Tag: snow

April Snowstorms?!

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

Oh Wisconsin I love your variability when it comes to weather.  It’s April and we are supposed to be having April showers so we can have May flowers.  Instead we are having April snow and who knows what May will bring.

In the last week, there are places in Wisconsin that got over 3′ of snow – yes that is feet.  Two storms of wet heavy, sloppy snow perfect for any January day but we got them in April. 

Where I am we didn’t get that much – maybe 6-7″ total.  However, driving was still difficult and people were complaining – a lot.

Weather is weather and all we can do is – weather it.  (Pun sort of intended).  The nice thing about an April winter storm – we’re all used to driving in the weather.  On my way home last night I expected heavy traffic and slip offs and slides and more problems.  Instead I got nearly empty roads and no one in the ditch.  There was a three car accident in an intersection but everyone was being cautious and courteous while the fire fighters and police were handling it. 

This morning, snow on the ground but by afternoon we are supposed to be in the mid-40s, so we are likely to lose the snow and have mud and maybe a bit of green. 

Snow Day!

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life

While the weather outside is cold and snowy, my plan is to work on more holiday gifts.  The last package went to the post office this morning.  Ken tackled the roads in his truck – I think my car would have gotten stuck in our road since we’ve not been plowed out.  We got about 5 – 6″ of snow and they’re calling for another 1 – 6″ depending on who you listen to.

The weather for today is supposed to be more snow.  The weather for tomorrow is supposed to be frigid with below zero temps.  This seems like the best time to turn on Netflix and work on a crochet project.  I’ve got two or three left to do for holiday gifts.  Then Ken gets to do the wrapping.

The meds for my sinus infection kicked my butt.  I’m done with them for now but I think the sinus infection isn’t gone.  It may be time to go back to an ENT to see if he’s got other options he can give me or better drugs.

I’ve been sleeping a lot.  I get up and do a couple of things.  After which I feel like I’ve run a marathon and want a nap.  I keep reminding myself this is my body’s way of telling me it’s healing.  I need to slow down and let my body recuperate.

Since I don’t do well with cold air, I’ll be staying inside and crafting.  I’ve got a number of projects to finish for the holidays and a few others to finish in general.  It’s something I can do while I’m resting.  Ken’s filled the humidifier with water and essential oils.  I’ll put on Netflix with West Wing or something else and crochet and nap throughout the rest of the weekend.  Hopefully by Monday I’m feeling more human.

Let it Snow?

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life

It’s piling up!  The trees are covered with white, the ground is buried beneath a blanket of white.  It is definitely WINTER.

Driving from Iowa to Wisconsin in the snow wasn’t horrible but we were on the leading edge of the storm so more whispy than heavy snow.  Looking out at the weather it is pretty but I know it won’t be once we have to go out in it.

Today will be spent watching some television and crocheting.  I have several gifts for my daughters to finish and I’m hoping to get the ones for the Atlanta girls done today so they can get in the mail.  The heater I have in the living room will go on and I’ll snuggle in to get the gifts done.

After I finish the holiday gifts, I’ll be working to finish the two big projects I have going which aren’t overly portable but I have to finish the project for the publication and get that sent in for pictures.  Once all of those are done, I’m going back to writing.

It promises to be a quiet and calm day today.  Tomorrow will be interesting and challenging with getting to and from work and in and out of my building.  Hopefully the snow stops sooner so roads and parking lots can be cleared.

First Snow

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

It’s December.  We got our first snow yesterday with about 3-6″ falling.  It was beautiful – white against the dark green of the pines and a variety of colors of the houses.

This was my feeling before I had to go out in it.  It’s late for the first snow.  Normally we get a little in November but not this year.  I like the white, the snow covered pines and trees.  The contrast of the colors between the snow and the buildings, trees, and so on.

We got enough snow to actually have the snow plow hit our road last night.  Usually if we have under 6″ we don’t get plowed out.  This makes driving on our road a challenge.

Something to note – I don’t have to deal with removal of the snow.  My husband does all of that.  The reason being is I have this tendency to stop breathing when I shovel or do much in the cold air.

This lack of dealing with snow removal means I can take a more positive point of view towards the snow.  I don’t have to spend time making sure the driveway and sidewalks are clear.

From a looking outside, the snow was pretty.  However, I had to switch coats to my winter weight coat.  I also had to decide which scarf to add to my jacket (which is always a choice because I have so many pretty ones).  I had to drive on roads which could have been slippery.

Since it’s the first snow, people were driving more cautiously than they needed to.  It’s always interesting with the first snow.  People seem to forget until they fishtail the first time or they drive so slowly it’s ridiculous.

I maintain the snow is pretty but I empathize with those who have to work on the removal and who work out in the weather.  Winter has begun.  I’m going to attempt to keep a positive attitude and recognize the beauty the weather brings us even during this cold season.

Cocoon

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

Snow and rain are supposed to be creeping into our area.  The weather system is wreaking havoc on my joints and arthritis making my day pain filled.  I’m curling up under warm blankets and going to see whether my fingers will work.

