Snow White

Yes, I left on foot yesterday because I needed some fresh air and exercise. My destination was the B of A on Damen and North. I'd walked there with the baby many times in late summer, early fall. Something I didn't realize about living in the snow: all the deep slush that pools around corners and curbs. Never crossed my mind that such a soggy nightmare existed. And then when it snows on top of the ankle deep water...forgetaboutit. Needless to say, it took me 3 hours to get to the bank and back. My Uggs were soaked through (Thank gawd for the warm wool socks Heather knitted for me. After I ducked into the market for 2 produce bags to put over the wool socks inside my wet boots, I was fine. A crazy ass bag lady, but relatively fine.)

Later on the news it reported that 24 straight hours of snow had fallen (about 8-12 inches). I found it interesting that the city's full fleet of snow plows were out clearing the streets, 274 of them rolling up and down the streets of Chicago. They also recommended that you dig your car out while it was still powder, because they were expecting a big drop in temperature over night. So that I did. Bundled up again and went and freed my car of snow. The accumulation on and around my car was a good foot deep. Still? Yes, I'm in love with Chicago.

I did get wild good exercise. Also found a wallet and made a guy very happy. Came home and drank a hot toddy. And relaxed with a movie and some knitting. I got the baby sweater I knitted for my niece's new little boy blocked for finishing. Today I basically stayed in and finished the scarf I began knitting last night. It's been a good weekend for me. Quiet, relaxing, fresh, creative, exhilerating.

One more photo for Jo....hahahahahahaha YES!  It still happens and makes me laugh too.  Here are a couple shots I took out of my front doors early yesterday morning:

 

Comments

[Jo]

I love reading your blog. Being from Chicago and after having lived in the city for two years to do my Masters at DePaul, I adore seeing your photos and hearing of your stories there. You are living it to the fullest; it is so cool. I forget: are you from the midwest originally? I don't recall if you've ever lived in a place with four drastic seasons. The change from winter to spring will overtake you; it's glorious.

I remember back in 1998 when we were in our first apartment in Roscoe Village, we got some 18 inches of snow in a weekend. My husband would have to go out and shovel out our car and subsequently or spot; back then people would put lawn chairs and all sorts of items in their car spots because of the work it takes to shovel them out! Is that still allowed? I would always laugh hysterically driving through the city after a snow; it looked like a lawn party in winter on the sides of the streets.

Enjoy every day. I know you are...

[tracey k. in Ohio]

Ah, those pix look like you could be looking out my front door! I took advantage this weekend of being snowed in & cooked some good food & got some reading done. It just MAKES you do it, doesn't it? And yeah, cabin fever is very, very real. But once you get out in the mix, it feels so good returning to "the cabin." (LOL!) Have a great day!

[Adie]

Hi there
I've been reading your blog, after reading Brooke's for several years (she might remember me commenting, and emailing her with info many years ago).
I'm loving reading your blog more than ever - I'm about to visit Chicago for my fifth time, it's one of my very favourite cities in the world, and reading about your new life there makes me envious and excited! Also, keep the photos coming - I really love your eye for photos.

Finally, coming from Ireland, we get almost no snow, and last year in Chicago we thought we'd died and woken up in Snow Heaven..it was wonderful (but that's because it was a novelty, and we didn't have to live in it!). I'm heading out to Chicago in 5 weeks, so I'll be keeping an eye out on all the streets for you :)

It's been wonderful reading your blog, thank you for sharing.

[Rebekah Kurth]

Yes, those curbs and corners can be BRUTAL. I find them particularly tricky because the slush BLENDS IN with the street somehow! When we first moved to Brooklyn, I didn't know about such things either. I'm sure I ruined a pair of shoes or two. It's always entertaining watching people hop, skip and jump around the city, lol!

[Beth]

I heard on the news tonight that Chicago is bracing for a blizzard--stay warm and be careful, I'll be thinking of you as we watch the weather map.

[Dannette]

Once again your enthusiasm excites me! I have lived in the snow and cold all my life and it can get a little old to say the least. You seem to take experiences and share them in a way that makes me appreciate my own all over again.