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.

Southern Alleghenies Ligonier Regional Juried Art Exhibition Photos 2011!

Upon leaving the 2011 Ligonier Icefest last Sunday, we headed over to view the fine art displayed in the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley. Featured there was the 15th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. The exhibit was a beautiful delight to the eyes, and below is only a handful of my favorite pieces in this exibition. Click photos for larger view!!



*M4d0nn4,* by Artist Sam Howard was my overall favorite. A wonderful Oil painting so full of vibrant color, and the madonna like portrait girl resembles my sweet niece Megan right down to her pouty lips and puppy like eyes. Could definitely be her twin!! This equisite art piece grabbed me as soon as I walked in the door. The photo is 24x 18 and Not For Sale!!


Another stunner was *Regal Duo* done by Elizabeth Asche-Douglas. Excellent facial textures added wonder dimension to the faces in her portrait. Photo 12 x 12 done in Ultrachrome ink w/acrylic platform and is for sale at $750.00.


*Jackie* by Norma Rowley also grabbed at my heartstrings, as I've a deep softspot for Labs, and this baby reminds me of my beloved Sampson RIP. I apologize for all the reflections as the lighting at the museum is very bright, and bounces off the glass of the portraits. The photo is clean and sharp, right down to every hair on Jackie shinny fur coat. Photograph is a digital photo-enhanced like the majority of the photos I take here on Literally In The Moment. Photograph measures 13 3/4 x 13 3/4 and sells for $250.00.

*Kamala's Flower* by Karen Ferrick touched on a femine side with her lovely pink lotus flowers, and gorgeous green reflections. A grand size photo done in devine pastels, measuring 40 x 19 and sells for $1,200.00

In conclusion *Passion Flower* by Melinda Myers Grass was another awesome flower portrait to draw my eyes into. Pretty pastel colors and finest detail of the flower stamens and stigma!! This oil on panel portrait measures 12 x 16, and sells for $500.00.

The exhibit features many more talented artists, and I highly recommend a trip to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art. You'll be very pleased at the exhibit, and who knows you might want to buy one or two for your art collecting pleasures!!

I'm excited to report, I received my new red camera last week, and will be tweaking and studying to get the right shots I desire!

Stay tuned to Literally In The Moment for more exciting photographs and stories.

*All Photographs copyright of their prospective artists please do not use without permission from the talented Artists.*

All Portraits ~Photographed by Jo ~

View another Exhibit I photographed at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art here:

Impressive Art ~ Portraits of the Eastern Frontier

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!

Summer's Final Reflection Photos

With Summer steadily winding down, comes the climax of many beautiful reflections. I hardly know where to start with my own. First my bountiful vegetable garden has yielded many lovely treasures. I layered my perfections on metal skewers pictured above, creating a splendid barbeque feast for our dinner tonight!

Mouth watering cherry tomatoes, zucchini, green bell peppers, pearl onions, and carrots, were all my garden veggie delights surrounding chicken breast chunks. I used a special dry rub sent to me by my good friend Nazarina, paired with a terriyaki marinade. To say the least, I couldn't grill them fast enough to fill my families plates.

I've had an abundance of greenbeans, which are still coming strong! I've frozen a good bit of these vegetables for my soups, sauces, ect for the Winter months ahead. I started drying out my sunflowers to make sunflower seeds as in the past.


My daily walks with Sierra dog has given me wonderful solitude, gazing along the countrysides of my farmer friends farm. Isn't the view just breathtaking? The corn is about a good 6 to 7ft, ready to harvest shortly. This farm goes on for miles, carrying into another farm.


The sun was setting on an evening this past week, when I shot this photo at a different angle. The soybean field directly in front of me, and the rolling hills that Pennsylvania is know for far off in the horizon. Farming is a unique and beautiful art in itself, these great folks work hard to keep this farm looking immaculate as it does.

My flowers seem to always look their most beautiful at the end of Summer, and through most of Fall. The flower plants are at their fullest and most brilliant color. My hotpink petunias just light up my flower garden with their elegant and delicate presence.

I only had one set of my purple coneflowers come back this year. These beauties are one of my favorite flowers. The birds love pecking and eating the centers out of the daisylike flowers.

School is starting in a couple days, and the nights are growing cooler. It's been a hot and humid summer, and I look forward to cooler nights walking with Sierra dog.

Soon the flowers will fade, and the leaves will start turning. But I won't rush a moment, not too fast or hastily. I'll take them as they come and revel right here Literally in the moment!!

