Snowdrops and Snow Drops

The world is not stripey.  Nor is my camera... this is some translation error between the computer and blogger, I think... but I haven't time to try and figure that out, so we press on.

Snowdrops, 2/23

Yesterday, I did check for snowdrops and found them blooming.  They were, indeed, the true first flower of 2012, though I know not when, precisely.  This morning, however, they are covered by about 5 inches (and counting) of very wet, heavy snow.

Snow Droops All the Tree Branches, 2/24

It started as rain, and then turned to snow as night set in.  falling onto wet branches and plants, the snow stuck.  Since the temperature hovered around 32 all night, it continued to stick pile... Now the world is white and very droopy.  Branches on many trees are practically touching the ground.  If you haven't put your back out shoveling (I did not, btw) it's very lovely.  Enjoy it today -- I suspect it's ephemeral, and we'll have puddles before long.

Snow Capped

My Metal Flower Garden

Floral First

Vernal Witch Hazel Flowers Unfurl

Several notable events today... The first flower of 2012 is blooming -- the vernal witch hazels have started decorating for spring's party.  (I think their four petals look like streamers, thus make good party decor.)

We also noticed that crocuses have grown about an inch out of the ground... probably snowdrops, too, though I didn't check.

Finally, there is no ice at all on the lakes today... late last week, some kids in my neighborhood fell through the ice... meaning that it wasn't thick, but there was an ice cover.  Yesterday about half the water area was covered on most lakes, and today, nothing.  This is an early ice-off, as you can see if you look at the dates below.  (The kids were rescued, btw.)

2006 -- Mar 10

2007 -- Mar 18

2008 -- Mar 31

2009 -- Mar 9

2010 -- Mar 18

2011 -- Mar 18

2012 -- Feb 22!

Sun Rise, Moon Set

 This morning's nearly full moon was strikingly beautiful in the glowing western sky at sunrise.  Unfortunately, I didn't have time to walk somewhere to get a picture of it without a roof in the scene, but... oh, well!