A Brit in Tennessee

"You think I am dead,"
The apple tree said,
"Because I have never a leaf to show -

I'm beginning to get cabin fever, and just as slightly warmer temperatures arrive, an entire new weather system is headed our way.
More snow, and sadly combined with frozen precipitation.
The school children have been afforded  extra days  off school,  and yet their presence outside has been scarce....

As with much of the nation we are experiencing a blast of cold winter weather.
It's predicted for much of the coming week, so hearty soups are the go-to meal of the day.
I've made a fifteen bean soup today, chocked full of country ham, celery, onions, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, and chili spice....

 If given the option, I would have chosen snow.
Soft, white flakes blanketing the ground.
Instead, we are covered in ice.