Snowpocalypse 2010 Round 2 - It Begins

Snow is falling--we got about 4 inches overnight with about 10 inches more expected during the day in what is being called Blizzard conditions.

We did get out to visit with the family yesterday. We did some sledding down a hill with Ethan and Jax and then looked at a house that Nicole and Jeremy are considering buying and subsequently went to dinner with them and of course the newest grandson--Lucas.

So as I looked off the porch this morning as Round 2 begins, I was confronted by more of the same: snow falling from the sky. Although I do like the reflection of the flash off the falling snow flakes. It is important to note that the truck was free of snow yesterday--and so it provides a record of the snow which has fallen overnight.

Oh--that blob behind the truck is my Jaguar. And the one behind that is Patrick's disabled Honda waiting for better weather for us to get it ready to sell.

I'm not sure we'll see either of them again until May--at the rate snow is falling. At least Kitty, the Jaguar, has a car cover over top of her.

As we drove around yesterday we were shocked by the number of trees which the round 1 of the storm brought down.

On the other hand--we have been really pleased to see our whole community pull together to help each other dig out.

Everyone knows--this is the fault of that woodlands weather forecaster--right? We need to put a contract out on Punxsutawney Phil.

Now here is the serious part:
- Gas stations are running out of gas (we had to go to two stations last night to fill the car)
- Grocery store shelves are beginning to get bare (Safeway was out of eggs and orange juice and was nearly out of milk yesterday.
- The isn't a snow shovel to be had in the region (both of mine need to be replaced--but I've repaired them for the next round)
- The roads in some places are a mess--even the main roads change from two to one open lane without warning and many secondary roads are snow packed and barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass.
- Many cars and streets still waiting to be freed from the previous snowfall
- Snow removal equipment trying to find creative places to put the snow
- Drivers who have not changed their technique to accommodate the reduced visibility at corners and lack of on ramps on the highways.

But we are OK and expect to persevere.

Snowpocalypse 2010 - The Next Assault is in Sight

Just in case any one wondered--there is another major winter storm coming to visit us. I'm calling this Snowpocalypse Round 2.

Yes--later today, another 10-18 inches are waiting to increase misery in the region.

If I really wanted this much snow, I would have decided to live somewhere north, like Montana.

Ugh--I'd rather be on a beach. Like this one--Blowing Rocks Park on Jupiter Island, Florida. By the way--the forecast high for today there is 79 degrees compared to our 35 degrees. Maybe this will warm me up a bit.

And I heard on the Today Show this morning that they are still trucking snow into Vancouver for the Olympics. Amazing how they haven't contacted me yet--I have extra--lots of it.

Snowpocalypse 2010--Just 60 Days Away

One of the pictures we took the other day was of the flowering cherry tree in our yard.

I thought about this tree--and I could remember what it will look like in about 60 days as Spring gets into full swing.

It will not be snow covered until then, will it?

Surely we will get some relief. I feel confident of that.

Ok---I hope?

Snowpocalypse 2010 - Scenes from the Frontline

This image drove it home for me--the amount of snow piling up everywhere. Of course, the railing cannot hold all of the snow that fell--but as the wind was blowing off the rail I was presented with this shot of how high the snow was piled.

And it is piled this high everywhere. Trudging through the snow is just that--trudging in every sense of the word.

I found this definition in the Merriam-Webster on line dictionary:

: to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously as trudged through deep snow

they even used what we are going to do later today to define the word.

Monday Musings - February 8, 2010

1. Heard on TV: Pigs have flown, hell has frozen, and the 'Aints have won the Super Bowl.

2. Amazingly--our street still has not been plowed.

3. Snow-mageddon is another name for the snow experience we are having.

4. I hear the airport is going to open for passenger traffic today. I wonder if anyone can get there?

5. We had a great Super Bowl party last night. Four of our neighbor families came over and we all gathered together. It was a party planned in four hours and it was great. At least we didn't have to worry about anyone having too much to drink and then driving.

6. I am amazed at how differently people deal with the reality of being trapped by snow--some chill while others rail against the elements.

7. Despite all of the angst the snow causes---it is pretty when set against a blue sky and as it paints itself onto the tree branches.

