Wednesday, January 12, 2011

A Winter's Tale

Snow is expected tonight and tomorrow an as I write this a few flakes are flashing past my window. We're not supposed to get much - two to four inches, they say - but of course people have already run to the store for bread and milk, eggs and *whispers* toilet paper.

Why? I can understand going to get dog food. Seriously, I had to do this. The dogs wouldn't have let me back into the house if I didn't have dog food.

But I already had milk. And eggs. Yet I felt compelled by the memory of last year's seventeen inch snowfall when they had predicted ....you guessed it.....two to four inches. All I could think was that if this "dusting" turned into a whallop, we'd not make it through the whine of "But how come I can't have hot chocolate?" "Why can't I have a sandwich?"

So I went to the grocery store. Not a pretty sight. I have a friend who works in the grocery biz. They tell me that the trucks roll up in the winter months with even more regularity than in the other parts of the year, and if snow is predicted, the bread man comes twice. He knows that if he has the shelves filled, he'll sell his wares fast and sell a LOT of bread. There were no carts. The checkers were busy as the proverbial one-armed-paper-hangers (what a visual, when you think about it!), and everyone looked grim at the prospect of snow, and no school, and figuring out ways to keep everyone busy and happy.

So they've now announced a two hour delay for schools. Why? I can get there. Most parents not only CAN, they WILL. We want our kids in school. We have jobs to do, and errands to run.

It's still snowing. I guess I'd better figure out where the boots and hats are. It looks like we're all about to have a SNOW DAY!!!!

So what's on the agenda when you have a snow day? Snowmen and hot chocolate? Snowball fights? Sledding?

Or does it not snow where you are? What shuts schools in your area if it's warm and temperate? Every climate and region has something that's the equivalent of a snow day, what's yours?

Our household is going to eat a leisurely breakfast, shovel our way to the curb and get the driveway cleared, then roll off to school at the appointed hour. Already in the works are a full-scale snowball battle. Lines have been drawn....

(Sorry this was posted late, everyone! We had power flickers and outright outages and I couldn't get online to tell my post to post! Thanks Nancy!)

76 comments:

Katt said...

ha ha, I'm doing snow watch as we speak... wising for a snow day.
Living in the Vancouver area means that snow can shut down the city but mostly the suburbs and smaller surrounding cities. Why?
ONe word. HILLS.The entire area is made up of hills.
ANd being the warmest place in Canada, snow usually falls on unfrozen ground and creates a layer of ice underneath.
But alas, even with six inches of snow in the yard, the main roads are clear so I must go to school.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Katt! Congrats on catcing the Golden ROoster for today. He's been a slug-a-bed today. Hahah!

Oh, yes, the hills will stop both plows and people. :)

Sorry about the "going to school" though...Grins. Wanna have a snowball fight?

Donna MacMeans said...

Congratulations Katt! You nabbed the GR who wishes he had a day off - for whatever reason.

Kids make all the difference. I don't even watch to see if the schools are open are open anymore. As my kids grew, so did the neighborhood kids. It used to be a snow day meant huge snow castles in the yards, snow ball fights, and toddlers bundled up like fat ticks wobbling around. Now it's pretty quiet, except for the sound of an occasional snowblower or the snow plow swinging around the court.

We don't even rush to the grocery store at the whisper of the words "snow accumulation." Adults can make do without bread, or milk, for a day. Kids can too - but not quietly or without whining (grin).

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Good Morning Donna! Did you wake up to snow today too? :>

You said: Adults can make do without bread, or milk, for a day. Kids can too - but not quietly or without whining (grin).

Hahah! Hence my rhetorical question. Seriously? IS this necessary? Yes, if you have kids, it IS necessary. And, as I mentioned, the dogs do have to be fed...the consequences of making their dinner from "Human food" rather than their staple diet of dog food is unfortunate and not a topic for polite conversation. Snork.

Anna Sugden said...

