It’s odd to see maple trees with leaves just beginning to turn color in mid November. That grey blur is a squirrel enjoying a black walnut.
It has been unusually warm for several months, so the snow covered leaves are both beautiful and disturbing.When I was growing up, farmers used to say that the day of the month when the first snow falls is a predictor of the number of blizzards to expect. Like any folk wisdom, some years it worked out that way.
Ten blizzards would add up to a lot of snow, but if it relieved the drought, provided great skiing and ensured a bumper crop of morels, I would welcome a real winter.
JJ, I’ve heard from the older members of my family that this year is ’slated’ to be one of the worst in many decades — based on the old ‘wives tale’ indicators. Recently I was told (by my mother) that the weather-trackers are saying this will be the worst since the 1930s.
Having watched the woolly worms for the last few years turn solid, or almost solid, black, I don’t really believe all the so-called indicators any more.
Like you, I’d welcome a tough winter if it would reset our weather and get it back to where it was when I was younger. I worries me that we have such mild winters here in Kentucky these days.
Comment by Angela Parker — November 12, 2007 @ 7:03 am
I just keep reminding myself that faith has to replace fear. It’s odd enjoying the colored leaves, knowing they should have been on the ground by now.
I hope that every tiny, eco-friendly step each of us takes will add up to make a difference.
Comment by jj_murphy — November 12, 2007 @ 4:22 pm