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Sunday, January 18, 2026

Crazy winter weather and a bit of whining!

Those of you who've been around for awhile know I'm not a fan of winter.  I hate being cold and I'm not a fan of driving in the snow. I must admit it can be so beautiful though!  And I'm thankful that I don't have that long drive to work everyday.

Anyway, it's only January and I'm really ready for Spring. It looks like I'm going to have to wait though, we're in the middle of another Polar Vortex.  

It's been a strange winter. We had lots of snow in December, but then it warmed up over Christmas.  We had enough snow on the ground that we didn't lose it all, but we lost a lot.



The beginning of January we got lots of snow.


Then last week we had what's called thundersnow.  It was snowing, but thundering so loud it shook the house.  It was so weird.

The next day it started raining.  The snow all melted.




Then last Sunday, this was going on when we drove to church. I've never seen a rainbow in January in Michigan before.



And now the Polar Vortex is back. 



Here's the view out the front window.






and this is the view out the back. It's supposed to be frigidly cold this coming week with lots of snow.

It will make me appreciate Spring all the more, right?    :)

33 comments:

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Mari, bless your heart ❤️ 💙 Your photos are beautiful. As you know, I love Winter and snow ❄️ and I am glad that I don't drive and use public transit.
The rainbow 🌈 is beautiful and a sign of God's promise.
Sending you warm hugs 🫂 🤗 and much love.

Chatty Crone said...

Your photos do explain what it is going on. The weather can't make up its mind. It is always changing. Is that what the vortex is? We have a little of that - but it is milder. The rainbow was beautiful.

Ginny Hartzler said...

The views from your windows are beautiful! We have had thunder snow, but much milder than yours. We have also had frozen fog. I bet all this unpredictable weather is from global warming.

Miss Merry said...

I do feel exactly the same! Now that I don't have to brush it off my car and drive in it and breath it and everything else, I love looking out the window at snow while sipping a hot beverage!

Susan said...

Hi Mari, it sure looks so pretty! We never get snow here and I have not seen snow in a few years. We were in the 80's last week. I am glad you don't have to drive to work anymore! I do not know what a polar vortex is. Do you live on a lot of property? I live in the city, and every house is next to the other. I am in an older neighborhood, so there is a little more room between houses than newer homes. Have a great week and stay warm!

MadSnapper n Beau said...

and here I sit, moaning about the cold I have to walk in with Beau. 45 is COLD to me and I don't like it... we are in the midst of the subtropical polar vortex, and I am not enjoying it... but ours will end in 4 more days, plus we do have mega sunshine all day every day. I don't like having to wear a big heavy sweater to go out in the back yard with Beau... I can't imagine walking outside in your front or rear view. Yikes! it is beautiful

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Although we don't have the snow, we are having a lot of crazy undecided weather...this week is winter again...last week was spring. But no snow here...although further north on the state line they had it yesterday. Not like you, however! Your views are beautiful from inside your warm cozy house! Enjoy your retirement!! No driving unless absolutely necessary!! LOL. Take care and God bless you all!!

Lori said...

I enjoy winter but ours are very mild compared to yours. We have only had a couple of snows this year and it didn't accumulate. If we had long winters like you do, I probably wouldn't be such a fan. My brother however LOVES the snow, and he is actually in Michigan now for his annual snowmobiling vacation in the UP for three weeks.

Donna said...

Weather has been crazy all around! Love the tree though...
Try to stay warm...I'm also not a fan of cold!
hugs
Donna

Prims By The Water said...

It is so cold outside I dont even like having Tundra out there for long. He does not fight me either..so you know when a snow dog wants to come in, its cold. BRRR The ice came down from Lake Huron fast and furious yesterday. The ferry to the island had to close overnight now. They are going to try when daylight approaches. I had to go into work last Thursday and coming home almost got into an accident. The roads were HORRIBLE.
Wish Spring would hurry up. I do like the Winter pics though...from inside. LOL Janice

Jean said...

Polar vortex coming here too this week. Down to 3 degrees tomorrow and zero on Saturday. Somehow we always endure and survive it, right?

Shug said...

Even though we have No snow or Ice, this has been a very unusual Winter. Where you all are getting the heavy snow, we are getting the warm temps. Our trees, shrubs and flowers like Irises are very confused. This all looks so pretty, but I know it can be a challenge to deal with. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying each and every one of your snow pics.

