Years from now when Barb and I are old(er), sitting in our rocking chairs and reminiscing (oh wait, we do that now) we will no doubt talk about the Great Blizzard of '23. Would you believe that since I last posted we have received almost 30" of snow in two different storms? Storm #1 was last Friday when we received 7". The next storm came into our little oasis, laughed at the piddly 7", said "Hold my beer" and proceeded to dump 20+" in a 24-hour period. We were snowed in for several days before I was able to get the jeep down the driveway. The wind was so bad that by the time we got back the driveway was totally covered again and we got stuck trying to come back in.
The deer were here pretty much nonstop during most of the storm getting much needed nourishment to weather out the worst of it. There was one deer who seriously thought she was the queen of the bale! Just a couple days later that bale was totally gone!
Before the snow we had a couple of adventures. The first was doctor appointments for each of us. Barb has the vertigo again. Not bad enough to put her out of commission but the constant dizziness is annoying. Mine was just an annual checkup and blood work. All my numbers came back good. But the side effects from shingles shot put me down for a day with the chills. Not fun. While I was down and out, I spent a little time perusing our blog books. We now have 9 books in our selection. Each with our travel map for that year on the front and a favorite picture from the year on the back. I was particularly interested in our 2016 Alaska edition. We are not going back this summer, but hopefully we will be heading up there the summer of '24 with my sister Judy and her husband!
Another day, we had Kevin, Cheryl, Dan and Bonnie over for a homemade pasta dinner. Bonnie even got her hands in action making a batch!
We also hit the forest to replenish our wood supply. We are almost out, and with luck, after this week we will not need to have fires until next fall.
As many of you know, when it is cold Zoey, likes to snuggle up to a nice warm fire.
Both Barb and I spent time out in the workshop where I worked on something I am not going to talk about, and Barb played with her the glasscutter she got for her birthday.
During the worst of the storm, I took a video of the deer on the bale. Pay attention to the video for a couple of things; When that many deer get together, they get a little cranky, standing up on their back legs and swatting at each other. But not every deer is cranky, there was one deer who was having the time of her life, running around and acting like a goofy little kid. We were laughing out loud watching her antics. If you look in the background of the last scene you can even see her off in the distance still running around.
And for our last video, we have the girls out for a walk in the snow. A very short walk, as Zoey was not a fan.
So here we sit, the Great Blizzard of '23 behind us, with the jeep stuck in the snow-covered driveway, (I have not even attempted to move the truck) waiting for spring. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, today is supposed to be 35, tomorrow 47, with 50's and even 60's over the next 6 days!
Had to laugh at your Jeep getting stuck in the driveway - that's a lot of snow! Good idea of making a book of your travels. I'm lazy and just use the blog, books are better.
ReplyDeleteThe jeep is currently still stuck but I did manage to get the truck out!
DeleteHa! I'm with Zoey! finding a warm spot and refusing to go out in the snow! (I don't chase brooms though, just saying.....)
ReplyDeleteYou chasing a broom would make for an interesting video so I think you should go for it!
DeleteThat's a LOT of snow! Is it late for your area like all the cold we still have is? Good thing you have such a lovely warm place to ride it out. And entertaining deer just out the window :-)) I think Zoey has the right idea. Love your blog books with the maps - I really need to get ours done.
ReplyDeleteMarch and April are wettest months of the year so if we get a large storm it is usually right now. That said, we have been about 20 degrees cooler this year than our seasonal average.
DeleteMay your vertigo leave and never return. Barb! Thanks for feeding the deer and sharing this nice post
ReplyDeleteShe had it bad several years ago and thought she had it licked but now it has reappeared. She has an appointment in a week, so we shall see.
DeleteWow 30” is a full on blizzard in 24 hours. Can’t blame Canada for that one, I saw on the news it was a Colorado low lol. Not often you get a jeep stuck. Really like the deer video, just flying around and having a blast in the snow! Nice splitter 👍
ReplyDeleteDave & Leslie
Of course, you would notice the splitter. Honda is the only way to go when it comes to splitter engines!
DeleteDang, that's a lot of snow! I got a good laugh out of watching Zoey in the last video. Stay warm and safe!
ReplyDeleteThe snow is well over her head. That is the one and only walk she went on. She just sticks to an area that we shoveled out for her to do her thing when she goes outside.
DeleteYou got way more than we did! We only ended up getting 8 inches when they were talking 8 to 15. I just LOVE the videos!! We will be in a big sloppy mess, too, shortly with warm weather predicted also! Then we have flood watch here every day.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have us beat in the total inches category though! You more than anyone, knows the importance of feeding the critters during these winter storms.
DeleteEarlier in the season before the snow got chest deep, we had two deer with the zoomies. Chasing each other around the yard. Didn't Blizzards as kids last longer? I mean I can recall that blizzards would last at least 3 days. Once in a while the power would go out when we lived in the country and we would have to drive into town during the blizzard and stay at the Holiday Inn. Fun stuff when you're a kid because they had a pool. I also like how your blog is sounding like my blog. Talking about old age and ailments. You make me proud. Love the blog.
