Tuesday 23 February 2010
Snack attack
I've found a new human snack I like - raisins. They're a bit like rabbit droppings but not as earthy and a lot sweeter. My human prefers that I eat them instead of rabbit droppings so I guess it's a win win situation for me.
Sunday 21 February 2010
Grass
I walked on grass today for the first time in over two weeks. Ah it was lovely, so soft and warm - well actually it was wet and muddy but it felt so good after weeks of snow and ice.
Here are a couple of then and now shots.
Here are a couple of then and now shots.
Where's the fence gone?
Hey look, they put the fence back....
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Dig out + 7
It's been 7 days since the last snowflake fell and the dig out continues. Diggers and lorries have been hard at work removing snow from the streets and most of the pavements are clear. There's the odd householder who is too lazy to clear their sidewalk so I save my pee for outside their property. It's a valuable service I provide, although I am in danger of serious dehydration on some routes.
Ice is the biggest problem now; not under foot as I use 4 paw drive when it gets slippy, it's the stuff that is falling from the roofs. Some of the icicles are over 2 feet long: if one of those fell off it could skewer me like a suckling pig.
The salt is really starting to hurt my paws. It gets between my toes and itches like mad, so then I start licking them and they get all red and sore. My human has started washing them after my walk which at first was a bit odd but now I'm really enjoying a soak and foot massage after pounding the streets.
I'm very disappointed by the lack of snowmen, woman or children. The only one I have seen is the one in the picture below. Nobody seems to play out. The only people I see are a handful of other dogs and their humans and even then it's only the hardy breeds like me that are out. All the little yappie things must do their stuff indoors when it's cold or wet because you never see them out when the weather is bad.
Ice is the biggest problem now; not under foot as I use 4 paw drive when it gets slippy, it's the stuff that is falling from the roofs. Some of the icicles are over 2 feet long: if one of those fell off it could skewer me like a suckling pig.
The salt is really starting to hurt my paws. It gets between my toes and itches like mad, so then I start licking them and they get all red and sore. My human has started washing them after my walk which at first was a bit odd but now I'm really enjoying a soak and foot massage after pounding the streets.
I'm very disappointed by the lack of snowmen, woman or children. The only one I have seen is the one in the picture below. Nobody seems to play out. The only people I see are a handful of other dogs and their humans and even then it's only the hardy breeds like me that are out. All the little yappie things must do their stuff indoors when it's cold or wet because you never see them out when the weather is bad.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Normality
Some semblance of normality is returning to my life. My human is back at work meaning I can get on with my day in peace.... sleeeeeeep! There is still loads of snow around although people are starting to dig out - I even saw a sidewalk this morning. It's really dangerous getting around, most of the sidewalks still haven't be cleared so I have to walk in the road a lot. There are huge piles of snow at junctions and most of the roads are still only single lane so I have to be really careful I don't get squished by some nutter in an SUV. I have to keep away from buildings as huge chunks of snow keep sliding off. I tell you, if I'm in the path of a roof avalanche I'll look like the abominable snowdog. Lorries loaded with snow have been passing my apartment all day. I think they are taking it to Vancouver so the olympic athletes have something to ski on.
For the record: official snowfall for 'Snowmageddon' and 'Snowmageddon II' was 48 inches! And there may be more on the way.... brilliant!
For the record: official snowfall for 'Snowmageddon' and 'Snowmageddon II' was 48 inches! And there may be more on the way.... brilliant!
Wednesday 10 February 2010
Snowmageddon II
Can you believe it, we've had another 14 inches of snow today - that's a total of 44 inches since Friday. It is now officially the snowiest winter in DC history. It's ace!!! I love it. I managed to get out this morning for a quickie but I've been confined to barracks for the rest of the day and I am sooooooooo bored. It should be great having my human here all day but she's working and doesn't want to play. She wouldn't take me out as the government were advising people to stay indoors as it was so dangerous. It cleared up a bit at 4 so we ventured out. I wish I could get off the lead and go for a proper run in the stuff. The square across the street from us reminds me of being at the seaside, the drifting snow looks like sand dunes, I begged to go for a run through it but she wouldn't let me off.