We're not used to much snow, Jeanne, so most things come to a grinding halt when there's snow! Witness how many of our Christmas cards and parcels are only now showing up in the US and Australia, despite being sent in plenty of time!

We don't tend to have snow ploughs, although we do have gritters who try to stop the roads from getting icy.

With no kids (and not being a teacher anymore) I don't get to have snow days - life continues pretty much as usual! We just wrap up more warmly and get by.

pjpuppymom said...

We don't get much snow down here in South Carolina and don't have the equipment to deal with it so, consequently, when it does come (like this week), everything just shuts down. Most businesses have been closed since Sunday, we haven't had mail delivery since Saturday and schools are closed for the third day. I don't know how much milk and bread remain at the stores since my car hasn't left the garage since Saturday. I'm venturing out today for volunteer day at the hospital...hopefully...if the temperature goes up enough by noon to melt some ice off the roads.

I've been drinking lots of hot chocolate and eating lots of yummy veggie soup, playing in the snow with the dogs (they love it!), taking oodles of snow photos (posted on my facebook page) and snuggling under cozy blankets (and blanketed by dogs) on the couch with romance in hand. All in all, it's been a fun winter interlude!

Christie Kelley said...

Well, once again this year, we had less than two inches when all the states around us are getting walloped. I guess we had our fair share last year.

I did laugh when they closed schools early yesterday before it had even started to snow. In fact, it didn't even start to sleet until 6pm. At least they opened late today so the boy is in school.

I did run to the store yesterday morning before the snow started to fall. But only because Tuesday is my normal weekly shopping day. The store was only slightly busier than most mornings.

After last year's storms, I did learn to check the inventory in case I need something. Last year, I went to the store the day after one of the big storms and there was nothing left. Not even cheese. Who knew everyone was making grilled cheese for the kids!

Laurie Logan said...

We got a few inches and I'm pretty sure the schools started late but I don't have any children at home anymore. Our husky, Elvis loves this weather and enjoyed his long walk this morning.

The winds are starting back up again, though, and that makes it nasty to go outside - sooooo cold! So, I'll just keep the house warm and try and get some writing done.

jo robertson said...

Ah, snow days! We never have them here in northern California unless the universe is tilting toward some weird Armaggedon.

But I lived in Idaho for four years, and let me tell you, those folks know how to do snow, blizzards, icy roads, and home storage! We fell in with the locals and learned how. One morning my two little boys (2 1/2 and 1 1/2) got away from me in their underpants -- nothing else!! I found them building a snowman in the backyard.

Great blog, Jeanne!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

So, Jeanne, HOW much did you get?

We had freezing rain and snow on Sunday, which lead to delayed school openings on Monday in some parts North of Dallas. In my suburb, the roads were mostly dry Sunday night and Monday morning. No big deal for a girl from Ohio. But the Texas people were all huddled in tight as rabbits in their warrens Sunday night. Like seriously! NO one on the road except nurses going to or from work!

Gannon Carr said...

Oh, snow. We have had more than our fair share this winter. Today makes our 14th snow day for the kids. Yowza!

This storm may dump another 8-12 inches. After last winter, everyone said this would be a mild one. HA! I think they missed that one by a mile.

I'm staying inside---still in my PJs---enjoying a cuppa, reading and maybe watching some movies with the family.

Whatever the weather is where you are, I hope everyone has a great day!

Cybercliper said...

No snow where I live now - S. TX - but I grew up in snow country - E. KY. Growing up on a farm snow days didn't mean much except no school. All other chores still had to be done - animals need food and water regardless.

The best thing about snow days was no school. Mom would always make a big pot of something that was quick like soup, then spend the day playing cards or checkers with me and my brother. We would joke and laugh and I think Mom had more fun than we did.

Deb said...

Living in Iowa, our winters are usually---snowy. This year, that is not the case. We've had snow and have about 4 inches on the ground now. But this time last year we had tons of snow that started in early November and didn't leave until the first of April (54" total last winter).

