Meteorological winter began a week ago, on December 1 (as it does every year).
It's not a designation that "civilians" (non-weather-nerds) generally acknowledge...but with what's happening in Bend today (see the forecast below) I just can't go along with the crowds and continue to call this "autumn"! 
At 8:30 a.m. it's 14° and snowing at my house -- confirming that this ain't fall anymore. A few inches of light, dry snow wouldn't be a problem, but it's what's coming this p.m. that could be nasty -- especially during the late-afternoon/evening commute.
I just hope that the forecast for above-freezing temperatures (i.e., ice-melting temperatures) tomorrow holds true.
(I spent a couple of days this week at the Oregon coast but came home last night -- a day earlier than planned -- due to this forecast and not wanting to have an "epic" crossing the Cascade passes in my car. 
)
) and this AM---supposed to turn to rain this afternoon and then rain all day Friday. Dog having fun in the snow; nice fire going in my wood stove too! Supposed to go to Reno on Friday PM-395 should be windy and rainy but clear of snow by then!
! 