Animal Lovers Urgent Funds Needed For Lilly Beagle!

Update 8-26-10: Lilly has found a wonderful home here in Pennsylvania. Thanks to the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Loving for taking Lilly into their rescue, giving her the vetting she needed, and finding her a good forever home with a wonderful family! A great ending for a dog who traveled so far, to be saved from a kill shelter!! Thanks to all involved for helping to get Lilly rescued! It was truly worth it!!

URGENT CRISIS! After all it took to get Lilly pulled and transport set up to
get her to her foster, this beautiful girl has tested NW+ PLUS has lyme. She's not doing well at all and needs to get treatment started NOW! Anyone wanting to donate towards Lilly's care can call the vet's office and contribute using a credit card over the phone to them. You can also send a check like I did by mail to:

Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital
829 Fairground Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837

C/O Kim Shuck and make sure to note it's for Lilly!
Phone Number: 570-523-3640 to inquire about her status or
treatment!

Due to the high cost of Lilly's treatmet and urgent medical needs we're grateful
to the Lewisburg Veterinary Hospital for taking over Lilly's care!

I'm thankful for all who were involved in Lilly's rescue, and I'm so sadened that Lilly despite all the vet work she did have is really so sick. Lilly needs our help to get better, any amount will help her new rescue. We're still hoping for a happy ending for this special beagle!

Lilly was in a kill shelter, and I had networked her to help find rescue. Here is a post on facebook I posted previously everyone worked so very hard to rescue Lilly!

SAFE!!!Undate 7-31-10 Lilly Dog IS SAFE!!! Lilly is now in transport with her foster mom Robin!!It's been a busy week, from transport networking California to Virginia, and finally here to Pennsylvania for a lovely hound who needed rescued for over a month!! Thanks to Lilly's Rescue Julie from Forever Home for pulling Lilly, Katrina Transport Coordinator for putting together a transport in less than two days, Courtney from Bonnie Blue Rescue for pulling and boarding Lilly In Va, Transporters Kate, Eric, Ariel and Robin for transporting and Fostering Lilly, Melissa at New Kent Shelter, and to my buddy Linda who helped me to rescue and keep our Lilly dog Safe!! Robin promised updates. Thank you all for Networking Lilly!!

Anyone willing to donate to Lilly's urgent medical care please do so, no amount is too small! Thanks Kindly Jo ~

Marriage Twenty Years In The Making~ Photos Then And Now!

June 2, 2010 marked our twentieth wedding anniversary. Time sure flies, and so much has happened in twenty years. We were a stunning young couple back then, working hard for our future together. I can't say it has been total bliss, or a storybook marriage. There were times I thought to leave, but stayed because of my deep love for my husband and child. I couldn't survive in a loveless relationship, or one which lacks passion and intimacy. I think most couples go through rough times, and if they're lucky come out together even stronger and closer.

If I can say one thing we lacked was taking time for ourselves to nourish our relationship. Helping family, kids, and work always came first. It was almost if we eventually didn't have real time for each other.

If I could share a word of wisdom it would be make time, before it's too late. Before you just become friends, and not lovers anymore! That doesn't mean just sex either, although intimacy is very important too.

It's just the little jestures I miss, like the long French kisses, a hug now and then, and just plain hand holding! Yes I did marry my best friend, but I can find a friend anywhere. Like the Lady Gaga song goes "I want your love, I don't want to be friends!"

I want it all, just like so many other women out there, alittle bit of the fairytale dream wouldn't hurt!! No one is perfect and I'm far from it. It takes a lot of patience and love to stay commited to each other. True love will always prevail, and you must work at it!! I always like a good fight, making up is the ultimate pleasure!!

Still the love of my life even after twenty years. There is no other man I'd rather be with.

Before we left, I wanted to venture back to our special day at the church, where the wedding photos above were taken by the fountain. As you can see the water is not running! The Mother Mary statue is still as beautiful as it was then. I hope to rescan my wedding photos at a later time, as my scanner is getting old and my bigger photos came out distorted. The reason I had to use smaller images than usual. The photos have a special finish to preserve them, and my scanner picked up on the coating!

We celebrated with a long awaited romantic weekend last weekend. We took a long drive into Pittsburgh and stayed at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel where the Gateway Clipper tours up and down the three rivers.

It rained so hard the whole time we were there, and we were under tornado watches. We worried about home, as we're putting on a new roof!! The shot above taken from our hotel room dark clouds looming! The beds were very comfortable, and the room was very nice. We had dinner at McCormick & Schmick's, of course I had seafood, and the food was fabulous! My honey surprised me with a beautiful tiger ring, that I had wanted!

