We started the week off with a beautiful snow storm. That's two solid snows in one winter in North Carolina -- unheard of!

Unlike the gentle clouds of last snow, this storm came wrapped in rolling black clouds.

The storm started as rain before progressing through freezing rain and sleet into snow. New leaf buds became encased in crystal.

Dark holly leaves and waxy berries are better equipped for the snow.

My birthday fell on Thursday this year. My lovely lady made an excellent beef bourguignonne for dinner. She has a talent for making fine dishes.

Start the week with snow, end the week over 80F! We finished installing Kaitlyn's sandbox, filled it with sand, and added two children.

The lovely misssavie and I started painting the banisters and balusters on the front porch. This is the before. We're still working on the after.