Ligonier PA Icefest Scupture Highlights 2012!

The ice storm which hit Pennsylvania on Friday Jan 20, 2012, left a thick layer of ice underneath at least 3 - 4 inches of snow our way! Couldn't even get into my husband's Toyota on Saturday morn for my commute to work! The truck doors were frozen solid. Luckily we were able to open my car doors, and start to defrost my windows. Much rather drive a 4 wheel drive on snowy days like this, but had no choice to drive my car. Roads were hazardous to say the least, snow covered and icey, yet I made it to work very close to on time!

Fitting the ice storm led the way for the 21st Annual Icefest held in Ligonier PA. Since I had to work Saturday, we headed toward the mountain on Sunday Jan 22, 2012. Temps hadn't rose out of the 20's all night so the icey snow was still hard and everywhere! I wore my boots with a good bit of tread, for fear I'd take a tumble on the icey sidewalks and roadways. The air in Ligonier was blowing when we arrived there, colder than back down the mountain at home! Sidewalks were very icey at the Diamond where the professional sculpters were busy at work. Be sure to click on photos to see in larger detail!! All ice scuptures are done by the awesome professional ice carvers of Demartino Ice ~ http://www.dimartinoice.com/

The first ice sculpture to catch my eye was this beautiful butterfly! In Japan, a butterfly represents a person's soul, living dying, or already dead. And if a butterfly lands near you, it means the person you love most is visiting you!



I was so impressed by these adorable replicas of Dora and her sidekick monkey Boots, that I decided to use them for my winter header. Aren't they just too cute and lovable?



Another very impressive ice scupture piece was this clown, with his open see through eyes! I couldn't believe how big, he was massive!! :)



One of the handsome Ice Carvers took a moment out to give me a smile. How much work and detail goes into every ice scupture they carve!



Another favorite of mine,was this cool giraffe, which stood taller than I! I'm close to 5' 5 inches so gives you an idea how tall this boy is!!



The grande finale was the galant Pegasus, which towered in the Gazabo and glistened in the sunlight. Oh such devine beauty against the blue sky and barren trees!



On the way out we caught one last glimpse of these 3 fish, displayed along a storefront wall! Aren't they just amazing! The Ligonier Icefest is always worth the trip, even in the ice and snow! I don't know how the Professional Ice Carvers come up with all the different displays every year!
I can't wait to see the ice scuptures Demartino Ice http://www.dimartinoice.com/ create for their displays next year!! If you need ice sculptures for any occasion, this is the place to order them!!



On our way out from Ligonier Diamond we headed across the highway to the top of Ligonier Valley cemetary. I took this shot of Laurel Mountains in the backround, where it looks as if the clouds are resting right on the icy white mountain tops. We headed up the road to Linn Run, where, I thought my life was flashing before me. The roads there were too icey for my car, but we slowly and finally made it back down!!

We then drove over to the museum, which I'll post some highlights of that exhibition soon! Hope all is well with you all. Wishing you a Happy New Year and stay right here Literally In The Moment.

Ligonier PA Ice Sculptures 2011 Ice Fest Photos!

Zero degree windchills didn't prevent folks from attending the 20th annual Ligonier ice fest. The sun was deceiving today on this frigid Sunday afternoon, where the professional ice carvers from DiMartino Ice were busy creating their amazing ice sculptures, displayed on the Diamond in Ligonier PA. Folks were bundled in their warmest winter clothing, braving the cold to gaze at the glass like creations.


This ice carver was so intense in his creation, yet I went ahead and snapped a shot of him adding his beautiful finishing details to his ice sculpture. I'm amazed at the talent which goes into every piece they work on. Below are a few which caught my eye, but there a many more gorgeous sculptures displayed throughout the wonderful section of town!


The Zebra was a stunning piece which grabbed my eye right away. Notice the excellent detail on his mane!!

The squirrel was one of my favorites too. Adorable tail and face!!

The masquerade mask was another gorgeous ice scupture decorating the walkway. Check out the feathering and mask detail totally amazing!!

The guys always create a huge piece to sit on, this year it was a magnificent sleigh. Of course I had to grab a seat. I dressed in four layers, but forgot to wear two pair of gloves so my hands were frozen taking all my pictures. As you see, I'm wearing our Steeler colors!!! Isn't the sleigh extraordinary!!

