We can't seem to shake snow and cold this year. The yard has been snow covered since early December, with no end in sight. Even though the temps may rise above freezing for a few days this week, lows are projected to go below zero for three days again over the weekend and early next week.
The photo at left is of a plant stand that we left out over the winter. It is at least a foot from the bottom to the level that is just being met by the snow. And this is right next to the house where the snow is much less deep than elsewhere, as well as before the 5 or 6 inches we are projected to get today. 
We're working to keep the pond open in one small spot, but the combination of very cold temps and deep snow is making that really difficult. Had to buy a new heater, and even that is having trouble keeping up. Add the fact that they say the frost is VERY deep this year, I'm not sure we will have any fish in the spring to feed the Heron.
If you take a look at the snow on top and below the bench in the gazebo you can get an idea of how deep it is everywhere. I walked around the yard the other day to check on things and it was a major effort just to get out to the creek and back. At least 2 feet of snow in some places.
