It’s simply horrendous here. We have been through a storm unlike any other I’ve seen, with the Hudson Valley (where I live) bearing the brunt of the snow. I’d say we got at least 20 inches – on top of the 12 that were already on the ground. My car is buried. My back is already sore from shoveling yesterday. My neighbor took a pass at the driveway during the day but believe me, so much snow has fallen since then that you’d never know it. Late last night the snow changed to sleet for several hours and then back to snow.
I have no idea how I’m going to shovel my way out of here. I’ve managed to stall Scout this morning so I can have some coffee before I go out to shovel a path for her.
Valentine’s Day? Don’t care. Not really into that today. There has been too much devastation from this storm.
The only thing that made me laugh yesterday? Putting this hat on Scout.
This will be a short one. I’ve got a lot to do today.
Do take care, Claudia! I’ve just been out and the slush/sleet on top of the snow is very slippery. Just do a little at a time. Sending warm thoughts your way….. xx
I think there’s about 3 ft. of snow out there. Mind boggling.
Thought of you often yesterday and last night, Claudia. Hoping life will be calmer today. Love Scout’s winter hat!
Thanks, Chy.
20 inches!!! That is awful; I don’t know how one person can manage that. Do be very careful; that snow is heavy. Sending you warm and loving thoughts.
The snow is very wet and heavy – not helped by the sleet and ice we had in the middle of the storm.
Oh, Claudia!! I’m so sorry!! I do so wish you had some major help and am praying and sending good thoughts to you. Please be careful of your back. Linda
It’s pretty sore, Linda.
So sorry for all the snow! We might get an inch today . Be careful when you go out.
That has got to be the cutest picture of Scout yet!! Does she wear it outside?:)
Nope. I do.
Oh Claudia, I wish I lived closer so I could help you shovel. Please be careful that you don’t injure your back. Take your time that awful white stuff won’t be going anywhere soon.
Dame Scout looks adorable in her winter hat.
Stay warm and don’t forget to pamper yourself with a soak in a warm bath, a cup of hot cocoa and a snuggle with Scout.
Vanessa
I’ve done most of what I can do for the day, Vanessa. I’m absolutely beat.
This has been some winter…take care today…I was worried about you moving that snow off your roof and now this. Can you find someone to help you? We will all appreciate Mother Nature’s warmth come spring time this year.
Balisha
My neighbors are helping with the snow blowing. But even with that, it’s overwhelming.
That is a tremendous amount of snow! I’m wondering if there’s some teenager living nearby who would be willing to come shovel you out? Hopefully this is the final storm of the year. I love the picture of Scout in the hat!
My neighbors are helping as best they can.
Claudia, I’ve been worrying about you and Scout. Hopefully your neighbor will be able to help some today. Sending lots of hugs to you both.
Thanks, Charlene.
Take your time with this snow/ice mess and don’t push yourself. When you have done enough for the day, take several aspirin and a hot shower immediately. Don’t sit down for any length of time. Trust me on this. Then take aspirin every couple of hours and especially before going down for the night. This really does make all the difference in the world as to how you will feel the next day. Can only imagine how daunting the task must be, but you must not push too much. This continues to be a very tough winter for so many. Sorry you have to deal with this while Don is away. The majority of big snows we have gotten I have had to do all the shoveling on my own, making sure hubs can get in off the street, having to re-shovel the opening after the snow plows have been through. Oy. It really can take a toll on one’s body and spirit. But you have many of us championing you on out here and also appreciative of you still taking time to share Scout and a little humor. Opening up and seeing Scout prepared for the day made me smile so. And the bonus of knowing my fashion style can’t be too far off the mark since I have the same type of hat which I wear when shoveling too!
I just followed your advice, Chris. Took some aspirin and a hot shower. I can only do so much today. This snow is one for the record books.
Ha! What a cute photo :) I’m having my coffee and getting ready to shovel too-again. Isn’t there more snow on it’s way for tomorrow??? At least it looks pretty out and it’s not too cold. Be careful out there!
-Lynn
Supposedly 2 or 3 inches tomorrow.