We were so cold, we ducked into Abigales Coffeehouse to grab a hot chocolate, and tried to get warm. The chocolate chip cookies were luscious.

Another favorite of mine was the angel holding a dove. Isn't she just precious?

The four hawks above were a massive and awesome display on a storefront ledge!!

The penguin was also a nice touch to a storefront display of our Pittsburgh Steeler Spirit! Hubby couldn't wait to get home to watch the game, which the Steelers won. Way to go Steeler Champions!!

Last but not least was the Gazebo Grand finale, an astonishing, gigantic bird and heart ice sculpture which reached almost to the top of the gazebo. I don't know what the 90 represents, maybe someone will comment and let me know, so I can share it with you all!

If you're in the Ligonier area, be sure to take a drive or walk on the Diamond. The scuptures should remain in tact for awhile, as our PA weather has been stuck in freezing mode since the beginning of December. Very unusually cold for so long, but perfect weather for the beautiful ice scuptures to survive!! Thanks to the talented ice carvers from DiMartino Ice for another awesome display of their beautiful ice sculptures!!

Been busy the last 3 months, sadly lost a loving member of our animal family. Will post about it sometime in the future as our hearts slowly heal. My camera has been on the brink, I fear this is the last post my camera will take. I ordered a new one should come this week. We also stopped at the museum after the ice fest.

I'll have to make another post of the art exibit we saw, so stay tuned and stay right here Literally In The Moment.

View More of my Ice Fest photos from the past two years here:

Ligonier PA ~ Ice Fest 2010 ~ Photo Featured Ice Sculptures!

Ice Sculptures ~ Ligonier PA Ice Fest Photos 2009!

Desperately Seeking Spring ~ Valentine Red Tulip Photos 2010!

Hoping everyone had a good Valentine's Day. My Sweet Valentine of many moons presented me with a beautiful red tulip plant pictured above. He included a nice cat card, and my favorite chocolates ~ dark chocolate M&M's, and Hershey's special dark chocolate kisses. I've been basking in dark chocolate Heaven since, and gazing into my deep red tulips pining for Spring! Dang he still loves me!

Along with many Pennsylvanians I'm more than ready for an early Spring, wishing for mild Winters we're accustomed to here! We're expecting 4-6 inches today and tomorrow on top of the almost 3ft of snow we already have since the blizzard of Feb 6, 2010, and it's snowed everyday since! Snow keeps freezing into ice as temperatures remain in the teens, and roads and sidewalks remain very slick! I'm glad to have my silky Cuddl Duds, and Land's End winter boots. We've put our winter clothing to very good use in this record breaking snow and cold, in fact this is the 2nd snowiest snowfall per month in history!

The snowy weather is taking it's toll on everything and everyone! Our snowplow is broken, moving icey snow in piles of up to 4ft -5ft. Our huge wood pile stock is almost depleted, and we'll be lucky to burn what we have the rest of this week! The artic blast has continued for almost two months, leaving many folks with high heating and electric bills. Snow piled on homes and buildings are on the verge of collapsing, and our schools were closed all last week! Mail and garbage pick up has been delayed, boo hoo!



I think red tulips are as pretty as red roses! I looked high and low in search of the perfect backround for these lovelies, and it finally dawned on me the snow on my front patio! The light contrast of white snow against bright red tulips was so captivating!

On the bright side, Spring is almost on the horizon hopefully only a month away! I'm longing to see my gorgeous tulips growing around my home! When my tulip plant fades, I'll save the bulbs to plant in my flower garden in the Fall. Aren't these red beauties just stunning? I'll be admiring them for awhile!

My camera is up and running for the moment thank goodness! Thanks for visiting, keep safe, and stay ~ Literally In The Moment! xo xo xo ~

Fourth Largest Blizzard Blasts Pennsylvania Region ~ Cool Record Snowfall Photos Feb 6, 2010!

We're still digging out from the 4th largest snow storm in history, which hit Pennsylvania and many other boardering states Febuary 5, & 6th 2010! I measured 20 inches of snow here in the country and notice the amount on my snow gage patio table pictured above! The storm has literally paralyzed cities, here in our region!

I like many other Pennsylvanians had already hit the grocery stores, as soon as we heard of a storm coming. I did my grocery last Thursday, and my store was absolutely packed, and of course the two day meat sale was going on! When a storm is remotely imminent Pennsylvanians hit grocery stores first, and many store shelves are almost cleared bear. We're always well prepared to be hunkered down, and for good reason as many roads are still impassable!



