White is a Quiet Color

Seal and I were lucky enough to be 'caught' in Cumberland during the weekend's snowstorm. We were planning on coming back home on Saturday, but were happy to hunker down in the winter wonderland of this mountain town. Downtown Cumberland is very picturesque, with turn of the century brick buildings festooned with holiday finery.


The snow was gently falling for hours, all night and all day. It was fine and powdery, like confectioner's sugar falling from a giant sifter. It didn't even crunch underfoot.


Before snow...


...and during the snow. I love how each letter seems to be wearing a pointy hat.




While at the one of two stores that were open, we ran into Santa Claus, the real one. He had a long, white beard, his cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry. He had a belly that shook like a bowl full of jelly and said he had to pull over in his 'big rig' because of the snow and was stranded in Cumberland at one of the local hotels. He told us that he wouldn't be getting the mail (presents) to DC that day. He gave a wink and was out of the store in a flash. (we later saw him smoking a cigarette and talking to some lady).


Monkey Business is a small clothing boutique, carrying sizes from 0 to 2.


Queen City Creamery always has stellar decorations. Their ice cream isn't too shabby either.




Looking up Baltimore Street, to the Episcopal Church.


The courthouse was built in 1893, standing impressively above Cumberland's skyline. I call it the Purina Chow building, because of it's red and white brick checkerboard patterning.








Not many houses can pull off black, this sweet Gothic type house sure can.


Our back courtyard is blanketed in snow.


Looking out back, from one of the bedroom windows. Snow makes everything look so wonderful. I am so happy we'll have a white Christmas. For once, the temperatures haven't gotten about the mid-30's so the white stuff has actually stuck around.


Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.