The freezing rain ended just before daybreak yesterday but by then the power was already out. We suffered through the ice storm bundled layers deep in thermals, sweats,mufflers, and mitten caps. The trees bent, strained under the oppressive weight from ice accumulation. Many of them packed it in with a loud echoing report. And we’d cringe after hearing the snap-crack-pop hoping that our house was out of harms way. After 12 hours without TV, PC, reading light, heat or hot food the electricity was restored. Jubilation and group hugs followed.

This sunny morning is the big thaw and it’s a beautiful thing — with frozen bits releasing and cascading from the higher branches. The reflective crystals shimmer and sparkle as they dash on the ground. They are relieved of their burden and we are happy to escape the big freeze — a nice little reminder of what we have and what we so easily take for granted. What a show!