Heavy Snow

 We've been watching the forecast develop the past few days, eventually offering up to 8" of snow. That's exactly what we got. Here's the snow event as it unfolded ...

01/12 -  3 pm: The snow is just about 4" deep at this point and seems to be stopping ...

01/12 - 4 pm: I measured just 3" on the top of the picnic table.

 But 4" on our concrete bench.

 Throughout the evening some heavy bands of snow set up across the Dayton area. Overnight snow continued to fall. This morning there was an even 8" where I measured in the grass near my rain gauge.

 A view out my bedroom window looking south shows that our lane was plowed out by DR Coffman  even before there was any light. Clayton Road has been plowed a number of times but remains snow-covered. I have seen little traffic this morning. This snow has brought the area to a standstill. Montgomery County (and several other nearby counties) are on a Level One Snow Emergency. Most people appear to be staying inside.

 Here's some views about the property. See my rain gauge centered in this shot? It's behind deep snow that the plow has deposited. How happy I was to see Coffman plow me out. At least Tom will be able to get as far as the road.

 The back yard is adrift in deep snow. It is a dark, gray day but it is not particularly cold: in the mid to upper 20's. It is blessedly calm so there is no drifting and the risk to power lines is minimal.

 But the pine nearest the driveway looks dangerously weighted down with snow. Yesterday when I shoveled, I found a very wet snow that was incredibly heavy.

 Our driveway is open, at least. No mail today (it is Sunday) and an appointment we had with DirecTV was cancelled. The service technician said he was in a ditch and needed a tow truck. Last I heard he said they were estimating another three hours before he could be pulled out. I suppose I didn't need him dragging snow in the house anyway.

 Speaking of DirecTV, the satellite dish is plastered with snow and is probably not operational. I'll have to dig a path to it and brush it off with a broom. At least it's on the ground and accessible. I see so many dishes mounted on rooftops. Why? Getting twenty feet closer to the satellite doesn't make any difference.

 Mom's picnic table is covered with deep snow.

 A view towards the garden ...

 Another closer look at the picnic table.

 So, today will be a day I don't venture from the house. Tom's going to return to Cincinnati since he has to work. But I'll be marooned until the snow begins to melt. There are worse things to be.