It was a gorgeous day down here yesterday — cold (high of about 28°F) but sunny. I do love winter sunshine.
Andy was a bit annoyed because up on the land some clouds interfered with the solar heating panels for a couple of hours around noon. That meant the panels didn’t generate much heat during the prime time of day.
He did do some “cleanup” plowing for an hour or two to prepare for the next snow. Here’s a picture showing the difference between the plowed road and the unplowed road behind the brown gate. The picture is dark because it was late afternoon and the area was already in the shade.
On the way back he saw a small herd (about a half dozen) elk on the road, and later the pink glow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east.
This pink glow often happens in the late afternoons of winter, and it’s the reason the Spaniards named them The Blood of Christ. The snapshot doesn’t do it justice, of course, but it’s better than nothing.
December 17, 215
Lovely photos! I’m glad that somewhere it seems like December — Our weather here has been more like March all week, but I’m told by the weathermen that’s going change very quickly.
It’s always a shock when it’s been warm and the temperature suddenly plummets. We had a very late fall this year, so it was warm for a long time. I prefer the highs to be above freezing, I have to admit!
It’s unseasonably warm here in Belfast. We only need the central heating in short bursts. That’s despite dire media predictions in autumn that this would be the worst winter for decades. Lies, damn lies and the media.
I’m glad they were wrong!
i remember that glorious pink glow when the kids lived in albuquerque.
sometimes breathtakingly beautiful.
and i was only there twice while they were stationed there!
i can’t imagine getting to see it all the time.
we’re expecting a mild dry christmas.
I’m not sure what they’re predicting here, but I love mild winters with plenty of sunshine. I love the low angle of the light this time of year.
It has been a long time since I saw snow. Maybe next winter I will go to the UK and spend time with family as well as experience some!
The Blood Of Christ naming is intriguing!
Does the UK get much snow? Anyway, good luck!
I know nothing about solar heating, but it makes sense that clouds and snow would impede the transfer of heat. Even so, wind and solar systems seems to be our best alternatives to the burning of fossil fuels.
The heating panels on the roof need sun shining on them to work. The propane heater and the wood-burning fireplace are the backups.
We’re expected a high of 77F for Christmas Day. Grandchildren will be running around in short sleeves. When I read your posts yesterday and today, I thought what a huge amount of work it takes to survive the winter there.
Now that’s too warm for Christmas! I like it sunny and maybe in the 40’s or 50’s.
I didn’t even notice the typo. I would not make a good proof reader because I read for meaning.
“Expecting,” not “expected.” How I wish there were an edit button!
Oh, I wish I could see the Elk!
How cool!
and the pink is very pretty.
We are supposed to have temps in the 50’s for Christmas.
I guess that’s better than a blizzard!
😉
I think the 50’s are a fine temperature for winter. Highs below freezing aren’t my favorite.
There’s very little snow in the UK these days. One significant snowfall in every winter is about it. Apparently a white Christmas has already been ruled out. And the temperature seldom drops below freezing.
I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area or California. I remember it t snowing twice there when I was growing up. The first time I was in grammar school and it was only a few flakes, but still exciting, and when I was in high school there was enough for a snowball or two before it all melted.
I still remember a trip up to the mountains with real snow on the ground when I was about 14. Wow! Magical stuff when you’re not used to it.
our weather forecasters for Auckland region don’t rush at predicting the 25th or any other day, much as they know how changeable it can be….I’ve not ventured outdoors yet but from my possie I can see mixed sky with a lot of grey and a relatively stiff breeze….
yesterdays weather – in South Island: http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/367705/south-sizzles-record-highs
prediction for 25th: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75352676/Warm-weather-settles-in-for-Christmas
Our forecasters haven’t been doing very well either. The various guesses can be quite different. So we will get what we get. 🙂