In progress. It’s a beautiful image.
I just don’t know what to say about this week except it’s been a surreal week from hell.
My car is trapped by ice. The temperature has not gone above freezing since the ice storm. So the ice remains. It is treacherous out there. Very, very slippery. Yesterday, I wanted to put some pieces of mail in our mailbox for our carrier to pick up. I decided to walk on the area of the front lawn, stomping my feet to create a hole for each foot as I walked. I’d done that earlier in the week. But I began to panic because it was much more slippery than it had been and there I was, stuck in the middle, afraid to go forward. At that moment, I noticed a dead deer in our culvert – it must have been hit in the early morning hours – and I was so distracted that I lost my footing and fell. I’m fine, but that’s how bad it is out there. (We’d previously seen a herd of deer on our neighbor’s property and watching them try to keep their footing on the ice was upsetting. No food and slippery ice is not a good thing for deer.) I called the county and a man came and picked up the deer. Don and I said a prayer. Poor thing.
Anyway, I made it to the mailbox and then tried another route back. Still scary, but a bit better.
We’re essentially trapped here and it won’t start to warm up until tomorrow. It’s just too much. That, along with the heartbreak of this insane administration, is making us very depressed.
AND THERE IS NO ROAD SALT ANYWHERE. NONE. The roads are clear but unless you already had a lot on hand, property owners cannot clear their driveways. There’s a state of emergency because of the shortage. Ice storm + no salt = cannot move.
We just have to wait until it starts to warm up on the weekend.
Don has a gig tonight. He had one tomorrow night, as well, but it’s over 2 hours away from us and he decided to cancel as the route there is not on a major highway and we don’t trust the weather. Tonight’s is about 45 minutes up the thruway and he’ll be home relatively early. Still, I’m nervous about him navigating his way to our side door when it’s slippery. So I’m making him take our big flashlight with him and I’ll stay up until he’s safely here.
I’ve never seen anything like this, and I grew up in Michigan, and lived in Philadelphia and Boston.
It’s like some sort of dangerous lunar landscape out there.
So I finally started the newest Louise Penny. But I’ve barely started. No info on it, please. I always delay the pleasure of reading her newest book and I protect the entire experience.
One good thing: I saw more bluebirds yesterday, but they didn’t hang around long because there is no food.
Okay.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
I also saved the Louise Penny newest – just finished it up yesterday.
You won’t be disappointed.
I know I won’t be. She’s the best.
Stay safe!
I’ve been saving it since Christmas. Still haven’t started it. I guess I will know when the time is right to begin reading it. I just love her writing so much. When I first started reading the Gamache series I read one after another as they became available at the library. It was wonderful, but difficult when I finished the last one and was up-to-date.
That’s what I said. And this week, the time was right.
Thanks, Denise.
Stay safe.
Be careful out there.
The snow is crazy here too. We have piles along our driveway that are way over our heads. Last week we were stuck on our road behind a car stuck in the snow and two large downed trees. A back hoe and guys with chain saws came to free up the mess. I forget we’re older but was reminded when our neighbor asked us to sit tight in our car while everyone else worked on the trees, digging out the stuck car and clearing the road. Monday it is supposed to rain so that means all this snow will turn to ice. I think we’ll try to shovel more this weekend. We do have some salt so that will help.
The animals are having a tough time. The last few days coyotes have been crossing our yard. They seem to get closer to people when stressed. I don’t have a clue about what the deer have been eating. I hate to think of all the suffering.
This too will pass. I guess we need to focus on the good we can find. We are warm, have things to do to keep us busy and it is beautiful.
Keep safe,
Eileen
I hate to think of the animals suffering, too. I know that once it melts, they can at least eat the grass.
Glad you’re okay, Eileen.
Stay safe.
I read that sand can be used on sidewalks for traction but I don’t know if that is available in stores near you either. Hopefully, Mother Nature will help up soon with warmer weather.
Stay safe.
Sand is basically gone, as well.
Thanks, Ellen,
Stay safe.
Oh geez… sounds just awful, Claudia. I’m so sorry you’re going through all that. What would we do without books and puzzles for distraction?
Praying that you and Don stay safe and that he has a safe trip to and from his gig tonight.
