Unless you’ve been living in a cave or on a remote island this week, you’ve heard about the huge snowstorm that swept the nation. News stories abounded, showing endless reels of people who were worse off than you. Ice, snow, trees crashing, roads impassable.
Well, this was our reality this week.
Fortunately we had plenty of warning as we watched the storm roll up from Texas through the Ohio River Valley. Watching hours of local weather predictors guess whether the front would stay upstate or come down our way. Where is the snow line? Who will see sleet and ice? It’s tiresome after awhile.
But we were a little nervous. Ice on trees, add some wind, pop, there goes your electric for a few days.
My husband gets in pioneer mode. Park the newer car in the garage. Park the other vehicles away from the trees. Make sure we have supplies in – milk, bread (I live with a guy who bakes), wine. Check the oil lamps, the kerosene heater, the electronics are charged up as is the backup. I spoke about this before in a previous blog. We have a gas (propane) stove and hot water so no problem. Can’t use the gas furnace or the wood furnace because there would be no electric to run the blowers. But we do keep the wood fired up low to keep the pipes from freezing.
We were lucky this time. First the ice, then some sleet, then some snow. No wind. No loss of power. Just enjoy the peace inside with some books and the TV.
My husband and the neighbor got outside to grade the drive with their tractors. I took a few walks with the dog. The glittering ice on the trees was so beautiful, tinkling a bit with a little breeze. Kept the birdfeeder filled. We buy sunflower seeds in forty-pound bags. Now we’re listening to the giant thumps as the ice melts and slides off the roof. The grandkids are over, taking more cooking lessons and playing with the toys that they don’t see every day. Stomping and sliding outside with the dog.
I hope you were able to find some good in the storm, even if it was just a little peaceful time to count your blessings.
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 
I enjoyed hearing about how you’ve weathered this storm and the photos and descriptions of life in another part of our country. I haven’t been in snow in I don’t know how long but it brings back pleasant memories from long ago.
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I’m glad that I was able to spark some memories, Deborah. Fortunately, we only get a little storm like this infrequently, maybe once every three or four years. And now, with retirement, I don’t have to go anywhere anyway. But when I was working, it never stopped me, despite my twenty-five mile commute. Guess it was all the winter experience I had when I lived in Michigan.
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Glad you guys are OK.
I love the picture of your drive … ought to be a painting! And I love it that wine is one of your husband’s essential supplies.
Over here on the West side of the Rockies, we’ve had snow, bad roads, and frequently fog bringing low visibility since Christmas. But the power going out can be a whole different animal.
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Fortunately the power didn’t go out but it’s always good to be prepared. And the wine would be for me. Heh heh. This is the most snow we’ve had in a few years but people around here panic. I don’t mind the snow so much but am not fond of driving on ice. The only time I ever spun out was on black ice heading to work in the morning. By the time I fetched a tow truck (before the age of cell phones), several other cars were off at the same place.
Each area has its challenges. Fog isn’t too fun to drive in either.
Take care, Jennifer.
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