In the “I had no idea” category, I looked out the back kitchen window yesterday and saw about 10 fat robins flitting from branch to branch in this wild rose bush, or as I call it, a prickly pain in the tush. Since I thought that robins disappeared for the winter, I was really surprised and I ran to get my older camera, which sits in the Vernors crate on the kitchen table. They were very active, flying from branch to branch, then to the trees, then back again.
“What are you doing here?” I said. “There’s a huge storm coming!” Surely they didn’t think spring was here! Not by a long shot.
The display window on my older camera doesn’t work very well, so I just went for it, snapping away, zooming in, hoping I got a good shot.
Well, I did a little research and much to my surprise, some robins hang around in the winter, even here in the Northeast. And though they don’t do it in summer, in the winter they hang out in flocks. What I saw was a flock of robins – they can’t get worms from the ground, so they look for berries and there are berries on the wild rose bushes.
I love learning something new.
As I’m typing this, in the midst of this epic Nor’easter, the oil delivery truck just backed up in the lower portion of our driveway. Thank goodness. At least I don’t have to worry about running out of oil! When I got up this morning and saw the snow already on the ground, I was sure there was no way they could deliver today. There is already over 2 inches out there, the roads are snow covered and the snow is falling very heavily. But they did.
Now for the 12 -18 inches predicted for today, with the winds of a Nor’easter kicking in later in the day. This will go on for about 20 hours. I’ve been rather a mess, worrying about it all; about the house, about us, about the power.
Don feels powerless as he sits in his apartment in Boston. He wishes he was here.
I wish he was here.
Late in the day yesterday, I saw that my neighbor’s van was gone from their driveway. They have a house north of here in a skiing area – they are avid skiers. I panicked. What if they were leaving for the mountain and wouldn’t be here to help me? So I called them and Laura assured me they would be here to use their snow blower on my long, uphill driveway. Again, sigh of relief.
In the meantime, I will have to keep shoveling a path for Scout throughout the day. She has arthritis and it’s hard for her to make her way though a lot of snow.
This is a huge storm. Keep all of us in its path in your thoughts.
Happy Thursday.
Oh, poor robins! they may re-think wintering over for next year. Please stay safe and warm.
I saw three deer in our yard yesterday and worried about them, too.
The snow is now sleeting against my windows. What crazy weather we are having.
Sending warm thoughts your way, Claudia. Glad the oil truck was able to deliver to you. Keep cosy!
Yes, you guys are going to get sleet as well. We might too, but right now it’s all snow.
Claudia, we are just a phone call away. Let us know if you need anything. Tina and Noble
Thanks Tina. I’d love to borrow your roof rake but since you’re going away this weekend, that may be impossible? The kitchen roof isn’t very sloped and I’d love to get the snow off of that surface.
We aren’t leaving until Saturday so after Nob;e rakes off our roof tomorrow, we can get it to you somehow. We also have my makeshift rake.
Oh thank you! That’s another load off my mind. xo
We also have an electric snow shovel that works well when snow is light. and powdery. Do you have a heavy extension cord because ours is buried deep in mud room. It would be good for making a path for Scout.
We already have a path and I’ll just keep shoveling it throughout the day. I’m just about to go outside and take a first swipe at it. (I think this snow is going to be heavy and wet.)
Robins in the winter??? Who Knew??? I am so glad the oil truck got there, one less worry. I forgot what state are you in? I will be sending lots of thoughts and prayers that the storm is not as bad as expected and that you and Scout stay safe. When we lived in Illinois my husband used to drag the big garbage can behind him to make dog paths, he said it was easier than shoveling but he did have to do it more frequently during the storms.
I’m in upstate NY, Cindy. We already have dog paths from the last snowfall, but I’m going to go outside shortly and shovel them. I’m sure I’ll be doing it several times today.
What a winter you are having!!! REALLY – send us some of your snow. We could use it!
The first sign of spring here is the return of the fat robins. I was amazed to see that they venture up to 10,000 feet… but they are always a welcome surprise. It will be weeks and weeks yet until we hear/see them.
Thanks for entering my little giveaway, Claudia! Best of luck to you!
xo,
Lin
I would be more than happy to send you some snow, Lin! Maybe on a semi?
Claudia,
The only positive thing I can I think of from all the snow we’ve received is that I get my daily exercise quote from shoveling. My thoughts are with you and Dame Scout.
Stay warm & safe,
Vanessa
Oh, I’ll definitely get my exercise quota, Vanessa!
Claudia, Just last week, we had a bunch of robins drop by. I thought they must have lost their minds. They we eating the tiny crabapples. When you think about it March is very near…so it won’t be long before Spring . xoxo,Susie
It seems like a very long way off, Susie. But I saw on the extended forecast that it might hit 50 degrees toward the end of next week!