The Pittsburgh Pirate game was sold out, so we went to check out the new Rivers Casino.

The casino was beautiful inside, and part was still under construction. We needed a players club card to play the slots, and the line was at least an hour wait. So we just looked around and left!

We took a wrong turn on the highway and I saw my life flash before my eyes as we crossed three lanes of traffic. So glad to be back at our hotel, we decided to drive no further. We walked around Station Square, and the fireworks at the Pirate Game were lighting the sky. The Hard Rock Cafe was just down the block from our hotel, so we walked there! A band played Fleetwood Mac, and they were good, but the Doors tribute band wasn't so hot. We left and called it a night, after a couple drinks.

The weekend seemed to go so fast, just like the flash of the last twenty years. Glad to be back where the parking is free, and not $3.00 an hour. The city is beautiful to visit, but we don't belong there!! I belong here on the beautiful countrysides walking Sierra dog, along this beautiful dairy farm above. I'm older now, enjoying the peaceful life, here where natures view is always beyond breathtaking!!

PA Twilight ~ Sunset Photo And Haiku ~ Mother's Day 2010!

Unveiled

Life's beauty unveils

memories become moments

withering in twilight

©Jo A. True-Burkholder 2010

Mother nature like many women cannot make up her mind! In the 80's yesterday and in the 50's today! Typical crazy Pennsylvania weather. I took this twilight shot right out my front door, the first part of February. We had rain, and temps dipped way down to zero, and the rain froze during the day covered by a light snow! One of my favorite shots with the sun in the backround! We're close to freezing tonight!!

Talking about Mothers, Mother's Day is bittersweet for me, because my mother passed four years ago. I've many great memories of her, filling our home with great cooking smells. It was my mom who made our house a home. Her mere presence always brang a smile into our lives and always will. Her talents and love were unprecedented and irreplaceable. To say I miss her would be an understatement. The years haven't been the same without her, and I can say my life hasn't been the same either.

Yet life truly goes on and all mom desired most was for her family to be happy. Holidays seem to be the hardest to celebrate, even years later. It's almost if I miss her more the longer she's been gone! If you're lucky enough to have your mother, treasure her for every moment that you have. People say it, yet few realize how short our time here on this lovely earth is. Embrace life with every breath, and never regret a moment you have together loving each other. Memories are everything, never cease making them.. Lastly never stop taking photos. You don't know when our loved ones will make their final exit far into the twilight.

I'll be planting my Mother's day flowers soon, picked out 42 little flower gems to brighten my Spring flower garden. Happy Mother's Day and stay Literally In The Moment!

Read my other Mother's Day posts here:

My Mother's Day Flower Planting Ritual

Siberian Crabapple Blossoms ~ Tree Sappling For Unique Mother's Day Gift

Early Spring Flowers II & Gardner Snake Photos

I had transplanted these lovely deep orange poppies last Fall. I was excited to see them bloom the earilier part of the week. Poppies add a touch of beauty to your Spring flower beds! These are my first poppies to grace my flower beds!


My hot pink tulips bloomed for the 3rd year in a row. The tulips have spread and are a gorgeous compliment to my purple phylox to the right!


The centers of the tulips are a bright yellow, giving a stunning contrast to the hot pink petals and long green leaves.


I stepped out to check laundry on the line yesterday, and guess who was back. My friendly gardner snake, was almost underfoot. Surpisingly he let me get this close with my camera! I was almost afraid at how close I was! These snakes have red tongues, which slide in and out of their mouths so fast. So now I must watch where I step, because one of these snakes could be lurking about! Gardner snakes love to bask in the sun too!

Were expecting storms today, the weather has been grand in the upper 70's. A cold front is coming through and we'll be 20-30 degrees colder! So is the crazy seesaw weather of Pennsylvania! How is your Spring going! I've been very busy featuring dogs on death row, here and on facebook. Some have gotten homes, and others have been rescued or sponsored. I'm elated to help these sweet dogs.

More photos and great stories to come, as always stay Literally In The Moment!

Gorgeous Purple Stripped Crocuses Photos

I couldn't resist taking a couple more shots of these beautiful crocuses, on my nightly walks this week with Sierra dog. These lovlies were growing in a small cluster beneath a maple tree. The colors so stunning they grabbed your attention immediately laying your eyes upon them!



The yellow centers resembling the cheery sun and the long awaited arrival of Springtime! They seemed to close up as the light of day faded, and the petals closed together as if they were going to sleep. I've seen many dark purple crocuses, but not many like these with the fine stripes!