Yesterday we had a 2 -hour delay due to the snow the night before and the roads were still terrible by the time I headed to school at 9:20 a.m. Just to let you all know, teachers love snow days, moreso than the kids. :)

On snow days, Shary and I will make cookies or read or even go outside if the winds aren't howling too much.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Anna! Gritters. I like that. :> We have that too, with the salt and sand trucks.

It is funny how it's different when you have kids, I guess. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

PJ said: I've been drinking lots of hot chocolate and eating lots of yummy veggie soup, playing in the snow with the dogs (they love it!), taking oodles of snow photos (posted on my facebook page) and snuggling under cozy blankets (and blanketed by dogs) on the couch with romance in hand. All in all, it's been a fun winter interlude!

Oh, PJ, that sounds lovely. I know what you mean about not having the equipment. When I still lived in NC, things did that same way and ground to a halt.

Whatcha reading this snowy day?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

PJ said: I've been drinking lots of hot chocolate and eating lots of yummy veggie soup, playing in the snow with the dogs (they love it!), taking oodles of snow photos (posted on my facebook page) and snuggling under cozy blankets (and blanketed by dogs) on the couch with romance in hand. All in all, it's been a fun winter interlude!

Oh, PJ, that sounds lovely. I know what you mean about not having the equipment. When I still lived in NC, things did that same way and ground to a halt.

Whatcha reading this snowy day?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Christie said: After last year's storms, I did learn to check the inventory in case I need something. Last year, I went to the store the day after one of the big storms and there was nothing left. Not even cheese. Who knew everyone was making grilled cheese for the kids!

Thank goodness they DID go to school even though it was late, right? Ahhhhh, peace! Grins. I too have learned to keep an inventory going about staples. I try to always have the makings for spaghetti, for instance.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Laurie said: The winds are starting back up again, though, and that makes it nasty to go outside - sooooo cold! So, I'll just keep the house warm and try and get some writing done.

Hi Laurie! Our mixed breed has husky in her and she LURVES the snow. Rolls in it, eats it...yep. How's the writing going?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Jo! You said: Ah, snow days! We never have them here in northern California unless the universe is tilting toward some weird Armaggedon.

Heehee. Well, if its going to happen, its going to happen in California. Ha!

Had to LOL too about the boys building their snowman in their undies.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Suz! We only got 3 inches, so it's really no big deal, but people get all panicky.

*eye roll* Having grown up in the mountains of NC, I can easily say "it ain't no big" - but to someone who grew up in Florida, I do realize it's difficult to drive in. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Gannon! You said Today makes our 14th snow day for the kids. Yowza!

YIKES!!! I hope you get some required mom-needs-quiet-time! Whatcha reading?

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Cyberclipper! I know what you mean about chores. :> Dogs still have to be walked and fed, even if it's cold. :>

Had to LOL about your mom having as much or more fun than you.. I usually have tons of fun with my kids on snow days. My only difficulty is when there's power outages. Harder to keep 'em busy without lights and power.

Fortunately, we didn't lose power for long but it flickered on and off so much and my modem wouldn't stay stable. Urg.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Wow, Deb. I knew the midwest had gotten more snow than usual, but I didn't realize it was 54 inches!

And I have teacher friends who tell me that same thing. They LOVE snow days!

Deb said...

But, guess what, Jeanne? Two winters ago we had arecord snowfall of 56 inches for the winter! ******

Keira Soleore said...

On the agenda for a snow day is sledding down the driveway and the street just outside, making snow angels, building a snowman, eating snow-cream (Ms. Wee's recipe), and drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows. The day goes by rather quickly. :)

Unknown said...

