Winter? Bah!

Seriously Mother Nature?  We just had a storm on Wednesday and now you hammer us with an even bigger storm?  Why?  Weekends were meant for relaxing or catching up with loved one and knitting--not for shoveling.

Buried world

Mother Nature, did you have to dump so much?  See that photo above.  There's a car buried under there in the background.  It took three hours to get it all cleaned up . . . whew!!

Car freed from the snow

Thankfully I had help from my boys.  So much muscle power!  Yay for muscles!

Helper No 1

And in case you thought I was exaggerating, check out the huge snow piles.  By the end, we were struggling to find places to put the white stuff.

Helper No 2

Here's hoping there's a break from shovelling for a little while . . . Now maybe I can get back to my knitting. ;)
 

Snowzilla Attacks!

I kid you not!  We had a mini-storm Friday and then a big one Sunday which dumped about 20-25 cm of snow.  Then yesterday's doozie of a storm covered us with another 35 cm of snow--at least.  Some areas got as much as 60-70 cm so we didn't even get the worst of it.  Still this Snowzilla attack is the worst I've ever seen.

It has been a busy morning with much digging.  Thank heavens we flagged down a fellow driving a CAT machine who happened to be digging out driveways in the neighbourood.  It was money well spent, but we were still out at least 2-3 hours.

Our car was almost stuck, but we got it out with some help.  With the boys, hubby and another fella, they pushed it out.

As for the second car . . . well, that's gonna stay put for now.  Maybe it'll finally thaw out in May.

Hope your week is better than mine.
Later,

Storms, Shovels and Papers . . .

But no knitting!  I got nothing.  Just bogged down with school work, non-napping toddlers and a whole lotta snow . . . . 

So as I work on my project and gather sources for an essay, think of me cuddled in the corner of the table, sipping tea as the wind howls outside my door . . . 

Winter Blahs

Here in the Maritimes, we have been "blessed" with, not one, but TWO winter storms within the span of a week.  I managed to get out to work during the first storm (ever had a flash freeze?).  We endured Arctic temperatures only to face hours of heavy rain a few days later (Yeah, that's right: a day of rain!).  That may sound pleasant except that the water had nowhere to go (Can you say "flooding"?). This was, of course, followed by freezing temps and more snow.  Did I mention it was a lot of snow? It's not even the good kind of snow that packs for snowballs and snowmen.  It's the fluffy stuff with lots of ice mixed in for good measure.

Buried Car

Needless to say there was lots of shoveling.  And sad to say that my car is literally frozen to the pavement!  I kid you not!  Thank goodness I have no need of it, but still . . .

Faux-Thrum Mitten In-Progress

So how does a gal get through?  With mittens!  Feelin' mighty happy about starting my new mittens.  They look very fluffy and feel very cozy soft.  Just what a gal needs to get through the winter blahs . . . . .

Winter is Here :(

The tree in the front yard

Yup, winter is here in full force, complete with sub-Arctic temperatures and plenty of snow.  I'd love to say that winter is not without its charms, but honestly I despise the cold days, the even colder nights and the short days.

Snow-covered road out front

The sidewalks are slippery and so are the roads.  And the frigid temperatures make it difficult to get out with the wee ones.  Anything colder than -25 C is wee bit too frigid--too easy to get frost-bitten cheeks.

The shed in the corner of the yard

What's a gal to do?  Just cozy up with her hook or needles and while away the time . . . at least until the semester begins. ;)

Something interesting in the garden

Hope it's not too cold or too snowy where you're at.  May your basket be filled with fun and interesting projects.

About That Sock

Almost done . . . 

You know the one?  I've been working on it on and off since . . . well, sadly its been just over a year 'cuz I put it down and worked on other projects.  The other projects got done, but the socks--not so much.

Warming my feet by the fire

With school work done for the time being, I've managed to reach the toes--almost done!  And not a moment too soon!

Look at the weather outside!

Check out the stormy weather outside.  There's snow falling--and lots of it!  The wind is stirring and blowing all the white stuff.  We're quite content to stay indoors.  Definitely need my woolies today!

Storming outside today

Stay warm wherever you are and have a good one. :)

Like a Lion . . .

