Snow Storm Nemo

The snow was just under the top of our mailbox from the snow plow. 

My first winter in New Hampshire was very uneventful and I was very thankful.  I believe that God was subtly breaking me into the frigid temperatures and driving in the snow.  We did have temps in the teens last winter and I remember staying bundled up in the house ALL the time.  William literally carried around a blanket and sometimes two blankets every where he went (that includes the bathroom).  The blanket carrying began in September (which really isn't cold, but for a Florida boy, he was freezing) and went all the way through May of the following year. 

Even Zander had some fun in the snow.

This year, we have had cooler temperatures and for longer periods of time.  I now only use a jacket if it is less than 40 degrees outside (if I'm not actually going to have to get out of the car).  Will no longer requires the use of a blanket 24 hours a day.  Now, we only snuggle up in the evenings with our blankets.  We have actually had a little bit of accumulation of snow.  I have had several opportunities to drive in the snow.  I have had the experience of walking carefully on the ice.  I haven't fallen yet, but I know it is just a matter of time.  Just this week, I had the misfortune of driving in my first sleet and nearly sideswiped a car as I was turning into a parking lot.  I thought I was going slow enough, however, I quickly learned as I was only inches from her door that I was not. 

I am the driver in New Hampshire that slows down the other traffic.  I am the Florida driver that is probably going to get my share of horns honking at me because I am overly cautious (even down right scared to drive in the stuff).  All of you experienced New Hampshire drivers, just in case you didn't know, you can honk at me all you want but it will not change my speed.  In fact, I may even slow down ( I am kind of stubborn that way)  Sorry.  However, I can weather a hurricane better than you guys.  So, somehow that makes us even.  Maybe?


Anyway, I digress.  Back to the blog.....

During my first winter in New Hampshire, we experienced an abnormal early snow in October 2011 and we lost power for several days.  Because our pump hooked to the well needs electricity, we also lost water.  So we were cold, in the dark, and had no running water.  Although we enjoyed the down time and the snow play, we were miserably cold and having no running water was very inconvenient.  The no water thing was what put me over the edge. 

 

Sooooo, this year, anticipating the possibility of now power and water, Beau stocked up our pantry and our water supply.  I had all the laundry completed so we would have plenty of clean layers to put on in the cold.  We charged our phones, laptops, iPad, and travel DVD player.  We were PREPARED.  I was actually kind of looking forward to the down time again.  The time where we would all sleep in the living room together by the fireplace.  Play games.  Just be.  But, instead, we only received about 2 feet of snow and suffered NO power loss.  Beau and Zander had some wonderful bonding time outside as they worked the snow blower.  (Insert sarcasm here).  All kidding a side, Zander was a good sport and overall was eager to be helpful. 

We had plenty of snow this time for the boys to really enjoy playing outside.  They made their first snowman and Beau and Zander helped the others build a fort.  Normally, I would have been outside playing with them, but I took this opportunity to enjoy some quiet time inside.  I got to play some music, fold laundry, mop all while NOT being interrupted.  And yes, I did enjoy this time to myself. 

Even though we didn't have the downtime that I was hoping for, God still provided some needed family bonding time.  Poor Boston took a huge hit in the storm and I pray they can recover soon.  I am thankful for our safety, health, and fun time this past weekend. 

Standing inside their fort and in front of their snowman.