Snow days...we had one on Monday when my son was supposed to go back to school from winter break. So I had the pleasure of him driving me NUTS one more day....YEAH ME!!!!
I got even....I made him Shovel :P

Usually I like to relax and drink my hot chocolate if it's during the week because even if the schools are closed my hubby still has to work...so we do the snow ball fights out in the yard, but can't go sledding until the weekend when he can drive. I REALLY HATE driving in the snow....it's more the other people than the snow itself...I guess I should stop watching the news...LOL

Overall I try to enjoy the snow, but I like the Fall and Spring much better!!!!!

catslady said...

Lots of snow here in PA. Unfortunately my husband still had to go to work and my grown children so I worry. Normally this is my one day out starting with a bowling league in the morning and lunch out and maybe shopping. I spent the morning keeping up on the weather and delays that kept changing until it was cancelled. Phone ran off the hook and even the doorbell so no sleep for me lol. Had I known the night before I would have been thrilled.

Helen said...

Well done Katt enjoy your day with the wiley rooster.

Kate
No snow days here in Sydney ever and the only reason our schools would close would be for fire or flooding and that deosn't really happen much here in the suburbs where I live. Although in Queensland at the moment there will be a lot of schools and towns either totally shut down or shut off because of the devestating floods up there at the moment. My sister and her family live in Queensland and although dry and safe one of my nieces went to the supermarket yesterday and could only get 2 cans of evaporated milk that was all that was left in the shop and my nephew and his family have no power and the water is getting closer.
But for us I can't ever remember even when I was at school having our school closed down for a day.

Have Fun
Helen

Minna said...

I think probably the only thing that would shut schools around here would be an extremely cold weather, like -50 Celcius (if it's -40C you still have to go, mostly because cars and busses will still start). But that hasn't happened yet around here. I know it has happened in Lapland, though.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Holy Cannolis, Deb! That's a LOT of snow for an area without mountains and ski slopes. Yikes.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Keira! So glad to see you post today! :> I've missed you.

You said: The day goes by rather quickly. :)

Oh, it does, especially with sledding. I love sledding.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi BJ! You said I had the pleasure of him driving me NUTS one more day....YEAH ME!!!!
I got even....I made him Shovel :P


Hahahah! I love the "Go Shovel!" technique for getting even. It's a prize winner every time. Snork. My eldest is just now able to really have enough ooomph! behind him to actually do a decent job of it. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Catslady! I feel the same way. If they'd called for the 2 hour delay last night while I was watching for it, I could have slept in, but noooooo. Then again, the blog would have been even later than it was! Ha!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Katt, you won the rooster! Yay, you! Get him shovelling snow. He's getting fat and lazy!

Jeanne, kinda surreal to think of you being affected by snow when we're in the middle of coping with a flood crisis here in Queensland. I suspect schools would be closed if it wasn't summer holidays here. In 1974, we had major flooding here (they were expecting this one to surpass it but I heard on the news this morning that things didn't get to quite that dire state, thank goodness). It was later in January and they gave all the schoolkids an extra week of holiday because of the clean-up effort.

Lots of panic buying! I haven't been near the shops apart from up the road to get some milk.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, my goodness Helen! We'll be keeping your sister and nephew in our thoughts. I've never seen the stores quite THAT bare.

Although, after Hurricane Hugo, when I lived in NC, there was virtually no stock on the shelves for weeks in certain sections - batteries, ice, coolers, non-perishable milk and so on. Those shelves stayed bare. :>

I guess that's the case in Q'land. We'll hope the water recedes soon!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Minna! You said: But that hasn't happened yet around here. I know it has happened in Lapland, though.

*shudder* -40.

OMGosh that's frickin' glacial. Not just cold. Glacial. B-b-b-brrrrrr!

I've seen pictures with the sea-wind-driven snow in Finland and it's just amazing.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Anna! It's always so weird to me to think of ya'll being in the middle of summer heat when the wind is whistling and prying at my windows and the snow is flying. :>

You said: Lots of panic buying! I haven't been near the shops apart from up the road to get some milk.

Ah, the panic buying...Yes indeed. Grins.

