Friday: When I went to church Sunday (five days ago), I had no idea that I would hardly leave the house again all week--except to shovel snow. I have shoveled a LOT of snow these few days! And it isn't just the snow we are struggling with here in W. Michigan, but the COLDest weather we have seen around here for quite a few years. Today's high temperature is 1. ONE degree. I believe it went down to 8 below zero last night, and it is expected to be a few degrees MORE below zero tonight.
I am extremely hesitant to drive when it is this cold and snowy. The road treatments are less than optimal! And people drive like they have lost their minds. I am pretty sure I never accelerated beyond 40 mph on the drive to church Sunday, and cars were flying by going the usual 60 mph. It was icy out there! I approached a red light, at some distance, and had a very difficult time stopping before sliding right through the intersection. That was quite enough drama for me, thank you.
I did get rather desperate yesterday because I was out of milk, eggs, cabbage (!!) and a few other necessities; so I went as far as Family Fare over on Northland (about 2 miles) and stopped at the bank on the way. I was super glad to get back home safely.
Here is what really tells how hesitant I am to drive: I have NOT driven anywhere I wanted to drive to photograph the beautiful snow by Lake Michigan, or even rivers and creeks nearby! It's just too cold, and I guess it must be my age that tells me to stay warm, dry, safe, etc. I've seen photos others have taken this week--gorgeous pictures--and have wished with all my heart that it was me out there snapping beautiful pictures. Sigh.
The birds have been very active at my feeders--which necessitates me going OUTSIDE to refill the feeders every few days. I love watching the birds!
Look how crazy the feeders look all piled with snow!
This was my front yard yesterday after I was finished shoveling. My back and shoulders have not been happy about all of the lifting, but what can I do?
It snowed nonstop all day yesterday. I think we added another 3-4" out here. This is my front porch at about 5:30 last night. I've kept most of it shoveled.
This is a shot of the front this morning ... we are buried in white stuff. It's a good thing I can appreciate the beauty of winter, because otherwise I would find this isolation a little bit unbearable.
I remember back in October one afternoon while I was talking with Jesse out in his yard, that he mentioned/predicted something about this upcoming winter being brutally harsh and frigid. I asked him what he based that predilection upon--he pointed to the acorns that were strewn all over his lawn. Jesse said the number of acorns were so in excess of normal that it pointed to a severe winter. !!
Speaking of Jesse, he drove over to see me Tuesday afternoon and brightened my day a whole lot. We visited upwards of two hours. I'd had to cancel my usual Tuesday with the grandchildren because schools were closed and the roads were terrible. Plus, I was supposed to have Erin overnight tonight but I can't even imagine driving the distance to and from their house to collect her and then return her tomorrow. I am feeling badly about it, because I kind of gave her my word. She has been waiting awhile for "her turn" and tonight was that night. Hopefully, she will forgive her old grandma and we can do it another weekend very soon.
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