I have been spending hours outside the past few days shoveling snow. There's the driveway to clear, my parking space, and a large rectangular area I leave for the snow plow to deposit the snow. The deck and benches have also needed scraping. It feels invigorating to be outside. I enjoy chatting with my neighbors about winter tires, chains, four wheel and front wheel drive vehicles, and other mountain life subjects.
Today I made a pot of cream of broccoli soup.for It came out rich, cheesy, and silky. I used the broccoli heads that I had saved up from our local co-op. Cruciferous vegetables last a long time in the fridge. Tomorrow we will be picking up our baskets early, since a snow storm is headed our way Thursday night. I defrosted a bison steak and have plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit available for meals.
Yesterday I took off the chain on my passenger's side, unhooked a link that had gotten caught and twisted, and put it all back on the wheel. It took me several attempts to get everything lined up properly. You have to undo all of the connections if you start over, otherwise the fit is too tight. I pulled the car forward a few feet, and then tightened up both sides. It's so important to have the chains snug and secure on the tires. I went for a short trip to town, and the car drove like a dream on the ice. Chains supply such a good grip. It's empowering to know that you won't slip and slide.
The other day I observed several cars on our street struggle and get stuck in the snow. They were spinning their wheels, and unable to travel uphill, even with all wheel drive. I like to wait until the plow has done its work before driving. That flat surface makes such a difference. I'm fortunate that I can also walk to town if I need to, although I only do that when the weather is clear.
How is the forecast where you are?
We've had a respite today from the boiling hot weather, haha! Hot and rainy in the days ahead, so high humidity will be order of the day :) But coincidentally, I also made broccoli soup this week, but with Thai green curry and coconut milk - very delicious.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's my very favorite soup, Pipistrello. Hope you are able to stay cool in that heat.
DeleteSounds like you are getting a good workout with all that shoveling! It was a cloudy day, here, today, and we are supposed to get rain tomorrow and Friday, too. Probably from the same storm from which you will be getting snow! I am happy that I don't have to drive anywhere in the rain (our intersections get flooded every time it rains!).
ReplyDeleteIt is an excellent workout. Bless. It helps to have warm woolens, and to dress in layers. That's excellent that you won't need to be driving in this weather. Much safer...
DeleteShovelling snow is hard work but if it is sweetened by neighbourly chats it is maybe not so bad. Soups are really good to warm up, aren't they?. I like my broccoli soup with a bit of stilton cheese, it add depth to the flavour.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds delicious, Christina. I've never had stilton cheese. I use Tillamook cheddar.
Deleteat the moment it is very hot & muggy here, the last few days has been in the low 40s Celsius, we had a bit of rain tonight.
ReplyDeletemy sister lives in Tasmania & it snows down there & she often tells me about having to put chains on the wheels; never seen it live myself only on tv shows; better to be safe than sorry.
everyone in their flashy 4wheel drives lol, i love your little beetle too, always wanted one but never got the opportunity, i say keep the beetle, better to be debt free i should think (i'm still paying off a mortgage) i will have to replace my car soon, the darn thing is falling apart on me (all plastic interior) but it does for now.
thanx for sharing
I love the Beetle, selina. It's been so reliable and fun to drive. Good luck with replacing your car. I'm very happy with my used vehicles.
DeleteGosh, Stephenie, you are so capable. I wouldn't have a clue how to put on snow chains. When the weather is bad I stay home! Luckily, we don't live too far from the main road which gets gritted so its a short slide 😉 from here to there. The weather today is lovely, mild and still so we've just returned from a walk. More snow forecast for Saturday onwards though 🙄 so we'll be staying put this weekend.
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the blue and white tableware in the photo. I'd love some like it! StY safe x
Thanks, PP. It's made in Poland. I bought it piece by piece at TJ Maxx. We are expecting lots more snow here, too.
DeleteWeather was wild and windy down here. We even had sizable hail at one point. Wednesday and today, Thursday, are going to be clear and sunny, but by late Thursday we will have the storm that is due your way about the same time. Hopefully shoveling all that snow did not cause any sore arms! Your soup sounds delicious. Keep warm and safe!
ReplyDeleteHail, how exciting! I bought a lighter, plastic shovel that is much easier to lift, Anita. The past few days have been clear. All of this snow and rain is so helpful for the trees.
DeleteRain rain and more rain. Roll on Spring
ReplyDeleteIt's great for the soil, Cherie. This snow will really help the pine and oak trees later in the year.
DeleteHola estimada amiga, aqui en mi pueblo Gudalupe (Costa Rica ), tnemos muchos vientos y hace frio, lo mas que llega aqui es a 10 grados , no es nada pero para nosotros si es frio,no conozco la nieve, pero debe ser chiva tocarla. Pura Vida¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
ReplyDeleteHola Amiga.
DeleteSounds like such a different world from mine - although where I live does have 4 distinct seasons and is in our city's rainbelt - Auckland NZ doesn't get snow. How special living in the mountains xxxx
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, ratnamurti. Shoveling snow is a real workout. Time for a sauna and some herb tea...
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a winter wonderland! Glad you were able to get that chain lined up on your tire. Stay safe and warm.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mereknits. Those chains make all the difference. They have such excellent traction.
DeleteCreamy broccoli soups sounds delicious and warming for snowy weather, Stephanie. Here, it is Summer, and we've had beautiful rain over the weekend. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteHi Ellen, (Or is this Meg?) I'm confused. Glad to hear that you have has such beautiful rain. It's so healing for the garden and soil.
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