It’s like a weight – a large and heavy weight on my body – when the weather does this.  Every joint feels like it is being pushed on, compressed really tight and at the same time pulled apart, like the pressure in the joint is so much the joints are going to explode.

I’ve taken my drugs.  The only other thing I can do is keep warm and rest.  Sleep is the refuge which masks the pain.  When the levels get this bad, all I want to do is sleep.  Sometimes if I sleep for a little longer, I can get up and manage for the day but other times – like today – sleep is only an escape.

It is going to be a day to put on movies or tv show and curl up under warm, warm, blankets.  While everyone is watching the skies for rain or snow to assault and make driving difficult.  I’m going into a cocoon to try to keep warm and ease some of the pain.

Welcome Spring!!

by eileentroemel, posted in Life
Spring has sprung and look we’re covered in snow again.  I’m laughing because this is Wisconsin and I know there are people who are cursing the weather today.  I say – it’s March and it’s Wisconsin, what do you expect.  It seems ironic that the spring equinox was last week and now we have about four inches of snow and it is still snowing.  If you ask me, I’ll tell you I’m not a big fan of the cold and snow but it is a fact of life here in Wisconsin.  Complaining about it won’t make it go away and won’t make it warmer.  It does bring the mood down and makes it harder to get through the season.  The thing is, it’s beautiful.  Yeah I know it’s March and people are tired of winter but if you look at the evergreens frosted with the white it’s picturesque.  If you don’t have to drive in it, (which really doesn’t happen) the puffy snowflakes are gorgeous, the ice on the trees looks like crystal.  It is a beautiful season even if it is cold and difficult.  Sometimes we get the best things when we deal with the difficulties in life. 
 
I’ve been laid up with gout.  I’m in pain and frustrated because I have a lot of work at both my day job and for writing.  I’m not able to sit at my desk easily when gout flares up.  My legs are painful, swollen, red and just plain miserable.  I need to let go of my expectations when my gout is being annoying, which I try to do.  This past couple of weeks I got through three manuscripts for editing.  I got the paper edits entered on the computer, read through the manuscript one more time, ran a spell check and essentially got it prepped for production.  It isn’t how or what I planned to do over the past couple of weeks but I made progress. 
 
Today it is snowing.  Tomorrow could have temps in the 60s.  It’s spring the time of new beginnings and fresh starts.  Everything is new, fresh, and bright (and muddy).  It’s a time to look around at all the possibilities and pick the ones which appeal the most and work on them. 
 
To the grumblers, I say just stop it.  It will be better sooner than you know.  To those who see the beauty in all the weirdness of our weather – I say go make snow angels or have a snow ball fight.  Make the most of the (hopefully) last hurrah of winter and enjoy it while it lasts.  It is Wisconsin after all and if you wait ten minutes the weather will change. 

Kindness of…

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

In Wisconsin we got hit with snow over the weekend.  I spent my weekend indoors so didn’t really care or think about it.  Since I’m handicapped, my husband does all the snow removal.  He’s in Georgia.  It’s hard for him to do snow removal from Georgia.

I got in my van this morning and hoped I could just barrel through the snow in the driveway.  I got about halfway out of the garage and spun my tires, pulled forward tried again, and again, and again.  Until I was well and truly stuck in the lovely snow.  It took me a while but I got back in the garage. 

At this point I decided I’d have to consider an alternative.  I tried to shut my garage door but the door wouldn’t come down.  I decided it was likely there was snow blocking the eye. 

I got up early to go to work.  I got up on purpose early (which I hate) figuring I would have to take it slower and take my time to get to work.  I called Ken – how do you start the snow blower?  The answer so complicated and ridiculous I asked why don’t we have a blower that just starts?  He started to explain the intricacies of small engines.  I said please don’t. 

He is so sweet.  He felt so bad about not being here to clear the snow.  I told him not to, I just needed to figure out my options.  I was talking to my sister and she said my uncle (who lives with her) could come down to help out. 

My sister called to tell me my uncle would be down in an hour.  I said okay and curled up in a blanket, ate my breakfast, opened my computer and waited.  A few minutes later, one of our neighbors started blowing out our driveway. 

I called my sister back to tell her not to send my uncle down.  Our neighbor to the north of us blew out the driveway.  He shoveled off the ramp and front steps.  When he was done, I got ready for work and saw he was still in his driveway.  I stopped and thanked him.  It was very kind of him to take the effort.  Our temps are hovering near zero and there was a drift in the driveway.  It was a lot of work. 

I let Ken know so he wouldn’t worry.  I made it to work only a little over an hour late.  The snow has made for a crazy day but at least the driveway is clear and people can get to the door. 

Winter has definitely arrived

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life

This morning we woke up to white lawns instead of green.  It has been cold all week and we’ve had flurries but nothing stuck.  Last night we got enough and it was cold enough that it stuck.

I’m working at my desk today and looking out at huge snow flakes and chunks of snow falling from the tree.  It is pretty.  I’m also not out in the cold.  This is Wisconsin weather.

I’ve listened all week to people complaining about the cold and the snow.  My feeling is – this is November what did you expect?  Also we have a lot of winter to get through so you better suck it up because we probably won’t see a lot of warm pleasant weather until March (maybe February if we are lucky) or April or later.

