[Sliders to the buried deck, Boston; 2/9/13]
We woke up Saturday morning to snowdrifts halfway up the sliding glass doors, with bands of snow still winding their way through. Officially, Boston had 24.9 inches from the blizzard, aka "Winter Storm Nemo." But we had power and heat and lots of food stocked up. I came into the city by cab early Friday morning just before the first flakes started flying. I'd spent Thursday night packing and fretting, listening to the forecasts and the news that the governor wanted everyone off the roads on Friday by noon. I needn't have worried. D and I had plenty of time to walk over to Trader Joe's once I got in, buy more food, and settle in to watch the hyperventilating meterologists and anchors on the local TV stations, running nonstop on the weather.
Here's what it looked like late Friday night once the storm got underway. Wind gusts over 70 mph -- hurricane force -- were reported during the height of the storm.
[Gusting winds and snow on Friday night]
The snow stopped by late morning, but it was still very cold and windy. We were rather reluctant to go out, but bundled up around 2pm to go check things out. I'm glad we did. With cars banned from the roads, save a few snowplows, the streets were overtaken with local residents out walking their dogs, seeing the sights, and snapping photos. We saw one couple cross country skiing on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the park in the center of Comm Ave.
[Comm Ave Mall, Boston; 2/9/13]
[Copley Square, Boston; 2/9/13]
[Cute pup on Comm Ave Mall]
I packed my Starbucks card, thinking we might grab a hot chocolate, but none were open. There were several restaurants open, however, mainly those attached to hotels. The corner CVS and Deluca's market were both open. But we had plenty to eat at home. We came back in and had wine and cheese. I'd made a big turkey meatloaf on Thursday to bring in with me, and we've had white bean hummus and crackers among other things to snack on.
Aside from the tv weather coverage, we've been watching the excellent House of Cards series on Netflix. We've also been reading on our Kindles. My reading of Cheryl Stayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail has put our mere inconvenience in perspective as she tells of her journey hiking the PCT with ill-fitting boots, an oversized pack and ungodly emotional baggage. She writes beautifully and honestly about her personal struggles and bad choices that led her to rash decision to set off on her own on the PCT, the challenges and beauty of the trail, her occasional encounters along the way with other people and the constant encounter with her own self. I'm enjoying it very much.
[City wildlife scavenging for food]
We didn't stay out long yesterday, but will head out again later today. The sun is shining brightly, beginning to melt the snow even though it's still well below freezing. I'm not sure yet if I'll head back home tonight or in the morning to face digging out my car in the driveway. The T isn't running until tomorrow, so likely I'll be taking a cab again. We'll see.
Meanwhile, here are more photos from the storm.
So dramatic, and I'm glad to know you're warm and fed.
Take care!
Posted by: Relatively Retiring | Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:07 PM
After all the media 'hyperventilating' (ha!), it's good to get a more personal view and know that you are well. A lovely visual transformation of the city and that slowing down and the quiet really comes through in your photos and words, Leslee. Stay safe and warm and enjoy!
Posted by: marja-leena | Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 12:14 PM
I must admit I'm kinda jealous. We haven't had a true blizzard like that here in about 15 years — not since I've had a camera. Your 2nd shot is especially evocative.
Posted by: Dave Bonta | Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Sounds almost like a lovely vacation ... and I love those pictures. They make me miss snow :)
Posted by: maria | Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 01:56 PM
RR: Thanks, it was pretty dramatic!
Marja-Leena: Thank you - I so appreciate your artist's eye.
Dave: We hardly had snow at all for the last 2 years. And nothing this big since I've lived here. It was fun being in the city for it.
Maria: D and I were talking about Marin County this weekend - its lovely weather. We should trade! ;-)
Posted by: Leslee | Monday, February 11, 2013 at 08:28 AM
I was wondering whether to get Wild, which is all over the shops here too, and your praise for it here persuaded me. I liked it very much - thanks.
Posted by: Jean | Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:39 PM