Well, we missed what could have been a really big snowstorm for our area and escaped with just a few inches across the Poconos. About 2-5 inches fell across the region leaving a fresh coat of white powder, but nothing more then a typical storm and definitely not anything to write home about.
For most of us it was a very iffy storm – the predictions were initially 4-8 inches then upped to 6 to 12. The radar showed precipitation over the area from early on Saturday – yet there was no snow falling. There was supposedly really dry air that was preventing the snow from falling and if it had moved out earlier we would have gotten those larger numbers expected. It wasn’t until about 5pm that the snow actually started to reach the ground and by that point the storm was already pulling out to sea and moving away.
I am disappointed – I’ll admit it. For all the fussing I do about snow, how it can be an inconvenience, shoveling is a pain…I still love a good winter storm with nice snow accumulations. As I headed out last night to shovel what little snow had fallen there it was…that Winter Magic. The air was cold but crisp and the snow was light and fluffy and glistened from the nearby lights. Our Christmas lights shone through the snow covered bushes and the only sound you could hear was the powdery snow as it hit the ground. It is a truly magical experience that calm that a snow storm brings to the outdoors. There are no cars, no animals, no bugs, no planes…it is the quietest that nature gets and everything seems to slow down and stop all at once.
We might have missed it this time, but it’s inevitable that there is more snow in the near future. The next wave of snow is expected Christmas day, hopefully it will be enough for a dusting to give that true “White Christmas” with snow actually falling on Christmas, but not enough to effect travel plans. Until then it is bound to be a mad shopping rush this week, take your time on the roads as they will still be icy – Route 611 is bound to be JAM PACKED this week – find alternatives if you can or you’ll find yourself spending the majority of the time sitting in traffic not shopping.
I empathize with you over the fact that it did not snow heavily this week and really wishing that you get a real White Christmas this time around.
I also liked the description that you have given about the snow and its effect on all of us. I also love the calm and the solitude which comes with the snowfall. Everything is still and white. I just love the whole scene and enjoy it sitting on my windowsill.