Winter in the Piedmont

[goatgal]

On Wednesday, we caught the edge of a winter storm that battered the northeast. We had an inch and a half of freezing rain, and temperatures that stayed right at freezing; everything was coated with ice. Hearing a crack, I looked up to see this typical, shallow rooted Virginia pine topple, pulled down by the weight of ice in its crown. Fortunately it missed the well casing, the old handmade wood stove I found, and the house. Ice storms are so beautiful and so evanescent (and hazardous; as drivers, pilots and many others can attest to). But yesterday, after the storm, the trees looked magical in sunlight, as if they were spun crystal. As the day progressed the air warmed, then music of ice melting was all around, trickling, dropping, dripping, pinging, rippling, gurgling; and underfoot ice like broken glass crunching and snapping as I went to feed the hens and check for eggs.. This morning, a light snow overnight had traced with white every branch and twig, every drooping goldenrod seed head, every stump and log. Though the air was clear when I awoke at 5, by 8 it was almost opaque, as if I dwell within a cloud. This is why I live here.

[greaterexp]

I know the ice storms can be scary, having lived in the Midwest most of my life. But the results were so beautiful, never mind the power outages and downed trees, etc.

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

I took money from savings and installed a whole house standby generator last year. Since then I worry more about lightning striking the propane tank than a power failure. It's still a nuisance when the power goes out because the generator is installed under my bedroom window; I keep it closed so the exhaust doesn't enter, but there's no way to muffle the noise. With as many trees as we have in the region, power failures are frequent; when the generator starts in the middle of the night, I often cannot get back to sleep. And, of course, even with a generator, anything electronic will need to be reset because there's a lag time between outage and the generator's start. My values are conflicted about having one (they are not environmentally "green" and they are very noisy) but at 80, with MS, living alone, it's prudent to have one -- summer, it keeps the AC on, winter, the heat - and I won't run out of water (as happens in the country when the power fails).

[greaterexp in reply to goatgal]

It's wonderful that you have that generator. Even if you need it only once a year, the heat or cold can be tough to deal with if one doesn't have any electricity!We have a generator, too, but never got the transfer switch here at our new house. Our electrician is so busy with all the construction here (rebuilding after the fires), but he promises it won't be long.

Stay safe and warm!

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

Even in California (especially in California?) where we once had those rolling blackouts for which people were prosecuted, and where you now have PG&E, Edison and other utility shut offs in high winds due to fire danger, a generator can be a lifesaver for anyone requiring reliable power (ventilators and other medical devices, and AC for those of us who are heat intolerant). Stay safe.

[jimeka]

That sounds so beautiful but I am so pleased that it didn’t hit your well or your house. Go careful going out on those kind of mornings, it can be very slippery underfoot. 🤗

[goatgal in reply to jimeka]

I have ice mats made of woven jute that I unroll on the ramp and heavy rubber treads that I lay on steps. Both will collect ice which can be shaken off, leaving a non slip surface.

[greaterexp in reply to goatgal]

You are one prepared lady! Smart cookie!

[goatgal in reply to greaterexp]

I collected enough bruises to get through my thick head that I'd rather be safe than sorry. Icy steps are treacherous!!!

[Sandydemop in reply to goatgal]

Ice mats? great idea!

[kwhompus]

We always wanted to go to the north east (Maine ) Is there any place or thing we shouldn't miss ?

[goatgal in reply to kwhompus]

Sadly, I don't know anything about Maine except that it's very beautiful. It does contain Acadia National Park on the coast; what I've seen of it in video and photo is absolutely stunning. Perhaps others can tell you more.

[Brindisi1]

Your writing style beautiful describing the effects of the storm

[goatgal in reply to Brindisi1]

You are very kind. Thank you.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

You live in a very beautiful area, goatgal and by your replies, you are very well prepared to weather Mother Nature's wrath(beauty) Thank you for sharing your photo and story with the forum

[Sandydemop]

So well written, you make a terrible situation sound like art.