Let it Snow!

Last night, as I snuggled under my quilt and worked on a needle point stocking, my husband and two dogs came in from being out in the snow.  The snow flakes were small and sharp.  All three of them were dusted in crystal-like snow flakes and had cold noses.  While the boys shook, drank a bowl full of water, circled and lay down on their pillows the husband and I reflected on the four winters we have experienced since moving north.

We moved to this area December 28, 2006.  That Friday was warm and damp.  By Saturday evening it began to rain.  By Sunday afternoon, it was snowing.  Within several weeks we experienced white outs, impassable roads and school closings as the temperature dropped to a wind- chilled
-33*F.  Worship services were canceled, stores closed and the outdoor dog was allowed in to warm himself by the fire. As we were renting a house at that time, we were only responsible for clearing the snow on our driveway.

Winter of 2007 was less severe, but we had a few days of school closing and missed worship service.  By now we had moved to our farm and the husband

pushed snow so we could get to the barn, chicken coop, pole shed and mailbox… as well as the driveway.  One especially snowy week end, he came into the house, snowflakes stuck to his beard, his nose as red as Rudolf’s- smiling ear to ear.  “Why do you look so happy?” I asked.  “They couldn’t get through to deliver the mail! I love living way out here.” he replied as he grabbed some hot chocolate and went back to work.

By 2008 we knew what to expect.  We placed snow fencing along the open field and shovels by the house entryways.  I had stocked the cupboards with canned soups, powdered milk and bread mix.  We were prepared to be snowed in for days.  Being called out is what I remember of that winter.

As a hospice nurse one of my duties includes making the final visit when a patient passes away. I pronounce the death, notify the doctor and coroner and when the family is ready I call the funeral home.  Our county was in a blizzard.  I called the funeral director. “Jay, don’t get to comfortable.” I warned, “I’m headed out for a death call.  I don’t know when I’ll need you but I just thought I’d give you a heads up.”  Jay’s family has lived in this area for many generations and told me he would head out soon. It was then I realized it would be slow going.  About a half mile from the home I saw Jay’s station wagon pulled over on a side road.  My cell phone went off.  “There is enough room for your truck over here.  I called the county they’re sending out a couple of guys.”  We waited for about 30 minutes and the biggest plow I have ever seen went up and down the road no less then three times. We flashed our lights and honked our horns in appreciation.  As I turned back on to the country road, I realized the snow drifts where taller then the 2500HD Chevy pick up I was driving.  The side mirrors gently scraped the snow walls the plow created.  The patient’s family was so gracious and relieved we made it.  I think that was the only visit I ever made wearing insulated work cover-alls and jacket.  

Last year was more of the same…cold, wind and snow. It was unusually dry and the effects were not felt until the spring when soil was turned and seeds planted.  We finally sold our snowmobiles. We weren’t using them as much as we thought we would.  The sleds were becoming very expensive apartments for the mice.  The snow machines fetched a fair price and we made some more improvements at the farm.

As I write this, it is December 21, 2010, the winter solstice.  Our area has had a daily average temperature around 14*F…half of normal for this time of year and we have received approximately 20 inches of snow.   Are we in for a long winter?  I don’t know.  I know I enjoy seeing the vibrant colors of the blue jays and cardinals against the white backdrop.  I know my St Bernard and St Bernard/ Husky mix love to perch on their snow mountains and watch the world.  I know my garlic and strawberries are insulated by the quiet blanket of snow.  I know this season will pass and soon it will be 90* with 100% humidity and I will long for today.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

                    December 2010- Caliber- 4 years old- 

                   St Bernard/ Siberian Husky Mix