After a very mild winter, some snow in mid-December, and a green Christmas, we finally had our first snow of the year 2012 just yesterday.

Snow in Oberursel/Germany

This path leads up to our home. Some of these trees are protected by German law, because they provide nesting sites for wild birds.

Any kind of traffic in this area is foot traffic and therefore the snow usually stays white (except for the occasional yellow discoloration). Germans love their dogs, too.

Now the weather news tell us there is a Siberian cold front moving into Eastern Europe and it might move on to Germany. I just love the photo web. de provided. We can expect temperatures as low as – 25°C (- 13 F) in the next few days.

If you are a regular reader, you might already know I love winter and snow.

But if you are new and wondering about my sanity, in regards to my affinity for winter, then rest reassured. As a German, I just love the frische Luft in winter time.

Continuous rain and melting snow are playing havoc on Germany’s rivers. Ice breakers go back and forth on the Elbe river, landmarks such as the  famous Deutschland Eck (Germany corner) monument to German Emporer Wilhelm 1,  are flooded, and river towns are in constant battle with the mighty flow of water.

In spite of  the article Flooding in Germany (with photo gallery) having been posted on Monday, 10 January, the situation remains the same.

Some experts predict the worst is yet to come by this weekend.

…which could have easily happened this morning as a sulfuric acid tanker capsized on the Rhine, but fortunately, there are no indications that the ship is leaking. The accident happened near the picturesque Lorelei rock, which sits on the eastern bank of the Rhine river.  The narrow bend in the river near the Lorelei rock is notorious for its strong currents and rocky bottom.

Lorelei, the mythical mermaid,  lured fishermen to their deaths by singing the most beautiful song ever heard and causing them to crash on the rocks in the riverbed.

After having been cooped up for a few days, we decided to take a drive through the Taunus mountains.

I realized once more how beautiful our area is, especially in the winter time. All of these pictures  were taken  within 20 km (about 12 miles) driving distance from Oberursel.

Taunus in winter time

Just outside of Oberems/Taunus

Taunus in the winter

One of these days, we hope to spend a full weekend in Oberems (population: 700).

For some reason, our Wendehammer (cul-de-sac) is not part of the public roads, or so it seems. The snow removal service does not come through here and many parked cars are here to stay.

From my window, I can see drivers venturing down the Wendehammer only to get stuck at the very end. Passing pedestrians are often called on to help push the car out.

Stuck in snow - Im Rosengärtchen Oberursel

I have to wonder why our road does not get cleared. A call to the Rathaus (city hall) might clear this one up.

These photos were taken at the Feldberg yesterday morning around 10:30. Mind you, if you do get as cold as these photos convey, bring suitable warm-ups with you (Glühwein in a thermos, heating pillows, etc.). The restaurants do not open before 11 a.m.

This is what you will see on the Feldberg:

Feldberg December 2010

Morning light at the Feldberg/Taunus

These photos are published with friendly permission by my friend, the photographer Boulkaye Klempin.