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Monday, February 24, 2014

How's Your Winter Going

I did my daily shoveling but my car's buried

It appears I'm
in the house for
a few days
unless my
neighbor
ploughs a
small swath
to the road.
My car is buried.

SUV's are
fairly high
off the
ground but
the snow
plough came by and put a 2 ft. embankment along the road and I
don't have one more shovel-toss in me. I shoveled paths to the
trash can, the mail box, to the garage and the street. Enough
already! I am so grateful for 4-wheel drive vehicles. What did
we do without them? Oh I remember...chains. What a pain in the
rump that was. Did you ever put chains on a car? Lay em out, back
up and attach. Then when you hit the street, ka-bump, ka-bump.

Oh I have a snow blower but I'm going to sell it. Rarely ever
used it. By the time I get it out of the garage and get it started I
can have the sidewalk shoveled. And I always turn the blower
thingy the wrong way and I blast myself with snow. Haha

Are we all enjoying winter yet?

53 comments:

  1. I will take your snow!! Gladly! Maybe we can make a trade? Here in KY we rarely get much snow (except for this winter). I hope springtime comes for you soon :)

    I wish I lived near you so I could shovel for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith
      If I could box it up and ship it all to you I would do that gladly. But I'll warn you, after a few months of this you'd ship it right back. What kind words..... shovel for me. sounds good to my ears.... thank you. I don't mind shoveling when there is 5 or 6 inches of snow..... in fact, I rather enjoy it as it's really good exercise. BUT this 18 ins. to 2 ft. of snow is just too difficult to shovel. Soon, there is no place to put it and I'm tossing it way over my head. That debth of snow belongs up on the mountain for the skiers.... not down in town.

      I think Ky is a beautiful state. I've driven through it several times and I recall all the miles and miles of white fences.
      Take care

      Delete
  2. Oh my goodness - look at all that snow!! Oh I'm totally fed up with winter and look forward to spring! Nuff already! Let's have some sunshine!
    :-) Take care
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Old Kitty
      I love winter but the very deep snow makes me dizzy with all the white dazzle. But, we really need the mosture as the past years have been a dry scorcher.

      Delete
  3. I'm a snow craver but I think I would be screaming "uncle" if I had to deal with what you and much of the US has had to deal with. Our warm up is over but we have cold but no snow in the future. Feeling a bit blessed right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patti
      Everything in moderation. It seems as if Montana's weather is never in moderation. I feel sorry for the Eastern States as they are having tons of the white stuff too. At least these states are prepared for the blasts and I think of the huge snow removal budget they all must have.

      Delete
  4. I would clear it for you if I lived close by. I love shoveling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julia
      I thank you for saying that. What a kind offer. The neighbors here usually try to help each other, too, when we really get dumped on. I know it's been snowing all night too, so I'll probably have to do the same thing in the morning.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. Holy Ghost
      I'm glad you don't either and that some people have the good sense to live in a moderate climate. I always wonder why people (like us) live in harsh climates or flood zones, etc but I guess it's got to do with family.

      Delete
  6. hahaha that would be a sight to see, you blasting yourself with snow. Rather use that than shovel anyday, my back has a fit if I try and shovel. Hate snow, needs to go

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat
      You are free of shoveling when you live in an apartment. I'm not quite ready for one but "getting there." Haha
      Yeah, I look like a snowman after I try to use the snow blower.

      Delete
    2. A condo in Florida.....ahhhh...okay so there's flying cockroaches in Florida...but it's FLORIDA

      Delete
    3. Al
      Yes it is FLORIDA. You, the Navy man would love the ocean. Not me.... Give me a cool mountain lake in the hot summer. I'm waiting. Ha

      Delete
  7. I remember helping my dad put chains on his tires then, later, helping him change his front tires to stud tires. Hope you're staying warm, at least :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark
      Yes, the studded tires were a big help on ice but you always had to have 2 sets of tires and a place to store one set. There were some good-old things about the past but I'll take my 4-wheel drive any day. Do you remember how cold your fingers got when putting on the chains? hahaha

      Delete
  8. Karen
    NM is a wonderful state. I love it too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. :D ...blasting yourself with snow! One of winter's funny adventures, why not? )) Your winter looks beautiful..! ;), Manzi, when I started reading I did not guess you used a shoveling vehicle, I was sure you were shoveling with a shovel! :) It's a titanic labour,...I did it once and remember it for ever! ))
    Have a beautiful day! I'm sending you a warm breath of Spring from my place! :) Hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zara
      I was using a shovel. I own the snow blower but it's always too much trouble to get out of the garage and try to start and then I'm not very good at doing it. I either spray myself or the part of the sidewalk I've alread cleared…. Using the old fashioned snow shovel just goes faster for the inept, like me. Haha It was really quite warm during the games (in Russia) …. almost too warm. I hope the temps are getting warmer where you are too.
      Thanks for the warm breath of spring….. I need it about now.