Claudia, we are buried as well. Put a call in to someone to dig us out as the snow drifts are 3-5 feet high and we can’t open the doors to get out to shovel. Once we are dug out we will try to get to you to help you out with roof rake.
I’ve done all I can for the day – Been outside off and on since 6:30. If you can, today or tomorrow, you could just drop off the rake and I can use if over the weekend while you’re away. Oh I’m so sorry you’re buried! It’s insane, this weather.
Claudia, you have my sympathy. (I’m so glad the oil truck delivered to you already.) Thanks for thinking of us and posting such a cute photo of Scout!!
Thanks, Sylvia.
Claudia, I can’t even imagine how much snow that is and how hard it is to shovel. Please take care of yourself. Now on a happier note, Scout looks adorable in that hat! Sending you hugs and prayers for no injuries! Linda
Thanks, Linda.
So sorry you are going through all this today, especially with Don away. Hugs to you.
Thanks, Debra.
Ugh on all that snow. The only thing I can say is to take it slow. As long as you don’t have to get anywhere, the snow doesn’t have to be shoveled all at once. Thank God for neighbors who help each other!
Exhausted, Melanie. I’m watching figure skating now. No more shoveling today.
Oh Claudia, when that picture of Scoutie popped up, I started giggling right out LOUD in the office! What a doll baby,and the way she humors you?
I wanted to mention about your post yesterday,and now it is even more relevant! A guy I work with, a full blood native American, (Piute Tribe) I mentioned about the robins,and he further said when a flock of
non-migrating birds get together like that to eat, a sure indication a big storm is coming!! This was yesterday morning. Hmmm I always take heed when he warns of something! Claudia ,be careful out side. I wish there was some way I could help.Thoughts and prayers with your family and all of those in harms way. Judy A-
Well, they sure knew a storm was coming!
Love Scouts pictures and laughed out loud when I saw it. I thought of you often yesterday and wondered how you were faring.
Blessings,
Betsy
Thanks, Betsy.
Dogs in hat is “good for what ails you.”
Stay warm and snug!
Thanks, my friend.
Thinking of you Claudia. Scout gave me a laugh this morning. How adorable is she?!!
Pretty adorable.
Claudia please take care. I know you are finished for the day, but be careful again tomorrow. I know your back is bad, but when shoveling snow there are other physical ailments to watch out for.
I love Miss Scout in the snow hat. She is gorgeous, and so delightful.
I am a cat person, but she makes me wish for a dog.
Sending good prayers your way.
Thank you, Trudy.
That is such a cute picture of Scout in the hat. Shovel her a small alcove near the door and see if she will use that before you shovel too much. Then put a upside down box over it so it doesn’t snow on it anymore so she can use that spot again. That’s what we would do when we got a lot of snow. Boy, I bet your wonderful Don is having fits not being home with the two of you! Take care and don’t hurt your back anymore. Toooooo Much Snow!
I already shoveled her paths at 6:30 this morning, Tana. I think Scout is sick of winter, too.
If it helps, I am with you in spirit. Do only the things you must do, don’t try to do more.This too shall pass and we will see sun and flowers again. Love the picture of Scout! She can really brighten a dark corner. God bless you and all those in this storm.
Thank you, Regena.
Claudia – you were in my thoughts yesterday during the storm.. this was one of the worst I have seen here and I have been here all my life… we shoveled yesterday during the lull, but when I woke up it looked like we had done nothing – all back again. We haven’t gone out to do anything yet – still beat from yesterday…but will soon… Wished we lived closer to give you a hand… Scoutie looks all prepared and adorable in her hat!! Francine
Me too. I think I remember some like this when I was growing up but memory is a strange thing. This was simply terrible.
Take it easy Claudia! Take it slow…short increments of shoveling, followed by rest…maybe a hot bath to two? And pain medication for sore muscles! Scout looks adorable…as usual! I’m sure your neighbor will be back with his wonderful snow machine to help out! Just take it easy….go slowly! ;)
I’ve taken aspirin and a hot shower. More aspirin later.
So sorry you were dumped upon, Claudia! Scout looks so funny…. they do put up with a lot of our shenanigans, don’t they?
I bet Don is beside himself worrying about the 2 of you.
