snow – Site Title

The Last Cry?

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We got dumped on last night and about 10 inches of snow came down! This morning, it was a winter wonderland with the trees wearing white heavily laden with snow. The bamboo tree in my neighbor’s garden is showing just how resilient it is. Come heavy rain, winds, or snow, it bends and moves and sometimes lies dormant until the storm has passed and then stands back up none the worse for wear. We should take some lessons from that.

Luckily I’ve got good neighbors. I was up at 6 and I heard some noise outside. Looking outside, I noticed a lady bundled up with a big snow shovel in hand, hard at work. She not only cleared up her front walkway but went on to clear up mine as well! However, within minutes the snow had done its job of filling up the clear spaces again. Bah humbug! This meant that I would have to bundle up from head to toe and clear it up again. After breakfast, I told myself.

A few minutes later, I heard noises again. Looking outside, I saw another neighbor doing the same thing. He was clearing up the walkway again. This time I told myself, “Maybe I’ll get lucky and I won’t have to go outside.” No such luck! Snow is and was coming down and in big flakes. It seems to be having fun showing us that it is going to stay for awhile. Anyway, I bundled up and went outside. My front steps were covered in snow so that was the first thing I needed to do. After that, I took my small broom and tried clearing the snow. It is no match for those big snow shovels! It did a weak job of clearing the snow away. I decided to bring the big guns in, my supply of salt. Surely, it will do the job of melting the snow? Well, it did only to be covered by the gleeful snow which was now having more “fun” than expected! I gave up.

Back indoors, I looked at the weather forecast and it is predicting snow all day. Let’s add more fuel to the fire, why don’t we. Tomorrow we will have 15 minus here and that is going to be COLD which means the temps will take a dip and freeze what is out there! Could it get any worse? Yes, it could but I’m not going to get into it.

I’m grateful for the the roof over my head, hot coffee and tea to warm my heart and Chachi, the cat, to cuddle with. Oh, one more thing. I’m canceling the car test drive tomorrow. It will have to wait till Monday. Not too bothered about it.

Have a wonderful day.

Spring is in the Air?

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” Doug Larson

I took my usual walk this morning and I was the only one out there with the “conference” of crows for company. There were about 20 of them huddled together in the field trying to keep the cold wind at bay while I approached all bundled up disturbing their peace. They did let out a loud caw as I got too close and took off to somewhere quieter.

We had snow yesterday but it melted as evening rolled around. Nothing new today but the forecast says light snow showers later. The temperature is dipping and can be felt from the biting wind tinged with ice as it picks up speed and touches my nose before it makes its way to where it needs to go. No one around or rather no one brave enough to get out here and meet the weather head-on. I did and I must say it feels refreshing and peaceful to have the place all to myself.

Taking my usual route, I walked to the apple trees and it was a muddy trek. Puddles of water were aplenty and I had to curb my urge to jump in them! The fact that they were tinged with ice stopped me from doing just that. As I approached the apple trees, I could see the small graveyard in the distance. It looked peaceful as it usually does. I’m sure he is at peace now.

Turning back, I took the same path back and decided to go up the hill. Then I saw them and my breath caught in my throat. Two ducks standing together, quiet but eyeing me cautiously. As I approached, they backed up and took off their red-tinged tails and loud quacks signaling that they were none too pleased with the intrusion. Spring on the way? I’m not too sure about that because we have snow in the forecast for Thursday, a 70% chance, so what are the ducks doing here? Perhaps, they are in a rush for spring to get here as I am. On my way back, I saw one rabbit dashing across the fields. Down the hill, two more appeared doing their spring dance! An older guy stood watching them and as I approached he said, “Wonderful sight, isn’t it?” I agreed. Yes, spring is definitely in the air and the silent world is beginning to wake up from its long slumber. I can’t wait!

It was a good walk although the cold is making my nose run. I need another cup of coffee and warmth to pep me up. It’s going to be a good day.

A Beautiful Day

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The sun is shining and it looks deceptively warm out there. However, this beautiful weather is not going to stay for long as the weather forecast is predicting or rather forecasting rain and snow for tomorrow! We’re not out of the woods yet. This winter has been a long one for some of us and for others just par for the course.

I can honestly say that I want winter to be gone and the next season to make its way here. Perhaps, it is already doing just that. The daffodils, tulips, and other first signs of spring are sprouting their sleepy little heads and taking a peek at what is out there. It is still too cold for them to bloom but in time and maybe soon, they will show up wearing their spring faces. I can’t wait!

