here comes winter...


The winter started with a big bang and then petered out.  We went from endless dryness to a sudden major winter storm before Thanksgiving and then a pattern of one&off weak storms piling the snow up to near seasonal norms. And here we go again. 

 Pre-Thanksgiving
I am all hunkered down.  Our first real winter storm is approaching.  With over 24" of snow predicted in the next 24 hours along with low temps in the 20s... it'll be a sudden shift from clear, sunny, 70F+ temps which we've had for the last 8+ weeks.   Ahhhh.... California.

Since WinSol is 20 miles (as the ravens fly) from South Lake Tahoe, I usually look at west shore weather reports. This morning, the snow whisperer (Brian Allegreto) said this VERY cold and huge snow maker was a typical start to Tahoe winters - WinSol looks the same - from zero to hero:
tahoe
And so it begins...
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 This morning I have both fireplaces roaring.  All the window curtains are closed.  The backup generator has been tested and refueled.  Loads of firewood ready to go.  Paths cleared for snow shoveling.  The car has been moved out close to the main road (1/4 mile).  AND  i made a reservation in Sac with a bathtub and comfy room... so there's always that.  But right now I am embracing the isolation, the serenity, the beauty that our modern built environment has provided - warmth and convenience during deadly winter storms.  I can't imagine how isolating and lonely pioneers must have felt just 100 years ago - especially since they had no idea a winter storm was coming or how long it would last.  

 After last year's 'winter of my discontent' ... I'm not ever going to experience that again.  This year I have plenty of options to get the heck out of dodge should endless, non-stop cloudy days reoccur:  The alpine club lodges, down south excursions, holidays with friends,  international travel...

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