Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Snow Update etc.

     When I left you last, we were without power.  It came on Tuesday afternoon about 2:30, so we were four days fighting the elements.  Sounds like we were out in the cold, when really we were quite warm, though I was tired for three days for lack of sleep.  I'm sure you have seen snow photos before, but this is one I took, looking into the woods from the front porch.
     Of course, now its summer...well, the second day of Spring.  We have had three days of 85 degree weather and relatively high humidity.  All the bulbs are up, and my mother (yes, she's 90) and I have been raking and blowing leaves to get them off the plants.  Even the lilac and honeysuckle bushes have leaved out, and the maples are in bloom.  We have one more area to finish, then I can go along the edges and clean things up.  We aren't supposed to get rain until Thursday or Friday, so our fire danger level is "high".  With all the trees and dead branches brought down by the heavy snow, the debris in the woods is considerable.  I've picked up branches large enough for the wood stove, and the lowest level of leaves is still wet, but I'll be better pleased when all the leaves are gone from the nearby beds and yard trees.  We have many dead trees close to the house, but will need to wait for the "men" in our family to come take them down.  
     With the crocus blooming, the tulips and daffodils up two inches or more, and all this warm weather, I feel ready for spring, or summer.  Mom and I have been sitting on the back deck in the afternoon, as the front is full of sun.   I went so far as to purchase a table and chairs today, and a small fountain to enjoy on the deck.  We just know this can't last.  But even next week will be in the 50s.  I keep waiting for a unexpected snow storm.  I hope it doesn't come, for the fruit trees are budded in Lelanau and it would spell disaster for the grapes, cherries, and apples.  It will be a tough year anyway.  Migrant workers are all in hiding, afraid of showing up and being deported.  In the meantime, farmers fear their fruit will rot on the ground.
     Nothing is easy in life.  We're lucky God is in charge, not us humans!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Snow

     Right now, Momma is melting snow on the wood stove.  We've brought in split wood for now, and heavier round logs for overnight.  It is supposed to get down to -3 tonight, but right now, the sun shines in patches of blue sky.
     We have the ice cream and milk, along side the coolers of meat, vegetables, and frozen blueberries, on the deck in the three feet of snow I haven't shoveled.  I've done the rest, though I cold have done a better job around the woodpile.
     Walking to the feeders, the snow is over my knees (but remember I'm not quite 5 foot).  I have to lift as I shovel the front porch, as the snow is even with the wide boards.
     We knew the storm  - we was coming on Friday evening, but we had to see a doctor in Alpena and couldn't get away until 9:30 PM.  We got as far as the Alpena airport and had to turn around.  The snow was a wet one, and the road was inches deep in slush.  We spent the night at a Days Inn, then headed for Hillman about 10:00 AM.
     We called friends, and Jerry had us plowed out, but Ess Lake Drive had seen no plow.  I drove carefully to Hillman  at about 45 or 50.  When we reched Hillman, some of the town was without power.  624 was quite snowy, but even the hills were drivable.  When we reached Ess Lake Drive, it still had seen no blade, but there were tracks in the deep snow, we believe Jerry had made them as we were able to make it to our drive way, and in.
     I guess power went out about 12:30 AM Saturday morning.  It may be Monday or Tuesday before it is back on.  The heavy snow took down power lines all over the northern part of the state.  We should be fine -food in the snow - wood in the stove - snow water for flushing - bottle water for washing-God's grace.
     Pray for all those not so lucky.  Jackie's mother is on oxygen constantly, so she and her mother are staying with friends.  Those without wood stoves are filling the area motels-I guess this makes up for our warm winter.
     Pray for those fighting tornadoes - death and destruction.  God has blessed us, and blesses us daily.  May God continue to bless you too despite what nature sends!