Ups and downs

Snowdrops under a dusting of snow.
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Raindrops coat a snowdrop flower.

The region’s weather could be described as unsettled at best.

Temperatures climb and fall. Precipitation comes as rain and snow and sometimes even with a rumble of thunder.

On Friday of last week the snowdrops were just wet with rain drops and by Sunday they were coated with a dusting of snow.

Temperatures struggled to get up to the mid 30s on Sunday, but by Tuesday were forecast to reach the high 50s. Wednesday’s highs are expected to be in the lower 60s.

However, things change by the end of the week. Temperatures will tumble into the low 30s and upper 20s by Thursday and Friday.

The National Weather Service’s office in Pittsburgh has also forecast a potential for some severe thunderstorms on Wednesday.

Back on the trail

In the skies, Canada geese and tundra swans have been on the move.

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Waterfowl fly in formation. This might be a flock of tundra swans.

More chipmunks were spotted … and barked at. Abundant rabbit activity in the backyard has made puppy potty-time very eventful.

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A chipmunk makes its way around a tree.

Friday’s rain made for wet paws and hooves. However, flooded pathways provided some refreshment.

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Sherman didn’t have to venture too far off the trail to get a drink.

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Sadie splashed down a flooded path.

Buford’s sweater was removed due to his “washing” while wearing it.

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A sweater-clad Buford and Sherman enjoy a swim during last week’s warm weather.

And last week’s swims at the pond led to a shortage of clean towels.

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Sherman and Sadie play tug-of-war with an old towel.


A Walk in the Woods contains photos from newsroom staffer Anna Applegate’s daily jaunts around her neck of the woods. Tagging along on the treks are dogs, Buford, Sherman and Sadie, and goats, Kyle and Kennedy. Applegate manages the Good Times and can be emailed at bigdogs.thederrick@gmail.com.