Take care, kiddo. I don’t know what else to say. Sometimes less is best. And that goes for snow, too!
He’s pretty worried. And he feels guilty, which is silly. He has to work. Just wish it wasn’t right now!
Awwwe<3 Scout is sending out some heartwarming Valentine's energy with that adorable picture!
Dear Claudia,just to underline all the above sentiments.Take it one snow laden step at a time ,no hurry and as much time out as you and your body need with your furry sweetheart..Do take good care.
Thank you, Grace. I’m resting now.
So glad you have such a good neighbor, but I know it is still so much work for you. I can’t even imagine that much snow and ice. I don’t care about Valentine’s Day either any more. Just got my mom a little treat. Take care of yourself and Scoutie.
Well Don and I are apart and the snow is a nightmare, so I really don’t care about it!
Claudia
I’m praying for your spirit to be lifted. The snow to pass and your back to ease up and. It be uncomfortable.
Ok ow Don must be worried sick about you and Scout. I’m glad she is there to give you smiles and body heat!
Stay warm and safe.
Prayers for you and your family and the whole region
Pat
He is very worried, Pat. Thank goodness my companion, Scoutie, is here.
Ok
I just read that comment. I must apologize for all the typos!
I was using my phone and rocking a figgity baby at the same time!
In fact the auto correct wanted to spell figgity as “frog wort”?????
I thought that was funny.
Pat
What a hoot that red cap is on Miss Doggie! I think she has a future in modeling…all she needs now is a smashing pair of boots to compliment.
I think everyone could use a laugh today, so I will relate a story I saw on an early morning news program. A reporter was trying to give a report on an ice or snow sculpture and a group of kids were pelting the poor guy with snowballs. He was a good sport and was taking them like a champ with a smile on his face. So, those of you stuck in snow, ice and with grey winter skies, go outside, make a pile of snowballs and throw them with abandon! Maybe even sneak behind a bush or tree and ambush something or someone—I know I would if I could. Remember, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!!!
Everyone stay safe and warm today :-)
No one to throw them at, Jeannine! Thanks for your good wishes!
Be so very careful, Claudia. Only shovel for Scout. I am so glad you got your oil when you did. At least you’ll be warm. Tell Scout I think he missed his calling as a model!
Many hugs to you today!
Deb
Thanks so much, Deb.
Scout sure does look cute in that hat! Please be careful shoveling. This winter has been brutal to say the least! I’m sure you will talk to Don later today…hope that makes you feel all snuggly warm! Have a good weekend…or the best you can!
It has been absolutely brutal. Thank you, Marsha.
Please take care of yourself, Claudia. I worry about you shoveling all of that snow by yourself. Tell Scout she is the cutest dog ever in that hat. xo Laura
Thanks, Laura.
Safety above all else lady!
Thank you, Cheryl.
PS…Scout says she’d rather have a hat with white fur!
She’d rather have NO hat!
Please thank Miss Scout for brightening my day..it is miserable here too..it has been a long time since I have seen this much snow on the ground..Please just take it easy the rest of the day Claudia..Read a good book, have a cup of coffee/cocoa..snuggle under a warm blanket with Scout..do some work on the dollhouse..just pretend that this is a nice carefree day and you can relax and do anything you want..inside the cottage that is..I am so glad that you have little Scout to see you through things when Don is away..Hugs to both of you!
Me too, Nancy. I don’t remember the last time I saw this much snow on the ground. I had to go back out and shovel some more, but now I’m inside for good.
just sending a hug and Praying that this miserable storm is over soon and temps warm up to melt all that snow.
Stay safe!
Thank you, Tracy.
I know it! We got at least 24 inches but probably more like 30. It covered my picnic table. Luckily we dug out half way through and then continued today otherwise it would have been unmanageable. You guys should look for a snow blower at garage sales this summer! Especially when you are there alone. I usually shovel by hand, but it is nice to have someone jump in with the snow blower to help and if you are there alone…well, that would save your back!
I did have my neighbor snow blow Erin. The problem is with our property – I have to shovel paths to the side door, front door, trash can, shed, and several paths for Scout in the dog corral. And I had to help uncover our mailbox, which was plowed in – as was my neighbor’s. Most of that can’t be done with a snow blower and has to be done with a shovel.
