Winter has crested, spring is coming

This past week we came upon one of my favorite days: February 7th.  What's the big deal with February seventh, you ask?  "It depends", I will reply.  It depends on whether you happen to live in Rochester, NY, or somewhere else in the country.  For us, Feb 7th signifies the first day of the year on which our average daily high crosses above freezing.  On Feb 7th, we get to an average of 33 degrees for our daily high.  There is hope!  Winter's grip will lessen and gradually, we will achieve that noble time of year - Springtime.

I grew up in an extremely cold region of the country, so I really don't mind the cold here.  The clouds are what often bother me the most.  My wife and I had many the heated discussion for the first ten years of our marriage, about whether we would ever get her back to living in the Rochester area.  I was against it, on the principle that it was too cloudy, and too flat.  Both things are usually true, however we have had a pretty nice winter this year, with quite a bit of clear weather and much less cloudiness than is normal.

The recent blizzard that affected much of the northeast largely left us alone.  We had about 8-10" of snow here.  I had the plow truck all charged up and ready, but for the leaky brake line, and my broken four-wheel drive; fortunately I was able to get the truck started, made it stop with what brakes I have, and didn't slip at all while plowing.

Last night was cold, reaching about 2 degrees Fahrenheit here.  The morning came, with calm winds, clear skies and an absolutely beautiful look to the snow-covered trees.  Kelly was up early, documenting the moment:

By this afternoon, the sun had warmed up up enough to start the snow melting.  The kids and I went out and had a good time playing in the snow.