It began on January 23, 2012, a new moon. The day before the high was 32. On a clear night the temperature dropped to 27 and there was some snow and wind. In the morning the sun came out and as the temperature rose, fog appeared. Alex, our facility supervisor, was out and about as the grounds crew began clearing snow from walks. He took a lot of pictures, in the sunshine, and then in the fog. This one is the best of all, taken from the non-public area on the back side of the temple. Actually, the photo has been "flipped" so it works better as wallpaper on a computer! But otherwise, it is untouched.
JD noted the fog and took this beautiful photo a little later through our window. (It was a Monday plus the temple was closed at this time so we were home and not in the temple.)
So our deep freeze began, and how could you not like the way Heavenly Father helped us enjoy it! We had nights of single digit lows, sometimes minus, and days where the temperature maybe got up into the teens. This is all Farenheit. Of course in Centigrade, everything was MINUS! The temple reopened on Jan 31. But we didn't have far to walk from our cozy apartments that kept the same constant temperatures we had set in the low 70's, to the temple where the temperature was equally comfortable. But then we needed to go to Chernigov on a Sunday that was COLD so we just dressed with more layers than worn previously.
We are at the bus stop, having walked a half mile. JD was grateful for his balaklava to keep his head warm. I had a hat and two hoods over my head! The hand was only ungloved for taking the previous picture. It was 6:45 am and the temperature was about -12 and it was Feb 12. But we made it there and back enjoying our Sunday worship and visit with the hardy saints that came to church that Sunday.
Our work at the temple continued. This couple was married civilly and took photos outside the temple prior to their reception in the chapel and then the temple sealing in the evening. It was good planning to have fancy jackets for the occasion! This was Feb 18 and it was about 18 degrees but sunny and calm.
The next day we went to Chernigov again. This time it was only -2 and at 6:45a, just a week later, it was morning twilight! I always marvel at the babushkas who set up their little stands to sell cups of hot coffee, mostly, and some other snacks. What time did she arrive? How did she keep warm?
Before our bus arrived, she did have two vehicles stop! I don't know how much money she makes on a small drink made from hot water in her thermos, but obviously it is necessary for her living or she wouldn't be there. (She wasn't there the Sunday before.)
Arriving back that afternoon to our temple grounds, we took this photo of the temple with the red crab apples that have been beautiful ornaments all winter long. Soon the returning birds will enjoy them
On February 22, also a new moon, the temperature rose to 37. In the days that followed temperatures remained above freezing, and the low one night was even above freezing! We had sunshine and even some rain. Though there was some more snow, the sun in the daytime melted more than fell. The winds were mostly warm, also melting the snow. Spring will come.
