Ice, Sleet, and Snow!

Last night, we got a ton of rain, which froze and then turned to sleet. It piled up on the ground and looked just like snow until you tried to shovel it--HEAVY!! It gradually turned to snow, so we have a layer of sleet and ice with snow on top. Very dangerous. All schools are closed today, and likely will be tomorrow, too. It definitely makes for some beautiful pictures, though!!

One of our bushes encased in ice:

From Ice Storm

Our mailbox--the maillady had to break the seal to open it, so you can see how thick the ice is at the edge:

From Ice Storm

Here is a piece of ice from Scott's car. He was breaking it up and then sweeping it away. It's at least a quarter inch thick:

From Ice Storm

Our rhododendron:

From Ice Storm

My three munchkins all dressed up to play in the snow. Even Colin had a great time this time!! Previous excursions into the snow haven't been very successful with him!

From Ice Storm

Two biggest boys trying to stay warm:

From Ice Storm

William helping with the shoveling:

From Ice Storm

Check out the lack of footprints in the snow! The "snow" is really packed down sleet and ice. Very difficult to break up and get rid of--our neighbor used an ice pick! The snow plow only made some headway where the pipes run under the street and it was warmer so it could be broken up. The street in this picture has already been plowed:

From Ice Storm

I honestly thought I'd never say this, but after this winter, I'm about done with the cold weather and snow! Thank goodness we're on to warmer pastures for the next winter (although I'm sure when it's 80 outside in JANUARY I'll be wishing for a little ice and snow ;-) )!!