Here in northeastern Maryland, over the last week, we’ve had two snowfalls, two blizzards, thunder snow and freezing rain. Yesterday we shot past the record for largest amount of snow in Maryland since records began to be kept in 1883 — we’re now at 72 + inches for the season. This is the first winter Maryland has had two snowstorms with snow accumulation totalling over 12 inches — and both of those storms — Dec. 19, 2009, and Feb. 6, 2010 — had over 20 inches. So we’ve also made the record for two snow storms over 20 inches. And that was before the current blizzard. For Maryland, the top three snowstorms since 1883 have occurred since 1996. And the winter of 1995-96 was the coldest in 98 years.
It’s been snowing this afternoon at the rate of two inches per hour and the blizzard is expected to last about three more hours, until 7 pm.
We’ve been very lucky so far. We’ve had electricity continuously, we have food for people and cats, and the medicines my father needs. The tree that was uprooted by the weight of the snow fell away from the house. It is a tough slog through the snow to the backyard because the snow is several inches over my knees and today’s blizzard totally filled in the path I made a couple of days ago, but I’ve been able to keep the bird feeders full.
I’ve hit my limit for shoveling snow — I’m in pain — but thrifty and industrious teens live nearby and I hope to hire some to dig us out tomorrow.
I haven’t looked at comments here or my e-mail for days because I’ve just been too tired and in too much pain. I’ll dig out from those, too, as soon as I can.
Prayers are still welcome. Thank you, gentle readers.
Still pullin’ for you down here!
I really enjoy big snow. But you are definitely in my prayers. Take care.
Hey girl –
Glad to see you guys are hanging in there. Try taking it a little bit easy on yourself.
Best,
Amy
Take good care! Sounds like you all deserve a post-blizzard massage soon.
Though you’re probably overwhelmed with other things right now, and I hesitated to bury you with even more comments, just letting you know, I’ve been praying for you. Here’s a musical prayer for you, courtesy of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Shen Khar Venakhi (You Are A Vinyard):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzFxfccuc5I
(Kitka also does a fine rendition of this hymn)
And if no one else has ever sent this your way, here’s the theme song to Rumpole of the Bailey:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhU9jkTyxmU
Serapia,
The musical prayer is absolutely beautiful! “Young and beautiful, planted in Eden …” The photos reminded me of how my tomatoes look like gems filled with light when they are on the vine and nearly ripe.
And Margaret and I LOVED “Rumpole of the Bailey” — I know you sent it because of the bassoon duet, but what wonderful serendipity that it is from a show I love!
Thank you!
Cynthia
Cynthia,
Wow….72+ inches of global warming is incredible! You and your Dad are in our prayers….but two Aleeve wouldn’t hurt. Now’s the time to dig into your tomato reserves and just let the sun do it’s work.
Ad rem,
Thank you — the final total was over 80 inches accumulation this winter! Dealing with snow and catching up on chores is about all I’ve done the entire month of February. My frustration is that I had projects I really needed to work on, plus I have to catch up here. I appreciate your kind wishes and patience.
Cynthia