Après moi le déluge: 18" of Snow and Still Falling !

January 18, 2012

Après moi le déluge: 18" of Snow and Still Falling !

It's 5 in the Afternoon, and Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Capturing the "Big Snow" Scenes in Tumwater and Olympia, WA

Tumwater and Olympia in Washington State received at least 4" of snow on Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Tuesday night at midnight, the second round of snow returned, and continued throughout the day on Wednesday. The total snowfall for Olympia on Wednesday was reported by Channel 5 News, Seattle: Olympia 18" and Tumwater recieved 18"+. What a haul! :) That's 21" of snow for our area.

If you watched the world news on Wednesday afternoon, Nightly News with Brian Williams, there was a great segment on the snowstorm in Seattle and it was reported that Seattle had received 5" of snow. Wow! :) His staff who had compiled the report missed the real snow story: They mentioned Olympia, but should have told the viewers about the 18"+ of snow in Olympia, 60 miles south of Seattle.

Where is the Beauty?
It's in the snow, snow, snow, and the snow covers everything - what a sight to see! Today, 16" inches have been measured on a flat surface.

Where is the Beauty?

It is found in the snowy twists and turns of ordinary shrubs. The snow has stuffed them and puffed them until they resemble a portrait in a Picasso painting. And the beauty is found in the startled trees as they stretch their limbs to offer a refuge to the birds.

The Birdbath Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Après moi le déluge,
Wed., 18 Jan. 2012. The Birdbath.

Where is the Beauty?

It's in the winter landscape,

in the calm white landscape

after the snowstorm

has muted the emerald tones

of the Pacific Northwest.

From my window I look down and see the kids in their hooded parkas sledding down the hill. Then they scatter as the city's snowplow moves in to pry open the city streets.

Where is the Beauty?

In the colors of the snow as it smothers the fall plants.