2 Day Catch Up

On Wednesday, day 3 of the ice storm, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood. Cabin Fever was settling in and I needed some fresh air. Here are a few shots that I took.

Fence on the side of my house

Neighbor's front yard (they live on the corner of an intersection in the neighborhood)

Same neighbor's side yard.

This morning, I ventured into work. I left at 8:30, but feared that the ice that had melted yesterday during a few hours of sunshine would be "black ice" this morning....it wasn't a great drive, but it was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing a few things in route to the office --- that is only a mere 3 miles away. The sun had not come up yet and the view was breathtaking. I was listening to High Road's record and the song, "The Love of God" was playing. Sarah's "country" voice was perfect for this morning....I got chills.

Field across the street from my neighborhood

Road leading down to the office. You can see my building on the left. The Interstate is on the right (can't really see it)

As the sun came out today, the ice started to melt....and with it, the vehicles would slide backwards on their own...a little scary, actually as there are cars BEHIND that vehicle!

The Sun Will Come Out.....TODAY

The last 2 days have been dreary, cold and a little frightening...layers and layers of ice coated NW Arkansas Monday and Tuesday. Finally at 8:00 last night, the freezing rain and sleet turned into snow. The storm has passed. About 60,000 households are without power. Springdale, AR is officially declared as a disaster zone. There are more downed trees than upright ones. Powerline poles have snapped in half everywhere. Somehow, my neighborhood has been shielded from all of this. I have power, gas logs/appliances, cable, Internet & phone. God has been good to me.

Here are a few pics from my house. I've not ventured too far from the driveway. There is still a very thick layer of ice beneath the new snow. I can hear it crack sometimes when I walk. The only vehicles that I have seen driving in the neighborhood are 4-wheel drives and Jeep Wranglers. No one is working in an office....at least no one in my neighborhood!

Neighborhood shot: looking South

Blue Sky...a welcomed sight today!

The kids are loving this weather...."sledding" through the streets.

You can't really tell it, but these icicles are about 2.5ft long

My fence on the side of the house....just thought this was cool.

You can tell that the sun is slowly starting to melt things today....this should show you just how much ice has been accumulating

The mess known as my front flowerbed...the tree fell over on top of everthing!

The infamous berries that I keep snapping pictures of....this is the true proof of the ice progression since Monday.

Isn't it cool how the ice and snow hits everthing on top, but can leave things green underneath? This is the tree that fell over....nothing snapped, broke or cracked in the bark. I think it may be salvageable???

3:00 update

The Ice Storm

Well....I have complained recently about how NW Arkansas has had no "bad weather". We always have had several "snow days" by now and until yesterday, we have had none. Well....be careful for what you wish for! I, along with several other co-workers, were supposed to be headed to Miami this morning for a Market Tour. I have never visited Miami, so I have been exceptionally excited about this trip.

Yesterday at 1:00 everyone from our office was sent home due to icy roads. School was dismissed at noon. This storm rolled in faster and worse than expected. I have been glued to the weather channel and Delta.com watching the flight status. All flights at XNA were cancelled...except Delta #5111! Can you believe it? In fact, it STILL says "on time." So, this morning I was up bright and early trying to put together a game plan...there is NO WAY I could make it to the airport. In fact, the car service called this morning to cancel my pick-up. They couldn't even get cars deiced enough to get in them...much less on the road! Needless to say, I did not leave for Miami this morning and am currently re-scheduled for later this afternoon (and that flight is not looking very promising...)

Here are a few pics from my front door. I cannot get out on the concrete because it is so slick! One thing I have realized, though, is that these pictures do not even begin to truly depict reality....But for now, it's all I've got....
As I type this, the power is blinking. I am hoping and praying that the power doesn't go out. But if it does, may God bless my gas logs and gas oven/stove!

Looks are deceiving...that is a solid sheet of ice!

Grass.

Think I need gutters?

1/2 in of ice on these plants....at least that's what it looks like from my eye.

Happy Birthdays!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURTNEY AND CARSON!!!

Yesterday was my good friend, Courtney, birthday. Her son, Carson, has a birthday on Tuesday. This family is a dear family to me and one that I am so glad to have in my life! Thanks for your friendship and being "family" to me.

Girls night - Aloft Hotel

L-R front: Jazmin, Courtney, Steph

L-R Back: Kelly & Kerri (Jaz's friend in town from Ohio)

Paint The Town Red

Last night kicked off the season of Charity Events in NW Arkansas. Those events are a dime a dozen this time of year it seems, but they are fun nonetheless. This event, Paint the Town Red, is the most casual of all the events and it benefits the Heart Assoc. Dr Pepper was a big sponsor this year and was well represented...

Ashley, Courtney, Steph, Leslie

Courtnie & Jesse

Ashley, Steph, Courtnie & Courtney

in front of Ashley's NEW mantle in her NEW house

Wednesday morning I opened the garage to leave for work and as I looked in the rear view mirror, this is what I saw.....it was NOT supposed to snow this day! In fact, there was 0% percipitation in the forecast....welcome to winter in NW Arkansas!

Evolution of Dance

You've got to check this out:

Evolution of Dance