Snow-pocalypse 2014

Having survived the holidays, recovered from my cold, and gotten into the routine of the new year, January flew by with Izzy and I both keeping our resolutions to eat less and exercise more (for the most part!). As is typical in the south, "winter" consists mostly of a series of dry, grey days on which you have to go warm up the car for a few minutes before venturing out into the bone-chilling cold (i.e. temperatures in the 40’s). But those days are made for Great Dane hiking – it’s the perfect temperature for them, not too hot, not too cold – and with enough layers I can enjoy it as well.

 

 

On the Trail at Big Creek - 15 January 2014

 

As compensation for the severe cold, we normally have warmer days – the equivalent of spring in the northern climes. Snow is a rare and unwelcome visitor, and in the ten years I have lived down here, I have only had a handful of days where it appeared, with maybe one previous occasion where driving around was impeded by the wintry conditions. And that is fine with me, as I’ve done my time in the North! This year, however, was destined to be different.

 

The dire warnings of the great blizzard of 2014 started to appear Monday 27 January. Sometimes this news build-up happens and no snow ever comes, so people tend to take it with a grain of salt. However, just to be sure we were covered, Izzy and I went to Costco Tuesday morning to get a fresh bag of dog food (the really important item to have if you’re snowbound!). Since we arrived a half-hour early due to my failure to check their opening time, we took a walk around the parking lot. Not the most scenic for me, but Izzy didn’t seem to care about the surroundings – there was a dog moving around up in the landscaping and that held her complete attention the entire time we were there.

 

Alert Costco Shopper - 28 January 2014

 

Fortunately, we were back at the ranch and well-stocked with kibble (and a few human foods as well) so that we sat out the big disaster that saw a lot of folks stranded around town. I cleared a path down to the mailbox (with some help - Izzy doing her share by eating the snow), but by the time we ventured back out most of the white stuff had melted – at least for the time being!

 

 

Snow Removal Expert - 28 January 2014

For awhile it looked like spring might be just around the corner, especially after our local furry weather prognosticator, General Beauregard Lee, saw his shadow on 2 February. We were looking forward to warmth, sun, and spring training - at least some of us were!

 

 

Disappointed Potential All-Star - Roswell Area Park - 4 February 2014

 

Round 2 of winter came about two weeks later, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Once again, dire warnings, hourly traffic updates, gruesome radar maps, and most of Atlanta closed even before the storm entered the state. This storm was serious, however, with icing conditions followed by snow, but it was also short-lived. The next day saw the sun come out and the debris of winter quickly disappeared. But with two “storms” in one season, Izzy and I are definitely ready for spring!

 

 

Dashing Through the Snow - 13 February 2014