SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! And then some...

It's official. I LOVE the snow and the cold! As someone who grew up by the sea in the boiling cauldron called Madras, I was amazed at how easily I adapt to the cold. I went through my first winter here with no gloves or hat without so much as a sneeze. I relished walking the 20 blocks to school and back in the freezing weather. The crunch of the snow beneath my feet, the bite of the chill on my ears, steaming coffee cupped in my hands, I loved them all. It's my third East Coast winter and the love affair continues...

From a snowy trail run

As much as I was lamenting not getting out enough in the cold this winter, I completely capitalized on the blizzards the North East has been hit with in the last fortnight. We got 27 inches of snow last week and another 24 inches today. It's really coming down even as I write this! There are gusty winds at 20-30mph, the freeways are closed, airports are shut down. Some of the popular names going around are Snopocalypse, Snomageddon, SnoOMG!

However I find that snow, much like rain, really captures my imagination. There is a very serene beauty in the miles of sheer white blanket, with the essential road threading through it and the occasional car dotting it. I simply cannot resist the temptation to step into the soft white pillows on my balcony (and jumping around to keep from freezing). Even the tree that peers over the railing, once lush and green, seems reluctant to shake off the crystals that frost it.

Tree outside the balcony, while the snow storm rages on

I even enjoyed slushing around in the snow as Arun and I shoveled to get his buried car out...

Half shoveled parking space

..to drive 10 slippery miles and go here:

Soldier's Hut at Valley Forge National Park, PA

Lastly I've never been out in a snow storm before. And the first time I did it I ensured there was a lot to write home about. Here are some pictures that made my mom want to send me some of her hot Rasam to keep warm.

Looking the storm in the eye!

Taking a walk in the dying storm

Finally I could not let such a golden opportunity to do this pass by:

Making a Snow Angel!

So it's been one helluva a winter folks. Hope you enjoyed reading about all the craziness. We'll be back with more after this weekend, from Erie this time. Ciao!