      Delete
  10. I've never had to put chains on my car, but I have them on my snowthrower. They work like magic so on cars they must have been awesome. But, I'll bet a pain. I have a four wheel drive truck and Mrs. Penwasser owns an AWD Subaru (which rocks). That being said, I am sick to death of winter. I can't believe how much it has snowed. And, even though I own a snowthrower, I do have to shovel sometimes. I'm afraid I'm getting to the age when the neighbor kids look out the window and say, "Mom, why is Mr. Penwasser sleeping facedown in that snowbank? he's been doing it for half an hour."
    Looking forward to complaining about the heat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Al
      Chains were the best only a pain to put on, take off.You and the Mrs. have some powerful winter travel machines. I don't like to hear the all-year warm weather people pointing a finger at us when we drive those vehicles. I wonder how long they would last in snow country without them...ha

      Hahaha sorry to laugh at the image of you face down in the snow but I feel like that too after a couple hours of shoveling. I got my car out for the first time today (I've been walking to the market) and I just saw on the news we'll have another session with it, beginning tomorrow... dang. I love cold weather but this is ridiculous. They say another 6 inches.
      I'm not complaining about the heat, come summer. No way.

      Delete
  11. We had a nice day on Saturday (60's) then it turned cold again. High in the 20's and snow in the forecast...ugh!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. turquoisemoon
      60 degrees sounds like a heat wave that wil melt the world. today it got to 27 with sun (that sun makes a huge difference) and I had to shed my jacet when hacking away on the ice windrow left by the snow plough. It's been a bitchy winter for everyone.

      Delete
  12. I am sorry to hear that are housebound.

    That was a funny bit about blowing yourself with the snow blower. I have no doubt I would do something like that given the opportunity.

    As it is... no snow. In fact, it is 70 degrees here already. I bet it goes higher.

    Keep warm Manzi!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin,
      I guess it sounds like the Northern people are always complaining about the weather. I just think there is nothing else to talk about. when there is snow higher than ones knees, it's even difficult to go for a walk. I dd take Cody to the fair grounds today and the roads were ploughed so we had a great walk.

      I don't feel so foolish blasting my face. with snow.... the neighbor behind me said he blasted
      his face twice yesterday.

      Delete
  13. I use the shovel instead of the snow blower too. Phft to winter. I want to go barefoot in my yard.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Winter? Not yet Manzi, we're just beginning to think about autumn. The weather has cooled down a lot, temperatures have been in the 20sC for the last couple of weeks and we've had rain too. It's lovely to be cool again after the scorcher that was January.
    Funny to think of you blowing snow all over yourself, I'd be giving up on the snow blower too after that. I don't like the idea of having to shovel a path to everywhere though, it might keep a person fit, but heck, I'll take our milder winters every time thanks very much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River
      I agree with you and I would take a milder winter too but dang my ancestors. Why did they seek to settle in such a primitive climate? I think we (well, most of us) tend to settle where our ancestors put their roots. I've thought of moving at times but it's important to be near my famiy.
      Communication is so exciting now. That you can tell me you are hot while we are buried in snow. I've happy I lived to experience this. Womder what our grandchildred will be experiencing.

      Delete
  15. We got a little snow last night. NOTHING LIKE WHAT YOU GOT!! When is this ever going to end???
    Keep warm. I hope your neighbor plowed you out!!
    Love you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Terry
      No end is right. Another storm for tomorrow through the week end with another 6 inches of snow. Cold next week. I did get my car out today. Nutty huh?
      Love to you, too

      Delete
  16. Dear Manzanita, in Minnesota I had a snowblower but I gave it away when I moved here where there was little snow. But . . . now there's more snow in Missouri! I'm blessed that my brother and my neighbors will help me with the snow blowing. I usually do the swath left by the city's snowplows and as you say, that can sometimes be really high and the car won't go over it. I'm glad that you resisted the urge to go and shovel anymore. It's so important that we listen to our bodies and I'm doing that better all the time. Sounds as if you are also. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee
      Boy, do I remember Minnesota weather. Worse than Montana I do believe. I just gave my snowthrower to the young couple behind me and he has the strength and young energy to blow the snow out of our part of the alley. Between our two houses is all nice and clear of snow. Smart, huh?

      Delete
    2. Dear Manzanita, yes, very smart!!!!! Peace.

      Delete
  17. I have to tell you that this winter, my daughter was grateful for her neighbor's snow blower. Granted, he was the one who did the snow blowing for her so it was loads easier. :-) This has been an incredible winter for you mainlanders.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kay
      Happy to hear the neighbor helped your daughter. That friendlyness is what I like about this upper midwest. Bask in your sunshine. Ha

      Delete
  18. Hi Manzanita - we haven't had snow yet, just masses of the wet stuff ... but this weekend might bring some snow - I just rather hope we can avoid it ...

