2104 is ushering in lots of snow, wind and bitterly dangerously cold air.  The snow is expected to begin here in the next 1 1/2 – 3 1/2 hours and while we are only expected to get 5-8 inches here, friends to the south of us are expecting up to a foot.  Either way, once the winds kick in, it’s not going to be safe travels for anyone traveling across Central Illinois with lots of drifting snow and wind chill factors as cold as -40.  Unless there is an emergency, we are battening down the hatches and staying home.  I have several jars of soup in the fridge, a fresh loaf of bread and cornbread made as well as salad fixings.  Enough food to last us several days and the ability to heat everything if we should lose power.

We already have about 4 inches of snow on the ground and I like it.  Snow, especially a new fallen snow, is so clean and fresh.  It’s like a clean slate.  A fresh start, like a newly fallen snow.  It’s quiet.  It’s peaceful.

Of course there is also the practical part that says the snow will one day melt and seep into the soil.  My garden is thankful for the snow and so am I.

For those in the path of this storm, I hope you have no need to venture out.  Remember to take care of your animals.  Keep them warm with lots of fresh food and water.

Stay safe.  Stay warm.