Magnolia Hill's First Snowfall

"Kindness is like snow- it beautifies everything it covers."

                                                                                                       _ Kahlil Gibran

  

Oh how I love winter and we finally had our first snowfall of the season here at Magnolia Hill. Until now, we had almost warm weather, but we were blessed not to have the "feet" of snow measurements like our friends on the east coast. This January snowfall left a beautiful coating of powdery white snow in the landscape.  Buddy likes to make an early morning walk around the lake. Here are some of his pictures....

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No footprints in the snow just yet, but the animals at the barn need to be tended

the flawless snow was wet and heavy on the cedar  trees

A thin layer of ice was beginning to form

The geese did not seem to mind the snow, but they were ready to eat their corn!

 A walk around the lake on the carriage road....no footprints....Not even the rabbits and squirrels were out this morning.

The reflection of the blue sky in the lake as it began to peak through the cloud cover.

  Buddy's John Deere waits for warmer weather

The 1948 Chevy has seen many a snowfall....

The  wooden bridge on the carriage road leading into the woodlands - it is spectacular view in any season.

The reflection of the sky and trees in the lake was breathtaking.

Looking over the bridge, the water is clear and cold.

We wonder what made these tracks...a rabbit?

A  towering White Oak tree and a swing awaits. Such beautiful trees deserve a prominent place in any landscape.

Even under cover, our delightful Packard got a dusting

 

A view from the highway and you can't see our circle drive at all.

A heaping warm pot of soup and fresh baked cookies awaited Buddy when he came in from the cold.

One of my favorite growing up memories  was that of Mother making snow ice cream on the front porch for all the neighborhood kids. When she started making ice cream, children seemed to magically appear.

One thing to remember is to gather fresh, clean snow! Don't dig too deeply and gather your snow from an area that is out in the open away from bushes and trees.

Snow Ice Cream  

1 large bowl of snow ( about 1 quart)

1 cup heavy cream

sugar to taste

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Beat the heavy cream, then fold in sugar and vanilla. Take a large bowl outside and scoop up the snow while it is still frozen.  Fold cream mixture into the snow.  Adjust the sugar and vanilla to taste, and your winter treat is ready to eat on the front porch. 

 Surely a memory in the making!