Snow - again!

As I write this, the wind continues to blow the snow into huge drifts as the temperature drops. It is now -8 and headed lower. The college closed the campus yesterday about noon and remained closed today. In 20 years I've never seen it close down like this but the students don't come until next week, so it is easier to do.



This third big storm of the season started with a beautiful, fluffy snow due to the cold temperatures. Then came the wind. It is always amazing how it can blow for hours (days?) without blowing itself out. With all the snow on the ground from the three big storms and several minor snowfalls, drifting is a problem. About noon today the snowplows were taken off the highways. Now that is serious.



I didn't venture outside at all today. So I have only two photos taken from inside. A couple of should haves... should have taken a picture of the cleared sidewalk Tuesday afternoon. Pavement was even visible in places with snow 18+ inches high on either side. Today there isn't even a hint of where the sidewalk should be in front of the house. Should have taken these photos BEFORE sunset... and checked the auto setting before snapping!




The drift on our front porch is the prettiest. There are three nice big rose bushes just beyond the railing.




This is the house across the street, undeniably the nicest looking house in the neighborhood. The owner is a real detail person so it always looks great. Notice the amount of snow on the right side and then note the bare spot at the left edge. Our sidewalk SHOULD be in the foreground.



This is the back yard. Just this side of the bird feeder there is hardly any snow. The black 'spots' on the shed doors are at least three feet above ground level. Good thing we put the snow shovels and blower in the garage, though the drifts there are several feet high too.



If this weather pattern continues, it could be a tough semester. Probably half of my students usually commute, so there will be lots of missed classes. Since my students need to be in class in order to prepare for their field experiences, it could be interesting. I have to continue to teach those who are in class, but those who miss might not be ready for their practicum sessions. They can't be penalized for not driving on icy, snowy roads. What a dilemma. Is it too much to hope for a quiet rest of the winter?