I ventured out after the storm...

 We started the last week with spring-like temperatures nearing 60 degrees, 

but that came to a screaming halt with a blizzard warning Thursday night and 

all day Friday as Rochester got 12 inches of the heavy white stuff.

 I was looking so forward to the snow and I got my wish.  

The snow did not deter me from venturing out a day later, on Saturday morning to witness 

the effects of a beautiful winter snowfall. It was calm, and as glorious as I had expected. 

I snapped a few photo's to share with you, 

I hope you too can see the beauty in this winter wonderland!

I don't have to travel far to find "country", about 1.2 miles and I'm there, 

I headed North and West of Rochester.

Old silo's, farms, barns, gravel roads, winter, blue skies.... It doesn't get much better for this girl.

 Lots of blowing and drifting across the roads, but easily drivable

 I loved this barn and old windmill, so beautiful against the blue sky,

 but look a little closer....

A young family, mom, dad and two small children walking up a hill to go sledding.

Seeing families spend time together like this warms my heart, just good old fashion fun.

 I pulled off to the side of the road and changed my lens to get a close up. 

Did want them to think I was stalking them, but I kind of was  :) 

Look at that little one tagging behind. Dad has the smallest in his arms.

I ended up over by Oxbow Park near Byron.

I love the contrast of the golden prairie grass,

 the green pines, laden with snow and the bright blue sky.

I had a nice visit with a sheriff deputy, I think he and I were the only ones out on the roads....

 I had just pulled over to the side of the road to snap some shots of the river. 

I put my hazard lights on, and noticed a suburban pulling up behind me, 

then I noticed it was a K-9 unit. Here's how the conversation went as the officer cautiously approached my driver-side door...

Me: Hi

Officer: Watcha up ta???

Me: Takin' pictures

Officer: Have at it (with a smile on his face), I just wanted to make sure you were ok.

Me: Thanks for checkin' on me

and off he went...

There is nothing better then having a law enforcement vehicle pull up behind you,

 knowing you have done nothing wrong!...

and, that he was making sure I was ok  :)

Got my river shot!