Winter Has Arrived

For the past few days, every newscast has been talking about the “Arctic Blast” that has hit Southern California.  Yes, I am aware that Southern Californians are generally considered wimps by the rest of the country when it comes to cold weather – and we are – but you have to admit that it is cold out there when there is ice in the gutters, on the sidewalks and lawns, and frost covering the rooftops.  When we left for church on Sunday morning, the temperature was 25°!!  Brrrr!!!

But, the weather forecast for today predicted slightly warmer (and I use that term loosely) weather, and the possibility of scattered showers.  When Hannah and I headed over to church this morning, the sky was blue and the sun was shining – but it sure was cold!!  On the way to church the sky changed dramatically.  All of a sudden, the clouds became huge and dark…it looked like rain was going to be more than just a “possibility.” 

Normally, this wouldn’t bother me.  I like the rain and the cold – if I can be curled up at home with a blanket, a cup of hot coffee/cider, and a good book (and that about sums up my weekend!).  But, this morning, we were on our way to the church nursery…and rainy weather meant that we couldn’t take the kids outside to play.  There is plenty for them to do inside, but it can make for a long morning!

While we waited for the kids to arrive, Hannah played, and I chatted with the other workers.  While we were talking, I noticed that it had started raining – hard.  I peeked out the window to get a closer look, and it didn’t look like rain.  At first we thought it was hail, but when we opened the door to take a peek, we realized that it was…SNOW! 

Since this doesn’t happen too often around here, we all headed outside to “play” in the snow.  Hannah, of course, didn’t quite understand what we were all so excited about…she was just thrilled to be outside, and ran right for her favorite little car. But, after a few minutes, she began to notice the tiny white flakes floating around her, and collecting on her jacket, the slides, and the other toys.  I explained that it was snowing, and for the rest of the morning she would clap her hands and say, ”It ‘nowing! It ‘nowing!” 

Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me.  (I know, bad mommy – but I don’t ever bring my camera with me when I work in the nursery.)  But, I did have my cell phone…the resolution isn’t the best, but if you look (really, really) closely you might be able to see that we actually had snow in Southern California…even if it was just for a few minutes.