Reminders of the Storm

During the midst of last week's blizzard Eric stole away to take some photos. I just wanted to share them with you today.







Check out his work at planetwimmer.com

Branch Management

Alternative titles for this post include: Branchitis, Out on a Limb, In Limbo, etc.


Just some of the limbs that we have begun to gather.

The saga continues. I know, you woke up this morning and thought to yourself, "Gee I really want to hear more about this winter storm that happened in Wyoming." Your wish is granted my friend, your wish is granted. Oh, and for more (and some cute pics of my kids) click here. Still not satisfied? Check out my mother's blog too  here and here.

So, to rehash a bit, we had a major winter storm last week. A blizzard if you will. The heavy wet snow landing on trees that still had green leaves meant that there was too much weight for these trees to handle. Trees across town broke. Seriously, limbs are everywhere. I am still hearing limbs drop from trees as I type this post.

Power was out at our house for a total of 21 hours and we still have a few moments where it goes out for a few seconds. Our poor trees and bushes were all hit hard, somebody called it nature's pruning, but if that's how nature does it I think I will stick with an arborist for future pruning. We lost major limbs from the trees in our yard.

Saturday some friends came over with a chainsaw (there was a mad rush for chainsaws and now there are none to be purchased in town) and helped us to chop up the larger branches into manageable piles. Now, we just have to get them to the designated drop off. Anyone with a truck want to help? Speaking of the drop points, there are literally mountains of tree limbs stacked at the drop points, it is amazing!

 We did suffer some damage and I will be calling insurance this morning, after my all important blog post of course. Our back patio roof was damaged. We think there was damage to the roof of our home, but don't know for sure as it still isn't safe to venture up there. Our basement window and screen were broken. Our car windshield was cracked from top to bottom, the hood of our car was given three very large dents.


Dents in the hood of our car


Broken window and screen


Windshield

Whille bad stuff happened, we are all just fine and those things are just things and they will be repaired in due time. We did learn a few lessons from this storm that I will share with you in a little subtitle I call....

Things we learned from the storm:

1. One thing this storm taught us is that Eric and I are ill prepared for an emergency. When the power went out we pretty much just realized that we are utterly helpless. So now we are gathering an emergency box with a few supplies. While I'd like to establish an underground bunker with its own power, water and ventilation we will have to make due with a little emergency box. Here is what I am planning to put in it:

• serious flashlights and battery power
• our insurance info/contact stuff in case we cannot access it another way
• something that can emit heat without electricity
• games
• a little food and water, just enough for a day or two
• warm things
• a small medical kit

2. Chainsaws are handy. For some reason I have had sort of an anti-chainsaw position. I think this is because a)I have watched too many horror movies b) I like trees and they are used to hurt trees (single tear for lost trees). Anyway, I am now re-thinking that position

3. A generator seemed like a waste of money. Rethinking this too.

4.People are pretty amazing. We've all, as a community, tackled this problem together. We've helped others, they've helped us. Wonderful!

Scenes From Lately

I have several odds and ends photos that haven't made their way into a blog yet. I am constantly taking photos and often thinking blogging thoughts as I do. These are a few photos that have been taken recently, but didn't make it into a blog all their own. Today is their moment to shine.

Napping Bumblebee

Bumblebee finds the weirdest places to snooze. Sometimes she'll wedge herself between the computer cabinet and the couch, other times she'll spread out across the center of the floor on her back with her toes pointed. Recently she decided that she would stick her head under the credenza. She had been eyeballing me as I was cooking dinner. I am not sure why because I [almost] never give her food whilst I am cooking.

Spring Storm

This is a photo from one of our recent spring snowstorms. I was inside, warm and cozy, looking out as the wind was blowing sideways. I love how blue it was outside. Just beautiful.

Ophelia in a Box

What is a move without Ophelia stealing a box? She loves to sleep in boxes. It's kind of her thing. She will go bolting through the house, making Bumblebee whine nervously, and then dive into her box. If you begin to wonder just which box she has laid claim to you need only take a look at the thick layer of cat hair in the bottom.

After Spring Storm

Finally, here is a photo from just after another recent spring storm. Our spring storm trend is one day of mild to moderate blizzarding followed by 50+ degree weather. This photo was taken on a warm day after the storm. The snow had yet to melt, but the shadow of this tree, thick with buds, looked so beautiful creeping across the white ground that I had to get a photo.

Spring Blizzard (Warning: Lots-o-Photos)

Yesterday we had ourselves a little Spring blizzard. I went to work and when I got downtown there was no snow and it just looked like a rainy day was on its way. Green grass, blooming flowers and all of the signs of spring were present.

Around 9 I looked out my window and noticed there was a little snow starting to build up. Nothing alarming, not enough to leave work. By 11:30 I noticed that the roadways were disappearing. My boss decided it was time we all head home for the day.

Suddenly the storm hit. I realized that it was going to take me a looong time to make it home. The roads were icy and the going was slow. Visibility went from bad to worse. At one point I could only see a car length ahead of me.

Most of the drive I was just sitting, stuck in traffic.

I watched the snow blow sideways and I knew Eric was at home worrying about me. I didn't have a cell phone to call him and let him know that I was just moving at a snail's pace. Finally, after nearly 2 hours, I made it home. We headed to the store across the street just in case we were going to be stuck indoors for a few days.

When we got back there was a lull in the storm and we took Bumblebee out to play in the snow and have a little look around.

I absolutely adore when snow falls on flowers. I think it is so beautiful.

Bumblebee had a blast tearing through the snow and really enjoying herself. After her run in the snow she was so excited that she ran through the house barking with joy; I am sure our neighbors loved that.

I warmed up with a cup of vegan cocoa.

Later we had grilled soy cheese sandwiches...

and creamy tomato basil soup. Yum! We spent the night in (obviously) watching movies, chatting and enjoying the spring storm.

This morning I woke to cold and blue. Beautiful. There is a lot of snow, but not nearly as much as we anticipated.

I have the day off from work so we can take our time digging out today.