Still not sure what is going on with the videos so you'll have to make do with photos for now.
Still not sure what is going on with the videos so you'll have to make do with photos for now.
Video problems
There appear to be problems playing video's on my blog. It appears to be a problem with the provider who say they are working on the issue. Please try them later. Sorry.
Blizzard
It's a good job I'm a hardy dog and my human loves me enough to take me out in this. To be honest I didn't really enjoy this morning's walk but when nature calls one has to answer it. She's at home again today so no rest for me. Come to think of it it's about time she was at her computer working hard.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Snow joke
It's snowing again - yippeeeee!!!! We are supposed to get another 10 or so inches by tomorrow night. I hope they don't bring that blinking snow blower out again though. They woke me up this morning with their noise. Don't they realise I need my beauty sleep? Talking of which I haven't been able to get much these last few days as my human has been working at home. When she's at work I spend most of my day asleep on her bed. When she's working at home I have to check up on her every hour or so just to make sure she's working hard, earning money to keep me in the lifestyle I'm accustomed to. I can't have her slacking off.
Sunday 7 February 2010
Get out there
Ok it was nice when it was coming down but now the dig out has begun I'm starting to loose interest. It's also getting really difficult to get around. It's freezing out there, literally. The salted roads and sidewalks are sheets of ice. There is so much snow the only way I can get around is either in the road or where the sidewalk has been cleared but they are as slippery as an eel. I look like I'm break-dancing when I try to walk, and as for cocking my leg, well forget it. I need all paws on the floor for stability.
We tried to get out in the country in the car this afternoon, after she'd dug it out of course. The 4x4 was struggling for grip on the main roads which were little more than sheets of ice. If it wasn't for the other cars on the road it would have been brilliant fun but most of the drivers that were out were complete idiots.
We tried to get out in the country in the car this afternoon, after she'd dug it out of course. The 4x4 was struggling for grip on the main roads which were little more than sheets of ice. If it wasn't for the other cars on the road it would have been brilliant fun but most of the drivers that were out were complete idiots.
The Day After
I went out early this morning. It's a beautiful day but really, really cold. Navigating is a bit tricky at times, I walk down a dug out path only to find a 10 foot wall of snow at the other end. I got through to my favourite walk which has been partly cleared. Outside of the trench is still far too deep for my little legs. Unofficial estimates are of 30 inches: my human isn't very tall and the snow comes to the top of her thigh. My estimate is... it's deep, real deep.
We are going to the country this afternoon for a run in the snow.
We are going to the country this afternoon for a run in the snow.
Saturday 6 February 2010
The storm is over
Hours of snow: 28
Accumulation: at least 28 inches
Conditions: Damn it's cold out there. Stopped snowing.
Walking difficulty: 4 - very icy where the snow has been partially cleared but way too deep to walk where it hasn't.
Peeing difficulty: 2 - operation splash and dash in full operation - it's blinking cold
Four paw drive: Intermittent use and traction control required at times.
Number of times the plow has been passed: 5 - I can almost see the tarmac.
Excitability factor: 7 - it's too cold to enjoy myself
Traffic level: the cars came out as soon as the snow stopped.
Number of snowmen: I can just see the head of one
Number of fallen trees: 5
Observations: Temperatures are falling rapidly so my human started to clear the car. It took her 40 minutes to dig it out using a floor mop and an ice scraper.
Accumulation: at least 28 inches
Conditions: Damn it's cold out there. Stopped snowing.
Walking difficulty: 4 - very icy where the snow has been partially cleared but way too deep to walk where it hasn't.
Peeing difficulty: 2 - operation splash and dash in full operation - it's blinking cold
Four paw drive: Intermittent use and traction control required at times.
Number of times the plow has been passed: 5 - I can almost see the tarmac.
