We’ve had a couple of forecast winter storms that didn’t happen.

But earlier this week, the NOAA sounded very certain of a Friday through Monday double threat:

My supplies were stocked up so no last minute run to town…

… and the snow started a bit earlier than forecast. Typically weather events are late. But, not only did the snow start early, it was only 11F and it was coming down like it meant it.

We woke up to 9 inches of new snow and it was still snowing.

I did some test runs with the snow thrower. The snow was so light and fluffy that it threw fine, but still a lot of snow which required going very slow. I cleared the walk and about 10 feet in front of the garage and motorhome …in an hour. Typically, I can clear most of the driveway in an hour, the walk in 15 minutes and in front of the motorhome in another 20.

I multiplied and added extra rest breaks and knew I would be fortunate if I could clear by end of the day. Plus, I needed to clear the roof vents and “rake” the roof edges where ice dams were forming. And walks with Bear!

I called (actually emailed) for reinforcements…

Thank you neighbor Mike! Mike and the mighty backhoe cleared the driveway.

I managed the roof and enough snowshoe trails to let us walk in the woods.

Auggie was in and out and finally had to spend some time removing ice balls from between his toes.

I’m writing this at 7:20 p.m. and both Bear and Auggie have gone to bed! I am about to follow – no kidding! Working outside in the cold and snow … I am beat.

Plus we need to rest up for part 2 starting tomorrow afternoon…

YIKES!