    I'm also very happy not shovelling snow!!

    Hope other than that all is well with you - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary
      If you haven't had it yet, I'd cross it off the list and think daffodills. I see they had pots of tulips in Costco yesterday. Makes me want to get my took shed cleaned out… Ha

      Delete
  19. As you know, I just don't do winter. Your snow picture is beautiful in theory, but I know I would be freezing and miserable. It's the main reason I need to get to a sunny local more permanently, not just as a second residence.
    You could come out to the desert some time and then you'd find lots of people who complain about the heat. Me, I love it. The hotter the better!
    At least snow doesn't do permanent damage like wildfires do. We all have our weather events to endure.
    I do think being without a car would drive me nuts! I hope you get your freedom soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jasmine
      Some people certainly do hate cold….. my son who lives in Florida is one of them. I really can't take the heat. This has been a harsh winter and another storm coming this weekend… saying up to another 12 inches of the white stuff. I hope it doesn''t sound as if I complain too much abut the snow, but you should hear me complain about the heat. No place to put the snow anymore…. I've got deep tunnels around my yard….. it's become a maze. According to acupuncture, I guess I have too much "fire" within me and he's always trying to put it out. Once he did and I was shivering and he had to resore some heat with moxibustion. I don't try to understand it…. I've got too many other things to learn right now.
      I got the car out yesterday and went to Costco to get some supplies for the next big . I don't really mind being without a car as I can walk to a market that carries some organic food.

      You couldn't live in snow like this because you couldn't find your chihuahua when you put her out. haha

      Delete
  20. Never had a snow blower for the same reasons you state, and I would probably have the blower wrong as well. I now live in a town house complex where all the shoveling is done by invisible men early in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. joeh
      I like those invisible men. I wish some of them would come by my way.
      Thanks for dropping by.

      Delete
  21. We haven't had much use for a snow shovel since we moved to Georgia, (except for shoveling pollen in the spring... the count is already very high) but we hang onto it. Just in case. (Kinda like hanging onto maternity clothes until way past child-bearing years.) Still, I'd rather use a shovel than a blower. I don't want any parts of a leaf blower, either. (Or are they the same thing?) It's been a long time since I had to do any snow shoveling, but I don't miss it at all. The first couple times aren't too bad, but then the snow keeps coming and coming... ARRRRGH! This year has been a lulu, and winter has far outstayed its welcome. Flowers and trees are in bloom here, so it's about breathed its last gasp in Georgia, but it's hard to believe how many areas of the country are bracing for yet more snow. Spring really will be here before ya know it.

    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan
      Shoveling pollen? Never heard of it. But I'm happy you are enjoying your spring already. It must be pretty to see all the blooms. What are you, a number 5 or 6 state in the seed catalogues?

      Delete
  22. I have been having a great winter fishing, except when it dips below 70 degrees. I have seen enough snow in NH to last a lifetime. I am enjoying the Sunshine State.

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    Replies
    1. JJ
      Yes I understand. I've perhaps seen enough snow too but I don't know where I'd want to live. I'm ready for the middle states maybe Missouri . I think those winters are fairly mild..... Or maybe NM but I think that is too hot too. I spent some time there in the mountains and I liked that climate. Oh heck, I've moved enough..... guess I'll stay in the cold.

      Delete
  23. Hey Manzanita,

    Have you missed me? Okay, anyhow, I do so hope your shovelling times are over now. If you like, Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar can be a snow plough for you if the snow's still happening. She's very good at it. Even though we have had no snow this winter. Still time, I reckon.

    Have a lovely Sunday, dear lady.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you friend Gary
      A kind offer to volunteer superstar but I've got my fingers crossed that this is the end. and Penny would need her longjohns. Take care and you are always missed.

      Delete
  24. Reading about all your snow shoveling makes me realize how much I am living the life of Riley. And, here I was grumbling to myself yesterday morning about picking up leaves while it was sprinkling off and on. I was only doing it because it would get the Mama into the house quicker. :-)

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  25. Su-sieee
    We can always find someone who is in a more negative situation than we are and that is good because we don't feel we have it so bad, after all. Ha I think I have it pretty easy too because I have such wonderful and helpful neighbors.Everyone is always helping one another. I did some shoveling throughout both storms but each time a different neighbor got my car out. Nice to hear from you, Suze.

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  26. i miss snow, but we are already in spring here! Everything is blooming and I saw a bumblebee today! Come on summer.

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    Replies
    1. Poke the Rock
      That is soooo nice. I should move to Ireland. Only when I was there in October is was cold and rainy. Bumblebees must be looking for pollen.

      Delete
  27. I really wish sometimes that we got snow here in Las Vegas, but it just doesn't happen.

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