And what kind of winter will it be?

We are just now experiencing the weather  November usually brings....cool temperatures, rain, fog, frosty mornings and cloudy days.  A far cry from highs in the 80's, blue skies and balmy breezes that started out this month.  I have finally gotten out my heavier coat and actually had to wear it as I walk down the road in the morning.  Grass, summer-green, covered with frost.  And the poor spider webs wearing an icy coat.  But I do feel more in tune with the season now.

Christmas is coming soon.  Colored lights twinkle on the night horizon, decorations are appearing on lawns all over the county, and children are busy writing their requests to the jolly man who lives up North.

What kind of winter will it be?  Mild with hardly a hint of snow and ice, much like last year?  Or will it be like the one pictured above....snow, blowing snow, roads closed, slippery conditions that cancelled celebrations and kept people inside, warming their feet by the fire?  This was our first winter on the hill...and it was one to remember.  The snow was so deep.  We didn't have a garage built yet.  Our car and pickup sat outside on the driveway, covered with tarps. tape covering the keyholes so ice wouldn't make it impossible to open the doors if we were able to get out and drive.  Snowbound for over a week.  The wind blowing constantly, so much that the wintery mix on our roof cascaded off the eave and made a wintry wave, daring us to stand under it.

We had grips for our boots and were able to get around when it stopped snowing.  I slipped and slid a lot...thankful that I had plenty of padding to cushion the falls.

That memory has stayed with me.  And now we are prepared with all we might need in case we are snowbound again.  Of course, with the last few winters being mild we  haven't needed that extra food, fuel and water.  And perhaps not this winter.

One thing I know about Missouri weather.  Never, ever count on it being what you think.  Always be prepared.  It may be the kind of winter that everyone will talk about...good or bad. But be ready to meet what comes.  That is the only way.