Thanks so much, Jenny.
Stay safe.
I’ve seen pictures on the news of all the cars stuck in ice…so scary and dangerous. Also heard about the salt shortage…not a good combination. Hopefully Don’s gig will be without incident. That puzzle is gorgeous and so detailed… beautiful. Enjoy your new book. Stay safe!
Thanks so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Claudia, I hope you didn’t get too bruised or otherwise hurt when you fell. That is too close a call! Being from and living in a place where there are few weather extremes, I’m naturally horrified about anyone being trapped inside their house. I mean, I love being at home puttering and crafting but voluntarily. I know you have enough distractions with the puzzles, books, and other activities, but I hope the weather breaks and starts melting the ice, which would go a long way to make you feel better. Positive thoughts with Don as he travels to and from the venue.
Yes, I’m a homebody, but I don’t like the feeling of being trapped. Frustrating!
Thanks, Wendy.
Stay safe.
Lunar landscape sounds like the perfect description. And walking as you did, where you did was the safest way. Glad you didn’t hurt yourself when you fell. Come on warmer weather!
Wishing Don safe travels later. Happy puzzling…and stay warm! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
That is a beautiful puzzle! The dangerous weather, the evil administration, and the hardships we all face because of them—not beautiful at all. Try to hang in there, as will we.
Trying very hard to hang in there, Shanna.
Stay safe.
I’ve been saving Louise too, but she is at the top of the pile and will probably start her this weekend or early next when I finish the Lorac. Your ice sounds horrible and I’m so glad you weren’t badly hurt on the fall (probably sore and frustrated, though.) I’ll be thinking good thoughts tonight for Don’s safe passage, performance and return.
We’re due for a warm-up on Monday. I hope yours comes before.
Ours will start tomorrow, but will really get going on Sunday.
Thanks, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
I just read that the next Louise Penny book will be released on October 28…Yay!
I grew up in the Mojave Desert where winters are terribly cold, with constant wind, but I can’t imagine the danger of ice preventing one from leaving home. I am so sorry you are dealing with this. Sending positive thoughts for Don’s drive.
Thank you so much, Marcia.
Stay safe.
The warmer temps can’t get here soon enough.
I also just started the new Louise Penny. I put it on hold at the library and then put it out of my mind, so it was a nice surprise when I got the notification that I could pick it up.
Stay warm. And safe.
Polly
Enjoy the book, Polly.
Stay safe.
Dear Claudia, Please be careful! Sending love to you and Don from CA!
Thank you, Annette.
Stay safe.
Be careful on the ice! A broken bone is not what you need. Our town Broken Bow,Ne had a catastrophic event at the power plant a few nights ago. People are staying at hotels and churches until power can be restored. Too cold to not have power but warmer temperatures are on the way.
I’m so sorry about the power plant, Darlene.
Hope you soon have power again!
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — do you know we have had snow/ice for nearly 4 weeks !! it is said warmer temps for tomorrow but right now it is 17 degrees — NOTHING melts at that temp — am so done with this winter — sure glad you were not hurt during that fall — my ortho surgeon says that when weather is bad — stay home — SO I have been a hibernating bear this Jan-Feb — A NOT VERY Happy hibernating bear if you know what I mean. So hoping we can survive the @%%show that is ongoing — will US survive 3 years and 11 months of this c%%p??? hope you all can stay safe, warm, healthy, sane
I’m ready for spring, Linda.
Stay safe.
Winter! We’ve had enough! I haven’t been out for almost two weeks. The piles of snow in mall parking lots are 5 and 6 feet tall. I can sympathize with you. Safe travels to Don. You’ll be happy to see him home safely. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I have been through ice storms and know the feeling of fear not being able to move because of the ice. I do hope you have no after effects from your fall. I have heard of cat litter being used to obtain traction in ice and snow.
I wish a safe journey for Don.
Stay safe and warm,
Kaye
No after effects. I’m fine.
Thanks so much, Kaye.
Stay safe.
Omg! I have never heard of ice like you’re having. Hoping Don makes it home ok. Hope it warms up soon.
Me too, Irene!
It should start warming up a little today.
Stay safe.