It is not real rare, but we are hardly one month into Spring and we get a snow. I remember a day in April of 1971 we received about six inches during the day, and it was gone by sundown.
Here are a couple of pictures from this morning, and from our front porch…
It is wonderful to live in the southwest Missouri Ozarks. You just never know what the weather is going to do.
From the banks of Flat Creek
`tim
We have not had much snow for a few years in Southwest Mo., but we are getting enough today. So much so, in fact, that the Cassville School District has already canceled classes for January 16, 2018, and I received the call shortly after 11 a.m. on January 15.
The following are some pictures my wife Madge tool just outside our backdoor…
and one more…
I am not a real fan of cold Winter weather, but it goes with having seasons, and I thank the Lord our Creator for them all. Snow is beautiful because it covers all that is unsightly, ugly, and messed up.
From the banks of Flat Creek
`tim
I am not a fan of prognostications; especially early ones. A farmer cannot make a decision to not plow the ground because it looks like it might rain; or even if the weather people have predicted that it is going to rain. The field would never get plowed.
What set this off I guess is because our School for which I drive a School bus, cancelled school today with only rain falling; upon the prediction of ice and snow on the way.
I know it is a safety issue. We do not want to get caught on the road with hundreds of children on the school bus, with a possibility of sliding into the ditch or another vehicle.
I will applaud their decision when the ice and snow, or snow and ice come. I just do not like making decisions like this based on the predictions of faulty people, and their man made equipment.
It was probably a good decision, but that is yet to be seen. From the banks of Flat Creek.
-tim
I have never made any secret of the fact that I am a Spring and Summer man. I do not like Winter at all. I can appreciate it, and its purpose and lesson in life. I can even thank God who made it for making it, if for no other reason that it helps me appreciate Spring and Summer that much more.
This Winter season has been a great one, with no snow here in our valley, except for last night and today. I measured at around 7 a.m. and we had 7 inches at out back door. It is about the prettiest site you will ever see. The brown of Winter is covered. The leafless trees are trimmed with snow. It makes beautiful scenery.
Though it is beautiful; beauty is not everything. The warmth and comfort of Spring and Summer are certainly great.
As I titled it, “Too Much Snow”. It is. So stay warm, stay in, thank the Lord for those who keep our roads and streets clear; and the utility people who must get out in it to keep our electricity powering our homes and businesses.
From the snowy banks of Flat Creek,
~tim
It warmed to 52 degrees yesterday morning, then the temp started going down, down, down.
Last night when I went to bed it had gone all the way down to the low twenties. This morning when I got up it was 18 degrees, and just a moment ago it was 15 degrees.
We also received a bit of snow. At the moment there has been no cancellation of our school. So I will be leaving to drive a bus in a while.
Everyone be safe out there this morning. Have a great day.
From the banks of Flat Creek.
~tim
When I went to bed last night it was snowing lightly. This morning when I arose I looked out the window to see, but a trace of snow on the porch, and the ground. The temp, however, was biting at 12 degrees, and since then has dropped to 11 degrees.
I somewhat asked for a stable Winter this year. I mean by that with more Winter type temps of thirty and below during the daytime. It has not been quite that stable, but we have been having more cold days together than apart; at least it seems to me to be so.
Just heard from our son who lives in Mt Vernon, MO. that they had about three inches on the ground there. I am happy for them. 🙂
Have a grand day.
-tim
When I came into my living room this morning about 4:45 the thermometer read minus two (-2) degrees. Thirty minutes later it was at -3 degrees. The last time a took a look it was at -4 degrees.
I just took a minute and looked again; now it is at -5 degrees. Is that what is called, “Dropping like a rock”? I guess it could drop a bit faster.
I am sure thankful this morning though. Thankful for a nice warm home. Thankful for flowing water. Thankful for many things.
I am praying this morning for all the farmers who will need to be, and already are out in this snow and cold caring for their cattle, and other livestock. For those who are maintaining our roads; praying for their wisdom and safety. For the EMT’s, and other emergency personnel. May I add, if you do not need to be out, stay in, and stay warm.
One more thing; if you just have to get out and drive on the highways turn on your headlights. It is good to be seen; not just able to see. It is a matter of safety; not just yours but others who are out as well.
-tim
On the afternoon of December 5th we started receiving freezing precipitation in the form of freezing rain, sleet and later turning to snow. At present (5 a.m. CT) it is still snowing; though, it does seem to have slowed a bit.
Looking out the window in the light from the porch light there appears to be approximately 1 foot of snow. I measured it around 7:45 p.m yesterday, and it measured 6 inches.
Snow is a beauty. It covers all the trash on the ground, hangs on the leaves of the trees giving them an essence of cleanliness, and holiness. My how our Creator reminds us of Himself; and what He desires from us.
