The rumors of snowflakes (see my last entry) turned into a snowstorm that began on Thursday, October 15 and continued through Saturday, October 17. For those of us living in Central Pennsylvania the snowfall brought down trees and power lines. My own home was without power for about 40 hours. Trees with leaves still on them was the main problem. However, I managed to get out on the skis Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and I hope to squeeze out one more ski day. There is a warm up on the way and a clean up too! I think the two photos below capture the joy and pain of an early storm like this. On the one hand there is the excitement of getting out on the skis on unexpected snow, and on the other hand, there is the damage that early snow causes. I embraced both as I skied and lived through being without power. The cleanup took several hours of dragging limbs to the curb for the chipper. The job was made easier by a neighbor who stopped by with a chain saw. Will this turn out to be a stormy and snowy winter? Who knows, but I'm hopeful. HP

The storm split trees and downed power lines.

Enjoying an early ski outing.