Waking up to the first snow of the season is a magical event. Suddenly seeing white when the day before, the landscape was covered with fading autumn hues, is always a surprise to the senses. Children are especially excited and full of wonder at the arrival of nature’s most versatile plaything.
But, not everyone smiles at the sight of the season’s first snow. It means more work for parents getting children ready to go outside, more time scraping the vehicle in the morning, more potential danger on the roads and worst of all, more shoveling.
Nevertheless, snow is beautiful, especially when it’s still in mid-air, falling softly from the heavens or swirling in the wind. It covers the landscape, making the most of November’s stark silhouettes. The colored leaves of autumn quickly pass from memory. Winter’s on its way.
Soon it will be time to put out sunflower seeds for the squirrels and birds who have decided to stay for the winter. There will be more activity at the birdbath as the ground freezes and it becomes more difficult for wildlife to find food and fresh water.
As warmer weather is forecast over the next few days, this snow will probably melt as do most first snows here in Nova Scotia. Which leaves one to wonder… when the snow melts… where does the white go?
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These pictures look like illustrations in a children’s fairy tale book. Magical.
Jessica, the falling snow picked up by my flash seems to have added another dimension to the scenes. Thanks.
In 1977, when we came to Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts on our way to my husband’s 2 year corporate “residency” in Virginia, it was May. But, we still had active snow in Quebec City and on our drive on Cape Breton. That really surprised me, and it was “magical” to see the snow there!
In Oregon, our snow tires are supposed to be off by April 1st, but last year, the Cascades were still having snow well beyond then. The weather is certainly strange, but climatologists find many longer, unnoticed cycles emerging, so we’re going to have to figure out what’s “natural” change and what’s man-made.
I’ll enjoy seeing more of your photos, as they happen. We loved Nova Scotia — both the land and the people. You live in a great place!
Em, this first snow was almost 2 weeks earlier than it was last year, but we’re still later than a lot of other places. The weather is getting harder to predict.
Good to know that you have so many wonderful memories of your travels to Eastern Canada. It is a beautiful place
Lovely shots. Wonderful words. I’m on the final countdown. Arrive Monday, November 16. Your Blog has helped me learn so much more about the area. Can’t wait to go for my first of many walks on the Salt Marsh Trail. Have a lovely day. Sybil
I’m glad to have been of help Sybil
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in your walks along the trail. However, it’s not kept clear in winter, so you’ll have to make the most of these last few weeks of fall.
I love the jack-o-lantern peering out from behind the snowy pine, grinning for all the world as if he had delivered the snow himself!
Gerry, yes, he does look like that!
No snow here yet, just November winds. November 10, statistically, is the worst day for storms on the Great Lakes, a friend told me. November is not an easy time of year. Winter’s cold has arrived but not yet the blankets of snow. Most trees are bare of leaves after recent winds. There is low-level crankiness, if not outright illness. We are urged to start preparing for holidays and feel ourselves resisting: Not yet! I need to rest first!
Pamela, it’s such a grey time of year isn’t it? Lots of people are sick here and I keep hearing of many who feel crankier than usual. The weather and the seasons have a tremendous effect on our moods.
I checked, and sure enough, November 10th is the date when the Edmund Fitzgerald went down. Hopefully this November 10th will pass uneventfully on the Great Lakes.
Oh, I love it! What’s the word for making an appreciative grunty noise in your throat, kinda-like a humph, but with a big grin? That’s what I did as soon as I spied that pumpkin, dressed perfectly for a winter masquerade! I’m still smiling! Love all your pictures. They’re so pretty they look fake! Gloris
http://www.gloriadelia.wordpress.com
posted your pumpkin and blog on my FB page.
Thanks for doing that Gloris
A winter masquerade would be just the thing to liven up these grey days! I’m glad you like the pictures. They captured just a moment in time – I knew I had to act fast as the snow soon turned to rain.
Oh so you’ve had your first snow! It looks utterly beautiful, from the jack-o-lantern to the big flakes. As for the koan “when the snow melts, where does the white go?” I wonder if there is an answer! If we meditate on that long enough, will we get enlightened?
I don’t know if I really need the answer to that one Kathy. Sometimes it’s enough to just ask the question.
I do love the first snow – unless it’s the beginning of October like it was here. Of course, it’s been and gone but I must admit that I wasn’t happy that morning to wake up to 3″! Now that it’s November and ‘time’ for snow, it can come when it wants and I, too, will appreciate it’s beauty.
Cindy, our first snow has pretty much all disappeared after the warm weather this weekend. The melting has made the woods wetter than usual. How much you look forward to the snow has a lot to do with the length of your driveway
I love snow providing I don’t have to drive in it. Haha I would love to retire in the UP and stay in all winter next to a big picture window.
Me too Jessica! Winter driving in Nova Scotia can be so nerve wracking.
However, it certainly makes the bare landscape look more beautiful. All except for the driveway that is.