I grew up in the Pacific Northwest (Snohomish, Washington, to be exact), so even though I've lived in South Dakota for the last 38 years, the sight of snow falling still triggers the little electric thrill that I used to feel as a kid, whenever I spotted the rare and elusive snowflake. Of course this snow, the first of the season, didn't so much fall as attack.
We lucked out- The Black Hills (or, as we like to say: Wes Triver, meaning west of the Missouri, which bisects the state) got a lot more snow than we did. And by a lot, I mean Deadwood (of slot machine and Kevin Costner fame) got 45". And Rapid City got 10". I-90, the east-west interstate, has been closed from Mitchell (home of The World's Only Corn Palace) to the Wyoming border, and may not reopen today.
Here in Eas Triver (east of the Missouri), we got around 3", though it's hard to tell, what with the Arctic Snow Rearranger howling out there. But our high wind not only piles the snow in inconvenient places, it makes driving purely a hazard. Especially since people have forgotten, as they always do during the summer months, that water plus cold plus wind makes for fender bendery travel. So, though we're not socked in, nor are we shoveling out, we're still under a travel advisory, which sucks. Royally. Because I was going to get to spend the weekend snuggling down with grandkids, who are now stuck at home.
So the *oh look, it's snowing!* has been tempered a bit by the *dammit, it's snowing!*.
I'll spend my day, hunkered down with charts and needles. I had a lightbulb moment for an unusual lace design and construction yesterday, and spent the afternoon and evening swatching and experimenting and tearing out and starting over and still not making the thing in my head real (yeah, I know that I said that I skip swatching whenever possible, but even The Swatch Avoidance Queen would not start a full-size lace project using a totally unfamiliar construction and a new design, without a trial run or two. I'm lazy and impatient, not stupid). So far, the notion has not gelled, but I'm working on it. And since I won't be cooking or cleaning for company, or reading books or playing games or cavorting in the snow with grands [insert self pity here], I have plenty of time to work out the kinks. I'll keep you posted.
4 comments:
I was wondering how much snow you got--not being real sure just where in S.D. you are map-wise. Looking at your pictures and looking at some from the western edge of the state on the Weather Channel online indicates quite a difference in the results of that storm. Glad you all are safe. Happy swatching!
LizE
Wow, what a day! I live in Mass and we always say if you don't like the weather wait a minute...I know exactly what you mean about the excitement of snow at first, still get it in the belly. Then reality sets in and what it means. (postponements, cancellations, etc) Life-long New Englanders too, forget how to drive the first few times making a mere inconvenience into a hazard. Stay safe and warm please.
I was born in the Black Hills but grew up in MN, so the howling drifting thing was part of our life every winter. I remember drifts big enough to cover our back door. We had our own little snow porch when we finally dug out enough to get the door open.
I live in the desert now, and really miss the snow...
LOL to the Eas Triver and Wes Triver. We so do that too! I think there was a book out once that talked about the way we talk here in SD!!
Hi BTW, I'm Jenny from Pierre and found your blog through Ravelry! I'll have to watch for your book/patterns!! How exciting to have a SD author!
www.xanga.com/jengi33
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