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.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
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.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Brrrrr
You know how I make fun of dogs who wear overcoats... not any more. Cold just doesn't begin to describe what it was like this morning and it's going to be even colder tomorrow. The air temperature was a rather bracing -10oC - tomorrow it's going to be -15oC - imagine how cold my paws are going to be. With temperatures that low I'm going to have to put operation 'splash and dash' into action - I don't want my bits to freeze.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Coming or going
I'm so confused these days I don't know if I'm coming or going. Three weeks on holiday, one week back at my place then back to the kennels for a week while my human jets off to California of all places. I tell you I don't know where I'm supposed to be put my bed. I've given up unpacking my bag, it's next to the front door ready for next time.
I just thought I'd post something so you know I'm ok. LIfe has been really dull so far this year. No new walks, no new places to visit, not even snow to play in. I did see a fox in the neighbourhood the other morning: I soon shooed her off with a woof and a short chase.
I did meet another girl Lab whose human thought we'd make excellent playmates as we looked similar ages.... hmmm not quite, I am nearly 7 years older than her. They were both amazed at my youthful good looks and athleticism. I should write a book about my diet and exercise regimen.
Monday, 4 January 2010
Kennel tales
Yeah I'm back with my human - she didn't forget about me. Don't get me wrong I've had a great holiday but you can't beat sleeping in your own bed (or your human's bed anyway). It hasn't been a complete holiday though. I managed to land myself a job as a puppy sitter to a 14 week old German Schnauzer. She was in the kennel next to me and got a bit home sick on her first night so I moved my bed to the other side of my kennel so I could snuggle near her.
It was really busy over Christmas and I met lots of new dogs. My favourite was another black lab girl. She was a rejected seeing eye dog (guide dog to you Brits). She was rejected for being too friendly, instead of getting on with her job she kept stopping to say hello to people, a bit like me really.
The week before Christmas was really quiet, so quiet I was all on my own for a couple of nights so the nice lady took pity on me and invited me into the big house. I repaid her kindness by frightening the living daylights out of her. It wasn't in my file that I have active dreams: imagine the fright when I started running, barking and growling in my sleep. Poor Michelle thought I'd been tasered by burglars and was having some kind of fit. All I remember is dreaming of chasing bunnies in the fields.
We had a party on Christmas day with peanut butter covered treats and presents. The only downside was having to wear reindeer antlers! Thankfully there are no photos to embarrass me.
My human brought presents back with her. Apparently Santa left them in England so she had to bring them back with her. I got a big tub of biscuits from Brandy's mum; some doggie chocolates and bling for my collar from Merlot; a doggie stocking from Lin and Roger my next door neighbours and favourite dog sitters back home and a superb reindeer tug toy from Victoria, supplier of tummy rubs and cool tug toys. Thank you all for my Christmas presents.
It was really busy over Christmas and I met lots of new dogs. My favourite was another black lab girl. She was a rejected seeing eye dog (guide dog to you Brits). She was rejected for being too friendly, instead of getting on with her job she kept stopping to say hello to people, a bit like me really.
The week before Christmas was really quiet, so quiet I was all on my own for a couple of nights so the nice lady took pity on me and invited me into the big house. I repaid her kindness by frightening the living daylights out of her. It wasn't in my file that I have active dreams: imagine the fright when I started running, barking and growling in my sleep. Poor Michelle thought I'd been tasered by burglars and was having some kind of fit. All I remember is dreaming of chasing bunnies in the fields.
We had a party on Christmas day with peanut butter covered treats and presents. The only downside was having to wear reindeer antlers! Thankfully there are no photos to embarrass me.
My human brought presents back with her. Apparently Santa left them in England so she had to bring them back with her. I got a big tub of biscuits from Brandy's mum; some doggie chocolates and bling for my collar from Merlot; a doggie stocking from Lin and Roger my next door neighbours and favourite dog sitters back home and a superb reindeer tug toy from Victoria, supplier of tummy rubs and cool tug toys. Thank you all for my Christmas presents.
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