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I Surrender

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Don’t ask.

More snow yesterday. It wasn’t all that much but it was very heavy and wet and seemed to be the hardest to shovel so far. I am sure that was due, in part, to my muscles and back screaming, “No more!”

The truth? I don’t care anymore. I’m so friggin’ sick of this month’s weather that I simply don’t care. If I’m snowed in, I’m snowed in. If my car gets buried, so be it. If my mail can’t be delivered, I can plead ignorance when it comes time to pay the bills. If the ice in my gutters never melts, it’s okay by me.

I give up. It’s too much for one person. My body is tired. My brain has turned to mush. I surrender.

Even Scout is sick of it and that girl normally loves snow. The very cold temperatures we’ve been having have been very hard on her arthritis. She’s having a tough time.

Paint the kitchen? Are you kidding me? I never want to do any physical labor again.

Do some hand quilting on the quilt I made in Hartford? My hands are sore from shoveling.

I can just manage to click the shutter on my camera, which is what I did when I rolled up the blinds in the kitchen to discover this guy:

cardinal1

cardinal2

cardinal3

Cardinals are quick to move and I was shooting this through my window with my older camera. But the fact that my little elusive friend stayed on this branch for more than 10 seconds was a miracle. He made me smile.

And when I was shoveling I heard the sweet chirping of a little bird. For a split second I was reminded of spring and summer and the music of the birds that live with us on this property. Right now, it seems an impossibility, but I know that Spring will come. A bit late, and there may be mounds of snow around here until June, but it will come.

Happy Thursday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Comments

  1. Sometimes surrender is the wisest choice.Take some ibuprofen and have a cup of coffee on the couch.

  2. Haha. I know how you feel. Our backyard looks like northern Siberia with Olympics moguls. And Minneapolis (nearest big city) is supposed to get 10-12 inches of snow again today. That means us too. But this morning I was able to go out and feed the birds without wearing my jacket. True, it was only 32 degrees, but there was definitely a feeling of spring in the air. It might be my imagination. :-)

    • Oh no! More snow? I’m so sorry! It’s supposed to hit 45 degrees today – I’m hoping the ice in the gutters will melt.

  4. Treat yourself well today, comfy and cozy in your sweet cottage. Cuddle with Scout. This winter is the pits! It will eventually end (at least that is the belief)

  5. Oh, Claudia, we’re sick of snow, too! This year was like the winters of my youth and young adult years – back when I was way more into snow than I am now!! Spring cannot come too soon for me. I told someone recently to let me have it if I complain about the high temps or humidity this summer! You have your Nook or Kindle – I’d say you’re in excellent shape to be snowed in – try to enjoy it!

    Donna (in equally snowy New England)

    • It reminds me of the winters when I was young, too. But I didn’t have to shovel in those days!

  8. Boy do I remember those snowy, New York winters! When I moved to Illinois seven years ago, it was like moving to the subtropics! I have to admit, I was missing that NY snow this year and I got my wish for snow, it is the most snow for this area in many years, but by NY standards, we would call it “not too bad”. Remember, even though upstate NY is well known for snow, it is also well known for lovely weather the rest of the year!

  10. Dear, dear Claudia,
    I had to read your post to my husband this morning. I explained that you were a most tolerant person and had never complained about the weather before. I read the paragraph… complete with emotion. fervor, and gestures etc. Quite a performance for this woman of 76.
    I think that your description of feelings pretty much sums it up for all of us… this winter. No, I haven’t had to shovel much, but I do remember winters in the past, when the snow was so deep that we felt like we were in a tunnel while driving in the country. I really feel badly that you are having to do all this very hard work. It takes it’s toll on your body. Please take care of yourself and just know that spring is on it’s way. We’ll never complain about the heat this summer…will we?
    Take care and big hugs from Illinois,
    Balisha

    • I wish I could have seen your performance, Balisha!
      I sure will try not to complain about the heat and humidity this summer!

