Crazy Snow - Round One

February 5-8, 2010. Many parts of Virginia and Maryland got slammed by a big "Nor' easter" that dumped buckets of crazy snow for days. We got 24 inches exactly, but drifts up to 3 1/2 feet. Unbelievable. For the most part the snow has been fun and truly amazing to watch. It is like the book, "The Day it Snowed and Snowed." If I were a kid, I think I could build a tunnel from the front door to the back of the house. I have the kid spirit, just not the kid energy (at least these days). Two boys under the age of three, and one that nurses every 1 1/2 to two hours is enough to make you feel 80 years old.

We have weathered the snow well. Lost power for about 16 hours, but managed to keep the living room at 55 degrees with the fireplace. Being holed up in one room was hard, but I kept Lincoln entertained with books, animal parades, dress up, and fireside snacks. Thank goodness for battery powered swings - Berkeley pretty much swayed side to side through it all.

I feel like I have been digging snow for days and so does my back, shoulders, and elbows. Really my whole body. I had to shovel paths in order for Lincoln to be able to walk. He has enjoyed being outside, and spends most of the time, saying "Look momma, I am eattin' snow." I am convinced he could eat snow all day or at least until his hands get super cold (which is typically after about 20 minutes). Chase came for a visit and Lincoln was happy to see her, repeatedly saying, "I love my dog, I love my piggest" and giving her lots of hugs. He thought it would be fun to have her outside, but when Chase, in a fit of excitement torn past him and Lincoln barrel rolled into a snow bank, the joy of Chase's presence ended abruptly. Lincoln was fine of course, but told me for hours that Chase got big snow all over him and he didn't like that.

The house is feeling the weight of the snow. I've been trying to keep things up by knocking down icsicles, shoveling snow off the roof and skylight, clearing the snow around the heat pump, and going out every little bit to bang up ice with a hammer. I've got water weeping through several windows to the point I have to keep replacing towels. Hopefully things will start warming up soon, though I have a feeling I might start seeing more water when that happens. Looks like I am going to get real good at drywall repair.

I love, love, love the snow, but through this experience I have learned that I am grateful I don't live in Alaska. And that if I did, a snow blower would be a must.

Ready for a chat with Old Man Winter. I sure could use the company.

Proof that we did in fact get 24 inches. As an aside, when we moved into this house, this yardstick was sitting neatly in the corner of the water heater closest. It went unnoticed for years by me, until I was poking around in there one day (cleaning the cat box actually). How interesting that years before I ever had Lincoln, there was an old "Lincoln" yardstick just waiting in the closest until needed.

Chase appreciated the paths. She didn't have many options when it came to "getting busy" outside.

All dug out and ready for storm number two. Now you can see why my body hurts. I am going to leave a note for the mailman that he is going to have to bring the mail to my door for awhile. I don't have it in me to dig out the box.

King & queen of snow mountain!!!!