Have to say, that I did learn from that aforementioned hurricane scenario to always have batteries and working lanterns in the house. Modern houses just aren't designed for being unlit by electricity. And if you have boys with lots of toys, the oppportunities for trippage, toe-stubbing and real disaster awaits at every turn in the dark. :>

Pissenlit said...

Lots and lots of snow? Pshaw! No sweat! That just means it's time to think about bringing out the toques and mitts. *grin* ;)

Joan said...

Cyberclipper!!! You grew up in E. Ky!!!! That's just east of me...in Louisville! :)

Yeah, ya'll always get a lot of snow.

So far we're doing better than last year. We got 3 inches two days ago and despite the chronic, tired old jokes, I think our highway department has finally gotten it right! They brine the roads the day before predicted snow/frz rain then spread out across the county in strategic spots and start salting/sanding.

Kudos to them!

And seriously, stupid drivers are mostly the ones that have trouble.

I do like milk, and bread is fine but I want brownies when it snows. And this year, recovering from surgery, I just raised up the blinds, put a kitty perch in front of the window and enjoyed watching the Kitties WATCH the snow...they were mesmerized :)

Everybody stay safe!

Jane said...

We got nine inches, but it was minor compared to the blizzard we had. We used to go play in the snow when we were kids, but now I just want to stay in on snow days.

gamistress66 said...

The slight dusting of snow was pretty when I got up this am & light enough to not feel quilted into shoveling (boy can that driveway be long!) ;) Unfortunately, no snow day for me, I still had to come to work.

I usually don't head out to work till 10am so got to see the kids walking to school as I drove out of the neighborhood. Couldn't help but remember how my school district never had a delay, it was either on time or closed. All the other districts would delay but not us -- difference (which I understand now but was to annoyed to care back then) is a) hills (we were fairly level where neighboring town was all big hills or at the base of the mountain & w/ part of the it's district going up the ridge) or b) very rural with lots of "back" windey roads to between kids & school.

I'll hit the grocery store tonight -- I know to stay far away before a snow storm if forcast if I want to keep my sanity :)

Hope those lucky enough to have a snow day are enjoying it.

Pat Cochran said...

We're on the Gulf Coast, does that
give you a clue!

For us it's hurricanes, tornados,
excessive rains and flooding. Even
tropical storms can be bad news.
TS Allison dealt Houston a wicked
bad time by staying over us for
many days, dispensing rain such as
we had not seen. Some of our
freeways were devised with high
sides, with all the rain they became rivers which swallowed up
big 18-wheeler trucks. DD2 and son
had to be removed from their home
by boat. We lost them for a day.
They were safe in a shelter, we
just didn't know which one and due
to the flooding we couldn't get to them. Temperate areas do have
problems, too!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Pissenlit said: Lots and lots of snow? Pshaw! No sweat! That just means it's time to think about bringing out the toques and mitts. *grin* ;)

There you go! :> We'll make a day of it!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Joanie! :> You said: Kudos to them!

And seriously, stupid drivers are mostly the ones that have trouble.


SO true! Those road crew guys and gals do yoeman's work when the weather turns nasty. Ours have been on duty for 24 hours now. No more snow predicted for a few days, so I think they'll be able to stand down.

And you're right, it's the idiots in the SUVs who think that THEIR cars can "handle the snow" - never realizing it's the DRIVER, not the car who handles the snow.

*eye roll*

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Jane! I was wondering if you'd gotten hit as hard this week as last. :>

You said: We used to go play in the snow when we were kids, but now I just want to stay in on snow days.

I do like to get out in it, but I really like the option to just sit and watch it fall, and be inside with the fire in the fireplace. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Gamistress! :> You said:Hope those lucky enough to have a snow day are enjoying it.

Me too! It's really been a lovely day - all blue and white with the bright sky and the white snow. It clouded up in the late afternoon though. THis morning was quite lovely, however.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Pat! Oooh, you've got it hard on the Gulf Coast. Seriously? I'd MUCH rather have a snow storm to deal with than all that water and uncertainty. Snow doesn't flow down river and suddenly flood the neighboring town. (Melts that way, yes, but not usually!)