  11. Our snow has melted!!!!! YIPPEEE !!!!!! But then it rained last night.
    So now we have MUD, everywhere mud. On the cars, inside the cars, on our shoes, on the floor, on the rugs, on the paws of the kitties and the furniture and the bed sheets. I hate the mud almost as much as the snow.
    Warm dry spring days can’t get here soon enough for me.
    Relax, stay warm and enjoy the day with Scouttie.
    Vanessa

    • Where do you live, Vanessa? I’m jealous! Yes, I know we are going to have a whole lot of mud to deal with this spring.

      • I live in Kansas City where it’s currently drizzling and 45 degrees. We have a mud pond that spans the entire front of our garage door. “Normally”, the snow melt would flow from the driveway in front of the garage onto the grass. However, with all the snow we’ve had and the ground not completely thawed the water has nowhere to go so it’s just sitting there. Really hard for me to jump the pond to get to my car. Perhaps that could be a new winter Olympic sport ?

  12. Claudia,

    Hang in there. I have been where you are and I know it is not pretty. I would seriously try to budget for a snow blower or a plowing service or both. Your back is too important to ruin with the shoveling. Just saying…..

    Carol

    • Can’t use a plow because we have a gravel uphill driveway and plows tear it up. We’ve had to deal with the repercussions from that in the past.

      Our neighbor has been helping with his snowblower but there is still a lot of shoveling to do. We live in the country and there are other areas that can’t be accessed by the snow blower.

  13. A hopeful heart will see the waiting rosebud beneath the snow. I’m trying to be hopeful……it will get better.

    • Since I now live in Arizona, I will say that the Cardinal was sent to you from Phoenix to sell you on moving here! I lived in CA 50+ years and sadly have seen that beautiful state deteriorate in many ways. There are some really beautiful places to live in AZ, particularly in the northern region. Cost of living is good, and it’s a 50 min flight to Los Angeles. Theatre is alive and well… Current temps are in the 80’s in the Phoenix area but much cooler in the north, where I did see some small patches of snow this week while on a business trip. Temps up there were approximately in the 50’s. Have you ever been to Prescott? Lovely town. An adventure is in order…at least come out to thaw.

  14. Claudia, We will get the works today and tomorrow…snow rain wind, you name it. It is getting depressing girl. I love your cardinal photos. I noticed the birds chiping more yesterday. I think they are getting ready for Spring, don’t you think?? Stay strong Claudia, it can’t snow forever. xoxoxo,Susie

  15. Hi Claudia!! I just love your cardinal pictures and the bush he was in dotted with red berries!! It made me smile…!! I have also heard those spring birds chirping.. can spring be far away – It can’t get here fast enough for me… The temps will be warmer today so just enjoy and pamper yourself a little today!! Francine

  16. Dear Claudia, I can just hear Scoutie Saying “She keeps saying she’s ALL alone, What am I furniture?”
    You Sure live in an unbelievably beautiful place. I know it is extra hard for you with Don working out of town.
    I was married to the same man for 22 years, I lived for the times when he would go out of town.
    My children and I could relax and not be treated so bad. Reading your blog has let me believe for the first time there are good Loving, caring, unions, out there, simply because you have always been open and honest with us! My prescription? Two aspirin (or your preferred over the counter pain reliever,)and a hot soak in the bath.(A shower is OK but you can only stand for so long) Then make it your day SPRING IS ONLY 28,DAYS AWAY!
    -Judy A-

    • If Scout would help me shovel, I’d include her!

      I’m sorry your marriage was so tough, Judy, but happy that you are free of that now. xo

  17. Oh That sweet little bird! I love that picture. I echo your sentiments. I am sick of snow and the yucky mush that it leaves behind. I think I will throw a party when I see those first few buds of Spring emerge. Stay safe and warm Claudia!
    Blessings, Joanne

  18. Claudia, I wish there was something I could do to help. I am glad, though, that Mr.Cardinal appeared outside to cheer you. They are so gorgeous, and I see flocks of birds on the move here. So surely they will be on their way home soon. We have them land in our back yard and drink from our fountain every year. Several times I have seen various flocks. They have picked the rest of the dried berries clean from the branches, Nd it has warmed here considerably.

