Hearts, frost and afros

Sophia wants to wish you all a happy belated Valentine's Day. She made you the card in her hand here, but then glopped so much of the glue stick on it that it was no longer safe for human hands. But hey, it's the thought, right?

We've got snow here again today — but again, it's what passes for snow 'round here. All the kids had the day off Thursday after less than an inch accumulated overnight. And yep, you guessed it: Both Thurday and today, the white stuff was gone by noon.

The icy image comes courtesy of Becky Hegge, who captured some of the wintry punishment the Cincinnati area has taken of late. We're glad to be a few hours south of that mess.

Finally, Natasja took Geert dancing to the Girl Scouts' annual Daddy-Daughter Disco last night. A groovy good time was had by all even though the DJ didn't play any Judas Priest or Iron Maiden. Word is the theme is changing next year. Here's one vote for the Metal Gods option.

The white stuff

No school! No school! Everybody outside before the snow melts! And don't come in until your toes are completely numb.

By seven, much of the neighborhood had gathered to enjoy the inch or so that had accumulated. By a quarter after seven, the kids were sledding from across the street into our yard. By a quarter to eight, the first pair of wet jeans was taking its toll. By nine, there were chocolate chip pancakes to be had at Lillian's. By noon, 90 percent of the snow was gone. By three, the boys were playing soccer on grass. Welcome to winter in Tennessee.