Surviving snow
Surviving the extremes of winter in the northernmost point of Virginia is not easy. It takes perseverance and experience to make it through the rough spots.
Most people think Virginia is located in what is considered the south in the United States, and for many reasons, it is. But geographically it is pretty far north, and thus the winter weather prevails.
Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and sleet are no strangers to this southern landscape. Some years are worse than others.
This year is proving to not let up on the extremes. The first snow came in November 2018 before the official arrival of winter. The only upside about these early storms is that often the leftovers will melt quickly. This was true of the about six inches we received before Thanksgiving.
Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and sleet are no strangers to this southern landscape. Some years are worse than others.
This year is proving to not let up on the extremes. The first snow came in November 2018 before the official arrival of winter. The only upside about these early storms is that often the leftovers will melt quickly. This was true of the about six inches we received before Thanksgiving.
But now we are in the throes of winter and no let-up is in the picture. After the first flakes fall, the scene is beautiful and then reality sets in. Piles of snow will melt, freeze, refreeze and become these ugly, dirty mounds of muck. No beauty left for sure.
We usually get a sunny day right before the bitter weather arrives. That is just a little tease to make us realize what we are missing--a rather cruel trick that causes a deep longing for the arrival of spring.
There are actually some people who love this weather and welcome it. I have no idea how this can be but to each his own.
Over the years, residents find ways to survive and cope as this ugly pattern cycles in and out. Reading, cleaning out, handwork, and other pursuits prevail as we try to ignore what is outside our windows.
Don’t even think about trying to lose weight as we head into this season that follows the holidays. Food is crucial as we are turned into shut-ins for a brief time. Grocery stores become the oasis of salvation as crowds converge the minute the bad weather forecast is broadcast. Milk, bread, toilet paper, and other necessities fly out of the stores at warp speed.
My husband and I have learned over the years how to make the experience a little better. He has tried positioning the vehicles so when the plows come through, he doesn’t have as much to shove. It never seems to work perfectly but sometimes is better than others.
We usually get a sunny day right before the bitter weather arrives. That is just a little tease to make us realize what we are missing--a rather cruel trick that causes a deep longing for the arrival of spring.
There are actually some people who love this weather and welcome it. I have no idea how this can be but to each his own.
Over the years, residents find ways to survive and cope as this ugly pattern cycles in and out. Reading, cleaning out, handwork, and other pursuits prevail as we try to ignore what is outside our windows.
Don’t even think about trying to lose weight as we head into this season that follows the holidays. Food is crucial as we are turned into shut-ins for a brief time. Grocery stores become the oasis of salvation as crowds converge the minute the bad weather forecast is broadcast. Milk, bread, toilet paper, and other necessities fly out of the stores at warp speed.
My husband and I have learned over the years how to make the experience a little better. He has tried positioning the vehicles so when the plows come through, he doesn’t have as much to shove. It never seems to work perfectly but sometimes is better than others.
I always make sure I have, in addition to plenty of groceries, a large bag of salt to melt the snow and ice. People warn me it will hurt the concrete, and I reply “better the concrete than me.” Our house has a full flight of steps to get to the front porch, so you better believe I throw the salt liberally.
Luckily, we live within the city limits so we can walk to many locations. Often times, no stores are open, but we still have the security that we could walk if necessary.
Exercise is also necessary for survival. My husband has a stationary bike that keeps him from going stir crazy. I walk indoors at the local mall if I can get there. Sidewalks for outside walking are never completely cleared for days.
Boots are another crucial element to making it through the winter. Short, tall, and medium height are necessary to walk from the house to the vehicle. Heights of boots depend on the depth of snow so be prepared.
Gloves, hats, parkas, and other warm garments are pulled from the depths of closets, attic, basement, and anywhere else they have been crammed for storage. Staying warm is so important during the shoveling stage.
Exercise is also necessary for survival. My husband has a stationary bike that keeps him from going stir crazy. I walk indoors at the local mall if I can get there. Sidewalks for outside walking are never completely cleared for days.
Boots are another crucial element to making it through the winter. Short, tall, and medium height are necessary to walk from the house to the vehicle. Heights of boots depend on the depth of snow so be prepared.
Gloves, hats, parkas, and other warm garments are pulled from the depths of closets, attic, basement, and anywhere else they have been crammed for storage. Staying warm is so important during the shoveling stage.
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| From previous years |
Shovels and scrapers have to be close at hand. This year my husband found a handy gadget that had both a broom and scraper on one pole. A discovery like this is monumental as the task becomes more manageable.
Forget parking in the city for days. Snow is stacked in many of the spots and getting to parking meters is a trick. I had to walk to the end of the block and come back to put money in the meter due to piled up snow. Parking garages are a great option, but be warned, they fill up fast.
Generally, we don’t see the grass in our yard until spring or later. The only good part of that is we don’t have to mow for quite some time.
So here I go to make some hot dish to consume this evening as we wait for the snow, freezing rain, and whatever else the elements send our way.
Also, a trip to the spirit store to keep you warm from head to toe is a definite necessity for survival!
Forget parking in the city for days. Snow is stacked in many of the spots and getting to parking meters is a trick. I had to walk to the end of the block and come back to put money in the meter due to piled up snow. Parking garages are a great option, but be warned, they fill up fast.
Generally, we don’t see the grass in our yard until spring or later. The only good part of that is we don’t have to mow for quite some time.
So here I go to make some hot dish to consume this evening as we wait for the snow, freezing rain, and whatever else the elements send our way.
Also, a trip to the spirit store to keep you warm from head to toe is a definite necessity for survival!
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