If you’ve read previous posts, you know I am not fond of winter. That said, I do find the snow pretty to look at . . . for the first day or two. I do not like shoveling (as I’ve had to do 3 times already). I shoveled twice yesterday. Thankfully, my neighbor came over with her snowblower and helped get rid of the first 7 inches in the drive. I went out and shoveled again yesterday afternoon and again this morning. My body was not pleased regarding the third repeat. I do not know how others manage this kind of snow, and even larger totals, on the regular. Those individuals are made of tougher stuff than me.
I measured this morning and it looks like about 9-10 inches accumulated where I live. It seems like more to me when I’m out trudging through it or shoveling, but that’s what my tape measure says. Poor Fen has tried going out in the snow. He can kind-of-sort-of do it, but it’s a struggle for his short-legged self. As he adores the cold (the freak that he is 🙂 he keeps wanting to go outside and bask in the subzero windchill values.
Speaking of windchill . . . looks like a lot of us are stuck in the single to negative digits for the foreseeable future. So far, the wind hasn’t played a big factor in the snowfall, but I hear that’s about to change. The drifts are going to be impressive and traffic stalling. Having grown up in the country, I know what that means for anyone who doesn’t live in town. You may be able to get out of your house and go somewhere, but there’s no guarantee the roads will be passable to get back home. It’s always a calculated risk.
As we all try and stay warm, it looks like I need to purchase a new boiler. Ugh . . . it is a costly endeavor but the one I have is very old. Last year it had a problem and this year (Saturday morning to be precise) it had another. It currently has a “temporary” fix that is keeping me warm, but it’s not sustainable. Home ownership is a wonderful but costly endeavor. I’ve lived in my home for about 20 years and I’m beginning to think there isn’t an inch I haven’t touched, replaced, or fixed at some point or another. I’m sure I’d be appalled if I ever sat down and added it all up. Gratefully, I have been able to afford all the necessary fixes.
In non-winter storm Fern news, the first book in the Magical Usage Council Misadventures series, “Warlock’s Menace” will hopefully be out in early to mid March. It is currently in editing and I’ve ordered the book cover which will take some time. This book features Warlock Nikodemus Holland and our mischievous kitsune, Hikaru. I’ve started the second book but haven’t gotten too far into it yet. Also, I received word from Podium that more of the audio Perfect Pixie series are now available on a wider platform. That is wonderful news. Podium has also picked up the final necromancer book, “Deadly Arrogance”. I’m uncertain when the release date will be on it. My guess is not for a few more months.
As I said above, Fen is loving this cold weather. Since Newton is an all indoor cat, he doesn’t seem to care one way or another. Although, I will say I’ve found Newton seeking out some warmer spots to sleep during the day. He still likes to sleep in my bedroom at night. Many times on my head. Weather and roads permitting, Fen has a follow up cardiology appointment in early February. He’ll get another ultrasound to see if his heart is stable or worsening. Clinically he seems to be doing well so fingers crossed.
I’ll leave you will some photos of my snowy home, as well as a photo of the project I’ve been working on in my basement. I finally got around to painting the cinderblock wall (It’s only been 7+ years since it was replaced). I decided to add a bit of whimsy to it. I think it came out okay and it’s fun to look at.
Until next time, take care, try and stay safe and warm, and mentally well.
MJ May
veterinarian and fiction writer 