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| Our last big snow storm 08 |
We have it
coming: A major Noreaster (a blizzard to those who don’t speak Maine.) The
snow is due to start Monday night and continue into Wednesday. Most Noreasters last from six to eight hours
but according to forecast this one will stall and continue for more than twenty
four hours.
I don’t
mind. I have been complaining all of
January that we haven’t received enough snow to bank the house. We got approximately a foot in early January
and then came rain so we have ended with about five inches of frozen, crunchy,
ice crystal snow cover that has endured until now.
The snow predictions
range from eighteen to thirty-six inches with high winds, according to which
computer model you pay attention to.
So preparations
begin: we will go into town tomorrow and
shop to stock up the food larder. Fresh
vegies keep well and will give us salads.
Can goods including tuna, salmon and beans are a good put by. We will likely lose electricity for and
extended time but we can cook on the gas stovetop and move perishables into the
back hall as temps are predicted in the single numbers to below zero at
night. We have put new batteries in our
flashlights and in our battery operated lantern, we also have an oil lamp and
gas lamps installed in the living room and kitchen. We have six gallons of water for flushing the
toilet and twelve gallons for drinking.
I moved about a quarter cord of wood to my wood storage unit by the back
door and filled my normal storage on the back porch.
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| Holds a quarter of a cord filled. |
Tomorrow I
will fill the snow blower with gas and start it and run it for a few
minutes. The shovel is by the back door. I also filled the bird feeders and will
probably have to make trips out back to keep them clear of snow.
We don’t
have a check list, but have done this enough that it is second nature.
It will be
time for books and games and snuggle down with the cats; a not all together unpleasant prospect.
the Ol’Buzzard
Thank goodness you will be prepared. Most people don't do that because they're just plain stupid. I would have gone shopping today instead of tomorrow. It's going to be crowded at the grocery store. Y'all stay safe.
ReplyDeleteyou either were a boy scout in your youth or had a lasting affair with girl scout leader..
ReplyDeleteI was also a Navy winter bush survival instructor for nine years.
DeleteI even arranged for my wife (then girlfriend) to go through the training - we had no trouble staying warm.
OB
I like JackieSue's comment. Enjoy your storm. A snowblower makes a big difference to one's enjoyment of snow. Stay warm, my friend.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the storm. Hope you do get enough snow to be able to bank the house. Living where we do, we're always prepared for the power going out: our back porch miniwoodshed is usually well-stocked, there's food in the freezer (which won't be affected much by no electricity unless the no electricity lasts more than a couple days), the pantry is stocked. . . and we've even got sufficient toilet paper. We don't worry much about toilet flushing water when there's multiple feet of snow on the ground here now. If the power goes out, we fill a couple 5-gallon pails with snow. Sooner or later, it melts and we flush.
ReplyDeleteYou and your SO are like minded with us in Maine. Actually, you usually have a little more of winter than we do.
DeleteStay warm.
OB
You didn't mention stocking up on bread and milk before there is a run on them and the shelves are empty because everybody is rushing to the store at the last minute to get milk and bread??
ReplyDeleteWe buy our fresh milk in boxes - Parmalate - it doesn't require refrigeration until you open it. We make our own bread and but can switch to fried bread if we are out of power for some time. We did, however, stock up on wine and beer - the staples of life.
DeleteOB
Sounds like you will be well prepared! Stay safe and enjoy your storm-stay!
ReplyDeleteAt least living out in the country you get used to bad weather and just do the sensible thing. Stay home for a few days. Intermittent Power and Light will get up and running again eventually.
ReplyDelete68 degrees here with a chance of rain. Stay warm and safe old friend!
ReplyDelete