Weather | The Road Home

Snow, cont’d.

When we last left our story, it had been snowing heavily most of the day (Sunday) and into the evening and the temperature was 8F.

This morning, the temperature was 13F…

…and we had about a foot of new snow on top of a settled foot of snow.

Auggie is sitting at the edge of where I’d shoveled at the time.

The un-shoveled snow is a bit above chest-height on Auggie.

We got snow!

Beautiful, but it was a bit of work. I went up on the roof yesterday afternoon and cleared vents.

This morning, I looked at the load on the front porch and raked a good bit off.

It is to be 40F by the weekend and the meltdown is likely to be VERY messy.

My neighbor to the rescue yet again. And really to the rescue.

The snow around that tree was piling up. When things start melting, it would contribute to the driveway lake and maybe to the garage floor. Neighbor, Mike, moved most of that snow out to an area that will drain to the woods.

It is going to be messy, but less so from this thoughtfulness.

This evening as I write this, it is still 27F at 6:30 p.m.! There is warm air above and rain, turning to freezing rain, is falling.

Messy.

I hope all stay safe this coming week. Avalanche danger is high and I know this snow calls to people looking to play in it.

Bear and I are staying home on our flattish land. And speaking of Bear. This is the most snow we’ve had since he’s lived in Montana and he has been enjoying it. He’s running and playing and having a great time on good, strong legs.

I am happy.

Getting ready

Bear and I take a last off leash (with lights!) walk at 7-7:30 p.m. most evenings. This evening it was just past 7:30.

Still snowing heavily.

Still 8 F -ish.

The snow in the woods was nearly to the top of my boots, i.e. 3 inches below my knees.

Bear made his rounds and then headed briskly for the house.

After letting him in, I made a quick trip to the garage…

There are still 19 official days of Winter.

On a Winter’s day…in March

Snowing heavily.

8.1 F at the time I took these photos.

Sunday, March 2, 3:15 ish p.m.

Snow ‘n Sun

We got snow: about 6 inches of very fine sugar-snow. Well, it settled to about 6 inches. It was very cold and instead of the fluffy powder of a 20 degree snowfall, the fine snow and a bit of wind caused it to compact and be unexpectly heavy. This was new to me and I was surprised shoveling the little bit I shovel as well as surprised by the plow leavings.

But it is beautiful and especially this morning as the sun came out with perfectly clear “not a cloud in the sky” skies.

But cold! This morning started at 7F.

Auggie went out…briefly and then retreated to his cozy sunroom chair.

Bear and I had our walk but he did not hesitate to come in when we returned.

Ice on the hanging moss twinkled like crystals as the sun rose.

And at lunchtime, the sun hit Beardog point.

Late Winter Light

By the calendar, there is slightly less than one month of Winter left.

Late February, like late August…the light changes.

In late August, the light becomes more Fall-like.

In late February, the light becomes more Spring-like.

Late February light.

I brush off the chair from time to time and now that Auggie is out with Bear and me…it will not be long before a morning coffee or afternoon tea or glass of wine – is enjoyed from the chair.

Late afternoon in the house.

In the sunroom.

Today, Saturday, was sunny, cold and perfect.

Late Winter Light.

Friday Mash

Today, Friday, was as varied as the photos that follow:

It started clear and sunny.

It got dark and gray.

Windy, blizzardy snow squall.

Sunny.

Squall.

And repeat.

Friday Mash.

Gray Flicker. A “pretty” woodpecker but renowned for pecking on houses and various things NOT home to the insects “normal” woodpeckers peck for, i.e. a NUISANCE…but pretty…