Having been raised up North, I've never understood all the drama that occurs in the southern states surrounding the forecast of a little precipitation. It receives 24/7 news coverage, and in anticipation southerners flock to stores to buy up every last battery and case of bottled water available.
This weather event was a little different, though. For a period of 24 hours we received sleet and freezing rain, which froze into a solid cake 3" deep. I ventured out for the first time in 2 days this morning after having removed a 3" layer of ice off my truck's windshield. My plan was to just drive around the block – a distance of 2 miles. It was not fun, and was obvious that all the area residents have not moved out of their homes in 2 days either. Taylor and I made it most of the way around, until we got to the last hill leading to our driveway. Half way up, we lost all our forward momentum, and just began to slide sideways toward the ditch. So I put it in reverse, backed up about a quarter mile on level ground, then accelerated as best I could. We hit the hill at about 40 mph and just barely made it up the hill. Just. Barely.
We're only supposed to go above freezing for about 3 hours tomorrow, which certainly won't be enough to make the roads more passable. What it will do is melt the top layer, and will again freeze. This will result in a solid layer of clear ice. I suspect area schools will be closed on Monday.
Here are a few pics Taylor snapped this morning of what's going on around the HornHaus.
Willow is in the Holiday spirit – not by choice, though.
Marlo, sporting a stylish wool scarf.
Jade lounging in her stall. When we put her up on Thursday, she had a layer of ice on her back and mane. She didn't want to go in the stall, but I'm sure she appreciates having a roof over her head now.
None of these cars are going anywhere anytime soon.
The red truck. I backed it in just in case we have to venture out before the thaw.
Front pasture.
Some flamingos that decided to roost next to the house.
Schooner enjoying her bean bag pillow and the custom sweater Taylor made for her a few days ago.
Stretching on the porch. This dog has no interest in walking out onto the ice.
The chickens are staying close to the space heater I put in the coop.
They've also been shitting up a storm.
Room with a view.
No comments:
Post a Comment