Excitability factor: 7 - it's too cold to enjoy myself
Traffic level: the cars came out as soon as the snow stopped.
Number of snowmen: I can just see the head of one
Number of fallen trees: 5
Observations: Temperatures are falling rapidly so my human started to clear the car. It took her 40 minutes to dig it out using a floor mop and an ice scraper.
Winter storm walk: number 4
Hours of snow: 26
Accumulation: about 28 inches - nearer 4 feet in the drifts
Conditions: Strong wind, moderate snow fall
Walking difficulty: 9 - haven't seen a plow for hours
Peeing difficulty: 7 - plenty of yellow snow around.
Four paw drive: Permanent 4 paw drive, traction and stability control in full use.
Number of times the plow has been passed: I haven't seen one for hours
Excitability factor: 8 - the novelty is wearing off a bit and my paws are cold
Traffic level: skiers and walkers only.
Number of snowmen: 0 - all the kids are helping clear the snow
Number of fallen trees: 5
Observations: Still snowing but not as bad as earlier. More humans out enjoying the historic event and taking photos
Accumulation: about 28 inches - nearer 4 feet in the drifts
Conditions: Strong wind, moderate snow fall
Walking difficulty: 9 - haven't seen a plow for hours
Peeing difficulty: 7 - plenty of yellow snow around.
Four paw drive: Permanent 4 paw drive, traction and stability control in full use.
Number of times the plow has been passed: I haven't seen one for hours
Excitability factor: 8 - the novelty is wearing off a bit and my paws are cold
Traffic level: skiers and walkers only.
Number of snowmen: 0 - all the kids are helping clear the snow
Number of fallen trees: 5
Observations: Still snowing but not as bad as earlier. More humans out enjoying the historic event and taking photos
What the?
I wanted a wee against that tree.
The road had been plowed several times but was still about 5 inches deep. I went for the pavement....
Winter storm walk: number 3
Hours of snow: 20
Accumulation: about 22 inches - nearer 3 feet in the drifts
Conditions: Strong wind, moderate snow fall
Walking difficulty: 6 - where the plows have been - impossible where they haven't
Peeing difficulty: 7 - again only where the plows have made a route for me. There are some huge piles of snow which I'm using as substitute trees.
Four paw drive: Permanent 4 paw drive, traction and stability control required
Number of times the plow has been passed: I've lost count. They come passed every hour or so . One plow was stuck in a drift outside our place this morning.
Excitability factor: 10 - still loving it. The plows are losing their battle meaning deeper snow on the roads for me to play in.
Traffic level: Just the plows and a couple of hardy dogs.
Number of snowmen: 0 - they've been buried.
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: I wouldn't be able to get around if it wasn't for the plows and blowers. It's deep, really deep, and brilliant. The power keeps going off which is a bit worrying as there is a Law and Order marathon on TV.
Accumulation: about 22 inches - nearer 3 feet in the drifts
Conditions: Strong wind, moderate snow fall
Walking difficulty: 6 - where the plows have been - impossible where they haven't
Peeing difficulty: 7 - again only where the plows have made a route for me. There are some huge piles of snow which I'm using as substitute trees.
Four paw drive: Permanent 4 paw drive, traction and stability control required
Number of times the plow has been passed: I've lost count. They come passed every hour or so . One plow was stuck in a drift outside our place this morning.
Excitability factor: 10 - still loving it. The plows are losing their battle meaning deeper snow on the roads for me to play in.
Traffic level: Just the plows and a couple of hardy dogs.
Number of snowmen: 0 - they've been buried.
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: I wouldn't be able to get around if it wasn't for the plows and blowers. It's deep, really deep, and brilliant. The power keeps going off which is a bit worrying as there is a Law and Order marathon on TV.
Friday 5 February 2010
Winter storm walk: number 2
Hours of snow: 8.5
Accumulation: about 5 inches - nearer 10 in the drifts
Conditions: White out
Walking difficulty: 4 - the drifts keep catching me out
Peeing difficulty: 2 - Under the trees is a good spot but branches are starting to fall off so I'm going to need a hard hat.
