Fluffy Snow, Blizzards, Scenes & Orchids

Today's outside world was covered with fluffy snow creating a Wisconsin winter wonderland. This winter is  mild compared to others experienced in the past. The colossal snows that deluged New York City, Washington D.C. and other eastern areas reminded me of the blizzards of my childhood.

Our family farm, with its two story four square home, was at the end of a two mile dead end dirt road. When blizzards hit we were really affected and sometimes isolated for days. My mother kept a watch for snowstorms and especially when her morning radio show, the Farm Hour, predicted storms. One time she was less vigilant and as we traveled home from Pulaski, about six miles from home, a blizzard with white out conditions caught up with us as we attempted to head for home. I recall the darkness and the whirling snow. Most likely we were at church. My deeply religious mother would risk a snowstorm to hear the word of God as preached by one of our parish priests.  

We made it to the end of the dirt road. Nearby was the short driveway to the home of Katy and Mary Johnson, two unmarried sisters. We abandoned the car and made our way up the driveway, feeling the full force of the wind, and took shelter with the Johnsons for the night.

 The next morning in the early hours we walked home in time for morning chores.We were stranded for several day before the huge yellow snowplow came roaring into our yard.

No such blizzard with white out conditions today. For that matter it's been several years now since we lived through a fierce storm.  Instead, as these two pictures of the Gardens show, just soft fluffy snow to be enjoyed during a mid-afternoon walk.


Pictured on the right is the Forsythia. In December, during the unusual warm spell, buds appeared. Will the sunshine yellow flowers appear in early spring?  I wait to see what Mother Nature reveals.

To the left is a Black Elderberry. This hardy shrub will surely produce many berries that Janice, a neighbor, will pick to make jams, syrup and perhaps a  pie. I recommend the sweet syrup on pancakes.

Tomorrow evening the crew chiefs of the various gardens along the Southwest Path meet at Sandy's house to discuss our hopes and plans for the 2016 season. Sandy is the chair of the Dudgeon Monroe Association's Path Committee.

In the meantime, inside our home this orchid is blooming. Joanne, a neighbor and owner of "Mystery To Me", an independent bookstore, gave it to me. This is the third season the plant has bloomed, adding beauty and color to our lives. The book store is on nearby Monroe Street. Check it out by going to http://www.mysterytomebooks.com/welcome-mystery-me.

The figurines in the background were once the prize possessions of my dear mother-in-law, Ethel. I think of her when I see them. She lived to be almost 95 years old. Like this orchid, she graced our lives.