I remember seeing some of the pictures of the roads becoming rivers and thinking, how fickin' scary is THAT?

Tawny said...

Yikes on all that snow!!

We don't get snow here in N. California, and I can't think of anything that closes schools - much to most kids disappointment :-)

For us, because we homeschool, some things will create a hitch. Today we had power outages until mid-afternoon, so we read by the light of the dim winter sun, did puzzles and writing assignments and played games.

Not nearly as fun as building a snowman LOL

Leni said...

On snow days I spend them digging out :(

RFTC Blog said...

Sadly we don't get snow here in Central Florida. We do get shut down for hurricanes. Every August-November we always have to worry about school and even work being closed for them. I remember back 2004 it seemed like we were getting hit with them over and over again. School got cancelled so much that they had to take away the short days and they had to add an extra 2 weeks at the end of the school year.

Joan said...

Ok, a quick commentary from a childless Bandit.

I don't get the obsessive process of having a CERTAIN number of school days. That there cannot be a few just left out of the schedule.

If the kids aren't learning it, being in class on an add on day can't make THAT much difference!

jo robertson said...

Oh, yeah, Jeanne. Probably half the state will fall into the Pacific. Which is a darn shame cause that's such a pretty part LOL.

We do get to drive up into the foothills a wee bit and get snow if we have an overwhelming need to sculpt something cold. Brrrr, not thinkin' that's happenin' anytime soon.

Margay Leah Justice said...

This looks like my neck of the woods today!
Margay

Louisa Cornell said...

Katt got the GR !! He does love to visit Canada!

We had the threat of a winter storm here in Bama over this past weekend and into Monday. Just the threat and they closed state and county offices and closed the schools on Monday. And the great storm turned out to be ... nothing. Walmart over the weekend was an absolute nightmare frenzy of buying bread, milk, eggs and various other "necessities." It was insane! But it happens every time they even predict a snow day here in the Deep South.

Now, if it had actually come to pass and I had been prevented from going to work (I WISH!) I would have stayed home in bed with some hot chocolate, some romance novels, my laptop and some period DVD's. The dogs and cats and I would not have stirred until we absolutely had to. Sigh. Maybe later this winter!

Right now, however, it is F R E E Z I N G cold !!! The expected low tonight ? 15 degrees. BRRRRRR!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Tawny! You said: so we read by the light of the dim winter sun, did puzzles and writing assignments and played games.

Not nearly as fun as building a snowman LOL


Nope, gotta say, it isn't as fun as snow men and snow forts. Grins. Power outages CAN be fun, but not when you have to get schoolwork done.

You are a major saint in my book for home schooling. Go YOU!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Leni! I'm sorry, I had to LOL. Yes, we do that too, but then there have to be breaks for snow angels and snow-down-the-back-of-the-neck escapades. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Danielle! Thanks for popping in. You said: We do get shut down for hurricanes. Every August-November we always have to worry about school and even work being closed for them. I remember back 2004 it seemed like we were getting hit with them over and over again.

It didn't just seem like it, you DID get hit, over and over. Sometimes it's FL, and sometimes its NC/SC. The 95,96, 97 seasons in NC were hurricane central, with Hugo, Bonnie, Ivan, Fran...yikes. I lost power so many times. That's when I resolved to always ahve batteries on hand! Ha!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Joan said: If the kids aren't learning it, being in class on an add on day can't make THAT much difference!

Hahah! This is especially true when they add them on at the end of the year when the kids are jonesing for summer break. Nope, not much larnin' goin' on.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Heehee, Jo, you're right! There really are a lot of people who've invested in (now) relatively worthless inland property because they're convinced sections of CA are going to sink and they'll have oceanfron property. *eye roll*

To quote Hagrid, "Codswallop, in my opinion!"