There is something magical about the first significant snowfall for me.  It seems to make things slow down, cover up the bumps in the land, smooth things over.  Ken has a fire going in the fireplace and it is a good time to cuddle in to work on crocheting or reading a book (or both if I listen to a book while I crochet).

For me, it is a quieter time of year, spent inside, doing homey things and spending more time with my family (well okay Ken because the girls are not home anymore).

Like everyone else, I’m not fond of the cold but it is the other parts of the winter that I like.  The beauty of the season is astounding with white contrasting with the dark brown of the trees.  The glistening of icicles in the winter light is breathtaking.  The darkness that covers the land feels like a warm blanket, comforting and cuddling.

I don’t love driving in the snow and ice.  I don’t love worrying about whether this storm is going to be one I need to stay home for or if I can make it to (and from) work without it being dangerous.  I do love the landscape and the energy of the season.  

Pride?

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

I hate asking for help.  It has been three months of relying on others for assistance, and people are so kind and willing to help.  Yet I hate asking for help.  Yesterday I was stubborn – ridiculously so. 

We had a storm here in Wisconsin.  I was up and on my way to work just as the rain was turning to ice / snow.  I should have at that point said – it might be wiser to just stay home.  I know I thought it.  However, I have missed so much work and have stuff to do at work that I wanted to go in and just get it done.  I went to work, drove cautiously to work and got out in a stinging rain.  I unloaded my scooter and it was dead.  No power at all.  I felt defeated.  It was surely a sign that I should have gone back home.  Part of my brain told me to but then the stubborn part said no. 

I called my sister and asked her to come help me.  We put the scooter on freewheel and she pushed it up while I walked in.  This caused my foot pain and to swell.  I took it easy at work.  My student workers got me water and helped out wonderfully.  The snow started as Alicia and I were walking into the building. 

My husband text me to let me know the roads were getting bad and my stubborn self said I’m sticking it out at work.  I am pretty sure he wasn’t happy about it but I stayed at work.  By early afternoon the snow had stopped, when I looked at the radar online though it looked like we were going to get hit again (and we did just not as bad).  At 3:30 I opted to go home before it all started.

My student worker helped get my scooter (now charged) unplugged and lined up with the door.  I hobbled over with knees, legs and a foot that hurt.  I got within 10 feet of my van and got stuck in the snow.  I was still on the sidewalk.  There was a spot on the sidewalk that had about 3 inches of snow for about 3-4 feet.  My scooter is good and goes through a lot.  I wiggled and rocked and tried to get through the snow – all to no avail.  

I was sitting on my scooter getting colder and trying to figure out how I was going to manage to walk through the snow to my car and drag my scooter with me when a young man stopped and asked if I needed help.  I wanted to say no – I think I’ll be fine.  I said “maybe”.  It was my one concession yesterday.  The very nice and kind young man asked what he could do.  I wiggled the scooter to a clearer spot so I could stand up and walk to my van.  The young man carried my scooter to the van.  I thanked him and told him to have a nice day.  He was polite, helpful, and kind. 

I know if I had called up to my office my student worker, chair, or almost anyone in my office would have come to my assistance.  My sister would have come down to help.  Yet I was too stubborn to ask them.  This young man – a complete stranger – helped teach me a lesson.  I have to let go of some of my pride and let people help me. 

Winter with a Vengence

by eileentroemel, posted in Uncategorized
Wouldn’t you know that we had mild winter weather which I was enjoying even if other people weren’t and then the new semester starts and we are slammed.  We’ve had rain, snow, and frigid weather.  The temps without windchill have been in the single digits mostly but the windchill has been well below zero. 
The problem with this is it makes it exceedingly difficult to clear snowy and icy surfaces.  When people do their oh-my-it-is-fucking-cold rush to their vehicles, they have to also do some sort of winter waddle to avoid slipping on the sidewalks and parking lots. 
The cold is like a hot knife slipping through butter.  It makes my lungs feel like they are going to shatter.  It steals my breath and slices through layers of clothing with complete disregard for the aches I’m already feeling.  The chill cuts through every layer as if I were standing naked. 
Today they are calling for another snow bombing.  They say up to 7 inches but who knows.  This is one field where you are allowed to be wrong frequently.  The sky is low and gray.  It weighs down the landscape like an anchor.  The cold clings to everything with a dampness that penetrates my joints making me feel 90 instead of 47. 

There is a beauty in this cycle.  I know there is a lot of grumbling over the weather.  I would rather be home by my fireplace during the bad weather but looking outside you sense the cycle of the seasons.  Yes it is cold and the roads will suck before noon unless I miss my guess.  However, the snow and the cold allow the plant and the earth to rejuvenate.  The snow will help replenish the water table.  The cold, as it is meant to, will keep people inside and slowing down literally and figuratively.  If the snow is chaotically blowing and making travel impossible you can’t go out in it without a somewhat serious risk.  When we aren’t scurrying around from place to place we are forced to do more insular things like reading, crafting, cleaning house, and just being inside.