Everything sublime is as difficult as it is rare. Baruch Spinoza

Monday, December 22, 2008

Drifts

What Wind Does To Snow




Now, for the daily misery report. The thermometer at my back door had us at 17 below zero this AM. The wind last evening and into the night was of gale strength and had to be at least 40 below zero. My misery index was reaching the top. We have a heat wave of 10 - 12 above predicted for tomorrow, yippee! I think I'll have another cup of coffee and a cookie now. Tell me when it's spring. But wait until mud season has passed, if you please.

10 comments:

Ashley Dumas said...

Goodness, It is it really possible to be warm inside your house with Cold like that? Do you have to wear layers and socks and slippers and sweaters when you are in the house? Just wondering because 40 below with strong wind....goodness gracious!

I am going to enjoy some coffee now and get busy on my cookies I haven't gotten to them yet!

Bye bye,
Ash

Ganeida said...

And you still live in that place? What can I say...? :)

Sandra said...

Ashley, see that tank in the second photo. That's propane for heating. It costs us a few thousand dollars per year to heat, plus the homes are built with basements and they are insulated. With all of that, I wear long underwear, wool socks, several outer layers and sheepskin slippers. Outside is a hooded sweatshirt, a cap and ear covers, insulated gloves and heavy boots. When I need to plow and it's real cold I put a blanket over my lap and a scarf around my face.

And yes, with all of that, we still live here!

Ashley Dumas said...

Yes I see the tank amidst the lovely drifts. Those drifts are so marvelous. They remind me of the drifts of sand in deep water. I am pretty sure that you must just have strong blood to hack it.

I am surprised that you survive outside with so little on. Is that sweatshirt made of down stuffed kevlar : )?

Britwife said...

I think I am a freak of nature to actually say that I enjoy living in Minnesota. I relish having four seasons - it would kill me NOT to have snow and cold, especially at Christmastime.
That said, I also enjoy an occasional holiday to a warmer climate. I am my own oxymoron (or just a moron!).
Your photos capture our essence beautifully.

Sandra said...

I agree with you Britwife, but I don't relish what we have been faced with over the last couple of weeks. Especially so early in the season, as I don't think Jan. will be nicer because Dec. was frigid! It is probably at the front of the brain for people who need to work out in the elements.

Down filled kevlar, now that's an image. : )

Jean L. said...

Would pictures from this morning be more impressive? Our last snow just laid in the yard like a blanket (isn't that a cozy discription :~). Today we have some major drifting around the barn doors. Enough already.

Christy Fritz said...

I am glad to admire these from afar. Beautiful to look at!
My northern family have many stories about various things (automobiles, children, tools, etc..) getting stuck in them.

My husband has a work sweatshirt, that is heavy. warmer than any jacket i've ever worn. I was shocked. he used it pruning or climbing trees in the winter. wonder if it's similar.
layering seems to be key though.

Well, I am not going to complain about being "cold" here anymore. (Our pilot went out briefly and we thought it was chilly.)

Ya'll are amazing in my book.
christy :)

Sandra said...

You are right Christy, a thermal hooded sweat shirt is warm and layering is key. A bulky jacket gets in the way and restricts your movement.

I am busy preparing for family that is coming tomorrow in the early afternoon. I am not ahead of the game and I still have to care for the horses, as well. Gee, I'm NOT having fun! I'll be back to the blogosphere as soon as this is over.

Ganeida said...

Ah, I was wondering what had happened to all the pretty pics. Nice to know the snow hasn't completely engulfed you! ;D