February Snow

Monday, February 25, 2019

We’re in the midst of a lulu snowstorm. Early yesterday snow began, and on my side of town, it seemed funny–almost like a “warm snow”, falling constantly but not sticking to the ground. During the day, friends with homes on the opposite side of town reported experiencing very deep snow. On this side our situation didn’t change, until around 5 p.m., when snow became heavier and began to accumulate on the ground.

We had been warned to expect a foot or more of snow. Most of yesterday, I laughed, thinking that the moisture falling on us east-siders would continue on more like rain. Now early this morning, after snow has continued to fall, everywhere there’s at least a foot of white stuff–and it’s still falling!

Later, after kicking my way through big drifts, I’ll be in the barn feeding the larger animals. Fortunately, two snowblowers are ready–one to make it safer to navigate around the barn and to create an uphill path to my house; the other to clear the garage area and long driveway stretching to the street.

It’s our first “really big” snow since the one several years ago that introduced this newbie to one of Oregon’s really tough winters. It taught me to prepare ahead for heavy snows. Back then for weeks, snow fell steadily, daily bringing several new feet over an icy base. This seemed to last forever, and by the time I grasped the gravity, there wasn’t a snow blower left for sale in Central Oregon. Thankfully, my generous neighbor had a snowblower and cleared my driveway. So now, though this snow seems daunting, two blowing devices make me feel less challenged.

One also keeps looking for extraordinary problems–like the weight of snow and ice that becomes clumped in rain gutters and on the rooftop. And, heaven forbid, leaking skylights and ceilings. Looking up and around may spot problems, but maybe they aren’t easily fixable. In this relatively small community, even in emergencies, inclement weather makes it as difficult to obtain professional help as trying several years ago to find a snowblower.

Let’s not forget though, that there’s a big upside because new snow draws us out of doors. It makes the world look more beautiful and cleaner. It feeds our wishes for some peace and privacy.

To photographers, Nature offers endless possibilities. In snow, unusual colors and altered terrains allow for capturing unique images, and life itself! Beautiful horses cantering, bucking, kicking up snow. Kids sledding and building snow people. Dogs racing, cavorting, and exploring “the underneath”.

This weather also allows time and gives permission to stay indoors, maybe before a warm fire and with a book one wants to read. Add a cup of tea, and unless it’s distracting some background music. And finally, settle in to enjoy a lovely stretch of vegging.

Dear Readers, For the “hungry littles”, keep your bird feeders full. Diana