Th-th-that's ICE!!!

I stepped out the front door this morning, bundled in my long heavy coat and boots, to a solid skating rink. I slid my feet very slowly in order to make my way down the sidewalk, between the car and truck and along the carport to the back yard in order to feed the feral cats. I thought I had closed the gate yesterday, but God must have been watching out for me. The gate stood open. If it had been closed, no way could I have opened it. The latch was completely iced shut. One of the slipperiest places was on the gravel under the water faucet. But, I managed to give food and water to the poor animals, who are smart enough to stay in the sheltered area under the deck. The worst of the storm is coming tomorrow, bringing the snow, lots of snow, moving toward us from the Texas area. Texas? They never get snow! Well, rarely.

It appears the parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks and county/rural roads are the worst. I'm just grateful I don't have to go out today. I'd have to chisel my car out of about a 1/4 inch of ice!  Truly, I'd much rather deal with snow than ice.

But, this is Ohio, where the weather changes constantly. Later today we are supposed to get extremely heavy rain. Lots and lots of rain. That should take care of the ice...well, I'm hoping! Then, tomorrow we are supposed to get hit with snow, lots and lots of snow.

I'm going to sit and enjoy the change of weather from the warmth and safety of my home!

Snow, Snow, Snow!!!

Yesterday the snow started early in the morning. Very fine snow, no big flakes. But, boy did it ever pile up quickly. I use our leaf blower to clear the walks and drive (and the car). Sure did get a workout yesterday. I went out twice, and in addition walked for 20 minutes on my treadmill. Let me tell you, last night I hurt all over!!!

This morning I woke up feeling great...until I went outside to feed the feral cats and realized I had another three inches of snow on my once clear walk and drive. So, this time I used the snow shovel to clear the snow. Ugh!

Today the sun is shining beautifully, so even though it's only 11 degrees, the snow is melting from the roads. I'm so glad, because tomorrow morning I am planning on attending a writing workshop.

And, more good news, I now have my black nubuck Sketchers on my feet! Hurray!

Hope you all have found something to smile about today!!

A Single Rosebud...

...is worth a thousand words.

 Amid all the dormant plants, and a layer of snow, a beautiful red rosebud stands bravely, refusing the give in to the blast of winter. Isn't that a beautiful sight?

Our outdoor semi-feral cats perch along the logs lining our back yard bushes, soaking up any warmth from brief glimpses of sun. As the day draws to an end, they move to the shelters we have provided to protect them from the harsh elements.

Within each of us, there is that strength to persevere despite obstacles and storms that invade our lives. We seek the warmth of the sun and stand bravely like the rosebud, despite the odds.

Amazing!

Monday Mix-up

Boy, it sure is Monday!

First I wake up to a layer of snow, 20 degree temps, with wind! Brrr. I'm so not ready for this weather yet. I forgot to get the long extension cord from the shed which I need to run the leaf blower, which helps me with small amounts of snow on the sidewalks and driveway.

Second, I was supposed to interview Tanya Hanson on my blog today, and realized last night that I had forgotten to send her the questions! My public apologies to Tanya. I have contacted her about appearing at a later date this month.

I am not a fan of Monday!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday and that brings us one day closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas. While I'm not looking forward to the shorter days, I am looking forward to the prospect of our first snowfall. This year has passed so quickly.

It's time to think about preparing for Thanksgiving dinner (for those in the U.S.).  The past two years, I've hosted a family dinner which included about 20 people. It was always a lot of fun, but this year I don't have access to borrowing big tables so that everyone can sit around one table together. So, instead I'm having a Christmas get together. What about you? What are your plans for the upcoming holiday season?

Digging Out the Newspaper

At 7am, I looked out the window to see where our newspaper might have landed. We have had over 20 inches of snow in the last two weeks. Yesterday we received nearly 10 inches, so everything is vivid white. Luckily, our newspaper was in an ORANGE plastic wrap. If not, I would never have found it. One tiny corner of the plastic showed in a deep drift near our flower garden.  I managed to rescue it, while standing in snow that reached nearly to my knees.

It is still snowing. I can see snow drifts and the roofs of our neighbors houses as I gaze out my lower level window. This is the worst storm we've had and the worst February. I haven't seen this much snow since living in the Chicago area.

I'm happy that I have a wonderful son-in-law who is going to come dig us out later today. Our county is under a Level 2 snow advisory which means you should stay at home if at all possible.

I guess it will be another day of putting something in the crockpot to make the kitchen smell good, while we hide away and wait for the storm to subside.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Naturally Grumpy Morning Person

I always TRY to start my day with a smile, but I'm not the nicest person when I first get out of bed. I don't drink coffee, I'm just naturally sluggish and close-lipped. This morning was no different.

I woke up stumbled my way to the bathroom noticing a foul odor. I kept sniffing myself wondering what dead creature had crawled into bed with me last night. The odor didn't go away. Finally, I made my way to the kitchen to get a drink. There sat hubby, all bright and awake, listening to the radio. And the odor was really strong.  No, it wasn't him! He'd just brewed a pot of coffee. What he calls coffee does not smell good to me. It's a columbian roast that smells like something burning. Ugh!

So, to get away from it all, I put my coat and gloves on over my pj's, stuffed my feet in ny heavy boots, and headed outdoors to feed the feral cats. My wonderful son-in-law came by last night to shovel our driveway and walks, so I expected to have an easy time of it. BUT, last night another two inches of snow had fallen. I thumped my way to the back yard, took care of the animals, and thumped back to the carport to grab the snow shovel. Yep, I shoveled everything again. At least it was light fluffy snow, not the heavy, wet, kind.

By the time I came back in, I was awake and energized. There's something good about being out in the cold weather and exercising that is exhilarating.

Now, instead of feeling grumpy, I'm ready to take a shower and face the day...with a smile!

Thanks for stopping by!

It's Friday, It's Supposed to Snow...A Lot...

The weather man is forecasting a possible 10 inches of snow by tomorrow morning. Looking out my window I see a steady stream of white slowly blanketing the ground. Not much is moving outside my window this morning, except for the snow. A heavy white sky threatens the forecast is accurate.

That's not exactly what I had hoped for on this Friday in February. The thought of putting on my heavy winter clodhopper boots, full length fur lined coat, hat, gloves, etc. is not appealing. Nor is the thought of the backbreaking labor of removing said white product from my sidewalk and driveway.

There is one bright joy to hang on to. I didn't have to drive to work this morning, and I won't have to battle the traffic and roads on what's sure to be an accident-riddled home commute.

Ah, yes, what's not to love about that?