Enjoy the snow. Pray for those who have to work in it. Those who need to be on our highways, turnpikes, interstates, and freeways; whether just traveling to work, home; but especially those who labor in the cold of winter, snow is a hazard to their health and life. That includes those who keep our electric power going, our roads cleared off, and God forbid, dealing with home fires, health needs, etc. Thank the Lord for all of them.
-tim
I write this morning because it is a rare morning; at least weather wise; and maybe historically. It is snowing.
There is not much accumulated yet, but it is coming down like it would really pile up if it were colder, the ground was frozen, and conditions were better for snow. With the grass green, leaves newly on the trees and such this will make a rare picture for Southwest Missouri.
I wrote this just for a note later.
-Tim
I was really hoping for no snow accumulation this Winter; especially during the work, school week. I was looking forward to getting out of school on May 16, but now that is not going to happen; it could be a day or two later now. A day or two will not hurt.
It is best when that snow fall starts accumulating that the buses stay off the road. It is safer for the students on the bus, the drivers, and for the schools. I was thankful that they called me plenty early this morning to inform me by their automated School Reach system. It is a system which notifies all the drivers, students and teachers at the same time; or near it anyway. I received my call at 4:35 a.m. I usually leave around 5:25 when I am riding with another driver into the bus garage.
This is our first measurable snowfall for 2012 Winter. It is the first school day cancelled due to weather; and I hope the last. But who knows about tomorrow.
The snow sure is pretty, covering all the ugly of the yard, and putting some niceties to the forms of trees. I still do not like Winter, cold or snow, but I can enjoy it; and be thankful and appreciative of it.
Just sit back, if you can, stay warm and praise the Lord for His beauty.
-Tim
According to those who know at 12:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday December 22 the sun ceased its trek to the Southern hemisphere, and has began its trek back to the Northern hemisphere. The word and description are mine not those who are in the know about these things.
We have now officially been into Winter for almost thirty hours as of 6:00 a.m. Central Standard time.
What purpose does knowing this serve us except to show that we live in an intricately created world; that could not have just happened as the “scientist” try to tell us. It definitely had a Designer/Builder; and this Creator still cares for this universe which He has made.
I did not intend to get into faith or religion or theology with this; but sometimes when I begin writing it just comes out. That too has a designer and builder. Like the seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter they are a part of the created order of things.
I am not particularly fond of Winter. Cold, ice, snow, slick roads, heating bills, the wear and tear on the cars and trucks, not to even mention the aches and pains in the bones and joints of the bodies of men and women. It too, though, has its beauty and purpose and I am thankful for Winter.
Why am I thankful for Winter? It causes me to long for Spring and Summer and those warming, warmer, and greening up days; even mowing the yard. It even helps me appreciate those extremely hot 114 degree days. I think I wrote about it a few months ago, but the temp of one day in the Winter of early 2011 got down to around -30 degrees (30 degrees below zero) in at least one place around here where I live. Then, one day in the Summer did get up to 114 here at my house. That is a 144 degree difference; if my math is correct.
The daylight hours will begin getting longer now. To me that is a great thing. What a wonderful work our Lord has wrought. Especially in the birth, life and death, and resurrection of the Son of God. Yes God does have a Son, and anyone who says that He does not; does not know my God.
Have a very wonderful, Christ filled Christmas.
From the banks of Flat Creek; and it is rolling quite powerfully right now.
-Tim
On Tuesday December 6 we got our first measurable snow. It was in fact the first I had seen this season. By that I mean I had not even noticed a flake or anything until I got up about 2:30 a.m. and noticed in the lights there was a pretty serious amount of snow falling. It did end up being less than an inch, but it was hazardous.
We had school that day, but I think there were a few of us drivers who were probably thinking, “What are we doing out here?” I was probably one of them, yet we just did our job, picked up those kids, and brought them into school.
On the way into the bus the road did not seem slick. Driving was pretty normal. The snow seemed to be dry and blowing off the road as you drove over it; however it was packing under those wheels, I guess, and it became a sheet of ice on some roads.
When I pulled out from Wildcat Drive onto Business 37 by the Administration Building my bus went sideways, and into a sign, breaking out the right rear clearance light, and I noticed later a mark on the sign. I saw one driver in the ditch on his side on Highway 76 East of what is known as Bates Corner. I rarely am stressed about driving, but this morning was an exception to that. It is probably a good thing that I was.
Without further incident or accident every bus made it safely back into school with all the children who rode that morning.
Just to note: our people at the school who make the decisions concerning weather conditions do a good job, and this morning was no different; considering the time and conditions. It was not slick, then it was. There was many incidents/accidents that morning, but thankfully not many were too serious; that I know of anyway.
Now safe and warm on the banks of Flat Creek.