I’ve had two things going on and I’m not too happy about both. My dependable car had a problem and it needed to be fixed. It cost quite a bit to fix and then I was told that there was another big problem. One of the headlights needed to be replaced and I never expected it to cost an arm and a leg! Well, perhaps an arm. Anyway, now I have this excruciating task of deciding if I should fix it or look at getting another car. A woman alone looking for a car is not a good thing but I did do one or two trips alone and then decided to rope someone else into going with me. A guy and he went along gladly. First one, was a nice one, I’m talking about the car. It was compact and looked good but lo and behold, it had all new features which made me roll my eyes and shake in my boots! It had things that I had never heard of and since I have an aversion to change, I decided it was a no go. However, I was told that all new cars have such features so getting a new car was going to be a monumental task. I mean, bringing the horse to water and making it drink from it, that is!

The second trip with another guy in tow turned out to be better. I loved the color, a steel blue that looked good. Yes, that’s a woman for you. Color matters where a car is concerned. Then I took one look inside and it had features that I recognized! Even though it was a new car, they didn’t go with all the unnecessary Schnickschnack. It looked sporty but that is not necessarily important for me. I wanted something dependable and this one looked like it would do the job well without having to resort to hair-pulling when it comes to learning something new. So, I have a test drive booked for next week. I hope it works out and in two weeks I should have a new car with a six year guarantee to boot!

What’s the next thing? My son has the papers from his new job and it seems like it is a go as far as the new job is concerned. Now comes the part where I have to work on me to let him GO! Since I am a helicopter mom, this is a hard one for me. Some days, I am fine and others I say, I can’t! This too shall pass you say? I think you are right but my scalp can’t take too much more hair-pulling! Things need to settle down and I need a break from constant problem-solving.

One thing at time? Exactly what I’m planning to do. First the car and then the next thing which is coming up quick, like in two weeks! Oh God! I know I can do this too. That’s me trying to psych myself up. Hope it works!

I usually don’t do walks on Sundays but the sun is shining and I need to clear my head of unwanted thoughts. I’ve got “cars” flying past in one direction and my son with his bags packed going in the other direction!

Have an amazing Sunday.

The Blizzard

This year has seen more than its share of snow and it is a never-ending saga! The kind that I hope ends pretty soon and makes way for milder weather. Two days ago, we got dumped! I mean it (snow) moved in unexpectedly and dumped about 20 inches of snow, enough to keep this village covered in white for quite a while! The problem, it took three or more times of clearing and salting to keep it at bay!

When it was finished with its handywork, we were covered in snow. The trees looked straight out of a postcard, every branch covered in white and it was a sight to behold. The streets looked impenetrable and everything was at a standstill. Nothing moved out there. It was a snow-covered landscape and if you didn’t have to be out in it, you stayed home with lots of coffee and warmth to keep you company as I did.

One neighbor said, “Enough already!” as she walked past while I was clearing the snow away and I echo that sentiment wholeheartedly. It is time for winter to go or at least the constant influx of snow! I’ve had my fill and I suppose so have many other people around here.

I’ve been keeping tabs on the weather forecast and the prediction is more snow and rain tomorrow! However, the temperature will be going up but just a little. We are not out of the woods yet but as with all things, this too shall pass as they say.

I took a walk in the fields yesterday and it was covered in pea soup thick fog and visibility was next to zero. The fields were covered in heavy snowfall and it was a blinding white enough to warrant sunglasses! It was a pretty sight nonetheless.

Have an amazing day.

The Big Thaw

Leoni came in out of nowhere and left a ton of snow in her wake! I’m talking about the cold front “Leoni” who showed up two days ago and left Germany in chaos and in the grip of winter. A sweet name but she came packing a punch!

We had lots of snow yesterday and by the time she (Leonie) was finished, she had dumped almost 15 to 20 inches of snow. A winter wonderland? Yes, but she left destruction in her wake as well. The roads were slippery causing accidents and trains did not run according to schedule. Schools were closed and a lot of people stayed home doing home office, my son was one of them.

She kept me busy as well. I cleared the sidewalk twice yesterday and used up a lot of salt making sure that no one would slip and fall. It worked. Last night, we had more snow but of the lighter variety. She was running out of steam I guess. I had my fingers crossed!

This morning the big thaw began. She was on her way to parts unknown having done what she came to do. The trees still had lots of snow on them, the rooftops were covered in white and the streets were starting to show signs of life again. Gobs of snow were starting to fall from the trees and it was a pretty sight to behold.

