Back in the 70's, we lived in Hawaii for two years. There was little live network TV (we called the morning NBC Show the "Yesterday Show.") I found it somewhat amusing that the Hawaiian language has no word for weather, nor did the local TV news shows have any kind of weather report. What was to report? Sun, sun, rainbow, breezes, temperature 75, sun, sun....you get the picture. Lovely but actually, I found it quite boring.
Here in Maine, we tend to stay tuned to the weather reports, only because we want to know if the weather is going to be conducive to outside activity (e.g., do I have time to get a walk in before that storm hits?). The winter weather reports tend to be of the "oh...by the way, we're going to get about 3-5" of snow today, so be careful driving." And we're on to the sports report.
Yesterday, however, when the weather person said the expected accumulation was going to be measured in feet, not inches, we all paid attention! Our wood pile is stocked, there's bottled water for cooking (AND COFFEE), we've ground enough coffee to use the French press for at least 48 hours, the emergency phone # for the power company is on the wall by the phone, new batteries are in flashlights, and most important, the books to be read have been identified and the clip on book lights are ready to go.
As you can see above, we're in a small lull between storms - have about 3-5" on the ground right now, but I'm thinkin' 16-20 when it's all over.
BTW...if I don't post for a few days, it may not be due to power loss. Our internet comes through a sattelite dish on the roof. When the dish gets buried in snow, we tend to go "down" for a while.
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OY! Stay warm and safe. It's even chilly in Florida although my azaleas are blooming like crazy. Our weather watch is in the summer for any looming hurricane. It's always something. At least you have your needs prioritized, books and caffeine.
ReplyDeleteIsn't French press coffee wonderful? We use an automatic coffee maker with a timer for our morning brew, but recently rediscovered our coffee press and have been enjoying it at other times of the day. Glad you have taken preparatory measures!
ReplyDeleteOh I remember those days when we lived in Maine. In PA we have lots of snow too, but more ice which I hate, and since we live on top of a mountain ridge we sometimes have trouble getting out. But - more time for reading! Enjoy that lovely quiet of a snowstorm and the beauty of the season.
ReplyDeleteSnow in feet? My God! I live in eastern Ontario (Canada) and we don't really get a snowfall that can be measured in feet. Thank the Lord for little mercies because a few inches is all I can stand. When we moved here (dairy country) from Montreal, I made sure that my normal routine would not be interrupted because of a power failure. I can still remember the seven days in Montreal without power during the 1998 ice storm. We are on a natural gas line so we have a huge natural gas generator that kicks in as soon as the power fails. It can run the entire house (large farm house). The only drawback is that you think that there is a semi idly in your yard. I can't imagine what my grandparents did when they didn't even have electricity. I need my gas furnace, my lights, my computer, my tv, etc. Spoiled, aren't we?
ReplyDeletepboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
We have a propane tank, and propane fireplace in addition to our wood burning stove, so cooking and heating are not a problem if the elec goes out. The only problem is water! Our well pump doesn't run if now power, so we fill the bathtubs whenever a power outage is threatened....that gives us water to flush and wash hands with. We keep the bottled water strictly for cooking and drinking. I actually like spells of 4-6 hours with no power---it makes me slow down and relax. Besides, now with a blackberry that we can always charge in the car, we can still get emails and find out what's going in the world.
ReplyDeleteHope you can stay safe and warm throughout the storm! If anything, it'll give you a chance to relax and have some reading time while enjoying the beauty of winter!
ReplyDeleteWhat a switch from Hawaii! Sounds like you've adapted well. I've got to remember the book light thing. I end up scrunched as close to the fireplace as I can get on the rare occasion when we lose electricity.
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful around your back yard. We will be waiting for your weather update tomorrow Tina :)
ReplyDeleteI am one of those rare people that love snow. Like you said Tina, being safe and comfortable is just a matter of using a little advanced planning.
ReplyDeleteNot that we usually have to 'worry' about much snow here along the Jersey coast. the ocean is a temperate force until later in the winter and even when they get snow inland we often get just a dusting.
Ignore the 2 feet we got in December..lol
sounds like a fun time with snow. Have fun shoveling! and stay warm and cozy with a book.
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