No sunspots, big spider webs everywhere, thick hickory nut shells, thick and tight corn shucks, spoon in persimmon seeds, squirrels all of a sudden quit eating nuts and are storing them, thick bark, trees already turning colors, you name it looks like one sweet, cold, snowy winter here in south central Illinois!!!

Yep a little further up here in central illinois trees have turned from green to a green-yellow color acorns are flying down too. Wonder how far off snow is

I am really looking foward to having a rough winter. Winter is my favorite season by far. The smell of the cold air, the cold air, and the snow. I feel for the people futher north, the people that have to heat with fuel are going to be in for a rough one. The one thing that I enjoy most about the winter is the fire. I keep a wood burning stove fired up nearly everyday in my living room. It will heat our whole house of about 1800 sq ft. I will burn about 8 full size pick up truck loads a year, all of which I get out and cut my self. Nothing like a hot cozy fire after being outside in the cold working. BRING ON THE COLD AND SNOW!!!!

So I am assuming that you live in the midwest... I am in NYC... what signs could I look for to see if we are going to have a rough winter here also?

Thanks in advance!!

Look for mostly the same things that I'm seeing here in south central IL. I have noticed an unbelievable amount of spider webs. But what's interesting to me is that some are 20 feet high and they stretch up to 10 feet across to another tree. My grandpa says it will be a rough winter because the corn shucks are thick and really tight this year. Oh, and I don't know if its a sign of a early winter or not, but the squirrels were eating nuts like crazy ever since end of July and early August. I guess we'll find out in a couple of months!

What signs would I expect to see here in Northeast Georgia? I would love to get snow,but considering where I live,it's never very likely.

kataybug41

Up here, near Lake Ontario, in the middle of apple orchards, I take my clue about upcoming winters from the Mountain Ash tree. This year, there are many berries but not so many that the boughs are bending toward the ground. So, my guess is that this winter will be normal, cold and snowy but not overly so. Of course, the last two winters were relatively snow free ( just ask the guy who plows my driveways)
Whatever it is, we'll deal with it. Put on a wool sweater and some wool socks, and you should be fine.
Antje in Wayne County NY

I live in Michigan and we have had only a handful of "summery" days. I hate winter don't drive in the mess so needless to say I will be doing a lot of sitting inside. I am NOT looking forward to this winter season!!! The leaves are already turning and falling not a good sign for a mild fall huh??

I have always heard my grandparents say that when the fruit trees give plenty, the winter will be hard. Amazingly, it has been so dry here...we are in an area that is considered a drought area (southern Virginia). The trees are hanging on the ground with apples etc. The grape vines are loaded. We havent had any snow to mention in about 5 years or so. We are due for a good one. It will be a blessing to see it.

A maple tree down the street has started changing colors last month. (Don't know if the one in my mom's backyard has changed; that usually is the last one in Cleveland to turn colors lol). I do see spiderwebs everywhere on the outside of the house, mostly on the window screens. Haven't really noticed the squirrels. Never knew what the heck persimmon seeds were until I watched the little video and actually seen one cut open (to reveal a spoon). Guess I need to get a new snow shovel. Winter here in Northern Ohio can be tricky.