Saturday, August 20, 2011

seizing the opportunity


Well it's been an exciting week and anyone reading this who lives in New Zealand will be thinking, 'not more snow photos!'
But they will also know it's not a vary common occurrence to have it snow in Palmerston North, and many of the places that it did snow, so when it does everyone gets very excited.

In the last 10 years the hills opposite my home have had 2 dusting's of snow, and it has been at least 50 years since it snowed like this.

On Monday morning we woke to a pretty dusting of snow on the hills and the promise of a corridor of polar air moving towards us bring severe chills and snow to low levels.

Everyone at work was eager to head off home as the day got darker and grey. It started to snow half an hour before I finished work. The above photo shows what it was like driving home. By the time I got home, this is what awaited me....




H O L Y    C O W!!



I'm not sure the sheep were too thrilled about the sudden dip in temperatures. They started to blend into the snow...


And all my daffodils were buckling under the weight of the snow...


And the neighbours farm looked magical in a cold sort of way...

But there was only one thing for it. I took off my smart office jacket and my heels and stockings and put on socks and track pants, coat, scarf and hat and gloves  and in my gumboots I ran out to play like a 5 year old.

Honestly it does one's soul good to run around and build snowmen and throw snowballs, and stand with your tongue hanging out trying to catch a snowflake. 

It makes you feel alive.




And the next morning...



it was still all there, pristine, pretty and pure.




It made me feel alive
and 
thankful for the beauty I got to witness during the week.

My snowman lasted for 3 days and now there is only a touch of snow here and there on the hills, but the polar blast has disappeared and fine sunny days are forecast. 

Can't wait for the sun.
Carole :)

17 comments:

Linda Jo said...

Oh how wonderful! I love it...makes me feel cool just looking at it.It's beautiful!

Maggie R said...

So this is a rare occurance Carole?
Well move on over cause Maggie's on her way!!!!VBG
I do not look forward to our snowy season here in Canada... It is pretty and I don't mind the cold but when it comes to driving that's when our love affair ends!
I gotta say the sheep looked so cute but I bet they were thinking this is baa...d VBG
Thank for sharing this event! I bet you had fun...
Sending big warm hugs from Sunny and hot southern Ontario...
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie

Talking Horses Arts said...

I sure understand your excitement , we have that here to at the first snow. Then after 4 months its still there, then it is less exciting and more annoying lol.But i will send you some when we get ours?!(Kidding)!
I really understand that feeling your describing tho!Cheers!
Andrea.

Jennifer said...

The NZ weather made the news here too! When we visited Palmerston North and stayed in a small town a short distance away, we had lovely weather until the day we left - then we had a very snowy drive to Taupo, so your pics bring back memories.

Deb said...

Great photos Carole. The snow always looks so beautiful in the sun though doesn't it. I bet your daffodils are looking beautiful down your driveway now though. Worth planting all those bulbs!

Sharne Gregory said...

We have had a fair bit of snow in the UK the last 2 years, lovely to look at or play in, but nasty to drive in! Loved looking at your photos but I dont want any snow this year!

Mrs A said...

there is nothing like playing in the snow, its real fun! Those sheep are so cute, i would have wanted to bring them inside!

Diane Kelsey said...

Love the sheep in the snow photo. My friends sister from NZ is in the UK for four weeks with her daughter. They can't believe they are missing the snow.

Annette said...

Thankyou for the snowy photos... we saw on the news that you had had unusual snow.. looks lovely, but no thanks... even just for fun.. yes, I'm a big sook when it comes to being cold.
And yes, I have tried it...
hugs

Alexandra said...

It is so grazy to look pictures with snow,in Germany is so hot. I hope you enjoy it.
Have a nice weekend
Alexandra

Rhonda said...

I know your excitement because it never rains here in Arizona where I live. Oh, it will rain all around this valley but miss our area completely. Thursday night it rained and we both ran out in it. Just like kids!

Lyn said...

I love the snow photos, hope we don't see any for a long while yet though!
xxx

~*~Patty S said...

Wonderful photos of this momentous event...you know I LOVE snow...the hush and purity it brings are magical

glad you got to enjoy some...Shane has some lovely snow pics on her blog too!

oxo

Julie said...

Quite right to enjoy such a rare event :-) I hope your daffs have recovered.

Virginia said...

Oh it does your soul good to see snow like that! Glad you are able to enjoy it!

Tatkis said...

Wow, a lot of snow!! Poor flowers!
Hope you are having fun :)

Hugs,
Tatyana

essay online said...

HOLY COW!!! HAHA!! )))
HOLY COW!