8. Hey--speaking of snow--the Winter Olympics starts this week in Vancouver. I heard they were trucking in snow to have enough. We have extra! Free for pick-up!

9. Even the dog is going crazy with the snow--she can't decide where to do her business.

10. Hey--don't tell anyone, football season is officially over! Pitchers and catchers report next week.

Looking out of the crystal window--Another view of Snowpocalypse 2010

Standing in my entry way looking out the window on the front door--I got a very different perspective on the world this morning.

It almost seemed pretty with the stunning blue sky, and the pure white snow accented by the melting driveway and the air cleared by 16 degree temperatures.

Still can't go anywhere--but the scenery gives new meaning to the phrase, "It's a marshmallow world."

Look out, I think the Sta-puff Marshmallow Man has been by!

I had to look at the house on Google Earth to remind myself of how things look when they are not covered with snow.

Snowpocalypse 2010 Update from the Front Part II

Well--the driveway is clean.

But the street is still packed with the 38.3 inches of snow that fell in Elkridge.

It is amazing. We went out last evening in the fading light of the day to capture some images of the results of the storm. As you can see--the sky had cleared and the sunset colors were casting a warm glow over the frozen wastelands that used to be our yards.

To give a perspective of how high we have piled the snow to get it out of our driveway--Chris is standing in front of the pile--and it is above her head. We are all worried about where to pile the additional six to seven inches of snow expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Makayla is feeling the effects of the snow the most of any of us. She can't break through the deep snow on her own--so every time I take her out she makes a beeline for the end of the driveway and the paths we have all made connecting with the neighbors.

This morning though--the sun is rising--the sky is clear. It is a balmy 13 degrees. And we are ready for the day.

Snowpocalypse 2010 Update from the Front

It is still snowing.

After three hours of shoveling--we are getting more snow. And believe it or not, due to the Thunder Snow last night, Elkridge is leading the region in snow fall totals.

We are over 30 inches now--and there are six more on the way on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We have some cool pictures--that I will be sharing.

Makayla is having a blast in the snow--although she was a little freaked out by the depth of the snow. She loves to follow me in snow trails that I make.

But the driveway is shoveled--we expect the street to be plowed Monday morning. Yup--that's correct--Monday morning and today is Saturday. They are having enough of a problem keeping I-95 open they have not even begun to worry about the side and residential streets.

Note in the picture of the house a miraculous thing. My truck is covered with snow, but Chris' Lexus is not in the picture--for the first time ever--since we have lived here in Elkridge, there is a vehicle in the garage. And we've lived here over 9 years!

Yay us!!!!

Snowpocalypse 2010

We have a new word in the vocabulary! Snowpocalypse. And I heard it first from Jeremy and then saw it elsewhere on Facebook to describe this snow event. And it is.

The region is effectively closed.

Here is Elkridge they are reporting 30 inches--we can confirm about 26 outside.

Chris took these pictures of the storm.

And the snow is still falling--

We have even heard that rarest of weather events: Thunder-snow! Woke us up from a deep sleep as the whole house shook.

And the snow is still falling.

But we are in good shape--we have plenty of wine and cheese.

Oh yeah--we have some food too.


But the good news is that we don't have anywhere we need to be. This week.

The dogs, however, can't figure out where to do their business. That could be a problem.

Follow-ups as they become available.

Idling on the Parkway

Ever notice how a small roadside event results in a miles long backup?

I idled my way to work on Wednesday. Why? And I was going in late due to a snow delay in the morning.

I had no idea except that I got into a line about two miles before the exit and made steady 5 MPH progress--yes it took almost 30 minutes to go two miles.

But, I was not frustrated. I took the time to think about the plans for the day.

I need to use the time I am given to help me keep a handle on life.

But the trip was good in the sense that I was able to notice the snow clinging to the trees like a masterpiece hanging in a museum.

And the bright blue sky which, were it not for the snow, would be enticing me to go lay on a sandy beach and dream of a scuba vacation.

I also was reminded of how rude some drivers are by speeding alongside the line of traffic and then forcing their way into the line. Why can't they wait like the patient drivers? What are they thinking of? Are they working on an ulcer?

So I guess there are benefits to going slowly when we'd rather be cruising at 70mph with our hair on fire.

It is good to be reminded of them.