"People get excited about snow around here", commented my co-worker who has recently moved to British Columbia from Ontario.That was on Tuesday, after a weekend snowstorm closed all the schools down on Monday.
Yes, we do get excited on Vancouver Island when it snows--so excited that we both also had days off work on Wednesday and Thursday when a second blizzard dumped a second foot of snow on top of the first fourteen inches.
Not that Jeff and I weren't "working" after a fashion. I don't want to touch another shovel for a long, long time.
It's pretty and sparkly in the sunshine. It looks nice on the trees. But it's damn heavy and the next house I buy will have a shorter driveway.
Also, next time I hear of inclement weather on the way I will make a beeline to the grocery store BEFORE the snow-storm so I am not stuck in a slow,winding, grueling line-up of grocery carts with tempers fraying all around when the roads are finally clear.
And alas, although I like the IDEA of snow, it has wreaked havoc in my garden, burying my shrubs in an icy embrace, pulling my climbing hydrangea off of its trellis, and cracking off major branches on my lilac tree. I can see other places in my yard where there is probably more s
now damage, but I'm waiting until after the snow melts before I investigate.I've heard that snow is a good insulator and you can actually damage plants more by trying to get all the snow off them. Yeah, that's it. (Really I'm just scared to find out how bad the damage is--I've been watching the news and the Butchart and Van Dusen public gardens are hurting too.)
So anyway, here are some pictures of my week in the snow. And also a few pictures of the beaches of Zanzibar (and my feet in warmer times) for a little contrast. Helps me feel less chilly as I write this. I was there during the African winter. It's much nicer than ours.Though, durn it all, we're not supposed to get snow like this around here! They're predicting more flurries on the way.
And although we're not as freaking cold as places like poor Calgary, I can still see icicles forming on my neighbour's house big enough to harpoon someone.
17 comments:
Yes, snow is insulating. I've taken many, many potted outdoor plants through bad winters by snugging them all together and, after a good cold snap, piling great heaps of snow over top of them. This keeps them in hibernation until -all- the snow melts (the freeze-thaw-freeze thing is a killer). Not doing this results in the d@## things trying to grow when the air is warm during the day; if the rootball thaws too soon, the crown of new growth freezes and the whole plant dies. Trust me... I know!
LJ
so beautiful. Love the puddy cat debating the cold.
Your pictures are spectacular. I'm sorry about the damage though. The most crazy we get in our location is tons of rain. And that doesn't require shoveling. At least it hasn't yet.
There is something seriously wrong when you have snow like that and I haven't turned my heat on yet this winter. Seriously wrong. But we're supposed to get snow tomorrow and Monday so maybe you'll warm up. We can hope, anyway.
Hi Spider
The storm that hit you headed our way and they predicted all kinds of snow and when it finally got here... nothing... We did get some rain and high winds but by the time it got cold enough to snow, there was only enough moisture left for a coating... We will get ours later though, our big dumpings come when the wind is out of the north... It's nice that you helped Jeff shovel though... Great Pictures... I hope your plants are ok, not that you will mind the extra gardening in the spring...
I hate shovelling snow! Isn't it pretty.
Mom
Sometimes I miss the snow from when I lived up North but then I remember shoveling it and I am happy to be a Texan!
Ooh snow! I'd like some snow. It doesn't tend to snow where I am until about March, and then it's usually only about a millimeter high and lasts about ten minutes. You have to be very quick to see it.
Days off from work are the best. Looks like even your little kitty had off from work -- off from chasing birds around the yard.
:)
Do you ski?
How many quebecers dream of your ski stations....
It flurried today, about ten minutes ago. I'm still envious... ^_^
Why do they call BC "Lotus Land" anyway? I've never seen a blooming lotus flower on any pond around here. On the other hand, I gues "purple loofstrife land" or "generic green pond slime land" is not quite the tourist draw. My personal favourite, alas offical no more was "SuperNatural"...spooky stuff
Looks like a lot of snow you get up there. We get a few snow storms down here on Long Island each winter and EVERYTHING comes to a grinding halt and people clear off the grocery shelves in panic.
Like your pictures, and your quite a looker yourself, I guess mountain women have to stay in good shape.
great pictures!!! Snow is really very lovely..when it just falls..until it gets all dirty from cars driving around on the roads :( then its just ugly and depressing...blah.
You look great in your winter clothes. Like you are getting ready to go ice skating.
I hope your muscles aren't too sore from snow shovelling. I have heard it is dangerous for older people. Lucky for you that you are young for it to be safe.
Well, invest in a snowblower. It sounds ridiculous to those living the dream in Paradise, I know, but you earn your investment back in time saved and blisters unformed.
Though shovelling snow is a great workout, and you are on a workout kick. The gym thing must be working as you do look great, darlin', even in a heavy sweater.
brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I hate snow.
I love these pictures though! So pretty!
Where is your coat? LOL its the mom in me I cant help myself :)
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