This might look like an ice-sculpture gone bad, but it's actually our Chevy Silverado pick-up sporting a new look after a snowstorm yesterday. I've never seen a drift quite that convoluted before, and can't figure out exactly how it happened. Here's another view ... that's a load of hay bales in the back of the truck:
My particular favorite part of this "snow job" was this curled-over piece on the driver's door -- click on the image for a bigger version:
Speaking of weather, we've been enjoying seeing how much attention these snowstorms get here in the east -- with national news coverage every time. For us, coming from Ovando, it seemed like every snowfall was a blizzard -- it's just that no one really noticed. (Hey, who else is around?) But in general, with the winter weather so much more extreme back there, the stuff that counts as "blizzards" in the east barely warrant a mild "winter weather advisory" from the National Weather Service in Montana. For instance, here's a screenshot of the NWS forecast page for our location in Ovando a couple of weeks ago (click on image for bigger version):
That was a typical event. Snow coming in sideways at 20 mph, with gusts to 30 mph, which the NWS helpfully calls "breezy."
In contrast, here is the NWS forecast for Lancaster for the storm that just came through yesterday:
Notice the wind is only at 6 mph. (NWS friends: That is "breezy.") But, this is a full-blown "winter storm warning."
Well, whatever you call it, I've got some more plowing to do this afternoon!
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Slipped to 4th place!
The new Shelter Challenge started on Monday, January 10th, and ends at midnight on March 20th. Grand prize in this round is $5,000. There are no second- and third-place prizes this time, but new categories ... please see the Shelter Challenge website for details.
Their site says Best Friends is not eligible to win the Grand Prize in any of the 2011 Shelter Challenge contests because they were the "Challenge Champion" in 2010, having won the most total votes during the year, so that gives us a shot again at winning first place!
And remember, you can vote every day, so consider bookmarking the voting page to make it easy.
You can vote in the Shelter Challenge here.
Please note: Use Rolling Dog Ranch for our name and NH for the state and our listing will come up.
Because of your votes, we came in 2nd nationwide and won $5,000 in the Shelter Challenge that ended in December 2010. Please help us win this round of the contest by voting every day, and by encouraging your family, friends and colleagues to vote every day, too. Thank you!
I WAS WONDERING HOW YOU HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE BAD WEATHER UP YOUR WAY. I'M IN TOLEDO,OHIO SO I KNOW HOW BAD THE WINTER'S CAN BE .BUT YOUR AREA SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN HIT HARD SO FAR THIS WINTER. HANG IN THERE A COUPLE MORE MONTHS & SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER,LOL!!XO LOVE U GUYS STEVE,DEBBIE & LANIE
Posted by: steve goldsmith | January 15, 2011 at 04:34 PM
When I compare the weather to Lancaster-Ovando--I truly don't know how you did it all those years!!! Montana is GOREGOUS but the weather in Ovando...severe!
Will ask friends to vote soon--they just finished voting so I don't want to burn them out--OF COURSE I VOTE EVERYDAY!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | January 15, 2011 at 04:21 PM
I was so hoping our New England weather would be mild this winter and with little snow so things would be easier on you and the furkids your first winter here. I am sure spring will come earlier here than in MT. Happy New Year to all the RDR inmates!
Posted by: Kathy in CT | January 14, 2011 at 08:14 PM
I just finished re-digging the potty trench in our deep snow for our two dogs here in Alberta. It's deep enough now that I lose sight of our Kerry Blue Terrier when he's in 'the trench.' Forecast is for snow falling for the next 2 days.
But when I think of all the people and animals in peril in Brazil or Austrialia, I'm reminded how fortunate we really are.
Posted by: Carol | January 14, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Wow! You guys got a lot of snow!
Posted by: Michelle Maskaly | January 14, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I WAS WONDERING HOW YOU HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE WICKED WEATHER UP YOUR WAY. I'M IN NORTH CENTRAL ILLINOIS SO I KNOW HOW BAD THE WINTER'S CAN BE BUT YOUR AREA SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN HIT HARD SO FAR THIS WINTER. HANG IN THERE SPRINGS ON IT'S WAY.
Posted by: FELICIA | January 14, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I know what you mean about different perspectives on weather....I lived most of my life in the Midwest, where it rains a lot...now, in Los Angeles, when they're expecting an inch of rain, the TV stations go on "Storm Alert!" and broadcast footage of a rivulet running in the gutter.
Posted by: Marshall Case | January 14, 2011 at 12:32 PM
I said to Lee just last night, "It's a good thing Steve & Alayne came to NH from MT. They have all the right equipment and know just what to do. Otherwise, they'd be up s**t creek!" It is amazing how much attention these storms get (we're in VT). You know it's coming, you go get supplies and settle in to ride it out. Just a little common sense. It is a little difficult, though, for a dog to do it's business in a 15" snowfall. Gotta dig them a path and arena. Hahaha!
Posted by: Kathie Taylor & Lee Purcell | January 14, 2011 at 11:21 AM
We live in Livingston, Montana and the normal wind gusts in the winter are around 50 mph! Semi trucks are constantly being routed off of the interstate through town and then back on, due to the chance of them tipping over. And that is just another day in Montana!
Love the photos of your snow covered truck and really, really love your blog in general! Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.
Posted by: Jean | January 14, 2011 at 10:36 AM
Burrr - to us here in San Diego, all of that looks like blizzard conditions to us! lol
I'm voting on my computer at home ... and at work.
Let's get 'em up to 1st place everyone!
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | January 14, 2011 at 09:53 AM
On January 9,2004 Whitefield N.H. had the dubious distinction of being the coldest place in the country. The A.M. reading at my residence was -47F. My dogs couldn't lift their legs, and took about 30 seconds to take care of business.
Posted by: Joseph Sackett | January 14, 2011 at 04:54 AM
It's interesting to see the different perspectives with the weather forecasts...what is no big deal in one place seems to be a big deal in another. Guess it's just whatever one is used to as being "normal"!
Thanks for sharing the pics of the way the snow drifted...haven't seen anything quite like that before :)
Posted by: Ann | January 14, 2011 at 12:17 AM
It's raining A LOT here (Southeast Region of Brazil). What do you prefer? :) :)
Posted by: Mauro Salles | January 13, 2011 at 10:18 PM
I'm glad you're enjoying the non-blizzard and not-so-cold temps.
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | January 13, 2011 at 10:12 PM
Is a storm a storm when......??!! This must be what they mean by 'perspective'! Sending sunshine and blue skies your way!!
Posted by: Linda | January 13, 2011 at 09:01 PM
My, but Jack Frost was busy swirling and swooping that snow on your pick-up! Consider that Mr. Frost's welcome to you two new residents of the Northeast. :)
Posted by: Moon Rani | January 13, 2011 at 06:58 PM