    Reaching out OVER the miles with a great big hug!

    xo

    Sheila

  19. Sometimes we do need to know when to throw up our hands and cry “Uncle”! We had 2 days of lovely sun and 45* temps and it did instill some faith in me that this can not last forever. This morning we have ice, another day of school cancelled, (my hubs thinks he may still be teaching on the 4th of July if this keeps up) and high wind warnings from 9PM tonight til 9AM tomorrow. Winds up to 50mph. It is like Bizarro World. Each day brings something crazier than the previous day. No one could make this stuff up. My only hope is that this snow is good for what is buried beneath, and we will have beautiful flowers to enjoy this summer. That is my thought for today and I must believe. Rest today, Claudia. I hope you have the sunshine today to enjoy that we had yesterday. It just might possibly make you a believer, too!

    • So many snow days for schools throughout the country, Chris! I know we’ve used up our last snow day here. It is indeed a crazy, crazy winter! Flowers, I have to think flowers!

  20. What a wonderful thing to open your blinds and see..Maybe he was sent to cheer you up dear friend..I am glad that you gave up and realized that you can’t do it all..now you can relax a bit and let your overworked body start to heal..after all you will soon be out there helping all those beautiful flowers to grow so that you can share them with all of us..And I know that we are ALL looking forward to seeing your flowers this year!! HUGS

  21. Claudia, can you focus on the dollhouse today? That’s an environment that you can control.

    And please consider calling what you’ve done “acceptance” rather than “giving up.” (Awkward sentence structure, but you get my meaning). Nature has always been in charge; we’re just kidding ourselves if we think otherwise.

    Imagine yourself in a beautiful bubble (your home) with Scout. Nourish each other. I’m sure that Don would approve.

    • I understand what you’re saying, but to me, ‘surrender’ is a positive word. It means giving way, accepting and understanding that I can’t control things. It’s a good place for me to be.
      It’s sunny today and that’s a very good thing!

  22. I guess that just sums it up….we all surrender! It was a glorious 45 degrees yesterday….you could walk around with your coat open…and no gloves! Today…thunderstorms, ice, and it all ends in more snow…lovely! Spring IS coming…somewhere…sometime…to someone. I hope it gets to you first! In the meantime…relax…enjoy…take two aspirins and call me in the morning…that’s all I got! ;)

    • It’s going to reach 45 here today. But rain tonight and tomorrow – where is it going to go? Ah well. Nothing I can do about it.

      • Quite frankly…I don’t want to think about where it’s gonna go. Just be thankful you are up on a hill! You are, aren’t you? ;)

  27. Good Morning Claudia: I just came in from shoveling out our driveway so I can relate. A little. But my sympathies lie with you since you have had much more of this stuff than we have. I’m with everyone else. Drink coffee. Read a book. Watch an old movie. Nothing that has any physical effort with it at all. You did get an amazing picture of the cardinal though. Beautiful.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    • Have to go to the store and get a few things and I’m watching figure skating right now – beautiful.

  29. Yeah, I kinda get it.

    My son wasn’t finished snowblowing when the huge wet flakes began to fall. My husband came in far too late to do anything but drop for much deserved rest – he drives a semi in this mess. I can only shovel in short sessions, before I have to rest, but I was out there at least four times, yesterday.
    Still, amidst the sound of the avalanche (we got a metal roof a year and a half ago ) and the certainty that the avalanche has packed the front path full, again, there is the bright sunshine, the warmer weather and the blinding beauty of bright blue and white.

    Spring always wins, in the end. :)

      • Very worthwhile, IMO.
        Cousin, a contractor, researched them for us.
        It goes on over existing, costing less to install,
        and is guaranteed for a long time.

