I woke Wednesday to more calm than forecast. There was not even a light breeze or any movement of the tops of the trees. The severe wind warning was still in effect so I stayed out with Bear and we had a longer walk and play time than usual thinking it would not be pleasant later.

At noon, it was sunny, calm and blue sky. So we had a long lunch time outing.

Shortly after we came in, it did cloud over and several very blustery squalls whooshed through. A few branches came down, but all of the trees stayed put and that was that at my house. All of the preparation paid off: the power stayed on :)!

Last night was calm, clear and beautiful and I watched the stars come out as Bear and I had our evening walk.

The winter storm warning expired at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Today was quiet and alternated between bits of sun and periods of overcast.

And it graupeled.

Not to be confused with hail or sleet, graupel is soft little balls of snow – like bits of styrofoam. It falls quietly, unlike hail and is formed, unlike sleet. Graupel.