I’ve spent my day so far listening to the news that Punxsutawney Phil has predicted another 6 weeks of winter. I’ve heard contradictory reports from plant scientists and horse folk that spring is coming early since plants are blooming early and horses have already started shedding. As I look out the window at all the snow on the ground and the hoarfrost covering wires, plants, and fences, it’s a little hard to imagine that spring is just around the corner.
Did you know that we’ve had a record snowfall for the month of January this winter? On the campus of Utah State University, they have measured a total of 49.5 inches of snowfall just for January alone! The total snowfall for this winter has been 71.9 inches of snow, and we’re not close to being done with winter yet. No wonder we had three snow days where we couldn’t get to work!
Here in Cache Valley, we see temperature swings that can have us in the between 18 and 32 ° Fahrenheit for a few days and then suddenly -15 to 8 ° Fahrenheit can sneak up on us. These sudden temperature changes take our morning fog and produce lovely hoarfrost that I love taking pictures of. The ice crystals have a fabulous texture that is awe-inspiring and fun to look at.
The hoarfrost crystals remind me of salt crystals, so I’m going to challenge you to take inventory of your soap cupboards this week. Next week, we’ll talk about making salt soaps! Stay tuned!