Ice & Snow Storm April 2013

We got 8 inches of snow on top of the ice. When we look at the photos we understand how heavy the ice accumulation was, and how damaging. The heroes are the linemen... just about every light pole around our area was down. Our county has been declared a federal emergency area. The area schools had three snow days which hasn't happened, we hear, in a long, long time.

It was terribly beautiful outside, and not often these words come together so well. I am posting a sample of the many photos we took. Some of these were the day after the ice storm, before the snowfall, and then some are of the snowy landscape. (Can you find my Mary Garden statue?)

We had no damage, thanks be to God, as the large trees are far from the house. Two nice trees lost limbs but we didn't lose any trees around the house--although in the woods we are sure there are many down. Husband says the Cottonwoods stood firm as they are made for this weather, and the conifers also weathered the storm beautifully. It will be a little while before it is all melted, so we can begin cleaning up the grounds. Number Four will be a great help.

South Dakota and its people again impressed us. There is so much strength and kindness in this land. A land that can be harsh and dangerous. People take things as they come, they deal with it, they make the best out of things. They thank the workers, they help. They are resourceful and they check on their neighbors. We have learned much here, and are proud to be South Dakotan as well.