Oh Snow!!!!

In case you didn't know... Virginia just got walloped with a HUGE snowstorm this past weekend, and since Im' about 20 minutes South of Washington DC, I figured I'd take some pictures to show you just how much snow has actually fallen.

It started out forcasted at 6-12 inches.

Then two hours later, 12-14.

About two hours after that, 16-18.

Three hours later... 18-24.

Then, as it started snowing... They said... Possibility of 30+ inches.

Me, being ever the pessimistic since moving down here and not really seeing snow stick around long enough for it to last more than a day or two..... Said "Suuuuure". But then it started coming down... And sticking.... Accumulating quickly. A little too quickly. I told my roommate... Yep, the way it's coming down... We're going to get buried.

I started taking pictures, and even planned on blogging Friday night about it... But then -OOP-

Power goes out. Are you kidding me!? Now my roommate tells me it could be off for days, or weeks... I wasn't happy to hear it. But I had my little alien lights, and plenty of candles. I hoard candles, but that's a story for another time! So light them up, little candles glow!

Pictures of the street, there was one car that decided to brave the weather at 11:30 pm. There's already 12+ inches on the ground, and no plow has been through. He made it to the dip, and skeetered off the road into the snowbank. I didn't go outside- the wind was wicked and with my asthma- not a good idea. Otherwise, my blogger friends, I would have been out there immediately.

So the candlelight, flickering, and Sake I was drinking finally kicked in. I got sleepy. Good news is the power came on just before I fell asleep. The next morning I knew I was going to wake up to an absolute Winter Wonderland... But I had no idea.....

Everything, and I mean everything, covered in snow. Especially the cars. Road signs buried under snow, not drifts! Cars plowed in from the "plow" guys. I thought it was beautiful. I wanted to know how much snow there was. I was curious.

So on go the leggings, blue jeans over that. Long sleeved shirt, UnderArmor Jacket, and UA vest over that. A black ballcap, and my blue toned scarf to cover my face from the wind. I venture out.

Ok, bottom of the steps aren't so bad.

Few more steps, though, and my boots are sinking into 4+ inches of powder. And this is on the "shoveled" part of the pathway. Continuing on...

I sink down. Quickly. At least 2 feet of snow here! This was only shoveled at the beginning of the storm- so it's not quite the deepest as.....

RIGHT HERE!

Stepping over to take a picture of a huge snow-pile that used to be my truck, I sank straight down to pavement. Snow came up over my knees! I'm only 5'2". DEEP snow indeed. Yes, that is my Chevy Trailblazer under that pile of snow!

Waddled out without losing boots or socks... Which HAS happened before...

Had I tripped and fallen, I have a feeling I wouldn't be found until spring!

So I continued to wander along the front of the complex.

Snapped a few more- but this one had to take the cake. It appears that someone was motivated enough to come out and clean off their vehicle. And then subsequently gave up because it's just SO much!

I almost feel bad... I wiped the snow off mine, popped her in to 4wd... And rocked right out of my spot! HOWEVER... That being said... DO not go out on the roads if you live down here- they're absolutely awful. They haven't salted anything, and it's all a solid sheet of ice.

After last night though, this is the view I woke up to this morning:

Travels: Occoquan, Virginia

Out and about wandering... There are days I'm restless, and I just want to go to a familiar place and walk. So... That's exactly what I did yesterday.

I thought I'd share a little photo-collage with everyone..... Considering this is one of my favorite places to escape to down here in my "adoptive" home of Virginia. Yes, yes, yes... I'm a New England girl through and through- and I have to admit, 70 degree days in Virginia is NOT normal.

Not for me at least.

But, I've been quite sick lately, and just had a string of bad luck from end of August until now.

I needed to just get out and bumble, as I like to call it.

You'll see in the collage, there's a few photos of "Gingerbread" houses. I call them by the name since they all are different, yet the same... The colors are whimsical, the brickwork amazing, the entire look... Enchanting. These ones, however, you cannot eat!

Sitting atop the banks of the Occoquan river, once Gaslight Landing is complete there will be four units with houses available in each. These homes are absolutely gorgeous. The front units face Main Street in Occoquan- so parking is available right in front of them. Of course, the homeowners have their own garages under their houses- but that's private parking! The back units sit right on the banks of the Occoquan River, and the wharves are right there as well. Overlooking the water- I can't think of a more perfect place to be. Someone wanna lend me a million so I can get one? hahaha... Big dreams, for a little person... But we'll see.

Continuing on through the town, there are so many shops it'll make your head spin! There are a few really nice antique shops- set up and ready for Christmas already... What happened to Thanksgiving?! It's ok- the setup is so whimsical I can't help but walk by and admire. There are jewelry shops, and one such is comprised of local artists. I haven't yet brought in any of my things- I'm watching how much sells there, and who it is before I "take the plunge".

There's a lovely little Christmas Ornament shop, with lights and miniature town set-ups, stained glass boutique, acupuncture therapy, spa treatments, general stores... And one of the best Apple Pie's I've had since I've been down here which is incorporated right in to the General Store. They're located at the top of the hill when you drive in! Clothing stores- some consignments, some bridal and special occasion, and many specialty stores for women to find the perfect accessory to any outfit. A little Irish store packed with traditional and authentic items from Ireland, painting pottery, a bookstore you can quickly become engrossed within, and plenty of little café style eateries that you can stop in for a bite once walking the circuit around town.

There's a wine tasting shop, and a girlie sparkly one with all sorts of cutsey and fun things to pick up for that quirky girl you know! The gelato one is my absolute favorite in the summer... Grab one of those to go, and walk around the streets! My local bead shop is here too- the woman remembers me every time I come in, because my roommate will sit outside in the rocking chair and wait for me... Rather than poke his nose into a shop where all the ladies are "ooohh-ing" and "ahhhh-ing" to all the beads! Typically, I do order online... But I get some great finds in there too!

My favorite place to admire, even though I've never been into it, is Rockledge Mansion.

It's a big, old, stone mansion that was built a very long time ago at the end of the walkway through town. You can't go any further, since the water reservoir is up there, and it's fenced off. But once you walk up and see this building- it's hard to keep curiosity for what's over the hill, instead of the hulking stone structure you gaze at now.

The mansion itself is nestled right into the hill, an what I wouldn't give to get in there!
Occasionally, you'll see a car or two up there... But as far as I can tell it's unoccupied by residents. I did find, however, that the mansion and hall are for rent for events... Yay! The pricing isn't bad... But I'd need to find a way to host something worthwhile in order to do so... I think a masquerade ball would be so much fun!

Occoquan was once a bustling little town- and I was amazed at reading some of the history when I first moved down here. There are quite a few haunts, since most of the buildings are original, and their past owners and caretakers are still doing just that... Watching over their shops.

So this was my little outing... Perhaps if you're looking for an interesting place to go, this will strike your interest!