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Snow on the back board at Troutville Park.

It's Terrific Tuesday again. How's everything in your neck of the woods?

Snow in the rural areas can be trying but this was a perfect snow. First, school was already out today for Parent-Teacher conferences so that is why no delays were mentioned. Second, it didn't stick to the road in but a few cold spots. Three, it was a wet snow and clung to tree branches making the world spectacularly white and sparkling. I was out in it by 7 am by 9 am, I had traveled across the county.

Early this morning, silence greeted me except for the honk of a goose and the yowl of a cat ready to be fed. As day dawned, the sun popped over the horizon to add a dash of orange glow to the winter scene and was gone in a few short seconds. You may hear of the green flash at sunset, but to me nothing beats the golden flash of dawn on Caldwell Mountain where purple mountain majesty earns definition. Clickhere for my snow pics.

Very few vehicles traveled the back roads and that is fine with me. Snow may seem cumbersome to some, but it lifted my spirits. While the economy worries us, snow is a reminder that all that is glittery need not be diamonds of gold and many of the finest things in life cost nothing. All we have to do is enjoy the gift and savor a few worry free moments marveling at nature.

While Daleville had little more than a skiff of snow, Fincastle, Troutville and parts of Blue Ridge and Cloverdale looked like a winter wonder land. Near my house, we had about 1-2 inches and over in Troutville 2-3 inches. (Do you have snow photos from your part of Botetourt? If so, you can share at news@botetourtview.com)

The wind is getting up and the temps are falling, but this is the type of day that a warm fire, a good bowl of steaming soup and a readable mystery beckon. Check our new Back Cover blog on Roanoke.com for some interesting book reviews and bookfacts.

As for me, I am back on the road. I have another interview and I just want to enjoy the view some more before the snow melts it away! Here's your soup recipe now get the fire going and find a book-- the libraries are open in Fincastle, Blue Ridge and Buchanan!

Cathy's Snow Day Chicken Soup

2 cups, cooked shredded chicken. (Roasted chicken is especially good in this!)

6 cups water

2  no.10 cans broth or chicken boullion dissolved in 2 cups water

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

1 cup frozen Kroger Cajun mix of onions, peppers and celery.

1 pkg Good Seasons Italian Dressing dry mix

1/2 package store brand wide egg noodles

1 tsp Texas Pete

Bring water/ broth to boil, add veggies. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add chicken, seasonings and cover and simmer for another 20 minutes. Add noodles.  Serve when noodles are tender with a dash of pepper and a handful of garlic croutons.  Serves 4-5. Ready in less than an hour. Yummy!

Garlic Croutons:

Brush four slices of "a day older bread" with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder and a tad of italian seasoning. Toast in the oven until bread is crunchy, cut into cubes. Great addition to the soup.