Spring disguised as winter update

I wonder if a certain Ohio prosecutor read my blog. A headline today reads ” Punxsutawney Phil ‘indicted’ over bad forecast” http://ca.news.yahoo.com/video/punxsutawney-phil-indicted-over-bad-172403410.html

While the U.S. lawmaker might be poking fun at the groundhog and yesterday’s storm it was not as funny north of the 49th.

More than 100 vehicles were involved in a pile-up on QE2 between Edmonton and Calgary. Portions of that highway and others were shut down due to the treacherous conditions. Hospitals in the capital region and as far away as Red Deer were being slammed with casualties that were mainly minor. All forms of media yesterday were active with information and photos regarding the storm. Some areas received from 20 to 40 cm of snow coupled with gusting winds that polished highways, formed drifts and decreased driver visibility.

 

Snow days

Keeping a long driveway clear of snow can be an Olympic event. Depending on the amount of winter from the sky, the direction and duration of the wind, keeping the drifts in an orderly fashion can require the strength of Hercules.

Some years the wall of white grows to four or five feet and plugs a path to civilization. When a tractor can’t come to the rescue – ours has an implement that works like an auger for wet snow – then it is time to pull out the he-man walk behind snow blower.

Despite self propelling features, the blower needs some muscle to get the desired results. I tried operating it once and laughed at myself as the machine did what it wanted instead of what I wanted. Needless to say that chore belongs to hubby.

On a mild day, say minus 20 Celsius the job is manageable. But if the temperature drops to minus 30, then I guess we are staying home.

I usually prepare for a lock down because of weather. However the kindness of family and friends is available if supplies are dwindling.

While some may go stir crazy at the thought of being a snow prisoner for a few days, I enjoy it. I can wear PJs all day if I want and put off dusting for another day.

The herd of felines is not fussy for a lot of snow. It is a challenge for them to scoot to their favourite sun spot. I bring out the shovel and make them a path to the water dish and their sunning bench. And they are content to curl their paws under their body and soak up the golden warmth.

Snow days can be a break from routine. Yet it challenges those who don’t have the luxury of staying home in their jammies to do some Christmas baking.