We've had some awesome weather here in Pennsylvania as temps ran up to 85 degrees today! Of course I hung clothes on the line! Getting ready for a busy Easter weekend, nursing a horrible cold I caught!

Wishing you all a great Easter Holiday, and stay Literally In The Moment!

Our Newest Critter ~ Possum or Opossum Photos!

Living out here in the country has many advantages, but also some disadvantages. My husband has a business, and over our long cold Winter he's had some critter guests move in underneath the trailer building. My husband was especially concerned about a skunk who has been spreading his lovely perfume everytime someone walks near the trailer. The skunk smell is literally coming up through the floor inside the building!

So needless to say my honey went out and purchased a humane cage to trap the skunk! He didn't realize that there were also Possums living under there too. So far he's caught a feral cat twice and two possums. The photo above is the second possum he caught, the first one was smaller possibly the spouse or baby to this one! The other critters were caught with food bait, but this guy just wondered in on it's own, maybe smelling it's buddy from the day before!

I approached the cage with caution, and this cute thing was sleeping like a baby. He wasn't even a bit concerned at my presence! He was just so cute sleeping there, I almost wanted to pet him, but didn't dare!


The possum was not at all pleased to be awakened from his deep nap! My husband had tied a rope to the cage to pull the cage out. The possum was growling and hissing not happy to see us at all! I told my husband to release him in the same spot as the other one, just in case they were related!

I'm always putting everything together as lovers, family, kids, even when it comes to animals! The possum was banging his head and nose against the cage, especially when the truck started moving. He bloodied his nose a bit trying to escape!


We relocated our big possum buddy in a nice wooded area, where the other one was released the day before. I was very apprehensive to get too close, as these are wild animals and you never know what they'll do. At least he was free and not a nuisance to our close home area! Still no sign of that dang skunk, but you can sure smell him! I've since quit feeding the feral cats near my home, because I don't want to attract other wild animals!


On another note the weather has finally broken here in Pennslyvania. The big snowmelt, and rain of last week is but a memory. A chance to dry out we're having the most beautiful early Spring weather after the hardest of Winters in many years. As I said we ran out of wood, and had an electric bill of $240.00 last month. I know my sister paid over $600.00 for her electric bill this cold Winter! We cut a lot of wood last Fall, but ran out due to the coldest of Winters. I was pissed that we had other logs, but they were buried under over 20 feet of snow!

So now we've a break in the Weather I've been bugging my husband to cut some wood. Above is the first pile I stacked today. The sun feels wonderful and it's a great way to work off some Winter weight! At least we'll have some ready to burn, in case the weather turns cold once again. I wouldn't put it past this global warming!

One last note, I've been following the Tiger Ranch story for almost two years now. Yesterday Linda Bruno was back in court again. with allegations that she violated terms of her probation. Just when you think it's over, the saga continues on! They were saying that the Defend Tiger Ranch site was soliciting for cat litter, and T-shirts. The website was taken down as of last night!

Linda Bruno is to have no contact with animals, and is said to still have two horses and not paid any of her restitution. Her lawyers say Linda wasn't aware of any wrong doing. There's still much controversy for and against this case. I'm still receiving comments on my Tiger Ranch posts from the past, read all the controversial comments and my Tiger Ranch posts!

To be continued another court date is scheduled for May!

Become an Avian Advocate!

Have you ever heard the smack of a bird flying into your window? Spring migration season is upon us, and birds will soon be making their way Northward! A billion birds have a collision with windowpanes every year. The Wisconsin Humane Society with help from the Jeff Rusinow Family Foundation, are giving away Window clings.

To help with the prevention of birds flying into your home or office, these Window Alert clings will be available free from March 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010 while supples last! Order your free window alert clings on the Wisconsin Humane Society website, and read more about how you can help birds flying toward lighted buidings at night.

Read the story about Peabody, a white throated sparrow who collided with a lighted building. Learn how you can help in the prevention of bird collisions in your home, workplace, and protect birds at night all on the Wisconsin Humane Society Website.

I love to hear the songbirds in my front and backyards, bringing back life to the world around us. Now the snow is finally slowly melting, and I know the birds will be back in no time to build their nests. The hawks like the one in my photo above will be returning to our woods to roost!

Now if I could only keep those pesky blue and red birds from fighting their own reflections on our car and truck mirrors parked outside our home! We use small rags to cover our mirrors, otherwise they scratch the mirrors up!

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