Friday, December 16, 2016

Day of Ice

After a brief snowfall, all moisture turned to ice.   Last night was  cold!!!

Brrrr.

But I was warm and cozy.   I got a ride out to the farm colony to feed yesterday during the day, with a friend who has been a professional driver.  I was relieved to get a ride and to get them fed.

One thing that helps outside cats survive the cold is body fat and that means calories.  So in the winter the farm cats get wet food.  I often microwave it nice and warm before I go.

Today, finally, out comes the sun.   The temperatures have not climbed much above freezing, however and tonight will dip near into the teens.  Maybe.

I salted the driveway, which is sloped, so I could get out.  And out I went, first time in a few days outside of walking to the store.

Main roads are fine, side roads still slippery.  I lost traction several times on a road I would think would have been graveled but it hadn't been.

Nonetheless by going slow and never applying brakes on a turn, I was able to return the two girls finally, the pair from the Albany colony fixed last Tuesday along with the three girl kittens.  Missy and Splotch had not been happy caged in the garage, but I had no way to get them home.  I don't have chains.   And besides, I wasn't going to return them until it warmed up some.

I left them all a pile of warm wet food and a bunch of dry.   As far as I know, I'm done there now.  Except I need to tame these three girls in my bathroom.

I had to cancel the trip Wednesday to the coast with cats, which is a very good thing I didn't try it.  Portland ended up in a twisted metal mess people are calling Carmaggedon, due to the ice and snow enshrouded roads, that caused massive slips and slides, wrecks and abandoned cars.   Commutes home turned into hours upon hours caught in mangled pile ups.

Then I had to cancel my trip to the FCCO today, for the same reason.  The clinic was cancelled because of the weather.

But it's all good.  Sun is out and the ice is melting.  Whatever melts better do so fast, because any liquid left will soon be frozen once again.

Ice on Apple Tree

Bent over Butterfly Bush


Ice Coated Apple Tree Branches


Curious Dove watches from an Ice Covered Branch

Driveway melted after I applied some road salt

Does this photo tell you what direction we should head for some warmth?
 And lastly......
Pathetic Snow Person
(but I had fun creating it)









14 comments:

  1. That's a good looking snowman especially considering the amount of snow you got. It made me smile.

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    Replies
    1. Took all the snow/ice from the sidewalk to make it!

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  2. Anonymous4:09 PM

    All very alien to me. I remember seeing a video from Toronto with many trees smashed by ice. Take care.

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    Replies
    1. Plenty of those 30 miles south in Eugene. They really took the brunt of the ice.

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  3. Your snow person DID make me smile. Thank you.
    I am assuming that the maple held up?
    And v glad you stayed warm and safe and missed carmageddon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The maple held like a trooper and carmageddon was a good event to miss.

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  4. My goodness this is breathtaking - nature is an artist :)

    Have a Merry Christmas :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has been very beautiful! You have a Merry Christmas too!

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  5. Winter weather is no fun to get around in, but it does make for pretty photos.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm getting caught up reading blogs... and nearly everyone in the northern tier of the US is having snow and ice... and even reading about rain in Arizona. I love "weather" but will admit that I'm happy in the sunshine here. I love your snowman.... kinda reminds me of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup, the polar express came a callin', but the rest of the country is getting the worst of it. Wish I was there, where you are, feeling the sun's warmth and smelling the salt of the sea.

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  7. I like your adorable creation! We had ever-changing conditions yesterday. Slightly warmer temperatures and drizzling rain melted the snow but caused icy morning roads. I slipped and slid my way to lay wreaths on military veterans' graves (Wreaths Across America organized by the Civil Air Defense), then marveled at idiots racing past my car in the mid day fog. The ice was patchy and rain heavier, so I slowed way down when visibility became so limited.

    Bless you, my dear! I hope you are having a cozy Sunday afternoon like I've been enjoying.

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    Replies
    1. I'm having a great lazy day, thanks Darla, glad you are also.

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    2. Just made some potato onion pancakes but had no sour cream to top with. Good anyhow.

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