Snowed In

The Upper Midwest got dumped on this weekend! I’m guessing we got about 10 inches of snow so far.

Everything looks so beautiful, frosted in a thick layer of snow.

Now we have blizzard warnings because of the gusting winds and sub-zero temperatures.

The plow cleared our street and now there is a huge wall of snow at the end of our driveway. I’m sure it will take us awhile to clean off the driveway. Thanks goodness we have a snowblower! Good thing we went to the grocery store on Friday night instead of our usual Sunday morning field trip.

The Ornaments I Made for Our Swap

EDIT: oopsy, my previous title indicated a giveaway, but this isn’t a giveaway post – sorry to mislead anyone! I just forgot to change the title of my post before publishing it – doh!

I hope everyone has sent and received their ornament swaps.

I also hope everyone has added pictures of your goodies to our Flickr group. Stop by to check out all the goodies that were exchanged this summer!

I finally remembered to share with you what I made for my partner: a knitted mini sweater, a fabric dove and a felt star.

I included a couple fat quarters in her package as a bonus.

While I was at it, I made a few extra bird ornaments to have on hand for future gifts or exchanges.

I used this simple and quick tutorial from The Purl Bee to make the birds, and I used the pattern from this book to make the knitted sweater. I think they always have the best projects and tutorials!

Today is my first day of class for computer graphics, so I’m excited to start learning how to use Photoshop and Illustrator!

Winter Blast

Ever wonder what it’s like to live in the upper Midwest during winter? Most people probably haven’t had that thought come to mind, but I’ll show you anyway. We woke up to this scene!

Our local news reported that the Madison area received 15 to 18 inches of snow. It was blowing too, making it hard to get an accurate measurement. You get the idea with this picture.

It took us awhile to dig out. (thank goodness for the snowblower)

Then the plow came by. (our mailbox is buried in there, really!)

The sun started to peak out late this afternoon, so now we can enjoy this winter wonderland.

Next up, blizzard winds and sub-zero temperatures for the next couple days! You will find me in my sewing room.

Winter Wallop

These were excerpts from yesterday’s local weather forecast:

Residents are preparing for another winter wallop. (love that wording!) 

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for most parts of southern Wisconsin on Thursday evening.

Thursday night will be cloudy and windy with snow developing.  The snow might be heavy at times and isolated thunderstorms are possible.

 … blowing and drifting snow is possible. Total snow accumulations will hover been 6 to 12 inches.

Here is what actually happened:

snowed-in patio tableI guess I won’t be dining alfresco for awhile, which I really love doing.  That looks like a good 12 inches, doesn’t it?!

dave blowing snowDave was having fun with his new snowblower, but he’s happy to be thawing out now.

snowy treesThe spruce trees hold the snowy frosting well.

snowy greeneryWe have better curb appeal now with the snow dusting our Christmas greenery.

I love winter but so far, I’m happy to watch the magic of snow turn the outdoors into a winter wonderland from the warmth of my cozy house.

Not Ready Yet

We had a full day of snow last weekend, and now it’s snowing again.  We’re supposed to get several inches today, but I’m just not ready yet for a snowy winter.  Maybe it’s because we recently had a fabulous ten-day vacation in the City.  Maybe it’s because I’m recovering from a cold, so I don’t have the energy to shovel or play in the snow.

it's snowingI am starting to get excited for the Christmas season, for baking, decorating and giving.  We have started our Advent calendar and bought a pretty poinsettia for a centerpiece on the kitchen table.  I love the red and green colors that decorate this time of year.

I am also looking forward to seeing the blue lights illuminating our trees outside. I love how mystical blue lights look with the glistening white snow, especially at dusk when the world rests in a blue calm.

early snowDave, on the other hand, is quite excited for lots of snow because he got a new toy!

Dave unpacking his new toyHe’s never been a winter person, although since we met he does like going skiing and snowshoeing.

Dave's new toy!

Apparently now he’s ready for a big storm!

I hope you are enjoying the warmth and coziness of nestling in this time of year.