MORE Snow??? Aaaagghhhhh

Day 5,203 of snow.

Not really, of course, but it's starting to feel like it. This continuous snow storm has totally stranded the area. Flights are still being cancelled--way too many of them, which means that the passenger situation at the airport is a complete mess. At least 300 people spent the night there last night. And, judging from the live coverage on the news, it's not looking very good for those trying to get out tonight.

The snow count here at home is now up to almost 10 inches. It's not snowing now, but there's still a lot of it out there.



Even the patio is completely under snow.

I ventured outside briefly to retrieve the newspaper (which was almost completely buried), get the mail, and to break up the nice untouched snow in my driveway. I could feel the layer of ice crack under the fresh snow each time I took a step. Unfortunately, I don't have a shovel, so I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to get the snow out of the driveway, especially since it won't be melting anytime soon.

After being stuck indoors so much for the last few days, I'm definitely feeling the effects of "cabin fever." My sense of humor is not there, and I'm just a little impatient and sick of this situation. I'm even tired of watching movies! Yes, that is a little shocking for even a self-proclaimed movie fanatic.

The only plus - some interesting photos.
One other plus I forgot--found a brand new book of stamps, so I was able to send another batch of holiday cards out today. Now, if I only knew where I might have stashed more stamps for all those holiday cards that need to go to clients...

Jen sent a couple of Hallmark e-cards to try to get me to laugh. Success, Jen! The cheesy e-card worked--thank you!!!

And poor Laura and I have been commiserating over her mother's travel trials. It is definitely a case of planes, trains, and automobiles trying to get her mother here. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, Laura's mom will be safely sitting at Laura's warm house with the rest of the family.

Brenda, hope you make it back tomorrow--crossing my fingers!

OK, Mother Nature... we're ready for the meltdown now!

Oh yeah...another storm predicted the morning of Christmas Eve... grrrrrr....

First Day of Winter

At 4:04 am this morning, winter officially arrived. However, if you ask folks around here, winter's been here for the last week, with temps below freezing and snow storms on and off.

When I went outside this morning to get the newspaper, I discovered a layer of ice covering the snow that had piled up overnight.


After I finally broke through the ice, I found at least a half foot of snow underneath. The ice sheets weren't that thick, but everything was covered.
That's the newspaper sticking out of the snow.
Yesterday, the weather reports were stating that the snow would end today and the temps would warm up this afternoon. Not so. It turns out that more snow is on the way tomorrow, and now we won't break freezing temps until Wednesday. So, there will definitely be a lot of snow on the ground for the next couple of days.

The airport is also having challenges, with many flights cancelled. Late this afternoon, Alaska/Horizon and Southwest both cancelled any flights in and out of Portland for the rest of the day. There are lots of people stranded at the airport who may not be able to get out until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Something tells me that despite the white Christmas, it may not be a very merry Christmas for some.

David sent a photo of the snow view at his place...

I also had a little time to do a mini album for a gift. I won't post any photos of the project itself since I don't want the recipient to see it yet. It's funny how long it's been since I've used these supplies. It's like learning how to walk all over again, lol. I even had to go searching around the house for some of the tools since I haven't used them for months.

On Friday, I received this little surprise from Laura...thank you, Laura! It was so sweet of you! I haven't opened it yet--planning on doing so on Christmas Eve.

For you locals, hope you're staying safe and warm!

Snow, Snow, Snow...

Close to four inches of snow here (so far) for today!

It's been snowing steadily since early this morning. I ventured out for a little bit, and although I was driving VERY slowly (about 20 miles an hour), I still slid a few times. Feeling the ABS have issues is a little unnerving. Anyway, I didn't stay out long, simply because it was way too stressful to deal with the driving conditions. But, I now own a pair of chains, in the event I do need to put chains on the car and get out.

I also walked over to the park about a block or so away to take pictures, and even walking over there was a bit of an ordeal. No slipping, but I did sink into the snow a few tmes.

The street leading into the neighborhood...
The street headed toward my house...The top of the recycling bin. See how much snow has accumulated???
The park down the block. Kids were sledding down the mini hills in the park. Snow-covered trees at the park. Hard to believe it's here. I keep thinking you'd see a scene like this in Colorado.I can't believe I'm saying this, but after a week of crazy weather, I can't wait for it to just rain so I can go out and get stuff done. This is definitely throwing a little bit of a wrench into the holiday stuff for everyone! It is cold (today's high was about 25 degrees, with a wind chill that made it feel like 12), but cold and dry is easier to handle.

BTW, it's still snowing steadily--no break yet!