ReplyDeleteI am really going to have to up my game if I am going to compete with you in the ailments department. I remember when we grew up in Roseville, we would go sledding, build forts, have snowball fights and play hockey on the local pond. This winter was more reminiscent of those years.
DeleteWe have a bit of snow almost every day but nothing like you’ve had. Love the deer antics and Zoey in the snow. Hope the melt doesn’t cause problems for you!
ReplyDeleteWe typically do not have flood problems, some mud, but nothing serious. Now that I say that, just watch, we are going to have problems.
DeleteWow, that is a lot of snow. Glad to hear you have survived okay - and happy to see the deer enjoying that bale of hay :)
ReplyDeleteIt's the last bale so I think I timed it about right. Typically, when it starts to green up, they leave the hay and start eating grasses.
DeleteLiving in Colorado for 5+ decades, I know what the snowstorms are like!! The older I got, the more I wanted tropics. So we settled for subtropics. lol
ReplyDeleteWe had a dog, Heidi, who would literally crawl under our pot bellied stove!
We love the snow and the cold, but the older we get the less we love it. We are ready for ready for some 60's!
DeleteThat’s more snow that I have seen in all my 72 years! It sure is pretty, but I just couldn’t do it! Love the videos…Zoey is so funny, the playful deer is so cute and I totally understand why Zoey is not a fan…I have short legs too & that is hard work! I gave the first four years of blog books to Joe for a Christmas gift years ago. I’m hoping you have inspired me to continue…I have 5 more years of full-time traveling left to print.
ReplyDeleteI rarely go back on the computer and look at blogs, but I find myself picking up one of the books and paging through it so that works for us.
DeleteWhat did you put into that bale of hay for the deer to act funny? Hey that much snow is unheard of here in Canada :-) It was not an April's fool snowfall was it? Hope Barb feels better maybe ease off on the wood splitting and sit by the fireplace with Zoe.
ReplyDeleteMust be that addictive alfalfa, makes them go crazy! I would think you guys would get more snow up that way.
DeleteLooks like my previous comment didn't show my name but I don't have to hide behind Anonymous. All the best you two!
ReplyDeleteThat happens to me occasionally as well.
DeleteFun stuff you have going on at your place. TRACTOR with a bucket, blade or blower would be helpful and it makes moving the white crap fun too! Hopefully the snow melts soon and Barb won’t have to shovel to get the Jeep out. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteDeb
I do have that Ford Jubilee with a back blade. Problem is that it is too light for this much snow and just rides up, sinks in and there it would sit. Perhaps a bigger tractor with a blower is in order?!?!
DeleteSome of our biggest snow storms in PA came in late March/early April. Sure hope this is your last storm of the season. But Zoey will miss those fires. Love the deer video. That one is too cute being so playful. Truly loving the falling snow. Great video! Poor Zoey! Thank goodness Barb and Dakota lead the way. Hope your Jeep is home by now.
ReplyDeleteWhen we first let Zoey out, she leapt off the porch like she usually does and totally disappeared. I just wish I had my phone ready to video it. After that, there was no way she was going to go anywhere without someone breaking a path for her.
DeleteSo cool how Dakota saw that Zoey needed help, jumps over her and plows a path for Zoey to get back to the warmth of home.
ReplyDeleteYou saw that too. I saw Dakota skillfully jumping over Zoey to clear the way for her. Barb saw Dakota plow over poor Zoey to get to the door first.
DeleteWhen you watch it real closely, you will see that Dakota sees Zoey's predicament, times the jump just right, not even touching Zoey, and starts the path to the house for the two of them. No doubt in my mind...
DeleteBarb still disagrees but now it is 2 against 1 so we are correct!
DeleteHere on Georgian Bay in Ontario we too frequently experience lots of snow,so you’re correct a different tractor setup is in order- there are quite a few relatively small Kubotas with blower & bucket working just fine.Enjoyed the deer & dog antics & for sure Zoey has the right idea.Hope Barb’s dizziness clears up quickly- all the best.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think! Our neighbor did volunteer to clear our driveway, but it is over a 1/4 mile long and is a pretty big chore with a bucket and back blade. Had it been earlier in the season, I would have definitely taken him up on it, but given it was going to be 50 and 60 in a few days we just waited.
DeleteOMG that deer is hilarious
ReplyDeleteWe see that one quite often. It acts like a playful puppy!
DeleteSame here in Montana--we are amazed at the amount of snow we have on the ground. Hard, frozen, drifted snow--probably 3 feet in places. Melted underneath so when Mike plowed yesterday it left a thick layer of pure ice. We managed to get the truck up the driveway Thursday but we certainly can't get out and walk on all that ice. Like you our temps are warming so maybe this will be short lived--we can hope!
ReplyDeleteThis next week should get rid of all our snow and hopefully yous as well. I bet you are anxious to get out and do some exploring!
DeleteWait ... you got you JEEP stuck?? It does have 4-wheel drive, right? JK. Poor Zoey ... she's a little short on one end. As for the deer, there's a hierarchy ... fun to watch them.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? The snow is so deep it got high-centered and the wheels just spun. Its out now and 45 degrees at 9:45am!
