Saturday, December 24, 2016

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Snowfall Warning

Issued at 04:31 Saturday 24 December, 2016


Snowfall, with total amounts of 10 to 20 cm is expected.

An area of heavy snow will continue to move across southern Alberta this morning. Many areas around Calgary received around 15 cm of snowfall last night and another 5 to 10 cm is expected this morning especially for areas near and east of Red Deer. In addition brisk easterly winds will generate local blowing snow over open areas and along major highways. Conditions should improve later this afternoon when the weather system responsible for the snow finally weakens.

Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow. Surfaces such as highways, roads, walkways and parking lots may become difficult to navigate due to accumulating snow.
9:13 a.m.: This is the current view from my back door.  Note: the 'stoop' has a roof, but that hasn't stopped the snow from entering, given the wind that's accompanying this storm.  (And yes, for the yarnophiles among you, that's my largest yarn storage chest...)



9:31 a.m.: Still snowing, moderately heavy, with wind.  My neighbours across the street cleared off their van and drove off about 15 minutes ago -- the first moving vehicle I'd seen.  Since then, three fairly large cars -- and one small one -- have driven by the front of the house (the hamlet's main street).  No sign of a plough, though I've heard what I thought might be one, more than once.  Probably out on the highway that runs north-south just a few blocks east of the house.

On the Alberta Motor Association Road Reports site, the highways hereabouts, running both East-West and North-South, are all either red or yellow, which means either completely snow-covered, or partially snow-covered, and if you click on one, you get messages like "Covered snow, Snow and Ice on shoulder, Snowing, Strong Wind, Drifting Snow. Fair visibility."

I'm still ready to go up to Edmonton for this evening, but if I can't leave by 2:30 p.m. I won't go.  It's a good 90-minute drive and sunset is scheduled for 4:17 p.m. up there.  Driving in the snow and wind in the dark?  Nope; not happenin'!

I could try for tomorrow a.m....but we'll see. One snowy day at a time!

Wherever I find myself this year, with Christmas and Hanukkah both beginning this evening, there'll definitely be light, love, music, and joy.

To that end...here are a few 'crafty' photos for the season...

Winter Warmth!
"Muffatees" from my friend, J.

One of several cotton "spa sets"
with soap/body wash included


One of a couple of hats

Of course, the wonderful "Cracker Candy" has been made -- this time with almonds instead of walnuts -- and it was so much easier the second time around, because I was geared for the speed required to assemble it!  

The Five-Minute Fudge is all wrapped and ready to go;  Hanukkah 'gelt' (gold chocolate coins which, in Canada, are wrapped as imitation 'loonies') is packed, as are other stocking-stuffers.

But the stockings are stuck in the garage with the other stored Christmas decorations -- and the car.  

10:13 a.m.  The snow continues.  Only one other vehicle has come down the street.  Miss Pookie-cat is curled up on my bed.  Time for me to wrap the last two gifts and get out my suitcase...just in case the next three hours bring a break in the weather.  

And download Skype just in case.

Whatever source of Light you are celebrating this weekend...may there be an abundance of it, with joy, health and happiness now -- and in the year ahead.

Linking up to Nina Marie's Off the Wall Friday...

God bless you, every one!



3 comments:

Marianne said...

Joyeux Noel et faites attention avec toute cette neige!!!

Sue said...

Check the local weather radar -- looks like light snow with nothing scary on the horizon. http://weather.gc.ca/radar/index_e.html?id=WHK

Safe travels!

Judy Warner said...

Trust you are warm, safe, and happy, wherever you are, Margaret! Happy Christmas!