To give you an idea of how much snow we've had, I took this photo this afternoon of one of the igloos in the dog yards. As you can see, it is entirely covered, the access hole completely sealed. Although this part of New Hampshire is definitely snow country, people keep telling us that this winter is very unusual for how much snow has piled up. It's been many years since they've seen this much. Here in the "North Country," as it's called, they get quite a bit of snow, but much of it melts off during warm spells, so you get a break between snowstorms and the snow depth can drop a lot throughout the winter. This winter not only have there been back to back snowstorms, but we haven't had the typical warm spells ... so the snow just keeps mounting. Some folks we know have suggested that perhaps we, um, brought a little of Montana with us to the North Country this winter.
Back in Ovando, our friends Tim and Cindy J., who are looking after the ranch for us while it's on the market, tell us they've had record snows there this winter as well. Tim was taking his skidsteer over to the ranch this morning to begin moving snow away from the house; although the snow is nicely sliding off the metal roof, it's begun to pile up so high next to the walls that it's time to move it away. To put that in perspective, in 10 years in Ovando, we never had to move snow away from the walls. For us, that's a lot of snow. Tim says he's been running out of room to put snow when he plows, which is the problem we've had here, too.
There was an interesting story in the New York Times a couple of days ago -- Winter's Punch Crumbles Roofs in New England -- that kind of summed up the challenges of this winter across the region.
Spring, anyone?
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LOL! Two very different opinions about South Carolina. :-)
Posted by: Marisa | February 15, 2011 at 01:33 PM
And despite that I'd still give everything I have to move to Vermont. Does that tell you how hot and miserable the 6 month long summers are in South Carolina?
Sending Springtime thoughts your way.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | February 12, 2011 at 08:16 AM
I'm glad Spinner wasn't in that igloo when the snowstorm hit - - you'd never find her!
That's an impressive amount of snow to hit Ovando! I guess you didn't take that Montana weather to N.H after all, despite what folks have said. :D
Posted by: Moon Rani | February 11, 2011 at 07:18 PM
Not even one pawprint to be seen!! Maybe the doxies tunnel into the igloos secret clubhouse!! Wonder what the pass word is?
Posted by: Anne in FL | February 11, 2011 at 01:27 PM
Yes, it has been a very unusual winter. We got snow & ice last week in San Antonio, TX & we haven't had anything like that since 2004 that stuck to the ground. We have also experienced temps in the teens & 20's during the day. Many ppl have had to deal w/ frozen pipes. Definitely ready for Spring!!! People in other parts of the Country may laugh at us but we just don't get this type of weather & are certainly not used to it at all. :)
And, in regards to the pic. Now, that's a real igloo!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Andre' | February 11, 2011 at 11:45 AM
That picture and this blog reminds me, once again, how happy I am to have left New Jersey for South Carolina! I've been here 9 years and I know I wouldn't be able to deal with winter like that again. I so feel for you having to deal with all that!
I live in the Charleston metro area and dog rescue is a very big deal here. We have many wonderful rescues and even more dedicated people involved in it. You all should have bought property down here! :)
Posted by: Ann | February 10, 2011 at 11:14 PM
That's an amazing (and weird) world. I'm reading about snow and sub-zero temperatures at 01:55 AM (local time), 41 C (106 F).
Posted by: Mauro Salles | February 10, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Just when I think I have seen the most amazing site at your new place, there's yet another! Well, lucky animals they are indeed to have you to care for them, summer heat and winter worst!
Posted by: Linda | February 10, 2011 at 09:07 PM
I hope no one is in that Igloo in the snow!
Are you plowing paths for the dachsunds to go outside?
We had an early start to winter with above average snow, and yet since January the Sierra Nevada has had inredibly warm and lovely weather. We're hoping winter comes back!
Posted by: Linda | February 10, 2011 at 07:28 PM