        Materials cost more.
        Labor cost less.
        Result: a longer lasting roof for about the same price. :)

          • It’s quite a noise. Rather startling, at times.
            Hope your paths are on the gable ends.
            Ours are not. We now climb the path that is
            level in other seasons. Snow packed in so tight
            my husband decided we need a pickaxe. :)

  30. I hear you. I’m so sick of winter I could scream. It’s like there is no end to it. The crazy cold and wind chills are bad enough then add the crazy amounts of snow. This has to be the worse winter in Michigan since I moved here 46 years ago. I need sunshine and a warm breeze………

  31. Hi Claudia, I know how you feel, I am so tired of all this snow also. I feel like I live in my snow boots and I have a third arm (the snow shovel). It is warming up here in Maryland and tomorrow it is suppose to be 56 yeah!!!!. Take a break from all the snow and do something fun inside. I know its been hard on Scout too. Oh and by the way that was wonderful what Don did for Valentine’s Day. I know that was a treat to brighten your day! Love the picture of the cardinal. I have 2 bird feeders in the tree in the front yard and I think I feed the whole neighborhood of birds and not to mention a couple of squirrels, bunny rabbits and sometimes the deer. I just love watching them! Have a good day and remember all this snow will go away and just think what wonders all the water will do for the gardens! (Already planning what I am going to grow this year) Hugs!!

  32. Glad the cardinal paid you a little visit. Wish I could do something to lessen your tiredness and lift your spirits. Hope it stops snowing and warms up soon.

  33. It’s snowing here right now – part of the “worst storm of the season” headed to Minnesota and Wisconsin. I live in a suburb just on the north side of Minneapolis. I spent the last two days chipping ice and cleaning up the residual snow as temps were in the 40’s and upper 30’s. Looks like I was preparing for the next snowfall. I am relieved that we had some melting – gives us room for more snow, I guess. The mound (or should I say mountain) is getting so high in the front, it’s getting harder to throw the snow. If we do get as much as predicted, I’m going to make snow men in our driveway using the patio snow and whatever is left in the driveway, after my husband leaves for work. We live in a townhome and they do come around and plow and shovel “a path” to your door. We do much of our own as we do not want the snow to melt and end up in our basement and we do a more thorough job. I think it will be fun making several snowman for the plow to remove. Maybe put a smile on the drivers face. I’m 60 and haven’t made a snowman in many years. While my body will ache, as it has for days now, I will have my laughs while enjoying my coffee and Advil. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I think of Cardinals as being a winter bird as they stay around all season. The little burst of color, however, does “spring” hope eternal. Get some rest. I fear this is not the end.

    • Oh, I see the Cardinal in every season. He’s beautiful, that’s why I took his picture. As for birds singing I was referring to other birds, not the Cardinal.

      Sorry to hear about the storm headed your way!

    • I’m sorry, Claudia. I didn’t mean to offend in any way. I just meant that the cardinal “winters” over the season, unlike many other birds. Also, I associate the cardinal with Christmas cards or décor that show cardinals in a background of snow, thus showing its beautiful color.

      • Oh gosh no – no offense taken! I’m sort of glad he hangs around – that splash of color is sometimes just what I need to see. Take care of yourself during this next storm, my friend!

  34. Oh, you were MEANT to see that beautiful, beautiful bird. I have never seen a Cardinal in my entire life although it was my school mascot. I enjoyed those photos; thank you for taking them.

    You poor dear; you are echoing so many people I read on various blogs. The winter has been too much; just too much. I pray fo sun and blossoms for you soon!

  35. When I look at that gorgeous photo again, and because I know nothing of severe weather (cold), how do the birds keep from freezing; where do they go?

    Also, I’m new here; am I allowed to ask your general locale? Are you perhaps in upstate New York, or do you keep this quiet? My grandfather’s family lived a lot of the time near Utica and they would ice skate on sections of the frozen Erie Canal in the early part of the 20th century. I’ve never been to the East; want to so much…just not in winter, I guess!!!

  36. Hang in there Claudia! Perhaps Scoutie can give you a blogging break one of these days and tell us her thoughts on the snow????

