Crazy Snow

On Monday, March 31st, we woke up to about 3 inches of snow on the ground and it was still falling. Nobody predicted this and I felt bad for anyone stuck driving. It was that kind of wet, heavy snow that makes you miserable to be in it. (Happily for myself, I wasn't.)

Took this shot of a beautiful cardinal perched on our barbecue:

What made the day even crazier was that the temperature was in the 50s by evening!

Today, April 2nd, I took Shadow to the vet. He got his nails clipped and a lepto virus shot. The shot hurt him and I felt bad, but you do what you gotta do. I bought him an egg mcmuffin for a treat on the way home.

Later, Mike and I went to Taco Bell and then to the new Loew's they built over in Commack. It's a beautiful, big store. I treated myself to 2 (4x4) raised bed garden kits and can't wait to get those set up. I hope it means that this year, I"ll finally have some luck for growing things!

My life

My life is not very exciting, which is exactly how I like it. We live comfortably, but below our means. We have virtually no debt. Mike has been retired and doing consulting work for about 8 months now, and I swear he has more work now than he did when he was employed with a company! He has 30 years experience under his belt so he is sought after for his expertise.

The kids are doing fine, although half of them probably wish they were doing something else besides the jobs they have. Damned Affordable Care Act meant their hours got cut. Katherine did not get her promotion, but is going out of state for a few days to learn about a new computer system. Then she gets to come back and teach everyone else. That means a bit of time away from annoying customers.

I still have Rocky the Ferret, who seems to be some kind of vampire. I have no idea how old he is, just that he's OLD. So are the cats, who are half senile at this point. Shadow is middle-aged and still thinks he's part rottweiler. The other part is a cuddly bunny but don't tell him that.

I call him Moon Man, don't ask why. He just looks like a Moon Man. 

Dinner out

Mike and I had dinner at Catfish Annie's with Michael and Katherine last night. I always enjoy going out with the kids. Katherine has started in a new store as manager--still customer service, but she hopes to move beyond that soon. Having been a cashier, I know it isn't fun to deal with 'people.'

I had fried shrimp and Mike had fish and chips. We ended up bringing most of it home for Jamie, who always seems to enjoy our leftovers. Tonight I actually made dinner--turkey meatloaf--and it came out pretty good. But I'm honestly getting to the point where I don't want to cook as much any more.

Icicles

This was the view along the edge of the roof in back of my house this week:

I had already broken off some of the icicles, which were thick enough to use as murder weapons. I didn't want any of them to fall on someone's head (most likely, mine or Mike's) or to kill one of my pets, or  raccoons or squirrels!

Been nice and warm and is supposed to stay that way for a few days. Not sure about next week, but at least I was able to get out of the house. I actually went to 2 different grocery stores today. My knee is absolutely killing me as a result.

Valentine's Day and More Snow

We had another major snowstorm yesterday. First it put down about 12 inches of wet, heavy snow. Then it rained. Then it snowed again. I think we got a total of about 14 inches. 

Here's Nicky helping Mike shovel in front of our house. 

Today, the sun is shining and everything is melting like crazy. All day I keep hearing 'avalanches' falling off the roof.

It's Valentine's Day. I gave Mike a bundle of Extra Gum (he uses it all the time) with a heart that says: "You are EXTRA special to me." Mike gave me a nice card and a beautiful box of chocolates--dark  ones, my favorite. I think milk chocolate makes them too sweet. After 40-ish years together, that's plenty from either of us. I'm not even sure I feel like going out, since it's icy outside. We wouldn't go to a 'romantic' restaurant, anyway. Most of those deals are probably ripoffs. If I do go out, it will probably be to IHOP. 

So Valentine's Day is almost gone, and I never got my decorations out of the attic. It's been too bitter cold to go up there! Maybe I will be more lucky with St. Patrick's Day next month, but I'd better be able to get to my Easter decorations!

Now it's icy

But at least it looks pretty. I'm just glad I don't have to go anywhere. Couldn't if I wanted to, since I lent Katherine my car to use in the bad weather. Sunny today, but cold, in the low 20s!

Sun shining on icy branches makes them look like crystal. This is from my upstairs bathroom window.

We're keeping the birds and squirrels well-fed with peanuts and seeds! I was surprised that one or more of 'my' racoons came last night!

Yet More Snow!

Not sure what Punxatawny Phil or our own Malverne Mel said yesterday (I believe they both made different forecasts) but winter is here full swing today. We are having another storm, this one with heavier snow. It's been coming down since this morning and shows no signs of stopping. I'm okay with it, since I don't have to go anywhere. I actually feel pretty good. Some days I get 'down' because I feel like I should be going out and doing things when I'd really rather just stay home. Today, I had no choice, LOL! Good day to knit, crochet and sew. I even organized some shelves in the kitchen and found some things to give to charity.


Here's a view outside the back door: