The Great Blizzard (continues)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

No lie, this afternoon it was 38 degrees and slightly overcast; by 1730 we were in the throws of a full out snow storm! The only thing I can compare it to is hurricane rains but snow. In the 90 minute conversation with my mother-in-law over 10 inches accumulated at my back door. Of course, snow fall and the wind work together to achieve such astounding results - but still.

Alas, at least I can be thankful that it is the pretty, fluffy, powdery snow as opposed to the icy, stinging snow. The powder is so much more pleasant to watch as it falls and significantly easier to shovel - a major win, if you ask me!

As a friend, and fellow milspouse, has commented regarding the snow, "Embrace the suck." I baked cookies, took care of my taxes, and finished laundry. Old Man Winter is going to need to be a bit more creative to scare this "seasoned" pro. Throw me in the midst of Snowpocalypse - fine, I shall dance and make snow angels. Face off with the Abominable - alright, let's have a snowball fight. Just, give me warm showers to warm up and recoop and I'll be fine.

The Great Blizzard (so far)

For real, friends. I have never seen this much snow in my life - and it just keeps coming. But it sure is pretty.

Today is a perfect day to relax with a good book, clean the bathtub, and take care other household business in preparation for my husband's redeployment home. I better start with the least desirable... bathtub scum. But, alas, it needs to be done and what better time to do it then when I am snowed in, right?

This morning was interesting, indeed. I woke up at 0500 to get ready for work, and by 0530 the post was on a 2 hour delay so I went back to bed. When I awoke the second time at 0730 to feed the dog and again begin to get ready for work I received a call that the post was closed. So, like any self-respecting Army wife I ate breakfast, made a few calls, and took care to ensure the windows and doors were free of snow dunes in the event of an emergency. Still shocked, mind you, that Fort Drum is closed! If it is bad enough that the post is closed then it is definitely a sweatpants and slippers kind of day. So, that is exactly what I intend to do on this wonderfully snowy day.

I would caution those who are experiencing winter storms all over the country... if it isn't an emergency do not leave your home! It isn't worth it, whatever it is. I promise. Simply accept and enjoy the warm, snug, and calm day at home. If your family is home with you, then break out the boardgames and favorite movies. Take the time to get a little bit done around the house. Most importantly, spend quality time with your family and make every moment count. It isn't all that often that the North Country shuts down - so enjoy it!

This first installment of "The Great Blizzard (so far)" will continue as the snow falls.

Let it Snow!

I can count on one hand the number of winters I have seen snow in my lifetime. That, my friends, is going to change. Life in the North Country has proven itself worthy of thoughtful preparation and persistent Google-ing. I talk with everyone I meet about the best ways to drive in snow, park in snow, walk in snow - live in snow. I chose two specific priorities: 1.) train the puppy that it is OK to poop without grass and 2.) learn to shovel the entire driveway without a break in less than 30 minutes. I am proud to say that I have mastered these two tasks - not bad, if I may say so. Now, that doesn't make me a pro but it does make me feel more confident whilst surrounded by this foreign white, powdery stuff that seems to accumulate without ceasing. Around here, they told me that I wouldn't see green again until April... little did they know that the puppy loves to dig and he finds grass for me on a daily basis! So there, Old Man Winter!

But, if I may for a moment whisper you a secret: snow is beautiful. As I shoveled the walk and driveway last night, I couldn't help but stand in awe of the wondrous landscape created before my eyes with each falling flake.  I was tempted to throw myself onto the fresh powder and make snow angels (but thought better of it because the temperature was single digits). I brought the pup outside and he thrust his entire head into the snow and turned to me with, what must be, the greatest impression of Old Man Winter - his fluffy white beard made of fresh snow. I couldn't help but smile.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.