The Man who couldn't escape the snow.....

        One may think it strange for a person to find joy in hazardous conditions, yet I am known for being anything other "normal." In the weeks before I left Nebraska, it's terrain was commonly blanketed under the most beautiful form of accumulation; snow. Snow usually brings danger and hard work along with it's beauty, and of course less than desirable outdoor experiences. As many of you know, I have more than an everyday interest in this particular weather, as there is a monetary gain in it's appearance. Many days in December were spent behind the handles of my Tecumseh "Snow-King" walk-behind blower, and on the seat of a John Deere riding tractor. The first of the tractors utilized a blade (plow) to push the snow, but it was deemed useless against the hordes of flakes that had built themselves to unmeasurable heights. (well....I didn't have a ruler...so technically..) I turned to the father in law (Papa Kent) for a better weapon to battle this common enemy. He took no time to provide me with THE 445!!!

"THE 445!"

     I was able to use this monster to trample any and all snow that was in my way!! She saved my back, yet offered no protection against the whipping winds and slicing frozen particles. I spent hours on end clearing driveways, and even entire streets. She put forth her most valiant effort as long as I kept her thirst quenched. There was no need to tie her to a post as I hopped off of the saddle to put the shovel to work on the places she couldn't reach. She waited patiently for me with a low purr as to let me know that her rest is appreciated, yet her hunger for more snow is unbearable. Upon my return home, I would park her in her newly renovated stable and make my way to the back door as I am cheerfully greeted by our lovable Chocolate Lab named Bella. I shake off the snow from my flannel coat, and start to remove the various layers that have allowed me to endure the sub-zero temperatures. My skin begins to throb as it is reintroduced to the warm temperatures of our home. My beautiful wife has hot cocoa in hand, as she always takes care of me. My back is aching from sitting in the same position for so long, and strained from the little snow that I did have to shovel. I welcome the cash and checks that are sitting on the coffee table, yet am thankful that I am done for the day. "I can't wait to be in California."

      I arrived at LAX on January 2, and relished in the 75 degree weather. The acclimation process was about week as my body had had to adjust to the warmth. We went for a few jogs on the beach and went to the park in tee-shirts and shorts. Anthony and Carly took me to on a trip to Big Bear City where their friend owns a cabin. There was evidence of prior snow fall, but only the remnants remain. We took their little boy sledding down an area that had just enough snow to accommodate our sleds, more ice than snow. The temperature lingered around the 40-50 degree range. We came back to Long Beach and again enjoyed the rise in temp to around 75.

    Just more than a week goes before Carly goes stir-crazy and suggests another trip back to Big Bear. We were warned of the storm that was heading that way, but we Nebraskans fear NO WEATHER!! We packed up and headed out.  About a quarter way up the mountain we encountered the snow and pulled over to tackle the job installing the tire chains....a pain, but a necessity. The Ford Escape hauled us on up the mountain and we arrived at the cabin in the late evening. Snow was falling at an increasingly heavy rate as the night went on. We experienced a few flickers of power outages, and used our testicular intuition to get the furnace up and running as not to slowly drift into hypothermia during our slumber.

   When we awoke, we were greeted with a monumental amount of snow outside our door. As the day went on, the number of inches piled up. As the inches piled up, they turned into feet. The power continued to be an intermittent commodity, but we made the best of it by playing board games and downing various brands/kinds of liquor and beer. We took photos (below) to document this occasion.

Big Bear City, CA

(Only about 2 1/2 Hours from Long Beach)

(these are NOT drifts...this was ACTUAL ACCUMULATION!)

    

     After hours of back strain, we were able to get the car out of the driveway, but only out. We luckily found a neighbor that had a $2500 (as he stated) snow blower to save us from a trip to the hospital due to overexertion.  Thanks Charlie and Farley!!  (yes..those are of the neighbors that helped us!!)

    In summation, the return to the hard work in the snow was surprisingly welcomed. It helped bring a piece of home to California. Though we ended up being snowed in (mountain hwys were closed) for an additional day without power, we have NO regrets about this memorable experience. 5+ feet of snow in CALIFORNIA...who would have thought?

    

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