Storm Stories

Well, I hope all those people who have been wistfully pining for “real winter” are happy now.  I think their wishes were answered. What a run it’s been lately.  Living on the water always adds extra interest to any weather that happens by, and after the “big wind” day (see last post) our shore line was as far “out” (i.e., as low a water level) as we had ever seen it

extending to almost the end of our neighbor’s pier.  And, as cold as the temperatures were, you can see it gave all the pier footings “socks”.  MFO allowed as how they made the pilings look like Clydesdales. 

And what is it about President’s Day?  Why is there always a storm?.. c’mon George and Abe, give us a break!!  But, there it is..

Our storm saga begins with preparations last night before it really got snowing, gathering batteries, flashlights, and especially following conventional medical advice to hydrate and consume plenty of liquids..

And besides hydration you have to make sure you store calories, in this case a dandy hot ham and cheese and bowl of nourishing chicken noodle soup.

Note that Ball Cap, unlike SOMD tradition is NOT on the head (frontward OR backward), and hydration continues

Then came the long, demon filled dark night… Is the power still on?.. is the furnace out of propane?  What was that noise?  Is it STILL snowing?  Would the generator start? (yes, no, don’t know, yes, and thankfully not tested) and we finally awoke this morning to a sight we have not seen since living here (not just in the house, the whole area) for 18 years.  Actual ice on the river.

It stretched almost across to the Solomon’s.  I posted one on Facebook, and got a reply from somebody who remembered their grandfather talking about driving over to the Solomon’s on the ice.  They guessed it was in the late 40’s or early 50’s.

Anyway, of course everybody on Facebook has to post a picture of snow on “something”, so I joined in with my trashy version

And the scientific metering device.

Which, in order to save your eyes, was indicating about a healthy seven inches.   Think we were, for once, the epicenter at least in Maryland.

And a friend from over near Leonardtown was kind enough to share her version of a more mobile gage, the: “Corgi Snow Meter”

And while humans and beasts (don’t forget the birds, folks) are toiling with the elements, our dancers, just twirled and gazed out at the ice filled river

But perhaps the nicest sight of all on a day like this is a friend who doesn’t ask, just says “I’ll be over” and does. 

And before we depart, just a mention of another of our favorite sporting events, the Westminster Dog show.  It was on last night and will conclude tonight with a few more groups and the coveted “Best In Show”.  Our Granddog “Stanley” the Wire Haired Pointing Griffon, better known as a “Griff” will be competing in the Sporting Dog class.  Every year I comment on the show, and every year I say pretty much the same thing, the real show is watching the “handlers”.  I’m sure they are paid handsomely, but it doesn’t seem that many of them invest their wages in clothes or memberships at the gym.  With a few exceptions, they are generally, how can I politely say this, potential candidates for the Biggest Loser Show.  And instead of wearing slimming clothing the are in some frumpy baggy dress or oddly colored ill-fitting sport coats.  And by God, a lot of them still carry the little treats for the canines IN THEIR MOUTH. 

Anyway, we will anticipate the finale tonight with perhaps a little less angst and one eye out the window.  And after yesterday and last night, I’ll be damned if I will be

DFD