Warren had it's first substantial snowfall this week, mostly lake effect accumulation which occurred as Arctic winds blew across Lake Erie and dumped 19 inches in town over the past three days. Some claim two feet fell here but that's not what I measured in my mother's yard.
Lake effect snow differs from normal snow in that it never ends. That is, imagine a steady rainfall for three or four days during which periods of thunderstorm intensity squalls occur every few hours in different locations, the overall effect of which can be up to six feet (!) of snow locally. But walking this morning along roads north west of town I observed more of the former depth than than latter, and felt a welcome sun for the first time since the weekend. My concern is that, because winters in Warren produce seven or eight cloudy days for every two sunny ones, if this lake effect precipitation continues the snow may not melt until spring so will be piled upon until March. If that happens I am not sure where I will put all the shoveled accumulation-which is already above my waist. But I must admit that the exercise is good for me and provides an alternative to walking. As for heading south for the winters?- that is still my preference and hopefully will come to fruition in a few more years....Beth and I are already discussing what type of van to purchase...
POSTSCRIPT: One Week Later- Rain and 35 degrees melted some of the snow then more lake effect piled on this week so we are right about where we started. Ten day forecast is clouds, cold and snow showers...Dismal winters 'round here unless you enjoy such things.
POSTSCRIPT: January 6th- Well, the paper says we've had 54 inches of snow so far, and the bulk of that was before Christmas. There have been snow showers and an inch or two since then but not the steady accumulation. Still no steady sunshine however, and the ten day forecast remains cloudy and mid 20's F every day but one. Sometimes I make the mistake of looking at the forecast back east, where I grew up, and see that it is mostly sunny and mid 30's-and that's the difference I become nostalgic for. I walk where and when I can despite the snow and ice, so my spirits remain positive regardless of my petty whining, but it gets tougher the longer this lasts. Weekends away from here with Beth break the doldrums, and that's all we have for now. Meanwhile I'm still plodding away on the book and counting my blessings, and my mom is mostly healthy and coherent, so life goes on.
POSTSCRIPT: March 7th- About 45* today after literally the worst winter weather wise in my life. There are yet snow piles here and there and several inches to a foot higher up the mountains and more sleet and snow predicted for tonight. I was able to walk on clear sidewalks for the first time in three months on the 4th, then it snowed another couple inches which melted off in the March sun and that's how it will be for a few weeks. Winter simply does not quit in these here parts...On the bright side I saw a crocus on the 3rd and five robins the next day, and yesterday the grackles started to return. Whew. My sanity is in need of some steady sun and warmth. Finally spring is coming-thank God for the laws of physics... The weather service reported that nationally the moisture pack from snow and ice and rain is the highest it's been in six decades, so it's been a tough season everywhere.
