Snow Continues

The snow had a brief reprieve last night around supper time, but by this morning it had resumed. We probably only had 2-3 inches last night, but we're easily up to 8-10 by now--and it's still going. It's a wet, heavy snow, so there's a lot there. I cleared off half the grill so you could see how much it is.

I'm not sure that they have snowplows here (okay--I'm sure they do somewhere, we just haven't seen any out). It wasn't too bad going to church this morning--but we've mainly got one road to travel and it had a fair amount of traffic on it. Most people didn't try to come out for church. Now if it was the Midwest, it would have been no big deal for people to go out. But it is here (especially since other drivers are a little suspect on their winter driving skills); it makes a difference when the roads aren't cleared and it is a heavier, wetter snow.

Today is the first Sunday in Advent (so happy Advent, to all of you). Even though we had few people in church (or maybe because of that), we had a nice service. The first Advent candle is the prophet's candle--a candle of Hope. In slowing down for Advent (well, it's what we're meant to do--go against the flow, people! Don't let culture drive your Christmas) and anticipating the arrival of God into the world, we hope in what is to come. And there is much hope for us.

After the worship service we had a meal together and many people stayed to make Advent wreaths (I guess this is the 4th year they've been doing it, so it's becoming a good tradition for many families). We only had to bring a pie plate, candles and any additional decorations we wanted (Beth's festive creation is below). Advent devotionals were available for families and adults as well.

By the time we left church ( a little before 2pm), we'd had at least 4-5 inches of snow. Some vehicles (including our 4-cylinder, front-wheel drive) had trouble in the parking lot. And the drive home was a bit tougher (the roads didn't appear to have been cleared at all yet). But we made it. And it's still snowing. The forecast for tomorrow is 13degrees C (about 57 F) with rain. Welcome to winter in the Vancouver area, I guess.