Claudia,
You and all of your neighbors are in my prayers during this unusually cold winter. I’m almost ashamed to say I live in Dallas, where the sun is shining and it is going to 64 today and 75 by this weekend. Don’t get me wrong, we have had our share of extremely cold temperatures (in the teens) and some ice and snow. But we don’t handle it well and virtually everything shuts down when a little ice shows up. I cannot imagine what it is like to live in the weather conditions you are now suffering through. You and that precious Scout snuggle up and stay safe and warm. I look forward to reading your blog each morning. Warmest thoughts to you.
Thank you, Sharon. Most of the year, I love living here. But not at the moment!
Dear sweet friend,
M is at home today for the second day in a row. She teaches in nearby county. We have had some snow…suppose to melt this p.m. Sending hugs and sunshine from middle TN!
I can’t imagine how all of this is going to melt – it will take a long, long time.
Growing up & spending most of my life in NY state, I never thought much about all the snow we got until I moved away seven years ago. I guess they don’t call it the “snow belt” for for just a few flurries! We always seemed to have the ongoing lake effect snow and the thrill of a nor’easter now and then. Have you had thunder snow with this storm? Believe it or not, I kind of miss a nor’easter! Stay warm, snug & safe and before you know it, Spring will be here.
They are saying there might be thunder snow later tonight.
I feel so bad for you Claudia and all that are suffering so much this winter! I’m so glad to hear your neighbors will be home to help and give you comfort. Being totally unaccustomed to any type of real weather, reading your post makes me realize that you and others that deal with this every year, are made of much stronger stuff than I am! Please know you and Scout are in my thoughts and I’m sending lots of hugs and hopes for the storm to fall way short of expectations. xo
I don’t think it will, Sally. I just shoveled and we have a least 3 inches and now the snow is coming down even harder – we’re well on our way to 5 inches and this is supposed to last all day and into the night.
Drat drat drat, I’m so sorry! Let us know how you’re faring if possible. I’ll be thinking of you two xo
(My father-in-law is in North Carolina and he is house bound from the snow too.)
Stay safe and warm Claudia….you and Scout are in my thoughts! We have had our share of frigid cold and snow this winter here in KC – fortunately we did not have the effects of the storm you are experiencing. I have NEVER been a fan of winter – and this winter is about to break me. Looking at the 10 day extended forecast, we are in for a warming trend – a couple of days in the 60’s – so hopefully some of the mountains of snow around here will melt. And hopefully that warming trend will come your way as well. Hang in there – all is well.
We are supposed to get warmer temps next week, Deb. It will take a lot of warmer days to melt all this snow. And then we can look forward to mud.
Last week in Portland during the huge storm, I saw a flock of robins in the tree all puffed up. Like you, I was surprised because I thought they flew south for the winter! but then again! it’s usually very mild in Portland during the winter. This is a very strange weather year. I’ll be praying that you’re safe and warm throughout the storm.
Blessings,
Betsy
Apparently some of ours fly south and most Canadian robins fly south. These guys decided to stay.
I thought of you first thing this morning, Claudia! Stay warm and safe (so glad oil truck arrived!). How exciting to see the robins! xxoo, Martha
We’re warm. Just got in from my first round of shoveling. It’s scamming down so hard right now that all my work will disappear very quickly.
Sending good thoughts and prayers to all of you in this storms path. My sister who lives neat Atlanta is going it alone too as her partner who’s a plane mechanic is staying at the airport and not braving the roads. My brother in law and his wife live in N.C. and tonight will be her second staying at the hospital where she works. A bad storm came thru central Fla last night and messed up the roofs of some r.v.’s but we didn’t get any damage. Glad your heating oil was delivered. Stay safe friend and keep warm.
I admire all of those workers who have essential jobs. They have to work no matter what.
Our cold weather is gone from here for at least 10 days. I will be sending you warm weather wishes as I enjoy our warmer back to normal weather. Keep warm and I hope it quits snowing.
It looks like it will never quit! It’s blowing sideways and coming down very heavily.
Claudia – I was glad to hear your neighbors would be able to help you with the snow blowing. This year has been really rough on us and our pets… We will be shoveling a path for our doggie too today, but he does not like this weather and wants to hide when its time to go… I am loving that you heard it will be near 50 by next week.. That will seem like spring to me! Stay warm and safe today, Claudia. Francine
Scout likes the snow and this morning she loped down the hill from the dog corral. I have to keep shoveling so she can make it up that hill!
We live about 3 blocks from the Wisconsin River which flows through our little town, and we have robins who stay all winter, also. It is open water as we have a dam about 1/2 mile away. We have over 100 Eagles joining us this winter, also.
It is snowing so hard here right now that I can’t see the house across the street. So over this. They are telling us it should be 40* next week. I can’t even imagine that!!