I took my walk to the fields picking my way carefully through the sleet. The fields were looking gorgeous covered in 20 or more inches of snow. It was a pristine world out there and the “whiteness” was blinding. The trees looked like they were right out of a picture postcard still clad in white. I felt like I could breathe again. The air was fresh and clean and it held a promise of better things to come. Weather prediction is that it will start thawing out and soon the snow will be a distant memory BUT there is more snow predicted for Thursday. A distant cousin of Leoni’s making its way here?!!!

All I can tell you is that I’ve had enough of snow for now and winter can stay but snow and ice, well, let’s wave it goodbye! Next year is another story altogether. I’ll be careful as to what I ask for!

Have an amazing day.

The Snow Storm!

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Last year, we didn’t have much snow and it left us with wanting for more. This year, it decided to make up for all the years that gave us little or no snow! The weather forecast has been fluctuating, sometimes with snow only up south and then predictions of snow for days on end. Well, they changed it yesterday and it DUMPED on us today!

A winter wonderland of sorts greeted my eyes this morning as I looked out the kitchen window and Chachi, the cat, couldn’t believe his eyes either. He looked back at me as if to say, “What is that mommy? It is pretty.” Yes, pretty it is. The rooftops were covered in white, the trees look gorgeous dressed in white and the streets hardly visible through the cover of snow. It also meant time to get out there after breakfast and get working to clear the snow and salt the sidewalk! Not something I look forward to but it’s a must around here or rather it is expected that you do your part.

Just as I was getting dressed after breakfast, I took a glance at the computer and it said, 7 cm of snow expected in 4 hours! This is going to be a nightmare situation. Then I heard the sound of the shovel working hard and glancing out the window, I noticed my neighbor clearing the snow away in front of my house as well. What a nice guy! Now, I just have to clear the snow towards the side of the house which will be a heavy duty job as well.

I tried using the leaf blower to clear the snow away but no chance, it wasn’t going to budge. It had worked so well with light snow but it doesn’t work with a massive amount of snow it seems. So, I did the best I could. Came back in and got the salt and went back out and started sprinkling it on the snow hoping it will melt away. The guy across the street had a big snow shovel and he was having a hard time with it. Our eyes met and I said, “This is hard work!” He nodded, smiled, and said, “I no speak German.” Too bad, he could have helped me with my sidewalk as well!

Walking back into the house I heard the phone ringing. It was my girlfriend who wanted to know if I needed help with clearing the snow. My eyes lit up. Here was the help I was waiting for. I told her about the snow fiasco and she laughed. So, she offered to come by later and help me with it.

It is going to be needed as I am glancing out the window writing this and more snow is coming down. Folks, it looks beautiful out there but along with the beauty comes the unsavory stuff but then so is life, you take the good with the bad.

Oh, before I forget, the weather forecast is predicting that this snow storm is planning to stay for a few days!

Have an amazing day.

Ellie

It is a name that is sweet and unassuming but she is packing a punch! Winter storm Ellie has stomped in wearing her winter boots and holding most of Germany hostage. The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued an official warning and upped it to “Red Warning Level: Storm “Ellie” brings train cancellations, black ice and extreme risk of falls,” add up to ten centimeters of fresh snow, freezing rain, and strong gusts of wind and you know what Ellie is about, not as sweet as her name implies.

“Experts are warning of chaos on the roads as well as dangerous conditions on the highways. The north and east of Germany will be particularly affected with temperatures dropping to minus six degrees in persistent frost.”

Looking out my window, I see that strong gusts of wind are at play bending the willow tree in the neighbor’s garden like it was nothing! No snow yet but it is predicted for this evening and should stay till tomorrow. This means I will be on snow duty again, snow shovel in one hand and a bowl of salt in the other! Honestly, I am getting a little tired of it but as I was reminded by a neighbor, “It is winter.” Yes, it is.

Last year, we had very little snow but this year it is making up for it. Not only that, it is adding freezing rain and ice to the mixture. Chachi, the cat has been complaining about his TV acting up all the time! He doesn’t understand what is going on outside. Sometimes it is white outside and at other times, the wind is howling like a banshee. He has decided to leave it alone and has found refuge in his basket. Sleeping most of the day is the norm now.

I’m trying to keep myself occupied and I am grateful that I don’t have to be out in this weather, however, it is getting old and I want “Ellie” out of here as soon as possible!

The Cold Snap!

“HAPPINESS IS……a hot drink on a cold day.” Unknown

I totally agree. Sitting with a cup of hot coffee in my hand feels like heaven itself after being outside this morning. I was bundled up but it didn’t help! My fingers were frozen before I knew it and my nose was heading that way as well. The cold snap is here to stay for a while. More snow is expected later today and the rest of the week with temps below freezing or slightly over. This means the snow that is on the ground is going to freeze, thaw, and freeze again!