Claudia, Hope you are safe and warm. Doris
Thank you Doris.
Really wish I could help.♥ Be careful.
Thanks, Beverly.
Scout looks so cute, wish I was closer I would come help also. Please don’t over do, pace yourself. The sun is out here and things are starting to melt, I’ll send the sun your way! Take care, ((hugs)) to you and Scout!
Thanks, Nancy.
Oy Vie…been thinking of you and praying you didn’t get hit too hard. Hope you can get through this and that the temps warm up. We too had that nasty sleet – but not as much snow as you.
Hoping you are staying warm and that the oil people can make it to your place…soon.
Scout is a cutie.
Thanks, Michelle.
Please take good care of yourself Claudia! I’m worrying about you, please don’t hurt your back or over exert and exhaust yourself. Forgive my complete and total ignorance, but can you get away with shoveling less or would that create some other problem?
Glad Scout brought a smile to you! She’s quite the cutie (if I may speak thusly about Dame Scout) in her winter chapeau … red is her color.
Thinking of you! xo
No, you can’t get away with that, Sally. You have to be able to navigate the driveway and parking area.
I was hoping to suggest to you to let go of some of the work … but I guess that won’t work then. Are your neighbors clearing your driveway for you or have you been doing it all yourself?
You are a trooper! Please take good care of yourself!
They helped to clear the driveway, Sally.
Claudia, Noble and I are going to dinner at Tuthill at 6 so will drop off rake on the way.
Don’t come up the driveway – just pull in and honk your horn and I’ll come get it.
I hope it ends soon Claudia <3
Thanks, Debbie.
My word, Claudia. I don’t even know you and I worried about you all night.
Thanks so much, Nancy.
Hi, Claudia. We got hammered, too. An all-day white-out,thunder and lightning, sleet, rain, more snow, slush…a complete mess. At least it was sunny and windy today, which helps to evaporate some of the snow. Have you ever read “Go, Dog, Go?” There’s a dog who asks repeatedly, “Do you like my hat?” That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw that photograph of Scout. And about Scout making her rounds in your house (I am referring to an earlier blog, of course), the older my border collie got, the more he did that. He was constantly counting noses, over and over and over. I think Scout is looking for her daddy. You two take care of each other!
She’s a herder, as you well know. She likes to herd everyone! And I know she doesn’t understand why Don isn’t here.
Oh Claudia — Remember that eventually the SUN will conquer it all. We have the same snow, so I feel your pain. — Cass
Quite a storm, wasn’t it, Cass?
Stay safe and don’t over do it…we had the same snow on the ground and got hit hard with more. It is going to warm soon….
You poor thing! I know Don feels terrible about not being with you. Talk about lousy timing. I must say, though, that Dame Scout looks tres chic in her furry chapeau!
And Scout is rockin’ the look!
How sweet of Scout to wear a red bonnet for Valentine’s Day. I think you could turn that picture into a Valentine’s card with a message like “you warm my heart”. Stay safe, shovel shallow many times rather than deep once as Scout won’t know how to help you if you throw out your back.
What a winter. I’m sure you’ll be very happy to see Spring this year. Hang in there!
HAHA! Scout looks as though she knows she’s going to need that hat. I understand your frustration. I am in a wheelchair but I still have to shovel if I want or need to get out (I live in the country). It’s just so exhausting. It’s almost as emotionally exhausting as it is physically. There is a lot of planning ahead. Shovel an hour … rest … shovel some more … have some coffee … clean the car … have another coffee while the car is left running to melt the rest of the snow and ice. Whew … don’t let it get to you if at all possible. I’ve learned it’s just not worth it. Do what you can and the rest will just have to wait. And always soak in a hot tub of water (with some nice scent to it) to ease those stresses away. I sincerely do hope you are well.
I think Scout has the right idea! We have had an awful time too over this side of the pond with hurricane force winds and rain. So much flooding and damage with no end in sight. Keep safe and warm… spring will soon be here! xx
I’m a little behind with my blog reading so I do hope you’re ok.