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hobiisI live on the west coast, in the most temperate part of Canada. We are in a rain shadow, meaning that we're surrounded by mountain ranges and clouds tend to pass over us and deposit on the mainland, so although we get our fair share of rain in the wet season, it's not nearly as bad as other parts of the PNW. When it comes to winter, we usually see a dusting of snow a couple of times a year, and that's really it.
This week, though - we broke the top 5 local snow deposits since the mid 60s! Not only do people in general not know how to handle snow in this city, but we have absolutely no infrastructure to deal with it. We have no snow plows. Pick-up trucks equipped with shovels on the front and a sand distributor on the back are in high demand as they try to clear the main routes. For two days, the city buses weren't running, uni campuses were closed, and those of us who could work from home were not leaving the house. Vicky, my sturdy 13-year-old car, was buried and not going anywhere.
Rachie and I enjoyed a snow day on Tuesday, including a walk through knee-high drifts in the park across the street, and an exciting experience pushing a Jeep out of a snowbank. Wednesday I had to work (from the kitchen table), but we watched sooo many bad movies over those two days. We cobbled together some questionable dinners with the questionable food in our fridge, and it was really honestly quite cosy.
Today I'm back in the office, after spending half an hour last night shovelling Vicky clear, and the campus is so eerie and quiet.
As frustrating as the snow can be in a city that is not equipped to handle it, it really reminds me of home. I grew up in the prairies, facing -40C winters and mountains of drifting snow. I learned how to drive on snowy streets when I was 14 years old, and I have experienced more snow-induced power outages than I can even count. It's nice to get the feelings of nostalgia for those couple of days where we are blanketed in snow, especially now that I can work from home and don't have to stress about getting to my hotel job so that someone can look after the stranded guests!
Now I'm anxiously watching the flight details to find out if I am still going home for the holidays. Flights have been cancelled left, right, and centre, and people have been sitting on the runway for 13+ hours waiting for the winter storms to clear. With any luck, my flight will still be running on Saturday, and the next step will be figuring out how to get to the airport. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!
This week, though - we broke the top 5 local snow deposits since the mid 60s! Not only do people in general not know how to handle snow in this city, but we have absolutely no infrastructure to deal with it. We have no snow plows. Pick-up trucks equipped with shovels on the front and a sand distributor on the back are in high demand as they try to clear the main routes. For two days, the city buses weren't running, uni campuses were closed, and those of us who could work from home were not leaving the house. Vicky, my sturdy 13-year-old car, was buried and not going anywhere.
Rachie and I enjoyed a snow day on Tuesday, including a walk through knee-high drifts in the park across the street, and an exciting experience pushing a Jeep out of a snowbank. Wednesday I had to work (from the kitchen table), but we watched sooo many bad movies over those two days. We cobbled together some questionable dinners with the questionable food in our fridge, and it was really honestly quite cosy.
Today I'm back in the office, after spending half an hour last night shovelling Vicky clear, and the campus is so eerie and quiet.
As frustrating as the snow can be in a city that is not equipped to handle it, it really reminds me of home. I grew up in the prairies, facing -40C winters and mountains of drifting snow. I learned how to drive on snowy streets when I was 14 years old, and I have experienced more snow-induced power outages than I can even count. It's nice to get the feelings of nostalgia for those couple of days where we are blanketed in snow, especially now that I can work from home and don't have to stress about getting to my hotel job so that someone can look after the stranded guests!
Now I'm anxiously watching the flight details to find out if I am still going home for the holidays. Flights have been cancelled left, right, and centre, and people have been sitting on the runway for 13+ hours waiting for the winter storms to clear. With any luck, my flight will still be running on Saturday, and the next step will be figuring out how to get to the airport. Please keep your fingers crossed for me!
no subject
Date: 2022-12-22 09:07 pm (UTC)I’m glad you got a lovely few snow days and hope things aren’t too chaotic. I’m likely living somewhere in the broader geographic area of where you grew up (?) and we’re looking at -21 ish over Christmas; I’m relieved for the safer driving weather since everyone will be visiting family. (-15 would be even better but I’m not complaining.)
no subject
Date: 2022-12-22 09:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-12-22 09:40 pm (UTC)Bring it anyway because it’ll be worth it if you need it?
Thank you! And have a great holiday as well!
no subject
Date: 2022-12-23 12:27 am (UTC)