Cold but beautiful morning in Oswego, NY

This morning was one of those snow-crunching, lung-burning, clear, sunny, and COLD mornings here in Oswego.  The temperature was -1 at my house, which was pretty warm compared to other communities. Lake Ontario keeps us "warm" in the winter and cool in the summer.  Fortunately, I had my camera in my purse today. On my way to work I couldn't help but make some detours to take some morning pictures.  The Varick Dam, on the Oswego River, was breathtaking. The sun had just come up and mist was rising off the river just below the falls.  
The pictures are beautiful but also a bit eerie looking.

It was so cold, the steam station started up today. The only time we see it running is in extreme cold or heat.  It was stunning against the gray-blue sky. You can see where the sky was darker out over the lake - behind the stacks, where there was a band of snow.

 

strange weather

3 weeks ago on Sunday we had about 2 ft. of snow and temperatures about 32 degrees. We had a nice sledding party - perfect winter day.
2 weeks ago on Sunday we had 60 degree weather. Snow melted and I was outdoors cleaning up matted down leaves that had blown into my yard this past fall.
This past Sunday, we had 30 degree temperatures but with wind gusts up to 60 mph.  Crazy, I tell ya!!  The wind blew over the outdoor cabinet I keep my flower pots in - many of which are clay pots from my grandfather's greenhouse.  I bet they are all smashed to pieces.  I have a cement block and a cement paving stone in the bottom of this cabinet to keep it from tipping over.  Guess that didn't work!! 
 The temperature has dropped to single digits and we have more snow today so I won't be going out anytime soon to check out the damage.

Re-purposed suitcase cold frame

Has anyone seen this use for old suitcases?  I saw it on the Backyard Diva facebook page.  How many old suitcases have you passed up for $1 at yard sales?  This didn't have instructions with the picture but I found the directions online at this site _ http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomandemma/sets/72157622462783382/with/3957266675/

How do you survive a snowy winter?

Last year we had about 2 snowy days - very unusual for an area that normally receives about 200 inches of snow each season. So far, we've received about 24 inches.  So, what would you do - hibernate or play in the snow?  I'm tempted to hibernate but I know that leads me down the road to depression. A sledding party is what we need!  Sunday was the perfect day - temperature was about 35 degrees, a few snowflakes in the air.  We invaded my parents back yard, invited friends, built a fire (and a snowman), cooked hotdogs, drank hot cocoa.  (and then I went home and hibernated for night.)  I find that I survive winter better if I force myself to get out of the house (other than going to work.)  I get my groceries after supper, attend meetings, and play in the snow.  

I'm looking forward to this weekend. The weathermen are forecasting a January thaw - it may get up to 50 degrees.  I guarantee people will be out in shorts. Not me! But I will be out taking walks and soaking up some fresh air.

January hibernation

Christmas trees and decorations are down, shopping, wrapping, cooking, baking - over. Now is the time of year to relax and work on winter-time hobbies. As my grandmother always said - January and February were her vacation times. There's no gardening to be done and no holidays to prepare for.  I spent November and December making wreaths for our tree farm. My niece apprenticed with me this year and did a great job. We took some of our wreaths to a craft show.

My current project is decorating an egg. My aunt was an egger - someone who decorates eggs. She passed away last year and I inherited her supplies. I've only had time to complete one egg. Regretfully it was after she passed. I took classes with her 40 years ago. She continued learning - I got married and had children!  Now I'm re-learning.  I'll post pictures as I progress.