Winter Weather Coming

This morning I got up to a view of stark white snow covered peaks rising above a distant bank of fog. Wind driven wisps of clouds were visible at the top of the peaks and the darkness behind them was ominous. As the morning has progressed, more clouds filled in and the peaks are no longer visible. After months of mild and pleasant weather that has been unusual for this area, the first strong storm of the season is coming in this weekend. Starting this afternoon, we are expecting very strong winds and rain. We live on the side of a butte and when wind is forecast, we take it seriously. I am going to go outside and circle around the house and shop checking for things that need to be stowed more safely before the big blow hits - I don't want to go out and search for things that blew away! This afternoon, Tramp 1 has a half day off from work - the company is moving over the weekend to another town and his department is the first on the list and the moving facilitators want them out at noon. We had originally planned to use the time for a trip over the mountains to Portland to do some holiday visiting but with the weather forecast in hand, we have decided it best to stay in the area. The Cascades are expecting 1 to 3 feet of snow this afternoon into tomorrow along with winds of 70 mph. It will be blizzard conditions and we have been through that before. Instead, we are going to go to town and get the snow tires put on our big truck. Then Tramp 1 needs to get the water heater in our pop top camper drained before the real cold hits - maybe I will see if I can do that now rather than wait. We also will need to move quite a few plants inside as by Monday the forecast says we will be in the 20's for highs and possibly even into the single digit minus range for lows. And we will need to start plugging in the diesel truck, too. And of course, I have asked that he chop more firewood. Due to a shoulder injury, I have not been able to chop any wood this year - very frustrating for me. I have been having physical therapy all month and am starting to get better so I don't want to do anything to mess that up. So far, the orthopedic surgeon says things look good and hopefully surgery will not be necessary. Okay by me!!

With all the preparations for the cold spell barreling down on us, I have not forgotten about the old dog. This week I got out his polar fleece coat and yes, his stocking cap so he can stay warm on the walks that are so very important for keeping up his mobility. His cap is a human cap - the kind with the opening for your face. I modified it by adding elastic ear holding straps inside the cap so it stays on him snugly. It has been awhile since he has worn his cold weather gear and it will be interesting to see how he takes to all the fuss.

We will not forget the outside critters, either. We will be putting out extra feeders with seed, sunflower seed, niger and cracked corn. We also have multiple suet feeders out and will be putting out a heated water source for the birds. Of course, extra deer chow and apples will be put out, too. And we will keep the pump running in the pond so the deer have a place to drink.

And I need to round up the snow shovels and snow boots to put by the door. Also a ladder and a broom need to be placed outside so we can sweep the snow off the satellite dish! Sounds like baking weather is on the way!!