio this winter. Snow, wind, frigid temperatures, more snow, and more frigid temperatures keep us rushing in from outdoor chores and not spending any extra time outside. Or so it was until Monday morning when we looked outside and saw what appeared to be snowballs littering our lawn.

Further inspection revealed that each rosette snow roll was preceded by a wispy trail like that of an airplane in the sky. Some seemed perched atop wind-carved pedestals reminiscent of sandstone formations in the desert South West.

Meteorologists say these very rare formations occur when an inch of wet snow tops a layer of icy snow. High winds push the wet snow into natural snowballs, also called snow donuts, snow logs, or snow bales.

With a gentle touch, we can scoop up the snow rollers. They're more delicate than a well-packed snowball but made a lovely snow roller girl.

Thank you, winter, for a new way to play in the snow!

Snow Rollers!

The weather has been brutal in central Ohio this winter. Snow, wind, frigid temperatures, more snow, and more frigid temperatures keep us rushing in from outdoor chores and not spending any extra time outside. Or so it was until Monday morning when we looked outside and saw what appeared to be snowballs littering our lawn.

Further inspection revealed that each rosette snow roll was preceded by a wispy trail like that of an airplane in the sky. Some seemed perched atop wind-carved pedestals reminiscent of sandstone formations in the desert South West.

Meteorologists say these very rare formations occur when an inch of wet snow tops a layer of icy snow. High winds push the wet snow into natural snowballs, also called snow donuts, snow logs, or snow bales.

With a gentle touch, we can scoop up the snow rollers. They're more delicate than a well-packed snowball but made a lovely snow roller girl.

Thank you, winter, for a new way to play in the snow!

Handmade Gifts On A Snow Day

Our Christmas wasn't white but the sky dumped a fine layer of sleet and five inches of snow on the homestead today. We decided not to take the travel risk and drive seventy miles to my aunt's house for a handmade gift exchange and dinner. Instead, we took a snow day.

We let the chickens out to exercise before the heaviest snow fell. They don't seem to mind the cold stuff on the ground but when visibility lessens they run for the coop.

Alex and I shoveled the ice from part of the driveway. Our lengthy drive allows us some privacy but we're realizing that our responsibility to clear it is a bit of a downside. And we're wishing that just one of the three garage bays was organized enough so the car wouldn't be out in this weather. Soon we will get around to unpacking the garage.

Inside, we are enjoying generous gifts from our family. Alex received this clever army guy bowl from one of my sisters and the handmade leather bolas from another. I unwrapped this painstakingly painted birdhouse by Lil.

We also received a dedicated meat grinder, Le Crueset (our first!), books, toys, earrings, food, drinks, and more. Lil's big present was a trip to Disneyland in early January! We'll be accompanying Alex on a business trip and make a trip to the mouse while we're there.

We're discussing where to hang our new handmade artwork. I crafted the bacon and eggs piece from remnant wood in our garage and egg tempra from the yolk of a backyard chicken egg and Alex's home made charcoal. My sister made the Ohio nail art - she says it's not nearly as time consuming as it looks.

While we miss extended family, this day to decompress and enjoy each other was most welcome. How were your holidays?

P.S. I just realized that my comment spam filter was marking all comments as spam. I approved about a week's worth of real comments this afternoon. There could be more that the filter deleted before I could approve them and if this happened to your comment I sincerely apologize. I do appreciate discussion and will be more attentive to the spam filter from here on out!

Snow Cream

If you are like us and find yourself with an abundance of snow and ennui, try making snow cream. We made it today and here's what Lil has to say:

"Snow cream has two ingredients.  First you have to get really fresh fresh snow and get some maple syrup or milk or chocolate syrup or cider syrup.  And that's how you make snow cream."

"It feels snowy when you eat it.  Maple syrup is the best.  Papa liked the maple syrup and Mama liked everything.  But the best of hers was maple syrup with milk."

Added to Hearth and Soul Volume 30.

Fall Garlic Sprouts Haiku

Snow falls on garlic.

Gardeners learn that fall sprouts

precede best harvest.