Four paw drive: Full on 4 paw required
Number of times the plow has been passed: 5
Excitability factor: 10 - still loving it. The plows spoil it though.
Traffic level: Just the plows. The county have banned cars unless they have snow tyres.
Number of snowmen: 3
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: I didn't realize you could lightening storms with snow. It's going to be a long night for Mr Plow and his mates. You have to wonder if it's worth trying to clear it when it's falling at a rate of 2 inches an hour. There are even some home owners who are out shoveling their sidewalks. I'm curling up in front of the fire for the rest of the evening.
Accumulation: about 5 inches - nearer 10 in the drifts
Conditions: White out
Walking difficulty: 4 - the drifts keep catching me out
Peeing difficulty: 2 - Under the trees is a good spot but branches are starting to fall off so I'm going to need a hard hat.
Four paw drive: Full on 4 paw required
Number of times the plow has been passed: 5
Excitability factor: 10 - still loving it. The plows spoil it though.
Traffic level: Just the plows. The county have banned cars unless they have snow tyres.
Number of snowmen: 3
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: I didn't realize you could lightening storms with snow. It's going to be a long night for Mr Plow and his mates. You have to wonder if it's worth trying to clear it when it's falling at a rate of 2 inches an hour. There are even some home owners who are out shoveling their sidewalks. I'm curling up in front of the fire for the rest of the evening.
Winter storm walk: number 1
Hours of snow: 4
Accumulation: about 2 inches
Conditions: It's belting down!
Walking difficulty: 1 - it's a bit slippy and slushy in places
Peeing difficulty: 1 - once I've got a firm footing no difficulty whatsoever
Four paw drive: Minimally required
Number of times the plow has been passed: 0
Excitability factor: 10 - it's brilliant, I love the snow
Traffic level: Low for a Friday afternoon
Number of snowmen: 3
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: More dogs and people out than expected. Plenty of kids out with sledges and one rather strange human with long planks tied to his feet: I think you call them skis.
Accumulation: about 2 inches
Conditions: It's belting down!
Walking difficulty: 1 - it's a bit slippy and slushy in places
Peeing difficulty: 1 - once I've got a firm footing no difficulty whatsoever
Four paw drive: Minimally required
Number of times the plow has been passed: 0
Excitability factor: 10 - it's brilliant, I love the snow
Traffic level: Low for a Friday afternoon
Number of snowmen: 3
Number of snowmen I've peed on: 0
Observations: More dogs and people out than expected. Plenty of kids out with sledges and one rather strange human with long planks tied to his feet: I think you call them skis.
Thursday 4 February 2010
Bring it on
I've just read this on the weather channel..... Think I better stock up on dog food.
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW WITH NEAR-BLIZZARD CONDITIONS... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM FRIDAY TO 10 PM EST SATURDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
* PRECIPITATION TYPE... HEAVY SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS... STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 16 TO 24 INCHES.
* TIMING... SNOW WILL BEGIN MID-MORNING FRIDAY... AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING. CONDITIONS WILL DETERIORATE RAPIDLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON... WITH HEAVIEST SNOWFALL OCCURRING BETWEEN SUNSET FRIDAY TO SUNRISE SATURDAY. THE MOST HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL OCCUR FRIDAY NIGHT... WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW AND STRONG WINDS WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES TO BELOW ONE-QUARTER MILE... PRODUCING NEAR-BLIZZARD CONDITIONS.
* TEMPERATURES... HIGHS IN THE LOWER 30S FRIDAY. FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY... TEMPERATURES WILL BE IN THE MID 20S.
THIS STORM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE SIMILAR TO THE 19 DECEMBER STORM. PLAN FOR SUBSTANTIAL DISRUPTIONS TO TRAVEL FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THE WEEKEND.
A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE FRIDAY NIGHT.
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