March came in like a lamb, promising warmer clime and less snow.  Alas, she has deceived all!  Winter still reigns here, y'all!! **grumble, grumble**

This week we had not one, but two snowstorms!  The last of which caused most of town to shut down.  Snow isn't so much the culprit as strong winds.  Even on a clear, sunny day, if the wind is blowing hard enough it'll drift the snow back onto the road or cause white-outs.  Not fun.

So with lots of time on my hands, I worked on my course (yay, finished the first complete draft of my essay).  And yes, there was knitting.

My sock is almost ready for the toe shaping.  And with the continued snowy weather, I'll have to cast-on the second sock pronto as I'll probably still wear my woolies well into May **sigh**

Sock Almost Done

As I near the end of my sock, a nagging doubt plagues my thoughts: I fear the yarn will run out before completion. Thus far, 1 ball of Patons Kroy has had enough yardage for one Acrylic-girl sized foot.

Yarn Remains: Enough?

And I also began work on the second sleeve of that lovely Avocado.  

Sleeve Detail

I kept notes on stitch counts, shaping and such (and yes, I will post that info ASAP). Not too hard to change the original pattern from bottom-up to top-down.  I certainly enjoy the top-down process more than the other way around.

Cardi in Progress

If I'm diligent enough, I can finish this cardigan before it becomes too small for my niece to wear . . . 

Slowly . . .

Frozen Lake

Amidst the gnarled tree limbs, you feel it.  Springtime slowly makes its way to our parts.  Not in big melts and sudden bursts of spring colours.  

Knarled Tree

Instead a steady sun slowly picks away at the snow piles, melting them ever so slowly.  The earth warms up and then it happens.  Brown, yellow and faded green peaks here and there through the white stuff.  Tufts of old dead grass poke through. . . 

Spring is coming.  Slowly.

Wintery Blast--Take 2

Ice on Window

So last weekend we had a blast of winter with snow and ice.  We only got 'bout 16 cm of snow, but the ice pellets and blowing snow made for treacherous driving.  And the frigid temperatures of -20 to -30 C did nothing to clear up messy roads (All week I had to drive on ice-covered roads.  And I hate driving on ice!!).

The View to our Neighbours

This weekend is no better.  Snow and ice again.  Not sure how much snow we've gotten so far, but it's still snowing.  And blowing.  Have I mentioned how much I hate winter?!

Tree at Top of Driveway

Thank heavens for the wood stove to keep us warm and cozy on those blustery days.  There's nothing like the warmth of a wood fire to chase the chill from cold bones.

Warmth of Wood Fire in Stove

Wherever you are, stay warm.  And have a good one. :)

Winter Blahs

View Outside my Kitchen Window

Seems to me that 'bout this time every year, I get the winter blahs--that "when-is-winter-going-to-end" feeling ( see here, and here, and some here).  Doesn't help that we had a wallop of a storm yesterday that disabled my internet connection (I can live without TV, but please don't take away my interwebs!).

Winter Wonderland

Granted that all that snow looks pretty as it coats the branches and blankets the world in a quiet hush . . . but still . . . its winter!


So whilst the snow falls and swirls outside my window, I dream about springtime, garden beds  and seeds.  Oh the things I'll grow!

Seed Catalogues

Gardening Magazines

Hope your weekend is less snowy than mine.  Have a good one.

Baby Its Cold

Just Beyond the Front Porch

Winter seems to have come early this year.  The mornings had been getting cooler, the sky grayer and the air crisper.  And finally yesterday Mother Nature slapped us with a doozy of a storm (predictions of 25cm of snow, but not exactly sure how much actually fell.  Halifax had 30cm and Sydney had 40cm). 

Front Yard

Snow day for the kids and for me too. The center is still closed as roads in town are not all cleared and white stuff is still falling.  My work may open, but I won't be able to get in unless my driveway gets plowed (yeah I've gotta get a snow blower and, more importantly, I gotta get a regular guy to plow my long driveway--its a big job!).

Our Car After Being Dug Out

This is the first bit of winter at our new place in the country.  We're only 12-15 minutes drive from town, but it seems an eternity when the roads are slippy.  Suffice to say I was pleased we got the new winter tires on in time (can't say the same for all the family members).  

View From Living Room Window

Me thinks winter is too cold and damp.  Time to knit more socks and perhaps a cozy pair of slippers.  And I better get a move-on on that cardigan . . . 


Welcome to winter :S

Uncle

That's it!  I give up: I'm officially sick and tired of winter.  Sure there are aspects of winter that are pretty: intricately patterned snowflakes and light, wispy fluff gently floating down from the heavens.  But I'm way past pretty.

