Enjoying Valentine's snow days...from inside!!

Who loves 70 degree weather? Don't we all? That was where the temperatures were in Valentine, Nebraska, February 16 -22, 2017. Beautiful weather! But in February? 

Who loves snow days??? Don't we all? As quick as you can change your short sleeves for something warmer, the weather changed and left behind 14 (non-official) inches of snow at a startling rate of two inches per hour!!

This is Valentine's Main Street at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23 - which is probably what February weather should look like. There was no school, and several businesses had closed for safety reasons. 

Looking south, there were only a  few cars parked on Main Street. But places to stop in and warm up!

Boots, coats, or hats anyone? 

In black and white, the FGL building looks like it may have when it was first constructed. In color, the awnings are bright blue, and without the snow, you can clearly see many updates. 

State, city, and county plows were out clearing as fast as the snow was falling! For that we are very thankful. This little girl was also clearing the walkway with her grandmother's help.  

Mail was still being delivered! Belated Valentines? 

The next day, it was nearly blue skies all the way! 

Snow was piled to the center of the road and being hauled away. Most of the side streets were cleared off as well. 

The storm left behind some Dr. Suess looking snow drifts though. With the cleared roadways, it was fun to get out and see them first hand. 

To think days prior to the snow, you could see and hear the rumble of motorcycles enjoying the springlike temperatures. Trees were beginning to bud out, and bulbs were forcing green tips through the soil. 

It's still a chilly day today, but the sun is creating icicles...

Who doesn't love a snow day? Perhaps you and a loved one could make some  sweet treats, or be creative in some way...paint, color, sew, read, and simply enjoy...because it won't be long and you'll be enjoying the spring blooms, butterflies, and returning birds. 

SandhillsWesternVacations.com invites you to look through the website and plan your perfect 4 season, family fun, adventure! Click on our sponsor's ads and visit their websites to help you with your plans!!!

Storm glory!!! Preparing for your arrival!!!

 

 Valentine's Main Street was covered with snow Saturday, March 9, with two energetic 

souls out removing the heavy, mositure laden, much needed icing. 

Thank you Gary Conner and James Ravenscroft.

 

Peaking through lacy branches one can see the comforting lights inside Cedar Canyon Steakhouse. Coffee anyone? How about a nice meal to sustain you as you head off the beaten path....

 

Off the beaten path, this young white tail was a bit surprised, clearly curious, 

and excited to be frolicking Sunday, March 10. 

 

The little one soon caught up to its family, already headed for higher ground. 

How many deer can you spot?

In a previous post, there is a deer in the same spot, only her ear is twitched at my intrusion. 

However, Sunday, March 10, she was keeping alert to the individual who was out on his

 4x4  plowing out his road. Yet she still looks comfortable. 

 All tucked in and if you weren't paying attention, could easily miss her majestic beauty. 

 

The Minnechaduza Creek at the Valentine City Park played host 

to these mallards who thought everything was rather ducky!

 

Across the river, everything was covered with a thick layer of snow and sunshine. 

If you look closely, you'll see the icicles hanging off the tree branches. 

What was so fabulous about this snow is that it packed a lot of moisture 

but it was comfortable to get out and walk around 

and take in the beauty of the Sandhills. 

 

What a sight to behold as the sun peeked out from the clouded sky 

and shone its light on this bedazzling tree. 

The mallards, not accepting my company, have moved further down the 

Minnechaduza Creek quacking the whole way. 

 

 

Mother Nature is sending her signal to everything under the snow. 

Even though the trees didn't spring ahead, they know what to do at her prompting. 

The river will eventually host tadpoles, dragonflies, and a whole host of aquatic 

life that is still dormant - but won't remain for long. 

 

A close-up of what will eventually bloom in the spring. These are either lilacs or wild plums. 

Before you know it...summer will be here. 

Have you booked your hotel stay? There are two very nice places to stay and they'd 

 be glad to take your reservations.

 Click on Valentine's Niobrara Lodge or Trade Winds Motel on this Web site which will take you to their Web sites where you can choose your reservation dates. They fill up quickly you know. 

For something a little more out of the way, why not click on 

Double R Guest Ranch. It would be perfect for your family's reunion. 

Here it is Monday evening, and most of the snow has been 

distributed among the roots, filling the rivers, lakes and getting the 

Sandhills of Nebraska ready for your arrival.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!!

Praying you and your loved ones have the very best CHRISTmas this year! Christ's birth is a gift of hope! May your hope grow every day and let His light sign forth!

And for those who had been hopeful for a white Christmas....hopefully this will make your day!

Merry, merry, merry Christmas!