Accumulation, Part I: Mountain Defined

Growing up in Colorado, accumulation meant one thing: how deep the snow is! Over many years I've experienced the gamut, from a dusting to the St. Patrick's day Blizzard of 2003. HB was small enough that the mounds of fallen flakes would have covered her head. Here we are sitting in it {pink cheeks and noses included}.

March Blizzard of 2003

The city was shut down for several days. It was dreamy.
I met people walking down normally busy streets that were eerily silent, pristine white and void of traffic. I saw gigantic pine trees topple with the weight of dense snow and frozen, injured roots. We cooked chili and warm cornbread and basically stayed inside for three days. This trash can shows what 2 feet of the white stuff looks like.

Every several years, the skies open up and the snowflakes, quiet, beautiful and harmless on their own decide to gang up for a serious party and BAM! It happens again: furious flakes and flurries.

December 2006

So, how do you get rid of all this mess/beauty?  

Snow plows by the Colorado Department of Transportation, these bad boys can kick some serious drifts!

{source}

On smaller streets and some long driveways, the following boy toy removal system can be found.

{Source}

Then there's the two wheel version. Don't be deceived by its size. These can pack some serious power.

{source}

And finally, the grocery store special, break your back, snow shovel.

{source}

 So, if it comes down, is cold, sticks and accumulates better get some good tools to make a path through it.

Next time, I'll be sharing "Accumulation, Tropics Defined"
Until then, Eli

Happy Halloween, Snow or Shine

Happy Halloween to my new island friends
and my old mountain friends!

We are super excited to be here on the Island of Palm Beach this year for Halloween because for the first time in a long time, we expect not to have snow. (Apparently, it's not that common here.) Denver, on the other hand, plays host to many bundled-up super heroes, princesses and the like as nearly every year, it snows! Want to check out the forecast for Denver? Palm Beach?

In 1993, HB, as Pink Tinkerbell, looked darling at the charming school parade. Later it seemed that Tink was having a little problem with steroids. (but at least she was warm)

This year, HB is the mad hatter and can't wait to Trick-or-Treat on Palm Beach's "Sea" streets... Seaview, Seaspray and Seabreeze.

Apparently, these neighbors hoard candy for months to try to have enough candy to make it through a few hours of passing out "sugar comas."

I was unable to find any confirmation of this online, so I guess it's not an official island event but many locals assured me this was the place to be for costumed, candy-collecting youngsters. As in most cities, going early will help stave off a late, hyper-inducing sugar buzz and might help with avoiding older kids...who should be at home passing out candy.

Anyway...

Here's my treat to you. Some town images I  photographed and "doctored up" a bit...

BOO!

 

{All pics by me}

One last little treat, a favorite hymn: I sing a song of the Saints of God...

Again, Happy Halloween and All Saint's Day.

Until next time, Eli