Oh, I am so glad the heating oil arrived and that good neighbors are close by. We all need each other during these all too frequent storms this winter. Hope you and Scout have some good snuggle time.
Wasn’t there once a group called “A Flock of Seagulls” ?? I thought of that when I saw your post! Stay warm.
We live right by two rivers as well, so that probably has something to do with it. Yes, there was a group with that name, Chris!
Claudia, I wish I were there to help you with all of the shoveling, and roof raking. I am an old pro at roof raking. We have been known to climb on the roof to remove snow. I don’t advise this though, I think your roof is too steep.
Keep busy so the worry stays at bay, and try to enjoy the peacefulness of the falling snow.
I have a question I would like to ask you, would it be all right to send you an email?
The porch roof and the kitchen roof are the problem areas because the porch roof catches the snow from the roofs above and the kitchen roof isn’t sloped as sharply as the rest of the roofs. Yes, of course you can send me an email.
I’m glad the fuel truck arrived before the brunt of the snowstorm. At least that’s something you don’t have to worry about, but I can appreciate how much of a struggle it can be to have to deal with things on your own when something big, like all that snow, comes along. Take care.
Thinking of you and sending a scratch behind the ears to Scout,
Karen
Thanks so much, Karen!
hope you have some high boots! (didn’t you turn down a pair offered by Don a while back?)
Anyway, will have you and Scout in my prayers …. be careful out there!
Low boots. But Don has a pair of work boots around here and I may use them.
The good news…you have robins! Not going to discuss the snow…it’s just unbelievable! Thank goodness your neighbors will be able to help out! And…you got heating oil! I’m so glad it got delivered before the BIG snow! It is currently snowing here….so what else is new…but warmer temps next week. Soon this will all be over, stay snug and warm! ;)
Oy. This winter is the winter of my nightmares.
Here in Southern Ontario it is still quite cold but they have promised a warm front by the end of next week. Seeing all of those Robins gives me hope, perhaps they know more than we do. Keep safe and I hope it is not as bad as they predict.
I’m hoping the robins know there is a warming trend coming and if they just hang in there this will all be gone.
So glad you got your oil! Winter storms keep me in a dither. I spend my time preparing for any eventualities and this is the easiest time because I am busy. But when the preparing is over and the storm is storming is when I am the worst because there is nothing to keep me busy. We did get a generator a few years ago and that has really come in handy. It will run the fridge, furnace and a couple of lights and a TV. The cable will probably be out but I have lots of DVD’s. No stove, washer, dryer or dishwasher, but I can do an electric frying pan, slow cooker, electric tea kettle, etc., so I can do some cooking. We also got a separate fuse box for this so it is very easy to switch it all over when the power goes out. We turn on the hall light (which isn’t on the generator) so we know when the power comes back on. I have a daughter who lived very near a hospital and was on the same electrical grid and she never lost her power once in five years. And if they do lose their power, getting that grid back on line is the first priority. So living near a hospital has it’s perks. So I am keeping you in my prayers that you and Scoutie will be well. So glad your neighbors will be home. I will be watching the news and keeping up to date on the weather.
No generator here. I’ve shoveled twice now for Scout and in the two hours between shovels 6 more inches came down. It’s insane out there. My neighbor has already taken a pass at the driveway – but we have even more snow, heavy snow, coming overnight.
Claudia, after a few days in my home due to snow and ice I REALLY feel for you. Just take care of you and Scout! Big Hugs!
Back is already sore from shoveling, Linda!
Deep sigh. And the Winter of 2014 rumbles on. The good things? You’re home, you have Scoutie, you’ll both be warm, you’ll have neighbors for help and company, you have supplies and now you even have robins. Even if you lose power for a little while, it sounds like you might have some projects that you can do around the house. If nothing else, maybe you’ll get some extra reading time. It won’t be fun, but it will be OK. Just don’t do too much – take good care of yourself and be safe! PS – I’ve never seen robins in the Winter either. Hoping against hope that that’s a really good sign…
It’s unbelievable around here right now, Janet. It’s snowing at the rate of 1-3 inches an hour. Endless. You shovel and an hour later it’s as if you never shoveled. But Scout has to go out, so I shovel.
Yuck. Hope you don’t have to go anywhere in your car, Claudia. Because this sounds just like the March blizzard of 1999. Coming down so thick that day that I had to stop 4 times on the way to work to clean off my wipers. A normally 25-min trip took an hour and a half. Once I got there, I looked around and said, they’re going to send us home early anyway, and there’s so much snow here right now that if I put my foot on the brake, I may not be able to get going again. So I drove right back out again, All that way just to turn around. Two more hours to get home and 15 years later, my brother-in-law is still talking about it. He was amazed that I got there and back in one morning that day. But I wasn’t amazed at all – just par for the course up here in Snowville. You be careful now.