DeleteWOW! I thought we had a lot of snow this year! The videos were alot of fun to watch, especially the pups in the snow! We are tired of making fires and getting wood too! Hopefully Spring this weekend, for you and for us! :) Barb sweeping up the wood chips in the living room is what my floor looks like daily haha.
ReplyDeleteI think your climate and ours are very similar. We get snow but it usually doesn't stick around too long.
DeleteThat’s a lot of snow but a great place to be stuck in a blizzard. Those deer are hilarious. Poor Zoey…that’s a tough go for her. Glass cutting now too Barb…you have so many talents! Hope you get over that vertigo…that’s rough.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
That deer does that almost every day. At least we assume it's the same deer. Very funny to watch.
DeleteOh, man…Dakota leap frogging Zoey is priceless! That was great. Love the zoomie deer also. That snow looked like Michigan lake-effect!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are used to that amount of snow. We get it once a year or even less. Hard to justify spending 20-30k on a tractor for one storm a year.
Deleteoooooh you guys are "snow hogs", we didn't get any!!! i really enjoyed the videos, the one deer looks like a big ole' dog playing in the snow!! i wonder how zoe reacts to the vacuum, i am surprised she is so upset about a broom!! she did settle in in the snow, when she had a path to run in!! it's nice to see all of your blog bogs, i remember you saying that you have printed yours!!
ReplyDeleteWe would have gladly shared! Zoey reacts the same way to the vacuum. Not sure what it is about them but she is not a fan.
DeleteCrazy winter that never ends! Hopefully ours is over. Last rain today for 10 days and might crack 70!
ReplyDeleteOur 10 day shows temps from 45-60! Do I dare say winter is over?
DeleteThrough the winter all I wanted here in Nashville TN was at least a couple of inches.....more would have been nice, but at least...and we got a dusting! But so thankful that we did not get anything close to what the Northern States or Northern California got. YIKES.....If I had a choice, what they got or nothing, going with nothing!! lol....love all the deers. I have a few that walk behind the back of the house going to the river. I thought about feeding them through the winter but never did. Bought a glass cutter years ago and I have NEVER used it. How did it work for Barbara? Show us some pics of what she cut and maybe then you will talk about what you worked on.
ReplyDeleteThe glass cutting is still a work in progress. She's got a few bottles cut, now she needs to figure out how to sand down the edges.
DeleteI'll post some pictures once she gets it perfected.
Wow! That's a lot of snow. It looks so pretty, though, on the trees. Loved the video of the deer. The one that had the zoomies was hilarious! Zoey is so comical trying to get through the snow. I chuckled when you said she leapt off the porch and got buried in the snow! 😅 I sure hope Barb gets better. Love reading your blogs.
ReplyDelete1/2 of that snow is now gone as it settled today with the temps in the 40's. Won't last long now!
DeleteAwesome videos. Poor Zoe. I understand what it's like to have short legs. I hope Barb's doctor visit goes well. Vertigo is no fun at well. Take care...
ReplyDeleteHa! It would have been thigh deep for you! Barb's appointment is not until the 17th, we'll keep you posted.
DeleteWow -- you had it far worse than we did. We've had fits and starts (it seems like every weekend it snows -- but not much!). This weekend looks promising! I hope your winter ends soon and for good!
ReplyDeleteOur winters are pretty mild compared to Wisconsin, North Dakota and the UP of Michigan. Even the Northern Black Hills gets more than we do down here.
DeleteEnjoyed your videos of the deer that one sure looks like it is enjoying life. I feel sorry for Zoe with her short legs trying to make it through the snow. The snow does look lovely all white and pristine from here in Arizona....lol
ReplyDeleteShouldn't everyone goes through life enjoying it that much? It really brings a smile to your heart.
DeleteHopefully that is the last blizzard you have this year. I am sure looking forward to some warm sunny days. Deb K
ReplyDeleteThree more days and we are forecasted for 70!
DeleteI wonder what Zoey would do with a robot floor cleaner?? LOL
ReplyDeleteWe've talked about getting one but decided not to for just that reason.
DeleteUh oh... I just realized I hadn't seen anything from you in a bit, went and looked, and it seems you've posted several blogs, but I haven't been receiving email notifications. Ughhhhh... Anyone else having this issue again, or is it just me?
ReplyDeleteWell, that's no good. I just checked and your email is still in there. I will delete and reenter it so you may be getting another authorization email in the next day or so.
DeleteWow, that’s a lot of snow. I keep hearing about those snow storms. Zoey is a good guard dog protecting you all from the dreaded broom and vacuum. Sorry about Barb’s vertigo and your after effects from the shingles shot. I have been talking about getting mine done. My husband had it a couple of years back and it was horrible! I had vertigo from a recent bug but it went away once I started recovering. The vertigo was just awful so my sympathies are very much heading her way, and I hope you are back to your own good health. Sounds like you are keeping yourselves busy and those videos were great.
ReplyDeleteBarb has an appointment with a therapist next week to see if he can get rid of the vertigo. She had it several years ago and the procedure was successful, so hopefully this one will work as well.
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