It's official - winter starts TODAY!

[Bucky]

Yep . . according to the calendar . . today, Dec. 21st is the first "official" day of winter. 

Well, duh . . . we already knew that!!     Winter has been here for a few weeks now.

This week there seems to be a widespread storm rolling through the U.S.  Right now, it's out in California with tons of rain and is moving Eastward this week.  Here in Central IL they are predicting lots of snow Thursday evening into Friday.  At this point, they don't know how much.

Our members in England haven't been left out either - they've had a lot of snow too.

Those of you traveling this weekend for the holidays, please be careful and be prepared for delays.  Also if you are driving - make sure your vehicle is ready for the weather.  Pack some extra "snacks" and water - they might come in handy.

Check in with us and let us know what's happening where you live.

Be safe everyone.

Bucky

[Carolina]

The good news:  from now on the days get LONGER!

well, sort of, but the shift is weird.  Not always longer in the afternoon,some times earlier sunrise.

But hang in there.

However, I know from bitter experience, that if you live north of the 'snow line' the hardest part is yet to come.

I remember snow in May on my husband's birthday, in Boston, that took down power lines and broke the branches on the blooming lilac bushes.

Sigh.

Well, it comes and goes and goes and comes.

Life.

Kisses

Elaine

[Joe S.]

Well did anyone see the blood moon / dragon moon last night?

[irish]

I'm a moon watcher Joe, but I missed it. Please warn me ahead of time if there is something big coming. I love to call the grandkids and tell them to look out the window to the East. We have a grand stage out here in the country for watching the moon and it is awesome. Irish

[Bucky]

It was too cloudy overnight here in IL - didn't get to see it.   

[newhorizons]

Late News Forecast from ETN...

We're expecting some snow Christmas eve into Christmas day...
And, yes, I'm old enough to remember Bing Crosby singing the song, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas!"

Farm News...  

The cows are beginning to give birth... The little solid black baby calves are a sight to behold against the white snow.  The young heifers that will be giving birth for first time are grazing near our home so hubby can watch and count them several times a day.

Part of time he counts them with his binoculars... If one is missing, he goes to find her. The young mother (heifer) has instinct to have her calf in thicket or in low area in field to shelter them from the cold winds.  

Mother Nature at her best in the loving care a young heifer gives that little black bundle she brings into this world...

In Closing...

With love in my heart, I wish each of you much peace of mind this Christmas day... and, may each of us have a healthier new year.

Season's Greetings for the foothills of the Smoky Mts. Joy

[Joe S.]

Irish, It was an eclipse of the moon on the winter solstice. The last time this happened was almost 400 years ago.

[navydad]

I;m with Elaine,,, least the days are going to get longer now,,

[Bucky]

Those of you in the mid section of the U.S. I hope you are keeping tuned into the weather station to keep track of this weather system that is moving through.

I've got groceries bought and the car gassed up.  Now, we wait to see what develops once the storm gets here.  Last I heard, we could get 4-5" of snow . . . or, we could get a foot!   

Those traveling for the holidays - please be careful.

Bucky

[Bucky]

It's s-n-o-w-i-n-g!!!  These are the big snowflakes - looks like someone has a huge salt shaker and shaking continuously.  Will definitely have a white Christmas here!   

Be careful if you are traveling the next few days . . . allow extra time and take some extra snacks with you in case you are tied up in traffic for a while.  Be safe.

Merry Christmas Eve everyone . . . .

Bucky

[Patze]

Bah humbug to all the snow and joyfulness!

Stay warm and have a great Christmas everyone!!!


Patze