It has been a very unusual day thanks to the weather. We are surrounded by deep, soft snow and the few main roads are covered by slippery slush and ice. In general, residential roads seem to be covered in clean powdery snow which has been stirred somewhat but barely diminished by the relatively light traffic that has been moving recently. Snowfall seems to have come in short but heavy doses which has ensured that plenty of snow has just hung around for days to be topped up by the next instalment.
I get the impression that the local authority has been reluctant to use much of its stock of salt and grit so early in the season. Only a few very privileged main roads have been treated and in our area this means a road that is nowhere near the major part of the local residential estate. A few days ago our local buses abandoned us to use this main road and today a neighbour informed me that taxi services were not working.
Our normal weekly shopping arrangement (since getting rid of our car) in which daughter, Jennie, drives her mother to the supermarket and they shop together, has been suspended this week. Jennie had a bad dose of ‘flu at the weekend but I was pleased to note today that she is recovering well.
So, this afternoon I adopted an old-fashioned mode of transport, walking. Remember that? For me it has been a leisure activity in recent years rather than a necessity but today I donned an extra pair of socks and some Wellington boots, an extra layer of fleece under my anorak plus cap, scarf and even gloves and set off to our local supermarket with shopping bags in hand. It is not far to that shop but it is an awkward route for pedestrians involving a couple of underpasses and a few steep slopes. At first it was easy enough. All I had to do was push through the deep snow while concentrating on remaining upright. The return journey was more challenging. I had intended to get our weekly shopping in two instalments, one today and another tomorrow, but it was still heavy. I had to stop twice on the way home to put the shopping down and take a few deep breaths before continuing and I consider myself reasonably able to get about under my own steam. How on earth are less able people supposed to cope in these conditions, and what about young mums with their babies and buggies and other children in tow plus piles of shopping?
A couple of weeks ago I sent for a few items from shopfitting suppliers so that I could make an additional display unit for daughter Jennie’s craft stall. The items in question were a few short lengths of chrome-plated steel tube plus fitting to join them together. The service was good and the delivery rapid but (see the picture) did they really think that box was big enough?
Since Henry emerged from hibernation it has been necessary to keep him (in his house) in a warm place with plenty of light. A tortoise is a cold-blooded creature whose own temperature adjusts to the temperature of his surroundings. This and light levels are major factors in keeping him awake and active. If conditions are too cool, or dull, he could easily slip into hibernation without sufficient enegy reserves to sustain him until he awakens.
At this time of year there is only one place in our house where I can maintain the right conditions and that is my “den”. Thus Henry and I have been companions in late winter and early spring for around 25 years. Unfortunately this is hardly convenient as my “den” tends to be the second smallest room in the house. On the other hand, you can’t do too much for a good tortoise!
So Henry is now privileged to occupy the space formerly allotted to my painting activities, which is not the disaster that it might have been. A few days ago I discovered that some painting classes will be starting (or perhaps resuming) in a community centre near here in January. So I will go to the first session (together with a neighbour) to see what it is all about. To paint a short bus journey away from home will require some departure from my usual equipment – much the same alterations in fact that will make it more flexible so that I can work around the presence of Henry in my “studio”. Meanwhile, I have started the latest daub and, if I ever finish it, I will put this one on the blog for the amusement of all.
For now, however, I can only quote Rolf Harris – “Can you see who it is yet?”
Maybe a backpack would be easier than shopping bags? I had to do that a couple of years ago, actually slogged down to the store to buy our Christmas dinner when we were snowed in! The backpack was much easier, but I guess it depends on how much stuff you need.
Digital Dame, it would need a very large backpack. I hope that the current weather conditions are not going to become much more frequent during the next few years than they have been in the past. So I prefer a big shopping trolley on two large wheels, even in snow. I think that would be easier on the old legs and hips than expecting them to bear 100% of the weight 100% of the time.
Mind you, I did enjoy the walks TO the shop – but don’t tell anyone or they’ll have me doing it every weeK!
Maybe rig that trolley up with some skis under the wheels
There’s a thought, how about something like a child’s sled? A few bungee cords to tie everything down and you’re all set.
Why stop there? Mount a chair on the sled (might as well sit comfortably) plus a large box behind for all the shopping. Then attach some Huskies (or Golden Retrievers would do if you dangled food in front of them) and away you go!
Heh, all set for the Iditarod!
My goodness – you’ve really had the wearher, haven’t you? My friend is Milton Keynes in England was completely snowed in, and then her boiler went out – turns out the problem was condensation. It’s fixed again, but it was a cold couple of days before she could get the gas person there. Luckily her electricity held, so she had her electric blanket, space heaters and so on.
I laughed at your grocery store saga. Someone recently told me “You can walk to anywhere, as long as you have enough time.” I suppose you couldn’t push that as far as Transatlantic, but it’s a pretty general truth. I hope you realize there are mushers in Alaska who have been dying for snow – both the humans and their dogs. I think they finally have it now, but there was a long, long delay in getting it. I never knew it, but it seems Huskies get nervous when the mushing season comes and they can’t pull those sleds!
I love the preview of the painting. As I’ve said before, being able to paint anything seems to me very much like a magic art. I’m glad you’ve got some classes coming up, and will be anxious to see things develop.
The picture is at a very early stage – certainly not recognisable. I don’t know whether the “classes” will be just that or simply informal gatherings in which more experienced painters will be able to help beginners. I suspect (and will prefer) the latter. The point of it all for me is to have at least a couple of hours each week when I must get on and paint. Almost certainly, this will motivate me to paint in between “lessons” as well. The first session will be on January 11th… …watch this space!