February Snow in Western New York

As the The Northeastern coast of the US gets pounded with the Weather Channels "Nemo" storm - we here in Western New York had a beautiful snowfall yesterday and overnight last night.  I went out  and took some photos this morning just after the  sun came up. 

This is the kind of winter I remember growing up with. Snow on the roads all the time. I think too many Western New Yorkers have gotten used to our easy winters and want to run and hibernate when the snow comes.  (Although sometimes I wish I was a bear - as I love to bundle up in my warm blankets on those cold nights).

Yes the roads were yucky yesterday. Yes people were sliding off the roads. But for the most parts within a few hours roads were clear(er) and you could get around. 

It was so peaceful and quiet and beautiful this morning. There is little to no wind - so the snow is still on all of the branches. 

After shoveling (and snowblowing) twice yesterday and once this morning - I enjoyed a bit of time snapping away at the pretty landscapes of my town. 

By the way - all of these shots were shot in color with very little to no editing. Winter in Western New York is often very colorless. Almost a black and white world!

Below are blueberry bushes one of the local 'mansions' has growing in front of their house. They do open for the business of picking in the spring.  

The next three shots are trees I have watched grow over the last few years with my camera. It is neat to see them change from year to year. 

First - the three pines at the Clarence Town Hall Arboretum.

Next is a tree just past the sod farm on Clarence Center Road near County. 

And then the tree on County just past Clarence Center. 

In just a few months - these baseball diamonds will be full of folks watching their kids pursue their dreams of becoming Major League players!

And below is a bench to take a rest on - after a walk on the local Peanut Line Bike Path. (The Peanut Line was the old Railroad that came thru this area). 

And of course the last shot is of my yard - from my living room.  

Who / or What Do We Reflect

I was out shooting photos the other day and was happy to come upon the pond at the Town Park. It was so still and beautiful - the trees reflected so clearly in the water. I got some great shots!

It got me to thinking.

Am I a reflection of the One who created me?

Veterans Day 2012

To honor my Father and my Father in Law - it is becoming a tradition that I post this on Veterans Day Post each year. Hope you don't mind.

Today is November 11, 2012. It is Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, when major hostilities of the War were formally ended with the German signing of the Armistice with the Allies in a railway car in the Compiegne Forest, France in 1918.

So many men have served our country in the armed forces in many wars since then, as it seems we will never live together in peace, until the Lord comes.  Today we remember and honor those who have served. I am grateful and thankful for those who have.

A look back in my family tree shows many who have . . .

US Army Soldiers First Day in Yokahama, Japan September 13, 1946

(L to R) Lt Bernard McLellan, Lt Robert Robertson, T/5 Odni Simmons, Capt Deglow, Pvt Carl Wetzel, Front: Pfc Frank Powley, T/5 Dulch Schultz, Louie Carter, unknown

In honor of Veterans Day, I would like to share some photo's of my father and my father-in-law during the time they served our country on foreign soil. Although they were in different wars and were several years apart, the first two pictures show both men, when they were just 18 -19 years old.

Morris G. Bull, WWII Veteran

1925 - 1995

John J. Acee, Korean War Veteran

1932-1995

My dad served and saw action in the Philippines during WWII

and then in Japan from 1945 - 1946 during the occupation.

This picture above shows him pointing to the 2 stars

in the window of the old farm house on Goodrich Road in Clarence, NY.

One represented him (he was home on furlough 1944)

and the other for his older brother Robert, who was also serving.

My Dad (above)

This one was November 1945

Written on the back was "B Batry 61st FABN Osaka"

This was also Osaka Japan 1945.

My husbands Father served in the Korean War.

But, this photo said that he was at Camp Chitose, Japan

April 22, 1952 Hokkaido Japan

May 18, 1953

the 38th Parallel

Korea

January 1953

Choruon Valley

This was in front of the mess hall

Kumhua Sector   North Korea

April 30, 1953

I am in awe of the number of men and women who  serve our country in the armed services.  My dad shared some stories,  but he didn't talk a lot about what went on over there.  My siblings may remember more.

I was born 17 years after he had come home. I was a girl.

We didn't talk about those things.

I feel bad about that, because,  now that he is gone I can't ask him any more,

and I will never know.

Thank you to all the Veterans, who put their lives on the line,

who gave up their lives at home to serve the rest of us,

to help keep us safe and to protect those who need protection.

Thank you to their families, who sacrifice was great. 

There is no greater love than this, That a man lay down his life for his brother