I recall one winter where we had a blizzard and it left snow drifts like a wall around the village. We were closed in and not much moved for days on end! Luckily, that happened only one time. Recent years have seen just a few days of snow at best and nothing to speak of either. It’s there one day and gone the next. I wanted more snow days and now, I’m getting it!

The problem is, this snow is mixed in with ice and that makes for a dangerous mixture when you are out and about. I love the soft powdery kind that looks like marshmallow as it envelopes the fields and the village in a glow of white. This current snow is crunchy as you walk and beneath lies the ice all frozen and ready to trip you if you make one false move. Walking is not that much fun because you have to watch every step as you go.

Looks like another day indoors with chicken soup and lots of tea and coffee. I’ve almost got all the Christmas decorations back down in the cellar and this morning, I brought the wreath indoors as well. Just a few more items to put away and I’ve got it made.

“YES IT’S COLD.

AND GUESS WHAT:

YOU GOT THIS.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

Snowed In!

“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own.” Charles Dickens

The weather forecasters have been predicting bad weather and it’s finally here. After a day or two of freezing rain mixed in with snow, heavy snowfall has moved in! Yes folks, it’s a white world outside covered in about 3 inches of snow and it looks absolutely gorgeous if not for the work involved.

I was supposed to meet a friend for breakfast this morning, the first outing of the new year but had to cancel quickly. The streets were covered in snow and ice and more was coming down so I decided against it. No point taking the risk of slipping and falling.

Half an hour ago, I bundled up ready to go out there to tackle the tedious job of clearing the sidewalk of snow and ice and salting it as well. Then a lightbulb went on in that busy mind of mine and I decided to use the leaf blower instead. It was a fantastic idea because it blew the snow to the side effortlessly and within 10 minutes I had everything cleared, and salted. It was a great buy and I am sure it will come in handy when more snow decides to roll in and keep us company. I’m not complaining, I LOVE snow! The trees are looking fantastic covered in white as well and I bet the fields will be a sight to behold. However, I am staying indoors today. Not taking the risk of slipping, falling, and hurting myself.

A friend just told me that they are snowed in as well. He lives about three hours away, so it seems like a major snowstorm has moved in. Hmm….last year, we had very little snow so I guess it is making up for it this year! It can stay for a while but NOT too long!

Have an amazing day.

A Gorgeous Day!

They’ve been talking about snow and freezing rain for the last couple of days and it never arrived. This morning, however, I noticed that Chachi, the cat was mesmerized as he stood by the window and kept looking back at me.

ME: “TV not working again Chachi?”

HIM: “You’ve got to see this mommy! It is BEAUTIFUL!”

It was. Snow had arrived in the middle of the night and it was a white world out there. The roofs were covered in white and so were the streets. I knew that I needed to bundle up and go out there to salt the sidewalk so that no one will slip and fall. It is tedious work but it’s a must over here and it is expected that you do what is necessary to keep the street safe and clear of any hazards.

After breakfast, I put on my boots, my thick jacket, and headed out with a big bowl filled with salt. The ground beneath felt crunchy and that signaled “ice” mixed with snow. It was dangerous because it is easy to slip and to take a fall. I did my duty and made sure my portion of the sidewalk was nice, clean, and salted.

Then it was time to do my morning walk. The sun was up and about and it looked like it was going to be gorgeous day albeit a little cold because the wind was picking up speed and playing havoc with the trees. I decided that I needed out in the open to clear my mind.

The fields were covered in white and the trees were frosted like straight out of a picture postcard! It was a beautiful sight. Still, it was colder than I expected. Not a single thing, neither man nor beast, was moving out there. I took my usual route watching as I stepped because the rock covered pathway was slippery. Some parts had puddles of water frozen in place and others covered in a mixture of snow and ice.

I gave my mind free rein and watched as it took off, leaving me to walk quietly and deep in thought. I usually think a lot about different things while walking hoping that the open spaces and nature will do its thing and give me some answers. Today, it was no different. I got some solutions and one of them was to break the problems down into smaller and more manageable portions. Solve one problem at a time. I’ve been running with all of them, facing me in all directions until it became overwhelming and hard to manage.

MESSAGE TO SELF: Work on solving things, one problem at a time.

Good. I plan to do just that. The walk was fantastic and the view gorgeous! I came back with a freezing nose but it was exhilarating. I love winter days. Time for a cup of hot coffee and to get moving on with the day.

Have an amazing day.