Day: January 28, 2013

Last night as the sun was setting my driveway and decks were free of snow and ice.

I’d been running around in a t-shirt and sweats. 

I let the dogs out for the 90th time yesterday, and when I brought them back in they tracked snow all over the living room.

Snow????

It was a spectacular blue sky sunny day yesterday. The operative word is “Was“.

I flipped on the lights at the rear of the house and it was snowing heavily. The deck was already covered over with an inch of snow.

By 9 last night, there was at least 2.5 inches piled on the driveway and street. 

I pulled on a pair of jeans, hat, boots and a jacket to go clear the drive. It was still snowing…

Gotta admit that my Northface component jacket was a very good purchase. Expensive as hell, but it’s still going strong after 5 years.

(For those that don’t know. Component jackets are outer shells, usually waterproof, that have zip in linings. I’ve got a zip in vest, a fleece, and a down insert. All of these can be worn by themselves but the addition of the waterproof shell greatly improves their insulation ability. )

Shoveling in a storm is not my idea of fun… on the other hand I couldn’t tell how long the storm was going to last and it really is easier to clear 2 – 3 inches of snow at a time than to wait until there’s a foot or more.

Trust me on this… I’ve done it both ways.

On the up side I was warm and dry so while it’s not fun, it could have been worse.

After a while I noticed the storm was breaking. Within a few more minutes the clouds parted and moonlight lit up the mountains. 

I see really well at night anyway, but throw moonlight on snow and it’s like I’m working in daylight. 

I was thankful for the additional light to work by. 

Moonlight on fresh snow also happens to be one of my favorite things. 

It was quiet, peaceful and beautiful.

The snow on the ground was sparkling as slight breezes blew wisps of flakes along.

A coyote padded by at the end of the street, it’s eyes glowing gold-green as it looked at me. It passed unhurriedly by, no doubt heading for the open fields and the rabbits that are usually there.

Then I was alone again, silence and beauty around me.

If I have to shovel snow… Nights like this aren’t bad at all.