Thursday 2 December 2010

It's only December 2nd, it's going to be a long winter.


Day three of the horrid weather!
Today I was supposed to go over to where I work to go out for Christmas lunch with 'the girls' The snow had other ideas and hasn't stopped since I cleaned the drive off at 8am! So my lovely turkey dinner isn't going to happen, and I love turkey dinners!
What has got to happen is I've got to put my rucksack on my back and walk down to the nearest shop to get some supplies, milk and potatoes being the two I really need.
It's not that other cars aren't driving out, they are, despite the snow on the road. But I have a summer car, a lovely little convertible that everyday of the year when there isn't any snow or ice I love to bits. But right now it's as much use as a chocolate teapot!
And although I will get it out and drive it, hopefully tomorrow, there is no point in putting myself at risk needlessly. I did some fine skids last year and was lucky I got away with them without smashing my car.
I do accept that it all looks beautiful and will no doubt carry on taking lovely photos of it, but the terror that snow and ice fills me with is difficult to deal with.
I know exactly why I've got this fear as well. In that when I first moved to this part of the world I lived up in the hills in the derelict farmhouse and barn with my sister and her family. We learnt very quickly about getting snowed in. The house was down a half mile track from the country lane above it. To begin with we didn't have any four wheel cars, we soon got them! But I used to park my car up on the lane in the winter and walk the then three small children up each morning to do the school run.
The year I was expecting Alex we got cut off completely for a while which was very frightening. Trying to be vigilant about weather forecasts and make sure supplies were up to speed was always a a challenge.
Then there were the times that I would drive back from work in the snow and have to pick up all the children from their various schools and more often or not have to negotiate getting stuck and not show the kids my state of panic.
So now I live in a far more civilised place on an estate but the road still gets iced up and I still get frightened.
Hey ho and it's only the 2nd of December. When I went through this last year I was determined to move to Devon, which hasn't happened. I've come to terms with that, but to add this weather fear back into the equation, it's mighty hard work.
Oh well there's always next spring to sell my house!

13 comments:

Angela said...

It is the same here, Mandy, so no use moving to Usedom now. Is Devon clear of snow? Well, as you say, it is pretty, and with enough potatoes and some extras (chocolate, wine) we`ll pull through! The snow plough is just driving up and down our lane, thank you dear plough man!
Maybe winter will be over in January? No worries, as the Aussies say!

Twiglet said...

More snow here today too - we have spent the last three days indoors - I don't mind really but hope we soon see some sunshine and a thaw!

nitebyrd said...

The snow does look beautiful but I'm with you about driving in it. I don't think I'd do it.

Maybe you'll only have early snow! Take care and stay warm. :)

Helen said...

Me too! Me and my little convertible, purchased in sunny Florida, attempting to pass itself off as a high desert, surrounded by snowy mountains car! Be careful.

TALON said...

I hope the weather breaks for you, Mandy. It is scary dealing with ice and snow, no matter how familiar or how equipped you are. I like Angela's suggestion - get the extras like chocolate and wine to make the snow-in more enjoyable! :)

GaynorB said...

Is the winter you were talking about the winter of 1990?
I had just had my son and remember being snowed in without electricity for about 4 days. I expect conditions were worse for you near Leek, than for me near Stone.

Chris Ford said...

And Devon doesn't get snow?
8" last night down here on the South Coast. taking the ash from the fire out in dressing gown and wellies. Calm yourself now.

Miss Robyn said...

I know it must be a nuisance, but it sounds beautiful to me. and perfect. picture postcard perfect.

Dragonfly Dreams said...

Here's hoping the weather report is sunny for you soon!

Anonymous said...

I sympathize Mandy. While England can be stunningly beautiful, too much snow seems to have its hazards. We Aussies ultimately benefitted from the Mother Country's colonial exportation policies when it comes to the weather.Our best kept secret in those days I'd think!

Marilyn & Jeff said...

I understand not wanting to drive in snow conditions. My son lived in Dunedin,near the bottom of the South Island, a hilly city, and the roads there would snow/ice over and we saw many cars get into slides that ended in crashes. Not good at all.
Take care and I hope it eases for you soon.

LindyLouMac said...

It is going to be a long hard winter by the sounds of it, global warming I guess.

Mel said...

((((((((( Mandy ))))))))))

4-7" today/overnight--they're talking maybe another 1-2" tomorrow. It's a good start!

I'm hopeful that the break will come soon for you.
As for us--Wellllllll....May, perhaps? ;-)