They said it was going to be a big one. And it is. Freezing rain began to fall as we went to bed last night and this morning we woke to find six inches of snow. And the storm continues dumping more snow. No need to even think of going anywhere you cannot walk. Predictions are for ten more inches. And temperatures well below freezing. But we are prepared for it so I'm trying my best to relax and enjoy the fire.
The best thing I can say about this winter storm is that it displaced politics from the "news."
Lucy enjoys the snow but only for brief periods of time.
Unlike us, she does not remember Wisconsin winters.
She takes off running like a puppy.
We worry about her doing Golden zoomies at her age.
But she did enjoy her romp.
It will be several days before we will be able to leave the community. Our roads will be plowed, but the ice and snow will linger on the steep curves, making for treacherous driving.
Our county schools have prepared as well. All middle school and high school students have laptops or tablets and will have work assigned. The elementary school children have "blizzard bags" they previously took home. So all students will have work to do at home and these will count as "virtual" school days and not "snow" days. It seems to be a win-win all around. The students do not have to make up the day and it gives them something meaningful to work on. Students who have Internet access will send their completed work to their teachers. Those without Internet connection and the elementary school students will bring the completed assignments on the first day back to school.
We are hoping that the predictions are wrong and that the snow will end sooner with less accumulation. We have enough, thank you very much.
Our quote is a familiar one by Percy Bysshe Shelley:
Drive my dead thoughts over the universe
Like withered leaves to quicken a new birth!
And, by the incantation of this verse,
Scatter, as from an unextinguished hearth
Ashes and sparks, my words among mankind!
Be through my lips to unawakened earth
The trumpet of a prophecy! O, wind,
If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
I know it is early to be dreaming of Spring. But it is late January and the next month is short February and then it's March and Spring. Right?
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND, EVERONE
STAY SAFE AND WARM
AND HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR
14 comments:
I love the idea of virtual school days! Also gives the parents a bit of a break because if the children say they're bored they have school work to do :)
I am most definitely looking forward to spring. Especially because I'm already bored with the colors in my temperature blanket - I'm ready for some greens & yellows!
Hope the snow has stopped falling and that all is well there. Just this morning I was thinking we are a month past solstice. In two weeks, we will be half way to equinox. There is a Gaelic festival that marks the beginning of spring on February 1. It's called Imbolc. I plan to celebrate that day. It's so close! Take care there, and stay warm.
Wow, you are really getting hit. Isn't it nice not "having" to go anywhere. Lucy does look quite puppyish.
Love how the schools there have handled snow days. That keeps the kids from having to make them up later. Technology is wonderful sometimes.
We only got a dusting this morning that is all ready gone but school was out here anyway.
Stay safe and warm.
I hope that the predictions are overzealous and you don't get that much! I'm looking forward to spring too.
Hugs,
Noreen
I love the verse - It's perfect for the weather we are both having! We are pretty much just getting started on the snow for the weekend, and wonder what Saturday will bring. Stay safe, and isn't it fun when our "grown up pups," become puppies again in the snow? You can't help but laugh at them!
Lucy looks gorgeous in white! Sounds like everyone is prepared for the inconvenience of the snow and I love the virtual school days! I've never heard of that before. Stay warm by the fire and I'll bet you have a stack of books to keep you company. Hope your power cooperates.
One thing I loved about Wisconsin snows was how bright the nights were. Tonight is a full moon, so it should be lovely. I may have to go outside and read a bit. . . just because I can. :)
Love watching Lucy kicking up her heels. We were very lucky in our part of NC. Lots of ice but little snow, It's enough to keep me housebound too.
A great action shot of Lucy! I'm seeing friend's posts from up and down the east coast and watching the snow from the rainy comfort of California.
What an impressive plan the schools came up with -- someone had their 'thinking cap' on!
Enjoy your fire, your quietude. Your Lucy.
I love that action photo of Lucy. She was really zooming!!!!
You're right... March isn't far away! It will bring spring for you. And, for us, it is our biggest snow month. On March 20th or so, 13 years ago, we had 7' of snow fall in 48 hours. I can understand what it's like for you all right now!
Enjoy the warm fire and quiet time.
Great pics of Lucy! Glad to see her enjoying the snow. Also, yay, virtual school days! I think people who have not lived through Appalachian winters don't fully understand the difficulty of clearing roads there. I remember many times having to use tire chains just to get up the drive to our apartment. It is a real problem for school buses because of those shady, steep curves you mentioned. Take care!
Our driveway is still problematic. Claui and Justin spent two night at a hotel in Asheville so she could get to her night shifts and the hospital, But we kept our power and our running water and things are improving right along.
Only Bob enjoys the snow. Willa and Layla make quick necessary trips (as do Otis and Ali who we kept while J and C were in town.)
It was beautiful and Iwe enjoyed snow cream a few times but Im happy to think that temps are rising.
Not far behind indeed! As a matter of fact were heading to Florida for a month...:)
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Bug - Can't wait to see all the colors when you finish
Robin - You are a woman after my own heart. I also celebrate those milestones.
Patti - Glad you escaped the major storms
Noreen - Unfortunately the predictions were spot on for us. Because of the changes in elevation and the route of the storm, we got much more than some areas quite close to us.
Kim - I'm sure you are as snowbound as we are.
Ms. A - Yes, I do have a big "to read" pile of books and several knitting projects. As well as a DVR full of stuff I plan to watch.
Mary Lee - It's a bit chilly to go outside to read but I say go for it. Just watch out for the ice.
Ginnie - Ice will definitely keep me inside. Broken wrist would be a problem.
Tara - Thanks, we will enjoy all three
KB - Interestingly enough, we have had our largest snow in March as well. At least here when it snows in March we can count on its having a quick melt.
Linthead - Yes, even when the majority of the roads are clear there will be ice on many rural roads. The idea of Virtual School Days levels the playing field even when the schools reopen. If the rural kids cannot get to school, they can continue the virtual school days until the buses can safely get through to them.
Vicki - Our snow wasn't good for snow cream. Started with sleet and freezing rain and then a heavy wet snow. Too icy for good snow cream.
Troutbirder - If I lived in MN I would definitely try for at least one winter month in a warm climate.
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