storm – Site Title

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!

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 Storm Named Joshua

The storm moved in yesterday and it looks like it is planning to stay for awhile. Things rattled in the garden last night as gale-force winds showed their might, huffing and puffing better than any wolf could! It was interesting listening to it and each time I heard a loud bang, I rushed to the balcony to check if a tree or two had fallen down but thankfully there was nothing. Just that my compost bin had its cover wide-open but there was nothing much I could do about it last night.

This morning, I had every intention of getting out there. I did my grocery shopping but on my way back I noticed that the wind was picking up speed again and bilious clouds were gathering like fists along the skyline. It was packing a punch and just a matter of time before the rain would follow keeping some of us homebound and out of the way of the first strong fall storm.

So no walk as planned. Weather forecasters are warning of possible rail delays and travel disruptions across the country. Gale-force winds could reach up to 120 km/h in some places but it is not that strong here yet, but I don’t want to risk taking a walk and have something come barreling down at me.

I’m biting the bullet and opting for a quiet and cozy day with Chachi, the cat, for company. Soup sounds good so I’ve got a pot of spicy coconut and fish soup on the stove and later I might just make a cake. A healthy one with yogurt, coconut flour, almond milk and maybe even some coconut flakes thrown in for extra texture.

That’s the plan.

Have an amazing day.