-Tim
I sure hope it is not snowing inside. That would mean we were cold; when actually we are warm and cozy inside the house while the snow is falling; at least it was a while ago. I have not looked to see recently.
I just went and took a peek out the front door with the porch light on and it did not seem to be coming down very heavy if at all. I am not a fan of snow fall, but I will take what we get, and learn to live with it.
The temp outside when I got up was 26 degrees. That is probably just right for a good heavy snow fall; but I pray we do not get that. It is good for the ground, and that is about the only benefit there is for it except if you live in a ski resort area, than that may be your income. For you I pray you get all the snow you can handle; and many guests coming to your slopes.
Everyone be careful out there this morning. The roads may be slick and dangerous.
From the snowy banks of Flat Creek.
-Tim
I wrote a post the other day that I title “After Mowing”. I spoke of mowing dirt and the heat. It has been hot; there is certainly no denying that, but I choose to be thankful for it, rather than complain about it. I mean think of the alternative – it could be below zero, and without the heat of the sun to warm us there would be no life at all.
The other night while I was sleeping I had a dream of snow and slick roads. I guess that was a way of reminding me of last February. I must admit I don’t do much outdoor work when it is hot like this. It probably wouldn’t be too wise for someone who has had stents placed in their heart to do so; at least too aggressively.
I did go out yesterday afternoon to move a mound of dirt which was out in the yard from the septic lateral, which I had to mow around. It was just a small mound. I took my pick and shovel to it and had it moved in short order, but in that 100 degree sun it made short work of me too. I thank God for those guy and gals who are out in it doing road work, building houses, farm work, and all other legitimate work. No matter what your age may be; working out in that sun’s heat will zap your body of needed nutrients and strength. Take care of yourselves. Drink lots of water; no caffeine or alcohol; these will harm you rather than help you.
Maybe it was mowing that dirt that caused me to dream of cool weather and snow. I know it is a coming.
Watching the sunrise along the banks of Flat Creek.
-Tim
We are in the midst of the Winter months, and we are reaping the cold and snow of “Global warming”, and I laugh. It seems that most of the US of A is under a blanket of white fluffy snow, and temps are in the teens and below at night.
The cold of Winter is still expected in the Winter, and the heat of Summer is expected in the Summer. I believe that is how God has ordained things, at least, since the fall of man in the garden of Eden; and maybe since the flood of Noah and the ark; which God used to deliver the human race from total destruction.
Summer and Winter; and Springtime and Harvest (Autumn, Fall) will continue as long as the sun and the moon endure. Let’s trust these matters to our Lord, Creator, Redeemer, Savior, and Almighty God in His Son Jesus Christ.
We received a little more ice and snow on Friday morning which suspended School activities of Cassville, MO, and a few others. Some waited longer and canceled. I was glad to be out Friday.
The reason I was glad is my son and his wife Sarah L. had a new baby girl – Lydia Rae. She was scheduled for Friday January 29, by caesarean section. She weighed 8 pounds and 9 ounces at birth and was 21.5 inches long. She was a Blankenship baby. I mean by that that most of us are born fairly good sized.
As long as sinful man continues there will be heat and cold, drought and snow; and yes even life and death. One day there will be an end of sin, and sinful men; and all will be made new. That comes when Christ comes to rule and reign on earth, and puts sin forever away.
The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The past few days here in Southwest MO. has been wet. Wet may not be big enough word for it. It has been downright in the, at least next to the Noahic Flood proportions. That is probably slightly overstating the situation, but I know that is how some of us have felt. Some have even accused me of building an “Ark” and getting ready to float away.
Life sure is interesting at times. One week we are dismissing schools due to snow, ice, and winter storms. The next week we are getting out of school early due to flooding rainfall. Letting out early so as to be sure we get the kids home without buses getting cut off, and such.
Well! Welcome to the second day of Spring 2008. It is great. I have never made any secret to Spring and Summer being my two favorite seasons of the year. It seems that I am especially appreciative of this Spring. Snow, ice and cold just doesn’t do anything for me. I don’t complain about it. It is the days our Lord have given us, and they do have their function and purpose, and they too give glory to their Creator.
Let me tell you about my last two or three days of Winter with Spring affects. Monday night March 17 we received a large amount of rainfall. Tuesday morning when I drove down our driveway toward the road I was wondering about my ability to cross the branch which crosses the road on both sides of our access. When I got to it I saw it deeper than any other time I had crossed; I looked and debated with myself whether it would be the right thing, and safe thing to cross or not, and finally decided I would cross. I did, and made it across in good shape. Upon returning home the branch had risen considerably, with the waters wavy rolling across the crossing. I decided not to cross in the car, but to find a fallen tree across it upstream or something. I walked upstream for awhile until I found a mangled mess of two or three trees which reached across. It was still raining, I crossed, walked to the house, soaked and ready to get my jacket off and my feet dry.
