I'm learning so many new things here in our home on the prairie. For example, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a Blizzard as: an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow. Let me tell you, the definition doesn't even come close to defining the actual experience. When a storm warning is issued around here, they're not kidding.
I'm also coming to more fully appreciate the term "snowed-in". This morning, I awoke to snow drifts four feet deep in front of our door and across our driveway.
We have the use of a friend's snow blower, but I've yet to make it's acquaintance. The Frenchman has had occasion to use it twice, so far, this year and tells me it's quite a work out. While I have no doubt that's true, I'm quite confident it's a far superior method of snow removal than the shovel, which is what I've been using for the task.
After much exertion, I managed to clear a path from our doorway to the sheet of ice that used to be our driveway. I went back inside to warm up and rest before attempting the daunting task of removing some of the snow that's piled at our gate.
It's four feet high, hard packed, and covers an area about 10 feet square - perfect igloo making material. I managed to cut a narrow path the width of my shovel about halfway through before I had to abandon it. It's exhausting work and I feel like Sisyphus pushing his rock up the hill. For every shovelful of snow I heave out of the way, the wind blows half it back in my face.
The photo above was taken a few days ago. The bicycle is completely buried today.
Where's the Frenchman while I'm slaving away in the snow, you ask? He literally worked all night, driving his semi-trailer in near white-out conditions and managed, with much perseverance and prayer, to make it home just before dawn. He had to park his pick-up on the side of the road outside our gate and he's inside getting some much needed sleep. He has a crazy job!
15 comments:
Carolynn, take it slowly, it's only a driveway, and it's only for a few months...don't overdue the shoveling, and trying to get it all done in one fell swoop.
Will you plant a snow break in the spring?
This reminds me a little tooooo much of Alberta visits.
I am glad to hear that the Frenchman is home safe and sound.
Jen
Your post brings back memories of my first winter in Illinois. Shoveling snow is quite an exertion. Thank goodness you are taking warming and rest breaks. Take care and please consider making friends with the neighbor's snow blower.
Jen: If the snow isn't cleared away, one way or another, I'm literally housebound until it melts. I can't get my car out. We'll have to figure something out to prevent the snow from piling up in the gate next year. Trees are very expensive here and it takes a long time for them to grow enough to be effective because of the constant wind.
Georgia: We're actually thinking that a small tractor might be the way to go. We could use it in the summer for landscaping and gardening chores, as well. It would be an expensive purchase though.
Don't shovel snow where you don't have to. Get a plow for the pickup. Save your back and energy for more important pastimes like blogging and photography. Am enjoying yours.
That is some serious snowfall. Would you consider a snow fence?
Your storm, or one much like it, is bearing down on the midwest here in the states. I heard "blizzard" in the news clip. Yes, please don't overdo when shoveling, which is more physical exercise than people realize. I wish I could loan you our tractor, which hasn't been needed with our piddly inches of snow that is now melting in 40 degree weather. I'm sure there's more to come for all of us ~
Jean: That's a good idea.
Betty: Soon we'll own this property and then we'll have a lot more freedom to change things. The challenge is that the snow accumulates according to the wind direction and that's always changing, so it's difficult to find one solution that will work every time.
Sharon: I've gone out several times today to shovel and it is hard work! Whew. If you're getting a winter storm, batten down the hatches and stay cozy & warm inside.
That is one amazing picture.
That's a lot of snow, hope that is all you get for a while, cause that sounds like really hard work!
Snow adventures can be quit daunting!
The snow we received at Christmas has stayed on the ground here for three weeks after temps dropped below zero for lows and only into the teens for highs. We hit 25 the past two days and then it snowed again! Temps to drop again below zero for the next few days. Rather strange...for Nevada! I think I'm ready for the deep freeze to end!
Stay warm and safe!
Gillian: Shovelling is crazy hard work! The forecast is calling for more snow in a couple of days.
Desert Hen: I'm always surprised to hear how cold and snowy(!) it can get in places like Nevada. It's not what I picture at all. Hope you get some warm breezes soon.
Your blizzard must be the same one that blew with a vengeance, last night, through North Dakota. I heard all about it from my son who is working there. I am enjoying your blog and your pictures.
Mary: Welcome! The storm certainly seemed to have enough strength to travel that far.
Yikes.
That's really wild, Carolynn. I hope you have some extra supplies!
sounds like Mammoth!!!
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