The 12 Incher

The Joy of Snow

Remember Clyde "Cloudy" McLean? Did the WBTV (Charlotte) weatherman ever predict snow when I was a little boy? Did he get it right? All I remember is waking to the surprise of beautiful, big snowfalls. The pine trees lining the back of our house sagged with blankets of wet snow. Sleds came out. Hands and feet froze. And warm coal fires in the fireplace welcomed us back inside where the snow cream was made. I was happy.

I think I was born with the snow gene. Not the ski-down-the-mountainside-at breakneck-speed kind of gene, but the the wow-isn't-that-beautiful kind of gene. Clean, clear, crisp air. Everything pure white. Stop everything; come to a standstill. I've never lost that feeling. Even now, a snow forecast brings anticipation; disappointment when it misses. Even the Blizzard of '93 didn't cure me.

This morning a light snow softens down. For the first time in perhaps six months, I have walked the trail behind my house just to feel the snow. I remember having taken that walk hundreds of times, mostly with Cosette (Cozy) and sometimes the walk would be in the snow. And with grandchildren, laughing. Taking pictures. This morning my hands and feet froze. And a warm propane fire has welcomed me back inside where Gracie awaited my lap.

For me, this has brought a kind of Peace on Earth that an early season snowfall can bring. I am thankful.

http://btmemories.com/photos/reynolds/reynolds.htm

Addendum: I tried to find a picture of Clyde McLean and, in so doing, came across the link above. Of interest is a picture of my Uncle Ralph who was the chief engineer at WBTV in the very early days and for many years.

More WBTV memories: http://www.btmemories.com/index.htm

Arkansas

Quick (Fri late to Sun early) trip to Little Rock for a church reunion at Ginny's childhood church. A delightful time was had by all. I particularly enjoyed time with her parents and one of her three brothers. Sorry, no pics.

Trivia: I think I had a flat tire in Little Rock in my college days.

Autumn in Western North Carolina ...

...is not as colorful as usual. Too much rain? Temps too warm?

After Sunday School this a.m., I went up to Pisgah for a solo hike to the top. Haven't been up there for 25 years, I suppose. It's rather stenuous, but I made it and enjoyed the time in the outdoors. Unfortunately, it was too foggy for any views until I was riding back home on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Pisgah_(North_Carolina)

Self-portrait at the top.
On the trail. From the Blue Ridge Parkway.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Trip to Forest City

Yesterday would have been Dad's 102nd birthday. I got up early and drove to Forest City to pay respects and check things out. Thought I would pass along a couple of pictures of the gravesite at Sunset Memorial Park and the homeplace on Fairview Street.

Despite a lopsided loss, my trip on the Furman team plane was great fun. A lot of purple in an amazing football environment. Missouri 52, Furman 12.

Great West Trip

LAS VEGAS ("The Meadows")

BRYCE CANYON

LOWER CALF CREEK FALLS

ANTELOPE CANYON

GRAND CANYON

ZION