Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2004
- Messages
- 37,951
It has snowed four time this December already. Now for some of you, that is no dig deal...but for Norfolk, Virginia, it is very unusual. It started snowing last night, and will continue for at least another twelve hours. So far we have about 5-6 inches in my yard. I have swept the drive and walk twice already. It could drop between 9 or 10 inches total before it ends.
Tip - For those who don't remove snow often - Sweep it with a lot broom while it is light and still falling. That way the pavement will dry in the wind and the snow won't stick and become ice. Sweep every couple hours, and it only takes about 10 minutes. It is currently falling so fast that when I finish sweeping the 2-3 inches that is down, another 1/4" has already covered things.
When it is real powdery, I use the leaf blower. That really gets it off the cars fast and without scratching the paint up with a broom. If 6 inches of snow are left on the cars and it freezes,...... it can be a big problem.
When the storm is over, I will clear the drive and walk again, then clear the shop area. After those important places, I will put out a big dish of bird seed. The resident birds feed on ground seed and such during the winter. When there is a snow that covers things for several days, sadly, you always see a lot of dead birds for the next week or two. Those little engines they run on need a fairly steady fuel supply or they just stop.
When all is done here, I will go clear the church walk, and clear the front steps and walks of several of the older folks in the neighborhood.
Then it might be time for a nice glass of cognac, and sitting by the fire reading. Or, since today is our anniversary, maybe I'll snuggle with my honey.
Update: Just looked out the window across the back, and it is complete white out. I can't see any houses or trees, or my shop.
Tip - For those who don't remove snow often - Sweep it with a lot broom while it is light and still falling. That way the pavement will dry in the wind and the snow won't stick and become ice. Sweep every couple hours, and it only takes about 10 minutes. It is currently falling so fast that when I finish sweeping the 2-3 inches that is down, another 1/4" has already covered things.
When it is real powdery, I use the leaf blower. That really gets it off the cars fast and without scratching the paint up with a broom. If 6 inches of snow are left on the cars and it freezes,...... it can be a big problem.
When the storm is over, I will clear the drive and walk again, then clear the shop area. After those important places, I will put out a big dish of bird seed. The resident birds feed on ground seed and such during the winter. When there is a snow that covers things for several days, sadly, you always see a lot of dead birds for the next week or two. Those little engines they run on need a fairly steady fuel supply or they just stop.
When all is done here, I will go clear the church walk, and clear the front steps and walks of several of the older folks in the neighborhood.
Then it might be time for a nice glass of cognac, and sitting by the fire reading. Or, since today is our anniversary, maybe I'll snuggle with my honey.
Update: Just looked out the window across the back, and it is complete white out. I can't see any houses or trees, or my shop.
