Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Aftermath

That's a broken pine tree laying against the house. I was lucky. Those are my bedroom windows beneath it, and none were broken. The roof appears to be intact as well.

In my last post on Friday night, I expressed worry about the snow storm we were experiencing. It was a very heavy wet snow, and I was afraid it would weight the trees down, and knock down power lines. Not long after I posted that blog, I heard the first tree snap. I think it was the one above. It's a very distinctive sound. I had heard it several times before, during ice storms and hurricanes. Then at 1:23 AM on Saturday morning, the power did go out, so I went to bed. The snow continued through the night, and all day long Saturday, and I heard several more trees snap. By Saturday morning the temperature in the house was down to 50∘F, and it was becoming clear that the power would not be back on for along time, so I lit the kerosene heater.
This morning I walked around to survey the damage. This was the scene on the road out front, looking toward my two neighbors at the end of the cul-de-sac. A pine tree fell onto the electrical wire above, but it didn't take the wire down. Some men came by later on, and cut the tree down. This area is full of pine trees. They are a major pain during heavy snow and ice storms. They're more like big weeds than trees. They just can't handle the extra weight. Ice, heavy snow, or strong winds will bend them, and then they either break, or fall over.

The electricity finally came back on after 36 hours, and the first thing I did was heat a tank of hot water, and take a shower. I made it a quick shower, because I was afraid the power could go off again at any time, and I didn't want to get caught all lathered up, with no water pressure. After drying off and putting on some clean clothes, I was thinking how nice it was to have the lights, heat, and the computer back on, when the power went out again! Fortunately I hadn't turned the kerosene heater off, because the house had not yet come up to a comfortable temperature. Four hours later, the power came back on again. That was about three hours ago. I hope it stays on this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Hunkering down next to a kerosene heater, and cooking by lantern light on a camp stove for days at a time, is not my idea of fun.

Oh, bye the way............they are forecasting more snow for Tuesday! I think I've had enough of winter this year!

Melissa XX

8 comments:

Keri Renault said...

I didn't have it quite as bad as you,Melissa, although the power did go out for several hours. Thankfully it was during early afternoon.

Quite the siege, The Blizzard of '10, I must say. I quickly ran out of space to shovel the snow. More than 30". My back is aching big time, but at least everyone is safe in the neighborhood.

Before the blizzard I had a young, 20' evergreen. Now it's buried entirely. Surreal.

Sunny's stranded in New Orleans--for two more days. Ironic, isn't it. Stranded in celebration. The streets are teeming with delight. NO's 1st Super Bowl in 40+ years will do it.

Who dat!

Stace said...

Just glad that you are OK. The storm managed to aquire such infamy that the weather prediction for your area made it to the BBC news.

Hope the tree didn't do any damage, and that you keep your power!

Stace

Leslie Ann said...

I hope your luck continues to hold out, Melissa. Maybe this summer you can take out any trees that threaten your home. The neighbor that broke your chainsaw owes you.

Lucy Melford said...

I realise they were taken mainly to record the danger to your home, but aren't these beautiful photos? You do take a good picture, Melissa.

Lucy

Kay & Sarah said...

Glad you are okay and hope your electricity stays on.

alan said...

Very glad the tree stopped where it did instead of invading further! Hopefully the next storm is just a dusting...

Despite the snow and the cold here, I had flowers peeking out of one box after the snow melted off the other day...granted it's next to the foundation of the house, but where there is green there is hope!

alan

Anonymous said...

wow so glad I dont have to put up with weather as extreme as you get.
You must be a really tough bunch!
Glad you are safe.
xx

Calie said...

Beautiful pictures!

Calie xxx