By Mary O’KEEFE

We end the year with a reminder that no matter how powerful and evolved humans think they are, Mother Earth is still the most powerful force on the planet.

The death toll reported as of Tuesday due historic blizzard across the U.S. rose to 65. Of those deaths 34 are in New York.
Buffalo, New York has been hit with over 50 inches of snow and frigid temperatures during the recent snowstorm. People were trapped in their cars, calling 9-1-1 but unfortunately many emergency responders could not get to those in need. The blizzard lasted 36 continuous hours with a recorded 79 mile per hour winds.

As snow hit the East coast, heavy rains were drenching the Pacific northwest. The Sierra faced not only blizzard conditions but 180 mph winds that came with avalanche warnings.

No movie or television show, not even “Star Trek,” can recreate the quiet isolation that comes with a blizzard. There is no way, unless you have experienced it, to convey the mix of beauty and fear that these types of storms bring. I have been stuck in a snowbank in my car, praying for someone – usually a nearby farmer with a truck or tractor— – to come to my rescue. I have been with my dad as we drove in whiteout conditions going to my grandma’s friends’ homes, making sure they had heat and food. It does give you a great respect for the power of the Earth’s weather.

I think as we start a new year we should take the time to pray/send positive thoughts to those who are digging their way out of this recent storm and to honor the Earth in every way we can.

Crescenta Valley ends December with a monthly rain total of 1.69 inches. Highs will be in the mid 50s, with a chance of rain from today through Tuesday, according to NOAA. Monday is the Rose Parade so starting with an optimistic look we will say it is going to be sunny.