Snow Tires and Snowshoes

Living in the frozen northeast is nothing like living in California. I know that is a great big “duh” for most of you, but sometimes I am just awestruck by how much work it is to live in a four-season climate. At the end of this week, we are having some tree work done. The necessary tree work is part of the aftermath of the last big storm. On the right side of the house, we have a broken pine tree, a broken limb, and an overhanging tree.

Our phone line is still barely hanging onto the connection with the house. It is currently being held up by the previously mentioned broken trees and branches. Since the line was involved, I decided it was better to call the professionals instead of considering it a DIY job.

There will be plenty more tree work in the spring. Andy and I have finally agreed to remove the four large pine trees on the side of the house. You can see one of the pine trees in the picture below which was taken in June. Oh June weather, how I miss you. Anyway, there are three more pine trees, in a row, to the left. They wreak havoc on the gutters and roof.

I spent yesterday dragging downed limbs and branches for the tree service to chip when they are completing the other tree work.

Today brought another challenge. We have been under a winter storm advisory since yesterday, and it will last until tomorrow morning. I ran errands all day yesterday, in preparation. During the (S)November storm, we fared so well because we had plenty of food on hand. I was eager to intentionally replicate my previous accidental preparedness. I like to think I am a quick learner.

There was no snow of significance by yesterday evening. Anticipating snow while we slept, I parked right at the end of the driveway, so we would only have about ten feet of pavement to shovel. A. has a pet-sitting job one town over, and I drive him there, three times per day this week. My plan was to get up, shovel the driveway, run A. to the pet sitting job, and then drop him off at work. It was a solid plan. I thought of everything right? Yeah, I thought so too.

This morning, it was all going according to plan. I shoveled the driveway and cleared off the car. I was right on schedule. Once A. and I eased out onto the street, we realized we were in trouble. The plow had gone by, but the roads were very slippery. I made it to the end of the block, but just barely. By the time we hit Main Street, it was clear that there was no way we could do the pet sitting job and get A. back to work on time. A ten minute drive would take an hour or so, and I did not even know if the more rural road to their house had been plowed yet. Cars were sliding all over the village streets.

I carefully drove back home, and I left A. there to make the kids some breakfast and then walk to work. I told him that I would drive carefully and do the pet sitting job for him. I put a good 15 minutes into the second trip before I called it quits. I could barely handle my own slipping and sliding, and I could not take the out-of-control vehicles careening towards me, or playing chicken with the snowplow.

That left a dilemma with the dog which could not stay inside much longer. Fortunately, even though my figurative village here is pretty small, I actually know someone who is the dog’s neighbor. After a call, my friend agreed to run over and let the dog out for us. Crisis averted.

The first thing I did when I got home was to call the auto shop to see if they had snow tires in stock for my van. I had been contemplating purchasing seasonal tires, and this storm was just the push I needed. The best moving tip I have for you is to put a team in place as soon as possible when you move to a new location. Your team should include a reputable auto shop, a dentist, an urgent care center, an electrician and a plumber. If you are fancy, add a hairstylist to that list.

The auto repair shop came through for me today. The person on the phone could not find an appointment for me. Then, I heard the manager in the background say, “She’s a good customer of ours. Find a way to fit her in today.” Just like that, I was on my way to the shop to get new tires.

I dropped the van off, and I strapped on the snowshoes for the two-mile walk home. I used to run so I could participate in races. Now, I run so I can stay in good enough shape to survive the winter here.

Halfway home, I was hungry and starting to feel a little weak and woozy. That is a side effect from ramping up my weekly running mileage before my appetite compensates for the increase. I ran hard yesterday, but I was hungry today. I stopped at the bakery to refuel with a breakfast sandwich, donut and hot coffee. I am thankful that we live in a community where everything is close.

I arrived home in time to fix the kids lunch. Once I got the kids started on their schoolwork, the shop called to tell me it was time to pick up the van. The roads were much in much better shape since they had been plowed again, and the intersections were sanded. I carried the snowshoes, but I did not end up needing to wear them when I walked back to the shop.

The van handles like a dream now. I almost want to take it to a giant empty parking lot and try to make donuts in the snow. I may not be able to with such good tires. I feel much safer now. Bring on the snow, I say. I can handle it, but first I need a nap.