Oh, let you neighbors know when you are going outside and tell them you will call and let them know when you get be back inside. Let them know how long you will be outside so they can come to your rescue if need be.
Good idea, Tana!
Thanks for the pictures of the robins..I will gladly take that as a good sign also..lol..it is snowing very heavily here in Pa..I hate to look out the window..I am so glad that they were able to deliver your oil today..Now you call on your neighbors if you need them and don’t be stubborn about asking for help..like I would probably be..lol..I’m sure you will find something to do to take this mess off you mind for a little while..Here’s hoping that none of us stuck in this storm lose our power..Be safe and warm..Hugs to you and our little Dame Scout..
Just shoveled for the third time so that Scout could get outside. Even Scout, who loves snow, is sick of this. We’re in a lull right now, but there’s more coming tonight. Back is sore.
Oh boy, I am ready for some warm weather! This morning when I went out to dig out a path for Lucy and dig out the heat pump, I measured the snow on the picnic table and it was 15″ here in Maryland. Husband went to work today, he had to get one of the guys at his work to come and get him. He works at a lawn and power repair store and people brought in their snow blowers at last minute to get fixed and they wanted them back yesterday. So I spent the morning digging out the cars and clearing an area around the gutter downspouts. There is so much snow in the parking lot a backhoe had to clear it. Back in the house now and made a pot of potato soup and it smells so good. Not snowing now but tonight we are suppose to get more, I hope not! Stay warm and be safe and don’t over do outside!!
I’ll clear the gutter downspouts tomorrow but there’s no use today. It’s cold and nothing is melting at the moment!
Dear Claudia,
It’s funny you should mention the robins. I live and work in the Bronx, NY at Fordham University. I saw a flock of robins outside of my office window yesterday afternoon and I thought it was very odd. It is very interesting that they flock together in the winter. Hope you stay safe and warm; we had 10 inches in the Bronx today and the University was closed; our 5th snow day since January 3rd.
Best,
Suzie
Hello! I stumbled upon your lovely blog quite by accident…thank heavens for happy accidents :-) The photos of the beautiful robins brought a big smile to my face. They are such delightful birds to watch and listen to. Many years ago, I was standing out in my front yard chatting with a neighbor and was paying no attention to a robin bobbing around my feet. As our conversation ended and we were turning to walk away, my neighbor and I both noticed the robin had deposited a most appreciated gift almost on top of my foot. She had left an egg! I picked it up , brought it indoors and still have it to this day safely protected underneath a cloche.
Having lived in the NorthEast for a few years, I have to honestly admit I miss the snow you are speaking of. I know it is a burden when the winter drags on for what seems forever, but still I miss it. If only we could change locales with one another for just a few days :-) I will enjoy the sunshine streaming in through my windows today for you and your sweet doggie. Take care and remember spring is around the corner :-)
We’ve changed over to sleet and freezing rain here, Claudia, but it’s going to change back to snow overnight. Hoping you stay safe and warm! xx
I love it when Robins show up – I used to see them sporadically in FL. Do they come to CA, Claudia? I’ve been wondering how all my friends in the NE are doing. I hope you stay warm and safe. Ann
Out here on the Island we are experiencing the same weather, but I think you have it worse than we do. Stay warm Claudia and please be careful.
Blessings, Joanne
Love the shots of the robins. Praying for as little snow as possible for your area Claudia. I’m so happy to hear that your hearing oil delivery was successful! Stay warm and be cautious if you must go out.
So glad that the oil truck was able to get there before the worst of the storm. Stay safe, my friend. xo Laura
Hi Claudia,
Will be keeping you and all the others affected by this devastating storm in my prayers. With Don gone I am so glad that you have your wonderful neighbors and that with your oil burner you will have heat. I know that that must be a comfort to both you and Don!
As for your Robin sighting,I looked out my sliding glass door on Saturday and saw one lone little Robin!! I was so excited! Don’t see to many here in Central Florida.
Stay warm and safe!
Well, it wasn’t nearly as bad here as they predicted. Central Virginia got about 5-6 inches, no real ice except when the thunder ice (it wasn’t snowing at the moment, ice was falling) hit around 3 p.m. The subdivision streets were all cleared by morning so we went out for a bit, all the roads were clear. So not so “catastrophic” here, thank the Lord. Now hope you can stay warm and safe and let this be over soon and the last one for the year!
Mary
Just read from yesterday….THANK GOODNESS you have heat!
Feel so bad for you, Claudia. Everyone’s right, Take It Easy. Don’t do any more than you must. By the middle of next week we’re expecting a few days of 45-50 degrees and a lot of this will disappear. Unlike so many other forecasts from this Winter, I’m really hoping that one turns out to be accurate…