Last week, thankfully, we had a respite from the snow and cold weather. The temperatures neared sixty degrees. The snow melted gently not flooding the low spots as sometimes happens. I was relieved that the ice in the driveway melted. Years ago my husband planted pine trees on the west side of the property as a wind break. They break the wind but they also keep the sun from melting the snow and ice so there are pluses and minuses.
This week we saw the storm after the calm. On Monday morning I awoke to a whopping fifteen inches of snow in the driveway. My son called to let me know that he tried to come up to plow but could not make it with his four-wheeler since the road had not been plowed. He could not push that much snow going uphill.
My grandson who did not have school that day was coming for a visit. I knew the four-wheel drive truck would make the hill but I worried about the driveway. When the truck rounded the corner in the driveway the underside scraped the snow. I had shoveled a path to get the paper so the kids walked up the driveway using my path.
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Ann Swanson
My son had his tractor tire with him to get repaired. Once it was back on the tractor he could bring up the big one to plow. I knew that time would be precious that night since there were piles of snow everywhere that needed to be moved.
Thank goodness for young strength and energy. My grandson and I worked side by side off and on all day long to clear the driveway and make a small turnaround for the vehicles. We talked all the while we worked. He said, "Grandma, some grandmas would not be able to shovel like you do." I considered that quite an observation and a compliment. I explained to him that I learned to take care of myself because Grandpa was always gone to the barn. I had to be sure the end of the driveway was open so he could make it in after chores.
By the time his folks arrived that night he was one tired young man. Grandma was also whipped, but we got the job done.
The next couple days were decent. I made my trip for groceries so I would be set if we got another round of snow.
The sun came out and some of the snow on the ground disappeared. My son was able to push the huge piles back with the help of the bigger tractor.
Then, there was Friday! The day promised no letup in the snow. School was cancelled in many places. The best thing to do was hibernate. I had tickets for a Christian concert that evening but I wondered if we would be able to get there. I shoveled the driveway again this time on my own. I only made paths down the driveway and cleaned out the end where the plow had socked me in. I knew I could get out and hoped I could get back in.
I listened to the radio off and on all day to check for cancellations. I soon heard the report that Denver and the Mile High Orchestra was in town so the concert was a go. I called the lady who was riding with me. She lives in town and had been out. The main roads were passable.
I decided to leave a little early since I was not sure what we would encounter. I did not need to worry. Everything except the parking lot in town and my own driveway were clear.
Denver has been around the area many times but the concert never fit into my schedule. I am so glad that I was able to go this time. It was a wonderful show that I will not soon forget. The upbeat music and Christian message was just what I needed.
With the roller coaster weather that has hit the area it must be spring. Friday we had snow. Monday we had our first spring thunder and lightning. There was a raccoon walking in the road when I went to church on Sunday. By Tuesday there was a woodchuck sitting on a stump in the pasture. Punxsutawney Phil must have been right. He did not see his shadow this year.
I am not really sure if March came in like a lion or a lamb. During the night there were extremely high winds but by morning all was still but it was very cold. I am hoping that means it came in like a lion so it can go out as a lamb. I am more than ready for spring!
Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, PA. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net