Plowing our driveway of almost 2 feet of snow was a feat in itself. Our friend had his utility truck stuck in the icey slush which was underneath the piled up snow! Took two trucks to pull his truck out, which was a very common occurance all across residential, and state roads. In fact they called for a state of disaster and in many counties including ours, where only emergency personnel and workers were allowed to drive on public roads! Anyone caught driving would pay a hefty fine! We remain in state of emergency as I type this post!



I call these my weeping pines. Alot of the snow had already fallen from these babies! Hundreds of trees in surrounding cities were pushed beyond their brink with snow, and downed thousands of powerlines. Some folks were under water conservation, because waterplants had no power! There're thousands of people without power in our county and counties statewide! We were fortunate to have all our power and utilites in working order!



The snow piled up and was blown to almost the height of our 5 ft fence. The snow was so deep I had to take the photo from the side of our house! Snow is above knee deep in most areas!



The tree above bending all the way down to the ground on the road behind our home! The snow this time around was a heavy wet snow! We only shoveled the back entrance to our home, which was backbreaking enough. I'm still sore from lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow! I tried to build a snowman, but the snow would not pack together!



I took a brisk walk after we finished our driveway and sidewalk! All my neighbors were digging out! I came to the tunnel at the end of our road and shot my photo ~" snow tunnel vision!" Isn't it gorgeous! I love walking here, becoming one with all the tranquility. The sun graced us with her beautiful presence on this gloomy day!



Snow piled along the road up to 3 and 4ft with a glaze of icy slush beneath! Reminded me of driving up to the Laurel Mountains a couple weeks ago! Trees majestically filled in with layers of snowfall, giving the landscape a whole new vision of beauty. The white snow adds more definition and dimension to bare tree limbs!



Our tree with the child swing was picture perfect when I made my way back home. Sun hitting the treetops and the sky turning a stunning blue! The fallen snow also had a pretty blue tint to it!



A fun one for all you basketball players this is my "Snow Dunk," photo! Gave me a smile as I walked beneath it!




My honey on the roof was worried about the amount of weight stressing our roof! He decided to do this after we shoveled off the sidewalk! So gave me more shoveling to do! Check out the guy and the blue sky! The last time we had a snowstorm like this one was in March of 1993.

The last photo here is my favorite I call "Snowlimbs," I took on the way back from my walk as the sunbeams lit the light blue sky. Chunks of snow were falling off everywhere from everything! I find beauty in everyday, it's all right before my eyes!

Everyone was in a rush to get their plowing done, our temps went down in single digits last night with windchills of zero. Another storm is only a couple days away, and we're going to be in the arctic blast for some time! All this wonderful mess is hard frozen now!

My camera is on the verge not sure what the problem is, may have to beg hubby for a new one for my birthday at the end of the month! I've taken hundreds of pictures, so my camera has done very well. I genuinely wore it out!

Hope you enjoyed the visual world through my eyes! Thanks for stopping by! Until next time stay warm, safe, and Literally In The Moment! xxoo ~ Jo

Ligonier PA Icefest 2010 ~ Photo Featured Ice Sculptures!

Once again the professional ice carvers from DiMartino Ice displayed their awesome ice sculptures, in the 19th Annual Ligonier Icefest 2010. Today was an unusually warm 40 plus degree and sunny day, which was causing the beautiful art pieces to slowly melt!

I call these two birds above "lovebirds," as my hubby and I posed behind them! The lovebirds were displayed outside a restaurant Casa Chapala. Click on any photo to see them even larger!


We started our tour on the town diamond, and the skier caught my eye immediately. There were so many people visiting the ice sculptures, I couldn't get a shot without the public walking into them!



The alligator was so gorgeous, with his raised head and immaculate jaw reaching upward. The scales on his body were so defined. One of my favorites!

The dolphin riding the wave was a big hit with the children. A towel was placed on his back so the kids could sit and pose for photos! The reason for the black snow surrounding the scuplture! Another one of my favorites!

Woody the woodpecker made quite an entrance here at the ice show, even though he was on meltdown! A few other sculptures were hit by the sun, but managed to stay in tact!

I captured one of the professional ice carvers here, adding his final touches to the Stanley Cup. It's amazing the amount of ice which is carved away, you can see discarded on the left side!

