Blizzard of 2013: Part 2 - The Blizzard of Oz

I'm a bit late in recounting the second part of the blizzard story.  The reason is a bit embarrassing but I have to admit I *gasp* misplaced my camera.  No worries, it has been located and currently sits safely beside me.

I must say the term "Blizzard of Oz" was not something I coined but rather something I saw in a post from one of my knitting pals. Sadly, other than some fierce wind, the second part of our winter storm did not live up to the name.

The story begins Saturday with prep for the incoming storm.   With all the snow we had received earlier in the week had melted only enough to make it real wet and heavy.  Josh insisted we try to scrape the snow off our roof so the additional snow and ice didn't cause a collapse.  While I know that building codes are different depending on where you live I didn't realize that also meant that houses here in KS are built to withstand snow loads like they are back home in MI.  Similarly MI homes are not built to withstand the KS wind.  Anyhow, Josh tried to rig a scraper of sorts that broke immediately and is still on the roof.  Then he decided he'd just stand on the ladder and shovel it off with a 2x4.  He quickly tired of that and said, "Well if it does collapse that's what we have insurance for." Yeesh.

Josh, his 2x4, and the attempt and roof clearing.

Sunday afternoon Josh and I desperately needed to go grocery shopping so we headed out to Wal-Fart (thanks dad). As we pulled into the parking lot we were kind of surprised to see the place so busy.  We didn't realize Sunday afternoon was such a popular day to go shopping.

Upon entering the store we realized the real reason people were there.

Impending Doom!  The snow and the wind and the sleet and the ice!  Stock up now!  We need potatoes and snacks!  Don't forget the meat!  BREAD!  MILK! AHHHHH!!!!

Seriously, the place was freaking wiped out!  The meat section was actually empty.  There wasn't a single potato or banana in the place.  There was a line into and through the snack isle.  I truly could not believe it.

When we arrived home Josh checked the radar, the weather and the storm warning report.  It looked pretty bad.  It was to begin late Sunday evening, sleet, snow and blow and not quit until Tuesday afternoon.  He was very concerned about me having to drive to work Monday morning AWD or not and even became stern with me saying I either needed to go now and bring an overnight bag or don't go.  Of course I wanted to have another snow day but I was responsible, texted my "boss" and they did indeed need me since the dad can work from home.  So I reluctantly packed my bag and went to work Sunday night.

Monday was windy and sleety. I stayed Monday night at work as well to be on the safe side.  Tuesday morning there was 3 or 4 new inches of snow on the ground and that was that.  The Blizzard of Oz was over.  When I arrived home Tuesday evening Josh admitted that I probably would have been just fine driving to and from work but was glad we played it safe. I'm glad I have such a caring concerned husband!

As promised, pictures of Teddy!  He's home from school and nearly a perfect gentleman.  However, still hates the camera.  Sure this one is good but after several of his hind end.  He's just not photogenic.

But mom! I wanna play!

And in case you forgot we have a kitty, Mabel, the kitty in her favorite hiding place!

Don't come any closer!

Blizzard of 2013: Part 1

Earlier this week on Wednesday around 8am snow started to fall from the Kansas sky.  Little did I know that this snowfall was going to make history.

It continued to snow all day Wednesday, and all day Thursday not stopping until late Thursday evening.  At final tally we had nearly 18 inches of snow!  Now having been born and raised in Michigan and having lived a year and a half in the mountains of Colorado 18 inches in 36 hours wasn't that much.

Then I learned that Wichita, 60 miles south of us has a record snow fall (in recorded history) of 15 inches and the 12 inches they received this week ranked #2 in largest snowfall on record!  I was unable to find the record snowfall for our town but that gives you some perspective.

The snow fell so fast and so steady that the KDOT could not keep up with roads.  That worked out to my benefit Thursday morning because I had a text from my 'boss' saying, "I don't want to offend you or your Subaru but you should stay home today." Who am I to turn down a snow day?

Josh and I spent the entire day with friends down the road and, just like when I was a kid on a snow day, played video games all day.  The guys did take a time out to shovel our driveway and theirs.  The dogs at our friends house welcomed the clear driveway by peeing on it.  Who wants to squat in a snowbank?

Friday I made it to work with my AWD on snow packed roads.  The Little Lady (almost 4) said while motioning out the sliding door, "Something beautiful happened, it snowed!" Luckily they had some hand my down snow gear (Little Guy had to wear his sisters old boots and pink snow pants).  While the baby was sleeping I took the older two outside.

Ralphy! Ralphy I can't get up!

Little Guy was not impressed with the snow.  He couldn't walk through the snow with his little legs and he was mad he couldn't    play on the swing set.  Needless to say he didn't last long and went inside shortly after going out.

Tears, snot, rosy cheeks and he's ready to go inside.

 Little Lady LOVED the snow.  I couldn't convince her to come inside. At one point she fell in the snow straight to her face, got up and kept going.  She insisted that I follow her around the trails she was blazing around the backyard.  Sadly, I couldn't get her to make a snow angel.

I brought with me a snowman in a sack kit that I've had for years but never had the chance to use.  Unfortunately, the snow was much to dry on Friday to make a snowman.  Little Lady was bummed, she'd been looking forward to this snowman all winter.  Yup, my bad for mentioning it before the promise of snow.

Luckily Josh and I were in their neck of the woods Saturday (we picked up Teddy!) so we stopped by.  The snow was now perfect for a snowman!  Teddy, Josh, the kids, and their daddy got to work building a snowman.

Daddy and kids working hard on their first snowman.

Little Lady and her Kansas snowman.

Little Guy would still rather be inside.

After the snowman, Kstate hat, fishing pole and duck decoy, were complete the Daddy told me that this was the first snowman he had even built, EVER!  I could hardly believe it, but I'm glad he got to share that experience with his kiddos.  I hope it's something they remember!

We are expecting more snow after midnight tonight through noon-ish on Tuesday.  Maybe I'll get another snow day!  I know many of you miss Teddy just as much as we did, and I assure you he is indeed a perfect little gentleman now.  I will be sure to post pictures of him romping in the snow soon!