The School called me about noon, and told me they were lining up the buses at 1:15 p.m. to take the students home. The water was still rising. The rain was still falling, and at times in record proportions. As I walked back to the car, I once again crossed the mangled trees, got successfully to the other side, jumped down on the bank, at which time that bank collapsed and the bank and myself went down into the stream up to my knees. I crawled out even wetter than I hoped I would be, went on to the car, and went and drove my kids home.
When I came home that afternoon, the water was higher, and I decided to keep the car on the side it was on and just wade across the low water bridge. I have been around these waters around here for a long time, and I know what it can do so I was very cautious in doing it. I slowly put one foot in front of the other, through the water, got stable in the fast moving water, then would move the other. By the way, it was only about knee deep, but there is a whole lot of power in knee deep water moving with any speed. I made it safely home, took off my wet shoes, socks, and clothes and got comfortable.
The next morning going back to drive the School bus, I did the same thing. It had gone done an inch or two measuring on my knees, but was still a bit swift. I almost lost my balance, but managed to regain it. I sure didn’t want to fall down; I don’t think I could have stopped too quickly. On my return home the stream had receded some more, and I drove the car up to our house. I was glad.
I have had quite the adventure. I like adventure. I am thankful that the Lord is my Caretaker, and that He is still watching over all who are His, and over those who are not His. I am so glad that it is Spring, and that the grass will begin turning green, the easter lillies are blooming, the birds are singing the peepers are peeping. It is so good to know that “The LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet” (Nahum 1:3b).
-by Tim A. Blankenship
It has happened once again. The State of Missouri has been hit with an ice storm again. I think this makes the third one in the past 13 months. In January of 2007 several thousand homes were without power, and for quite some time people were hurting without heat, and the comfort of their homes.
I don’t know of any in my area who have lost power. I must give our Electric Cooperative applause for their maintenance of our electric lines. The Barry Electric Cooperative is very good at keeping the wires cleared of timber and brush. Even that though, sometimes is not enough. This ice can grow quite heavy as it builds up on the lines. These men are ever vigilant to keep the power on and for that I am grateful to them, as should be all their customers. Let me make one thing clear before I continue with this post; I am not an employee of the cooperative, but only a customer, and I guess since it is a Rural Cooperative I am a member as well, who is very proud of these men and women who keep it going.
This is being written on the second day of school cancellation at the Cassville School District. My usual departing time for the morning – to go and drive the school bus – is about 5:15 a.m., and it takes me approximately 30 minutes to get to the bus garage. When I left yesterday morning it was about that same time. There was ice on the car, which I had to break loose from the door, then started the car, took the ice scraper to the windows, then departed. I had gotten nearly half way to Cassville when my wife called my cell phone and told me that my Supervisor had called with his automated call, and informed all drivers there was no school.
I found a place to turn around, and I came back home. The roads were getting “slickery”. That word “slickery” is a word I learned from my four year old grandson. I liked it so I use it here. They were icing, slushy, and driving carefully is required in such conditions. When I found a good place to turn around I came home. Then, it continued to pile up some more.
The temps are not bitterly cold, but it is still Winter, and I am still waiting for Spring to arrive. I have never made it any secret that Spring and Summer are my two favorite seasons of the year. I am, however, very grateful to our God and Creator, for everyday of life and living. It all comes from Him.
They said it was coming. Who said it was coming? This Winter storm. When I arose from the bed this morning there was not a flake of snow to be seen, and I found out almost two hours later that there did not appear to be a cloud in the sky. Sometimes I am amazed how accurate the weather people can be in their predictions. I guess it is all that stuff they call technology, sattelite, GPS, and all that.
It has not been bitterly cold. I am thankful for that. I don’t do very well in the cold. Especially when the electric bill comes due, and that is what we heat with. That is our choice. I am also thankful that we have not experienced a major power outage like some other places and people I know. We would be in a world of hurtin’.
When I jumped in the car to go to Cassville School Bus Garage to drive the bus, there was a moon shining down from above with a few stars that I could see. I left about 5:15 a.m. and arrived there at 5:45 a.m. There were three buses already headed out for their morning pickup of the kids. Two more headed out shortly after I arrived. One driver radioed in from one of her farthest points, “Snow is falling and covering the roads. What do you want me to do?” The decision was made to call them in, ie., the five that had already departed. School was called off for the day.
After helping shut down the engines on the other buses, I got back in our car and came home. It is good to have a day off, but I would rather get out earlier at the end of the year. I guess I just needed the day. Thank the Lord. He always knows what is best for us.
The snow is still falling, and if it continues we probably will not be in school on Friday. There are some pretty wicked roads here in Southwest MO. with curves, hills, hollers, and many of the roads here have no shoulders; only ditches. It can be fun navigating at times.
Flat Creek Rolling 