A winter storm is blowing into Orange County and I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that a light blanket of snow will fall on Saddleback Mountain.  I am somewhat obsessed with snow.  Having grown up in Orange County, CA, I regard snow as a special treat.  I associate it with hot chocolate, a nice crackling fire in a quaint chalet, and several days worth of lift tickets.

It has never snowed at my house and I have to admit that I'm a wee bit jealous when I read other ActiveRainers writing about the first snowfall. 

Ann Hayden of Wildwood, MO wrote about it in Look What We Woke Up to this a.m.

Steve Lloynd of Woodstock, NH wrote about it in White Mountain First Snow Photos, Beautiful New Hampshire Scenes

Teresa Boardman of St. Paul, MN wrote about it in The First Snow

Modjeska Peak (5496 feet) & Santiago Peak (5687 feet) are the two highest peaks in the Santa Ana Mountains. Together they form Saddleback Ridge, earning their name for their obvious resemblance to a Saddle.  Rancho Santa Margarita rest at the western foothills of this mountain range.

Earlier this year I wrote about my quest for a Perfect Snow Photo to use for marketing and my blog.  Snowfall is forecast for 3,500 feet and above tonight.  I feel the cold in my bones...it is 48 degrees.  That may not sound cold to all of you who live in seriously cold climates, but by Southern California standards, it's a huge temperature drop.  I had to pull my Ugg boots out from the depths of my walk-in closet.  Sandals just aren't going to cut it for the next few days.

Tonight I am praying for snow.  Snow that will stick long enough for me to actually get that elusive professional-looking photo that I can proudly use on brochures and my website.