This is what I faced when I opened my door this morning:
The plow guy had done a great job of plowing the driveway, but I had a stretch to shovel to reach the driveway.
First, I used a dust pan and broom to carve out a place to step outside the door.
Once I opened up a path to the driveway, I invited the cats outdoors.
Given that these shots were all taken during the morning, aren't these shadows dramatic? The sun is still pretty low in the sky this time of year.
It turns out that being outdoors wasn't that all-fired important after all. The cats lasted all of ten minutes before going back inside.
Digging out the car took awhile...
Check out this bug I found on top of the snow. Do you think this guy tried to get somewhere during the blizzard?
I had just finished moving all the snow away from the front of the JayBee when I heard the avalanche start, and jumped out of the way just in time to avoid having the snow on top of the JayBee hit me in the head. So, then, there was more snow to move.
Finally, that part was done.
The bulkhead was buried in a deep drift. (I keep the bulkhead clear during the winter because it provides the only access to my furnace.)
Can you see, buried in the snowbank below (a little left of center), a wooden barrel laying on its side? Oops. My plow guy got a little carried away. That barrel is usually standing over my septic pump with a yellow caution sign attached as warning for the plow guy.
I dug out the oil tank, the bulkhead, and the barrel. Unfortunately, the caution sign is lost in a snowbank somewhere. I sure hope the septic pump is alive and well.
I didn't have the energy to get up on the roof...but it really needs to be dug out too. (It's possible we'll get rain [!] this next week; that would NOT be good on top of this snow.)
I took care of the heavy snowbank across the end of the driveway...
...then turned my attention to shoveling a path to the deck.
I took this last photo while standing on the deck. See the bare patch of ground next to the railroad tracks (near the lower left)? That patch was never completely covered with snow during the blizzard, due to the wind constantly moving and sculpting the snow.
I have no idea what our total accumulation was from this storm. Somewhere between two and three feet, I guess. It's difficult to tell, given the dramatic drifts and such. This is not a lot of snow for us to receive during a winter, but it sure is a lot to receive at once!
Heh, My plan to get a post out of you worked!
ReplyDeleteWe got about two feet here in the middle of Long Island. Three days later, roads are "sort of" clear, but you still can't really walk anywhere.
My cats went a little stir crazy too. One of them ventured out and managed to hop out about 10 feet towards the fence before she gave it up as a bad idea. Now they can get to the road and make their rounds but they're not happy about all their little hidey holes being covered.
And I'm in awe of all the snow you moved.
Hi DWR!
ReplyDeleteLong Island! In some ways, I think you had it worse during the blizzard than I did here. I hope you were not one of the ones who had to abandon your car on the expressway...
Things here are completely back to normal winter. Everything's happening as usual, on schedule. I guess I did move a lot of snow yesterday. I kind of like shoveling--especially if the day is nice, and the snow is powdery. My first eight or so years living here, I shoveled the entire driveway and roof after every storm. What I shovel now, by comparison, seems like nothing to rave about.
I like winter. If it's going to be cold, I want it to snow. I'd prefer lots of deep, powdery snow--and to skip all freezing rain. I hate ice--except on bodies of water! I like the coziness and quiet of being holed up at home while mother nature makes the world pause. Snow seems like a good way to experience this (as opposed to the more frightening and dangerous possibilities, like floods, hurricanes, etc.). As I get older, I find I'm not as patient with winter, or as excited about it, as I was when I was younger. Being home while it snows is fine; it's the having to travel through it to live a busy, modern life while all that weather is going on that I find difficult. I wouldn't want to miss all of winter, but I can now imagine enjoying spending a good stretch of it in a warmer climate each year.
So. . .I'm guessing/(hoping) that you've been too busy with (whatever) to update your blog. Certainly understandable. But, with fall imminent, I was hoping you'd post some pics of the color change. It must be awesome in your "neighborhood."
ReplyDeleteHi DWR!
ReplyDeleteI am sure it must be disconcerting to my regular followers to see SNOW still current on my blog. I wish I could say that I have been so busy with building the JayBee that I have not had time to post. Sadly, that is not the case. The huge software conversion project at my workplace that has consumed me for three years or so is going live this month in stages. Also, my mother is very ill and I have been spending a lot of time caring for her. Rest assured, the JayBee is well protected--just lying dormant at the moment. I will at least post some seasonal river photos at some point.
Jan
Building a house, even a small one is a huge project. And we all know the best joke we can tell God is our plans. Good luck with whatever has your time and attention. We all know that you'll get back to your little house when it's time to.
ReplyDelete