5 December 2009 Listen to the sound of snow falling

I slept in this morning until nearly 0800. I woke up about 0600, noticed that first light was dimmer than usual and that the sounds filtering into the house had the muted, soft silence that signals snow falling; and dropped back into somnolence. I look forward to the weekends with no need to get up earlier than my internal clock calls for. Weekends have no hike with Mike, and usually no need to drag the trash can across the road in time to meet the trash pickup.


I’ve been out several times this morning to bring in the paper, to drain and empty the dog, to bring in the mail, to move wood to a dryer location, and to shovel snow off the deck and steps. This is a very heavy, wet snow that has fluctuated between flakes, pellets, and sleet. Scraping down the decks took a heavy toll on my neck and shoulder. Tonight, just before dark, I’ll spread de-icer pellets on the steps and deck to prevent those becoming skateable surfaces. The temperature fell below freezing about 0620 and has been in the 31°F -32°F range since then. It is now 1400.

We won’t be going into Jonesborough to the Contra Dance tonight. Gloria’s back really shouldn’t be challenged any more this week. She’s moving better and with somewhat less pain now that she has been able to resume her normal pain med regimen. Still, not hurting as much does not equal not having pathology.

It’s just as well we stay in tonight. The roads are wet and the potential for black ice coating is high tonight. The expected low is 22°F. The snow on trees and branches is very wet and dense. Given the amount of rain in November and December, the ground is pretty well soaked and lubricated. It won’t surprise me to find out that there are major roads blocked by downed trees, or by trees hit by cars traveling too fast for conditions. It is a good night to have a working wood stove.

I’d hate to be working ER or to be a law enforcement officer tonight. For all the snow and ice that does happen here, people still don’t know that they need to slow down drastically on slick roads. The ownership of a four-wheel-drive vehicle does not confer immunity to the laws of physics that describe objects in motion, to the loss of friction on icy surfaces, or to general stupidity behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Tonight we will have grilled chuck eye steaks and a steamed vegetable medley in a pesto sauce.

Shabbat Shalom. It’s a good afternoon to start a new book and enjoy the sound of the snow falling.