Tomorrow is the first of March, so Winter has made an appearance in Norfolk, in case we were silly enough to be expecting Spring. After some light snow for two days this week, it finally got serious during the night. Still falling heavily as I type, and not much above freezing either. So, it is settling, and there is a good six inches or more on the cars, and covering the lawn.
As always, despite warnings of this avalanche from Siberia, this country cannot cope. All the major roads are closed, and most trains have been cancelled. People have been killed in road accidents, and we are advised not to drive anywhere, unless it is ‘essential’. Schools are shut too, as the ‘Health and Safety’ aspects make the authorities worry about children falling over. It doesn’t seem to occur to them that the children given a day off school will be falling over happily elsewhere, as they play out in the snowy countryside.
Just as well I went shopping on Monday. I doubt the online delivery services will be getting through to small villages. When you think of countries like Russia and Canada, coping with ten times as much snow and significantly lower temperatures, it does seem pathetic. In the 21st century, we are shut-in like medieval villagers, with walking the only option.
At least Ollie will enjoy the chance of a romp in the snow later.
Hey Pete – a fun activity in all that snow – making snowmen πββοΈβ π Take care!
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I think my snowman-making days are behind me. But the local children have made some good ones! π
Best wishes, Pete.
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This was a delightful read, Pete. Medieval villagers was particularly funny. And, the reasons for cancelling school are exactly what children love. I hope Ollie has a grand oleβ time in the snow. How many inches did you get when all was said and done?
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Over on the fields, we had 7-9 inches, drifting in places to three feet deep. Some really remote areas got it a lot worse though. It has moved west for now.
Glad you enjoyed the post, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
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That sounds a lot of snow for you! Best to you, Pete.
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According to the weather lady, it is the coldest end of February since 1948. I’m sure I have seen worse though. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Wow! No outdoor play for Ollie.
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I posted photos here, Jennie.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/ollie-in-the-snow-photos/
Best wishes, Pete.
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He has still been out with me for at least two hours every afternoon. He loves deep snow. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thatβs wonderful for Ollie. Some photos with your terrific new camera (hint-hint) would be lovely.
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I posted some here.
https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/ollie-in-the-snow-photos/
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How did I miss this?? I commented on the post. Thank you!
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We are starting the summerish/humid as shit weather already! Ugh! Keep safe in the weather and I loved to see Ollie enjoying the snow!
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Thanks, Dani. Not above freezing here, but humid doesn’t sound good either.
Ollie loved romping around in that snow! π x
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Awww he’s the cutest! That’s the only heat we have here! Ugh!!! Gross!
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We’ve had some “wintry weather” in Las Vegas, with highs in the 50Β° F to 60Β° F (10Β° C to 15Β° C) range. Warmer today, and the sun is out in force! We did have some snow at the higher elevations this past week, and some flakes dropped on the western fringe of the valley (higher elevation than the rest of the valley).
The last time we saw any snow accumulating in the main valley was on December 18, 2008. That was the most recent snow day for schoolchildren. And it was pathetic compared to a good Missouri snow where school stayed in session! Missouri children can take the snow! They aren’t snowflakes!
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I think the kids here would happily go to school too. But most are collected by coaches that pick up around the villages, and they are not running because of ‘safety issues’.
Enjoy that 60 F, David, -4 C here.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Iβm sorry to hear about Julie Pete. After 13 years, she was made redundant? Lovely way to repay an employeeβs loyalty.π‘ I hope everything works out for her.
And the snow! Wow! I saw Paris covered in a couple of weeks ago, then Rome yesterday. And now you guys. Yikes! I wonder how much this is due to climate change.π€ After the end of December through the first week or two of January, weβve had a fairly mild winter in New England. It actually reached almost 60 degrees today. Weβre getting a βNor easter Friday, but at least itβs going to be in the form of rain.
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Julie could have pushed for a move, but it might have been a difficult journey, so she happily accepted a good deal to go. Things are upside down with the weather for sure. -1 C all day today, and more snow tonight. I posted some photos of the snow earlier.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Iβm glad they gave her a nice package anyway. I loved your snow pics Pete.
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Thanks, Kim. Glad you liked them.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sorry to hear about Julie, Pete…hope she sussed out the options
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She got an excellent redundancy deal, and a pension ten years early, so no complaints. But what to do now? That’s the question, Sue.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Oh, good to know…. But yes, I take the point
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Ex-pat English teacher working in Russia on the radio this evening. He says in Russia the school children are allowed to stay home when the temperature falls below minus 32. But most turn up anyway.
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As the saying goes, BF. ” We don’t know we’re born”!
Best wishes, Pete.
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I got stuck in the Lada Niva this morning, in about 2 foot of drifted snow. So Malina got to ride of the sledge for the first mile (to the tarmac and our little Fiat in a garage by the road) that kept me warm in -13c (9f).
-10c tomorrow in the day, but I’ll be warm again with a shovel getting the Niva out π All good fun.
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Makes my concerns fade into nothing, Eduardo. If the Niva got stuck, you definitely need that new tractor mate. I will have to win the lottery soon, so I can buy you one.
(Only one number last week…)
Cheers, Pete.
