Blizzard!

It's a fierce one! Wow. I don't remember being in such horrible conditions, at least not recently!

I woke up and decided not to go to Monica's. I am really bummed about it, but I thought it was the best decision. Regina followed me to the airport and I returned the rental. It was a frustrating experience and I do not think I will ever willingly rent from Hertz again. The thirty miles or so I drove were among the most expensive miles ever.

On the way back we stopped at Cathy's so I could get her knitting projects back on track so she'd have the option to work on them during the storm and then we went to Hot Bagels Abroad and picked up a dozen bagels. Yum! I love NJ bagels (and pizza, but that's a post for later in the week, I hope). That was a nice breakfast. And there's more for tomorrow!

The flurries started about 11:00 or so. I went with Mom and Dad and Regina to church for the Feast of the Family. It was a beautiful mass and the priest did not waste any time. He flew through the mass, but I didn't feel rushed. There just weren't any wasted moments. The snow was starting to come down. We got in the  house and hunkered down. The snowfall rate increased and so did the wind.

Panchi had to go out after dinner, so Dad and I went out and shoveled a path to the sidewalk. I stepped into the snow and it was at least six to eight inches deep. By the time we got down to the sidewalk and did the neighbor's front walk, our front walk was covered by blowing snow, so we had to shovel ourselves back to the house! The temperature was 22 degrees but the windchill made it feel like 8. Winds are steady at 25 mph and gusting to 45 to 55 mph. I believe it!

I've taken some "time lapse photography" and will post it here tomorrow. I'll take another picture in the morning. The snow is supposed to taper off after around 3:00 or 4:00 and be over by 9:00 or 10:00. Doesn't matter to me. Mom took tomorrow off (I assume Dad did too) and we have no where to go and no place to be, so I think we'll spend the day inside as much as possible.

I started a sock a few days before coming here and I made quite a bit of progress today. I may be able to finish the first and start the second tomorrow. I'd like to have this pair to wear after the half marathon. I think I'll rename them "Blizzard Socks"!

I am simply astounded by the weather. I'm loving the snow, especially since it isn't affecting me. I'm spending time with family, which is what this trip was all about. I don't leave until later in the week, when the roads should be clear and the airport reopened. If I have to stay an extra day or two it won't kill me, I'll just have to make arrangements with the kennels. I have no deadlines or responsibilities. There's food and wine in the house, so what else do I need?! (Well, besides my husband, that is.)