There's so much snow piled 'round my house that if there's anymore . . . well, I don't know where to put it.  The snowpiles can only go so high. And the temperatures keep dipping past
 -20C (although isn't it weird how -20C sounds down right "balmy" after enduring -35C wind chill--just saying is all).  Its enough to make a body hide indoors under a thick comforter for the rest of the dreary season.

I so need a dose of springtime . . .

Budding Hyacinth

But for now I'll have to settle for my budding hyacinth bulb (I had to fish it out of its dark hiding place 'cuz I was worried the deep cold would seep in and kill it).

Is it spring yet?

Colour to Cure Winter Blahs?

Well, I can't really complain about the winter blahs--at least not yet.  Get back to me in a month and I may be singing a different tune.  Nevertheless, winter is upon us with all its blustery, snowy goodness.

1x1 Ribbed Cuff

How to escape?  With colour?  Maybe colourful socks (told ya I was itchin' for a sock)?  I had planned to use worsted weight, but this yarn has been patiently waiting to become socks for almost a year (posted about it way back in March 2010).  It's DK weight, but I think it'll work just the same.  I'm a loose knitter, so following along in Paton's Next Steps Series: Socks should still work out fine in terms of size.

The yarn is Bernat Junior Jacquards in Orange Juice.  Sadly this yarn is discontinued.  The Bernat Baby Jacquards and Floral Jacquards are very similar, but the colours are not as bright and cheery (not a big fan of pastels).  Besides the cheery colours, there's the added bonus of 10% nylon in the yarn.  It should prove to be sturdy and durable enough for socks (guess only time will tell).

Colourful Striping

To my surprise, I quickly finished the cuff and worked through the leg (used 4" instead of 6" as prescribed in the pattern).  In about an hour or so, I had quite a bit completed.

Gusset Decreases

Before too long,  I had completed the heel flap, turned the heel and was working the gusset decreases.  Who knew socks could be so quick?! 

About Winter . . .

Ummm, it's not totally gone.  For some reason, winter doesn't want to go away.  In a desperate bid to hang on, it dusted us with white stuff and sent blustery winds our way.

More Snow

Here's hoping it's winter's last gasp. 

Crocuses?

Sadly my crocus buds have disappeared under a thin blanket of snow.  I hope the weather warms up again.  I'm soooo ready for spring.

Hope the sun is shining wherever you're at.

Greetings from the Deep Freeze

Snow, Close-Up and Personal

(from unknown photographer in wallpaer torrent)

The joys of a Canadian winter!  With frigid temperatures all week (not a fan of -29 C wind chill), I haven't been able to walk to work.  Missing that little bit of daily exercise.  It was my time to think, ponder and enjoy the relative quiet (minus the passing traffic).

Poor kiddies at school have been out sporadically this week, whenever the sun shone and the wind died down.  And my toddlers at daycare haven't been out at all (although surprisingly they haven't been too shack-wacky). 

How's winter treating you in your neck of the woods? 

The good news: February is a short month and the days are getting longer.  Conclusion: spring's just around the corner!

Moon Rising

(photographer unknown from wallpaper torrent)

Dispatches From Winter Wonderland

(unknown photographer from wallpaper torrent)

As more powdery stuff drifts down upon the already white ground, I thank my lucky stars for all the wonderful things I do have in my life: a caring husband and two healthy children, a warm house, a decent job and good friends.  We may not live in the lap of luxury, but we've got all the basics.

Sometimes the day-to-day drudgery can overtake our thoughts and we forget.  Then somewhere in the world, a tragedy strikes that is so overwhelming . . .well, I just appreciate so much more what I do have.

Stay well everyone.

Winter Blahs

(photo from wallpaper torrent; photographer unknown)

If it feels as if I've fallen off the end of the earth . . . well, rest assured that I haven't.  It's just that there's no "de-briefing" when re-entering the doldrum of ordinary work life after the holidays.  No half-days or partial weeks--just fall in, head first and hope nothing breaks on the way.

And of course, there's no end in sight.  No holidays or long weekends to look forward to in the immediate future; nothing to break up the monotony of winter blahs; no respite from the cold frost and chilling winds. . . .

Except maybe the days will start to get longer . . .

Here's hoping your winter blahs are less intense.  And that knitted dreams keep you warm.