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Oh my! Not ‘better late than never’ in this case! Seattle often ‘shuts down’ in the snow because of all the hills. During my working days, I had a few harrowing experiences of trying to get home from work when the snow started falling midday. Stay warm and cozy inside!
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Thanks, Susanne. At least we don’t have to go anywhere today, as I’m retired, and Julie was made redundant! π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Agree it’s great to not be working on snow days! But ‘Julie was made redundant’ has me puzzled ??
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She was made redundant by the bank, after 13 years. Then she got a new job in January, but didn’t make the cut on the training course. So instead of trying to train her properly, they let her go after 10 days. She is now ‘reviewing her options’. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, there’s not much commitment to employees by today’s companies. I hope she enjoys the time off (especially during the snowy days) and finds the very best option for going on! π
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My grandfather maintained the equipment, snow plows, that got the ambulance drivers to work in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. He never said how he got to work, but then he had snowshoes that he also maintained.
Warmest regards, Theo
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That’s true, Theo. As I said to Abbi, I always had to turn up for work in the Ambulance Service, and nobody ever questioned being able to dial 999.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It is strange that the UK isn’t equipped to deal with snow, Pete. We were in England in April 2016 and it was freezing. It snowed. It is cold in England. Our weather is cooling and we are moving from shoestring strapped tops to teeshirts [tee hee!]
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I was wearing down-filled shorts under my trousers today! π
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As long as there was warning and you are well stocked…and nothing causes an electrical outage!
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We were fairly well stocked, and have had no power issues so far. The wood burner is alight now though. When the sun went down, it got very cold indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
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A good night for old movies and a nice beverage…
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Sounds good, John. π
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I’m liking the snow ,but have a 4w drive so can get about easy, Phil managed to get to work too, in spite of having a hairdresser’s car π so we’ve both braved the elements, got to work, done ASDA shop and opticians appointments. I’ll be posting some photo’s of it too of course. We’re still on a amber weather warning for tonight and tomorrow, whatever that means!
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I walked through lots of ‘virginal’ snow with Ollie, as hardly anyone was out. I would love to have a 4WD, but I’m not risking my automatic Zafira on these side roads! π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ooh no, you’d be like a fish in an oil patch.
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Hmm, a good analogy,, Fraggle!
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Snow! I love snow! I like bundling up and watching it fall and drinking hot tea and soup. Have fun with Ollie. (And Donβt fall over!)
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I’m glad someone loves snow, Sarah!
I didn’t fall over though. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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I have been forced to work from home today because of train cancellations. I can see both sides though. It doesn’t snow here that heavily that often and I can imagine that serious snow equipment is very expensive. So if the government spent loads of money on snow equipment everyone would complain bitterly. It’s still very annoying though.
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I think they could have gradually increased expenditure over the years, and maybe stored the equipment against such eventualities. But if the train and bus drivers can’t get into work in the first place, then it’s understandable that they can’t run a service.
When I was in the Ambulance Service, we were expected to report for duty at the nearest ambulance station, even if it meant walking there. Then we had to drive the ambulances, in any weather. When people ring 999, they probably don’t even wonder about how the crews got into work.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Ollie’s pleasures are all our silver linings – as commented by others, I look forward to photos!
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I took some, Pippa. Will have to see how they turned out. π
Best wishes, Pete. x
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It is real hibernating weather which is good for me as i am off for a couple of days, so no struggling to get to work in the snow. heating on, chilling out.
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We are going with the log-burner tonight, Ian Not venturing out anywhere. π
Cheers mate, Pete.
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sounds perfect, enjoy Pete.
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Red wine too! A great combination! π
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In regard to those hearty Canadians Pete – they know how to handle the snow and cold. Half of them spend their Winters here in Florida in comfortable condos on Pompano Beach!
Regards from sunny warm Florida!
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Ah, that’s the secret, Frank. Now I know. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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Could you post pictures to make us dream Pete? I was in London this weekend and it was not snowing yet. Just really cold with a freezin wind along the Thames.
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A friend tells me that there is heavy snow in London today.
I will take my camera out soon, and see what I can get to show you. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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It takes a full blown blizzard before a school is closed in Canada. I just published a post related to what you said about Canada. Here in Fauquier my wife and I went for a very enjoyable walk in -12 degrees C temperature. Have a great day in your snowy Norfolk, Pete!
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Thanks, Peter. I have just seen the news, and airports are closed now too. We are never ready for any extremes in this country!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Hope Ollie will allow you to take pictures of playtime today!
We will eventually feel some of this cold front, but for today and tomorrow, we’re in the high 80’s F. (according to the converter, that should be about 31* C
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Only up to -1 C here, GP. Your 31 sounds inviting indeed. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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As always in London, iced up pavements and only the main roads gritted. So going from the main road into a side street is a bit iffy…..Same same….What would the authorities do if it really really came down ? Cry ?
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Nothing gritted locally mate. I’m not even contemplating using a car in this. π
Cheers, Pete.
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It seems we have the same topic today Pete. about the weather. Keep safe!
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I’m only going out with Ollie later. I’m sure we will be fine. π
Best wishes, Pete.
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