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Margay! Then I guess you're in a cold, snowy neck of the woods! Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Louisa! OMGosh,FIFTEEN degrees? In ALABAMA??? Yikeys.

You said: Now, if it had actually come to pass and I had been prevented from going to work (I WISH!) I would have stayed home in bed with some hot chocolate, some romance novels, my laptop and some period DVD's. The dogs and cats and I would not have stirred until we absolutely had to. Sigh. Maybe later this winter!

Oooh, that sounds delicious.

Margay Leah Justice said...

I'm in Massachusetts, so yeah, it's cold and snowy.

Louisa Cornell said...

Yikeys is right, Duchesse !!! Where are Gerard Butler and Richard Armitage when I need them ??? I guess I will have to settle for a couple of dogs and cats to keep me warm IF I can stir them from in front of the heaters!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oooh, Margay, you got the snow-slam yesterday, so I'm guessing it DOES look pretty Winter Wonderland-y outside your door. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

The only consolation, my dear fellow Duchess Louisa, is that the dogs are probably more loyal, and the cats more interesting than either actor....but I know that the men would be much more exciting company on a snowy night. Grins. And the men have the benefit of opposable thumbs.

Snork!

Nancy said...

Katt, congrats on the rooster!

Jeanne, of course the dogs would let you back in without dog food. They would just figure this entitled them to people food, especially since they likely see themselves as four-footed people anyway! *g*

Snow shuts things down here if it sticks on the roads. The latest snow turned into ice, which made the roads treacherous. There has been no school this week. Patches of our street, which does not get plowed or salted, were clear by this morning, but other patches, ones that get no sunlight, were sheets of ice.

This is the report of the dh, a Colorado native who knows how to drive in this stuff. I, a native southerner not from the mountains, do not. So I do everyone a favor and stay home.

Nancy said...

Jeanne wrote: the consequences of making their dinner from "Human food" rather than their staple diet of dog food is unfortunate . . .

Oh, didn't realize you had already addressed this.

It might be unfortunate from YOUR perspective, but possibly not from theirs.

Nancy said...

PJ, soup just seems better on a cold day. We had chicken soup for supper tonight.

Nancy said...

Gannon, I saw the snow heading over your area on the Weather Channel. I hope you can catch a break for a while.

Nancy said...

Joan, I'm glad the weather isn't proving to be a big pain for you.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: This is the report of the dh, a Colorado native who knows how to drive in this stuff. I, a native southerner not from the mountains, do not. So I do everyone a favor and stay home.

Nancy, I wish more people 'round here had your good common sense to stay off the road if they either don't like driving in snow, or if they're afraid of it or unused to it. On the way to an appointment this morning, I saw cars off the road, cars spun around. All a result of trying to take the road at "normal" speed, and not accounting for those stretches in the shade that hadn't had time to thaw or melt.

Sigh.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

As to the dogs, Nancy said: It might be unfortunate from YOUR perspective, but possibly not from theirs.

Oh, so true. I had pizza for lunch...well one tiny square. Got distracted for just a weeeee second and slurp! it was gone.

Grrrr. That's what I get for eating at my desk, which is considered the Romulan Neutral Zone regarding food. They know they'll be punished for gettng on the counter or table, but the desk? Fair game.

Nancy said...

Jeanne, I have to go out tomorrow. I'm hoping today's sunshine produced major improvement.

Nancy said...

Jeanne, had to laugh about the pizza. The dh caught the dog licking a used plate on the kitchen counter today.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey everyone! Thanks for playing in the snow with me today!

Jacinta said...

It doesnt snow in Canberra, Australia, ever! The only time school will be closed, and this is a rumer at this stage as it has never happened, is if inside the classrooms exceeds 40 deg C. No joke, nearly got there once, i promise you we were all watching the temprature with mulled excitement (it was qquite hot you understand, it was hard to show any kind of emotion in that heat). Didnt happen though. Rain, sleet or sine here im afraid we will always have to go to school.