Linda said...

You know, I used to love the winters--and now...not so much. Probably come June or so I will be complaining about the extreme humidity here, lol. Stay warm and inside my friend.

http://peacefulheartopenmind.blogspot.com/ said...

I am always whining about the winter. The family is quite used to it now. Your last two pics are exactly what I am seeing out my window this morning. Spring cannot come soon enough.

❤️ Debby said...

Well the snow makes for beautiful photos. Wow. We've been enjoying sunny and warm afternoon temperatures. We haven't had to turn on the heat. This isn't it for here. We still have a couple more months of our rainy season left. Sometimes the coldest months,can be February and March with a lot if rain. We'll just have to wait and see. Meanwhile my daffodils are blooming like they always do.
I wouldn't want to have to out in all of that cold, ice and snow on a daily basis. Are you guys thinking about eventually leaving MI for warmer winter pastures?

Melanie said...

I'm sure with you regarding your winter sentiments! So, it's a polar vortex that's causing all this cold? We've had no snow but it's been bitter cold. I too am so ready for spring! Stay warm!

Sparky said...

Dadgum, that's a lot of snow and cold! No thank you. Thankfully we don't have that kinda weather here in SE Georgia and I'm already done with Winter. I'm totally ready for Spring too. Y'all stay safe and warm. 💖

16 blessings'mom said...

Oh brrr! Here too, although we aren't in the path of any lake effect snow for the next day or two, just one to three inches. But it's cold, and getting colder in NY state. Winter is long, but these days are our lives, and this is where we live, so I try to enjoy the coziness.

photowannabe said...

Brrrr, I get cold just looking at those gorgeous photos of the snow.
Glad you don't have to drive to work anymore in that weather.
Stay warm and cozy in your lovely home.
Sue

Joyful in His Presence said...

You, my friend, will definitely enjoy and appreciate spring this year. Sending prayers for safety and no power outages.

carrie@northwoods scrapbook said...

Ok, you win neighbor! Lol Your weather has been way crazier than ours this year so far. We just got a few new inches of snow this weekend and have the really cold temps right now. As soon as February hits I get cabin fever badly! That is the bummer part of where we live - Spring takes FOREVER to get here!! Stay cozy dear Mari. xoxo

HappyK said...

We have been having the same weather. I don't mind it though, I like winter. The only thing I don't like is it is keeping me from my morning town walk.
The snowy pictures are beautiful as well as the rainbow.

Jean said...

I was seeing horrible pictures about a terrible traffic pileup this morning. Looks like it wasn't very far away from you. You really are getting slammed again.

Michelle said...

I feel the same about winter. I am just ready for spring. I think the older I get the less tolerant of the cold I am.

Lowcarb team member said...

I think your snowy pictures are lovely and how wonderful to see the rainbow.

It's been a grey, dull day in my part of the UK today ... hopefully we may get some winter sunshine tomorrow.
Roll-on Spring!

All the best Jan

Leslie's Garden said...

We are finally having cold weather here and I'm enjoying having a fire. We might get some snow this week, which will be a rare event. I can't wait.

Mandy said...

Ohhh my goodness! That is a LOT of snow! I am so over winter already and we haven't seen any snow at all! Haha! I just don't like the cold and I don't like it getting darker so early in the evening. Hope y'all are staying good and warm.

Terri D said...

Sounds like it's time for a visit to Florida!! :) xo

Jeanette said...

I don't know if we are experiencing a "normal" Michigan winter or what but I was over it even before Christmas!

Great-Granny Grandma said...

Oh wow! It does look beautiful though.
We have not had much snow at all this winter (my photo in Wordless Wednesday last week was from the archives), but it seems that this is about to change if the forecast is correct. They are calling for 20" over the weekend.

Great-Granny Grandma said...

I've never heard of frozen fog. Will have to Google it.

Kim said...

Ugh, I'm with you, I don't love winter. I'm cold all day long, I don't like driving up and down our narrow, hilly roads in the snow and ice and my hands are dry and crunchy no matter how much moisturizer I use...and yes, we also got tons of snow last weekend and we're expecting that same huge storm in a few days. Spring can't come soon enough!!

Jenny the Pirate said...

And who knew, now looking back, how bad it would get? I still get nervous every time I see that tire swing, hahaha stay cozy xoxo 🏴‍☠️