Wednesday 28 February 2018

Change of Scene

UPDATES at bottom of page.

I am very glad to have had the sunshine penetrate my body and mind last Sunday because it has prepared both myself and Mrs H for what we are now facing.


The above photo looks at my nearest neighbours house which can just be seen above and to the right of the yellow post.



The snowy road outside of our cottage with five inches of beautiful icing.



The boreen or lane opposite our front door.




What is expected from 4 pm tomorrow. 
It is then that Storm Emma, from The Bay of Biscay, mingles with the Beast from the East 
producing blizzard conditions of heavy snow and gale force winds in excess 100 kph. 
Goodness knows what the chill force factor will be.

The people like us who live in the Province of Leinster and those who live in Munster have been told
to be in their homes by 4pm and remain there until there is a cessation of the conditions.

UPDATE
Minister for Transport Shane Ross said this evening that it is predicted there will be 25cm of snow tomorrow and 40cm by lunchtime on Friday, which is an “unprecedented situation”.

 Further update

BREAKING: Met Éireann have extended the Status Red snow and ice warning to all counties from 11pm tonight until 3pm on Friday.


24 comments:

  1. Keep warm folks and enjoy the beautiful imagery x

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    1. We very much intend to Darling - no worries about that... Cherry vodka hear I come :)

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  2. Crank the woodburner up a notch.

    It's been struggling to snow here all day, but we should get some tomorrow.

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    1. I have two stoves on the go at the moment and tomorrow the mighty giant in the west room will be ignited
      with Bord Na Mona nuggets which will redden the place :)

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  3. We've been relying on a single open fire for the last three weeks to heat the whole house so I am pleased to have the central heating back on as of yesterday. It's so good to be warm again. Here in SW England, we have escaped snow until this evening when the first tiny flecks have appeared. Your pictures look fabulous and I look forward to similar here, even if it is the first meteorological day of spring :) I hope you all stay cosy and warm and enjoy the snow while it lasts.

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    1. Thank you Bella !
      These days I no longer get as much pleasure from snow as I did when much younger however, yes I still enjoy the scenery and the visits of buzzards who only put in an appearance when the weather turns bad.

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  4. Anne T said:
    Mel.
    Good photos !
    Did you notice how many faces in your tree.
    Take a good look in the branches.
    Keep warm
    Anne T. x

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    1. No, I didn't see any faces in the tree Anne, err what exactly are you smoking / drinking :)
      and can we have some ?

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  5. SHeesh that's awful, and I thought the blizzard I rode to work in today was terrible

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    1. As is often said: 'It is going to get worse before it gets better' !

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  6. Get your toboggan out! No snow in Wiltshire but a load is due to arrive tomorrow and Friday with Storm Emma.

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    1. Ah yes, memories of my youth ... but now I would rather be in sleigh and be pulled or pushed along -
      can you please arrange that to happen ?

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  7. Hi Mel - amazing to see ... we've had similar snows here on the Island - but for now it's cold and wet ... not snowing I'm pleased to say ... I am glad it's February and Spring is just within touching distance! Good luck with the weather ... brilliant photos - and yes good for the sun when it comes out - cheers Hilary

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    1. Thank you Hilary, and last week we thought spring had started for just as the snowdrops were dying, the crocus came into flower hotly pursued by daffodils in bloom. I fear that spring is now lies dormant once again.

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  8. Join the club, friend H ... or just come over here ... smiles ... my place or your place ? ... Hang in there, hmmm? ... Love, cat.

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    1. Hello pussy Cat !
      I think it best to remain here you know... because by the time I could get to you... this lot will have melted away. Thanks for the offer :) x

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  9. A real blizzard! Stay inside, safe and warm! Get ready to shovel snow when it stops.

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    1. Thank you for the advice Debra but as for shovelling it is in the shed and fortunately I would need a tractor to get anywhere near it :) !

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  10. Jack L said:
    Hi Mel,

    Thanks for your pictures and note. That is no laughing matter over there, ...here in Manitoba we are used to savage storms with snow and on a frequent monthly basis.... But we are always prepared every year with heavy equipment and budgets to clear the roads and snow, and Manitoba Hydro engineers have designed robust electrical transmission lines which rarely black out, and all of our water/sewer pipes are mandated to be laid a minimum of 9 ft under ground to prevent freezing by avoiding the frost line depth.

    We used to drive in all weathers...but foolhardy perhaps for the Irish people, the best thing is to stay home and enjoy the company of your loved ones. The coldest night I have ever spent in a house was in Witney Oxfordshire at my mother-in-laws house...-10C in a damp cold English January night, no insulation over the stone walls. Anyway it was the coldest night, in a house.... but A and I snuggled up to keep warm....and so one of the best nights as well Wink...!

    This weather should serve as a reminder to world government leaders that Mother Nature is a force far greater than we are able to comprehend and/or overcome....we should be mindful of how we degrade her.

    anyway, sit tight Mel and enjoy living simply..I would be happy to spend the night(s) with you and Mrs H...have a great old visit !! Storms can be fun too...

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    1. Thank you Jack it is pleasing to know that your cables are underground and specially designed for the job.
      When I moved here I asked around about the weather and after hearing about the 1982 blizzard I put my water pipes from the well in deep and put the pump under the kitchen sink to prevent it from freezing. By doing so it brought several exclamations about the noise, but actually it is no louder than the fridge and never gets frozen. This evening will be interesting to say the least....!


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  11. Wrap up well, stoke up the fire, stay snug and warm. Spring will be here shortly - it has just been delayed.

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    1. Thanks for the comments Pat.
      I have three stoves on the go including a mighty giant multi-stove in the west wing and all of the interconnecting doors are open allowing the heat to mingle. Plus I have just opened a bottle of Black Bush whiskey for the inner Mel to do its work, when the idea came to me that each snowflake is a demonic angel descending to torment folk on these islands for voting for brexit... well I have the torment bit right because the road outside is impassable.

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  12. Uf, Mel! I don't think I could take it! We had rain, wind, gray, and thunder today... and sunshine between. That's enough for me!

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    1. I really appreciate your comment Mitch because we are in lock down until there is a thaw. Our road being a minor one does not get treated at all other than a splash of tarmac when a pothole appears. We were unable yesterday to put the car on the road and today it is even deeper... and Biscay Betty (Emma) has yet to pass through which will bring even more white stuff.

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