The finished carved Stanley Cup is displayed with pride for our Pittsburgh Penguins! In the backround you can see the back of the huge unique piece displayed inside the gazabo!

I call this one "The Guardian Angel." The sunset in the backround just adds a touch of beauty and glow to the whole sculpture. The definition of fine lines and detail outstanding!

We took a walk and there were a couple sculptures displayed along the storefronts. The one above represents our Pittsburgh Penguin hockey team. Go Penguins!

Last was a "Sunman," who was just adorable. His cute face and sunrays just automatically bring you a smile. You can see he was melting a bit from the days sun, yet still managed to keep his main composure.

Well this ends our ice sculpture tour for the year! I hope you enjoyed my photos as much as we enjoyed the icefest. If you're in the Pennsylvania area, the icefest is worth the trip to Ligonier, and will continue through January 24, 2009!

The talented professional ice carvers never fail to impress with their wonderful ice sculptures. Can't wait to see what they'll create next year!

You can view my last years photos of the 2009 Icefest Here: Ice Sculptures Ligonier PA Icefest Phots 2009.

Pennsylvania Snowfall 2010 Phenomenal Photos ~ Laurel Mountain & Derry Ridge!

Finally a break from all the snow we've had here in Pennsylvania for the past two weeks. I swear we had at least 15-16 inches of snow piling two to three inches at a time every single day! I shoveled snow almost twice daily.

Found this cool site which calculates how many calories you burn, when you shovel snow by hand here: Fitday.com I burned 286 calories per hour! At least I was burning off some holiday calories. You can see my front patio table snow gage above, where over a foot of snow piled like a snow cake!



We've a long driveway at least an 1/8 a mile coming from our top road. The snow kept piling up and we had trouble keeping up. My car sat for a couple days when we had a layer of sleet on top snow becoming too hazardous to drive! You can see how high we had to plow the snow in my header above!



Eventually the snow slowed a bit, then we were hit with an artic blast. Got so cold ~how cold did it get? Well cold enough to freeze our burning logs together! Dang I had a heck of time trying to bust those logs apart! In fact we've put such a dent in those logs, we may have to cut more very soon! You remember how huge our log pile was! The snow kept coming and my hands froze within minutes of shoveling, so I had to double glove!

Spectacular icicles formed like the ones in my photo above. Icicles are much like stalicites formed in caves or caverns, except for the fact that stalicites take thousands of years to come into formation!




Last week we headed up over the ridge, and I was so awestruck over the snow scenery on the ridge. I was terribly upset that I didn't have my camera, so my hubby took me back yesterday to catch some awesome shots on Derry Ridge as seen here in the photo!





It's as if we walked right into winter wonderland postcards. Snow covered the trees for miles, begging me to capture the beauty!





The further we went the deeper the snow and heavier the snow appeared on the scenery! Like we were driving into a totally different world!



As we approached Laurel Mountain, you could imediately notice the difference in snow coverage! It was as if someone had taken a frost gun and frosted the whole area. Totally breathtaking as the towering trees stretch on for miles, looming high in the sky with every frosty branch!

These pines reminded me of my friend Nazarina who posted a photo of the snow in Colorado on her blog last year! Pine branches were so heavy they touched the ground, and even worse were broken from the weight! Many tree branches were bent to the brink of breaking!

We could hardly see the road as we drove further up the mountain, even the powerlines were covered in snow! Still the trees were white glazed in such granduer, drawing us further into it's frozen world!

Each mile more magnificent than the next! Laurel Mountain is an incredible landmark to experience all Four seasons here in Pennsylvania. Each season simply exordinarily capitivating to envision.

Afraid of venturing any further, we decided to turn around when we saw only snowmobile tracks! Hardly anyone in sight but one skier, close to the entrance!

The astounding view was ever breathtaking as we made our second visual round down the mountain. This exemplary shot taken from our truck's front windshield!

Lastly but not leastly we caught one final glance as we exited the mountain. Looking out across frosted treetops lining the mountain as far as you can see. Here dusk was approaching fast, and the snow was still falling. Glad to head home to alittle warmer climate!

Hope you enjoyed looking at the snow world through my eyes here in Pennsylvania! The sun has made her entrance today, a gradual thaw to melt the ice tundra on my driveway!

Stay tuned until next time, remain focused and Literally In The Moment!