  37. Claudia, I left your blog to look at headlines and saw that the polar vortex is soon to descend but it looks like it will go more Midwest/Southeast, so maybe you’ll be spared. I also came across a Winter Wellness Guide so I printed it out and, let’s see here if there’s anything in it that could benefit you as I sense you are understandably and admirably trying to fight off a bit of winter frustration:

    Soak your feet. Up to your ankles in hot water for 20 mins before going to bed.
    Have a stir-fry with fresh ginger and garlic to boost the immune system. Hot peppers are good if you’re inclined.
    Keep breathing; getting oxygen into the blood boosts immunity and release endorphins. Do some good long, full inhalations once in awhile
    Rub your feet to sleep. Rub in some oil onto the soles and put on a pair of cozy socks.
    A hot water bottle on the tummy is sleep-inducing especially if it has a cozy cover.
    If you can do any semblance of indoor winter gardening with lots of lamps on, it is meditative and can help you feel connected to the earth so buried under all that snow.
    Your body is tired right now…but, when it’s not, and you still can’t go out ’cause it’s too cold, move your body; put on a dance video and just dance away in your own living room.
    People who get sick in bad winter are the ones who are stressed out. So, make an effort to relax from head to toe. Get in a comfy chair and quiet place, close your eyes, inhale/exhale; let go and relax. (Look up methods for progressive muscle relaxation because it helps the tension in the mind to let go.) Take all the time you need.
    Have a bowl of hot soup.
    Luxuriously save your skin from winter harshness by moisturizing legs, hands, forearms, upper back, making sure you are using a cream-based, not lotion-based moisturizer.
    And, I love this one, start the day with sunshine by using a set of flatware with yellow handles, bright sunshine-yellow bowls, plates, cups and a matching teapot. Play music with sunshiny themes, like the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.” (Our favorite OJ glasses for mornings are clear glass with yellow ‘appliques’ of lemon slices; they do call out to us to reach for them first, Claudia!)
    Create a feel of sunlight in what you wear, no matter if it’s a cozy fleece robe of your comfortable yoga pants…choose the ones in a vibrant color like orange so it can embrace you in warmth and raise your energy level.
    If you’re feeling dried out…and this is my own tip from my mom…hang your head over a bowl of steaming hot water with a towel kinda over your head; it’ll clear your sinuses.
    EAT DARK CHOCOLATE. About 70 percent cocoa.
    Make sure you try somehow to get some natural light when you can get it, like thru your windows if nothing else; 30 minutes is the key; we need natural outdoor light!
    Fresh thyme and rosemary are good in the cooking in winter. Eat an orange. Eat your broccoli.
    And drink a good hot cup of tea; if it’s ginger tea, all the better. A little honey in it is also good because it stimulates the immune system.

    So, that’s what a bunch of experts said on the subject. Hope this helps.

    • Thanks so much! I do some of this of these things already. In fact, I just had a bowl of hot soup!

  38. Yea Claudia, I am so over with winter, never did like it much. I might look for some yellow pieces for my kitchen as suggested by Vicki, but that won’t happen for this year. I know, I will send Gary to cut some forsythia branches for me on Saturday!

  39. I am right there with you Claudia! I am still sore from a couple of weeks ago when we got the snow, ice and more snow on top of that. I feel like I have permanent arthritis..my whole body still hurts. Right at this minute we are expecting some severe weather..heavy rain and strong winds but the polar vortex expected back next week. Don’t hurt your body anymore than necessary. This too shall pass….
    Hugs, Patti

  40. Spring will come Claudia, it really will. I grew up in Northern PA, in the snow belt. February was the most horrid month of the year. I remember it as gray skies, icy storms, and COLD that goes through the bones. I hated it, even though I loved snow. But I promise you that spring is coming. And all that snow will guarantee that you will have enough water for many, many flowers to bloom and thrive. I will envy your lilacs. The gophers have killed most of mine. creeps

  41. I actually hate to tell you but our temps are in the 40s and 50s for several more days. Not bad at all. Also, those pix are some of the best I seen. Very clear and crisp.

    I don’t blame you one bit. It’s time for winter to be over. Let’s get on with the milder temps! When is Don going to be home, sugar? Soon I hope because I’m with you when it comes to hubby being gone from me for a while. I HATE it!!!!!

    xoxo,
    Connie

  42. Oh Claudia…for us in the UK it’s rain, rain and more rain. Thankfully my village hasn’t been flooded, so we are counting our blessings. But I’m sending you warm thoughts and feel that maybe now is the time to get ahead with your book reading curled up on the sofa keeping you and Scout warm and cosy.

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