Tag Archives: snow

Snowing in Chicago

It is snowing in the Chicago area for this Where Are You Today?” episode. It is almost St. Patrick’s day and spring is just around the corner. Finally! Winter seems to last longer each year. Chicago is getting ready to dye the Chicago River emerald green. They use orange dye to do so. The river scenes and parade bring tourists and locals downtown.

In the Northwest suburbs, we have our own parades.

According to the National Weather Service we can see snow through May. In 1940 2.2 inches on the white stuff came down.

Here is a reminder of what a typical snowy day looks like in McHenry County. Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”

Snowing in Chicago and Hutto Texas

More snow in Chicago. We just returned from Hutto and Padre Island, Texas where the temps were unseasonably cool. The snow storm due to hit Chicago just grazed the city and left three inches of heavy, wet snow for our arrival.

This morning, large flakes began falling. A pretty sight for sure. Pictures from Hutto, Texas show 2 inches of snow on the ground. We left town just in time.

Winterfest Lake Snow Scuplting in Geneva Wisconsin

Today we hopped across the state line for the 15th annual Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Winterfest. The event includes helicopter rides, ice fishing derby, food, drink and shopping at local merchants. On frozen Lake Geneva cars, ice fishermen, cars, ATVs and motorcycles, skaters, walkers and dogs intermixed. A few swans patrolled the only unfrozen section of the lake.

The big draw for us is the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships. This year 15 teams from across the country competed for the title. Earlier in the week I watched as they prepared the first snow mold. A 6 foot wide by 9 foot tall cylinder is packed with snow. Rumor has it that this snow is gathered from the Rockford Airport runway as they clear the path for airplanes. Once the cylinder is partially filled with snow, people stomp on the snow till it is packed solid. These steps are repeated until the cylinder is full. The sculptors use hand tools to create their artwork.

Take a look at a few of the statues and the scene at the festival. Check out the hog on the Harley motorcycle. Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”

Watch Out for the Hawk at Volo Bog Winter Fest

Watch out for the bird I said to Noel F. Williams. We were at the Volo Bog in Volo, Illinois enjoying Winter Fest. Lake Shore Vibe rocked the place with four sets during the afternoon. Visitors went on hikes in the snow to see nature at work and the photo contest brought the outdoors inside.

Noel F. Williams vs the Hawk Volo Bog Park

Noel F. Williams vs the Hawk Volo Bog Park

Here’s Noel about to be captured by a Red Tail Hawk. We see these birds of prey in our yard at times.

Making it Through Winter Weather in Chicago

Chicago winters are brutal. Cold, wet, slippery, windy. When we reach winter solstice the days are so short, many of us go to work in the dark and return home without seeing daylight. The cold, dark days take a toll on us Midwesterners. Some of us are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which impacts our mood and ability to function.

When we do catch a break and temps reach 30 and the sun comes out, I appreciate the reprieve. Winter does have beautiful moments. Enjoy a few of the scenes from my neck of the woods.

Winter Solstice Sunset in McHenry County

Winter Solstice Sunset in McHenry County

Naturally Flocked Christmas Trees in McHenry County

Naturally Flocked Christmas Trees in McHenry County

Ice Covered Scene in McHenry County

Ice Covered Scene in McHenry County

Winter Driving in Chicagoland

Winter in Chicagoland and the weather is predictably unpredictable. Snow fell for most of the last three days leaving trees dusted with a white coating. Yards and streets are blanketed with a thick layer of snow.

Not bad driving today in McHenry County. Yesterday snow fell faster than plows could clear. Spun out cars and trucks lined the roads. We shoveled multiple times before the storm let up.

Here’s what it looks like today a day after the multiple day storm.

Midwest Winter Solstice is Here

Today is the Winter Solstice in the Midwest. It’s cold and snowy here in Chicago as we get closer to year end. The sun set at 4:21 last night for the shortest day of the year. Today we start the six month journey to summer solstice when we enjoy the longest day of the year. In the Chicago area, it does not become fully dark until 9 PM in late June. That is my favorite time of year.

Until then, I’ll enjoy the few minutes of additional daylight each day. The sun rises one or two minutes earlier and sets a moment or two later each day.

Living in the moment, here is a photo of my neighbors snow yard art. Enjoy

Winter Solstice in McHenry County

Winter Solstice in McHenry County