Wicked Icicles

 

We have been in the deep freeze the past few weeks. Usually, we do not have icicles and when we do they last a few days.

We have had some sun and a few days around 30 degrees. The icicles melt and refreeze. Today the ones on the backside of the house have mostly broken off. I can see the shards lying in the snow.

The ones in the front have twisted and formed daggers. The kind of icicles that "broke" Ralphie's eyeglasses in The Christmas Story movie. At least according to Ralphie.

There has been spreading of ice melt pellets on the sidewalks. Usually I see white or blue pellets. Today for the first time I saw purple pellets.

I think the reason I noticed was because they were at Everwise Credit Union whose signage and logo have purple. Coincidence? 

What things are you noticing around you?

Power of the Sun

 It is 25 degrees outside right now, but we have full sun today. As I sat in the den, I could see what looked like water drops falling from the roof. Upon closer inspection, it turned out that there are icicles melting. Now ten minutes later the sun has shifted and the dripping has stopped. It took the focused sun to make them drip.

The warmth of the sun has also touched the amaryllis plants opening buds and encouraging full flowering. 

With the flowers and the sunshine, today seems cheerful.

I have a Home Chef order arriving today, too, so supper should be interesting. Chipotle beef and potato medley. 

 A good day despite sad news received last night about a family member who lost his house in the California wildfires and ongoing health issues for me.