... that leads to our door is covered with snow and ice.
Which is not entirely a bad thing. The rural road we live on is indeed long and winding, as it curves around farmers’ fields—and there are many fields out here. Because it isn’t a major road linking towns—it just meanders through the countryside—it isn’t a high priority for clearing when the snow comes. Also, the busybodies ’round here prefer to sand the road rather than dump loads of salt (although they do use some; I’m not sure what the decision tree is for salt vs. sand application), so once the snow gets packed on the road, it can stay like that for a while ... making navigating the hills and curves an interesting proposition.
We had a snow storm several days ago that was capped with a thick layer of ice. It hasn’t been warm enough to melt that, and we got about four inches of powdery snow earlier this week. And, as you can see in the photo to the right, our long and winding road is snow-packed. Underneath that snow lurks patches of ice.
The result of weather and township policy is very nice: the fairly light traffic on the road becomes a trickle. Shoveling some snow, or walking out to warm up MAL’s car for him (we are quite the pair—I’m a hot-blooded poikilotherm and he’s a cold-blooded endotherm), I get to enjoy a deeper peace than is usual way out here ... sometimes all I hear, besides the sounds I make, is the occasional “chip, chip” of the cardinals. And on sunny mornings, the orangey-peachy glow of the newly-risen sun on the bluish snow is such a short-lived glory it almost brings me to tears. I enjoy this so much—even on mornings like today, when the temperature was -7° F or thereabouts when I set foot outside.
But then, I’m spoiled. I don’t need to drive anywhere; MAL graciously does the grocery shopping and other small errands for the household, since he needs to drive to town to go to work. Thus, my car is still buried in the driveway; and I’m content to let it sit for a while, until a thaw comes (which is supposed to be next week).
More snow is in the forecast for us ... and I’m looking forward to it.
The Long and Winding Road ...
Snow on the mountain
Here is a shot from our first snow of the season, right before Thanksgiving.
We got another 6 inches a couple of days ago. No ice, one of the advantages to being on the mountian, cold enough that it stays snow.
You’re on!
I am looking forward to the day when I can play in the snow in the country. I miss snowball fights, and the beauty of snow on the trees.
I am reasonably sure I speak for the snolfs as well as myself when I say we’d enjoy playing in the snow with you.
W.D., that is a great picture! Are you teaching him to ski yet?
Gee how much does an Orthopedic Surgeon Cost?
Not having health insurance, keeps me guessing about skiing as a sport. ;)
The thing I miss about snow
The thing I miss about snow in the Rockies is the way it gets deadly silent as the snow falls, especially at night. I miss that more than anything else about living out there... even more than the summer thunder storms.
The Thing I Miss About Snow
Absolutely nothing.
Ditto
We got about 3" Wednesday and a couple of more inches last night. I love the way the snow covers everything I managed to leave undone outside. It's like an excuse from the skies.
You guys are too much!
Presto, I’m sure the snolfs will enjoy that graphic ... once they’re done cleaning their room I’ll show it to them.
Not having health insurance, keeps me guessing about skiing as a sport. ;)
Aw, that never stopped Lobo and me from skiing. We’ll probably be teaching the snolfs to downhill ski soon. They’re closer to the ground and much more flexible when young ... so, less chance of injury (mayhaps).
The thing I miss about snow in the Rockies is the way it gets deadly silent as the snow falls, especially at night. I miss that more than anything else about living out there... even more than the summer thunder storms.
Much as I enjoy the snow here, I miss that from Wyoming too.
I love the way the snow covers everything I managed to leave undone outside. It's like an excuse from the skies.
Ha! I never thought of it that way ... love it. Thanks, Michael!
Snow in Wyoming
It snowed most of yesterday and last night. Still a little coming down, but it's bright and very cold now.
Here are photos I took at about 7 AM today. This is looking out my back door to the west out onto the prairie.
This view is out the front door, looking toward the town of Newcastle. The lights in town almost look like little fires...
And it is very quiet. The road has not been plowed or sanded today. A few tracks of deer and some stray dogs a while ago are the only break in the smooth, white blanket in every direction.
You can see by the wheelbarrow that my chores were interrupted by the snow. I think I've got everything bundled snug under piles of compost... but there is always room for one more load.
[Finally got the pictures cut down to a size that wouldn't blow up the page!!]
Snow!
I've always liked snow in the country, and hated it in the city. Since I am currently living in an apartment, we get all the disadvantages of snow with none of the advantages.
I am looking forward to the day when I can play in the snow in the country. I miss snowball fights, and the beauty of snow on the trees.