Friday, March 09, 2007

TGIF!

Yes, I'm very thankful that Friday is here! Weatherwise it's been a rough week, but there have been some bright spots too.

I'm daydreaming about a trip to my favorite nursery to buy this fuchsia


My good blogging buddy in Western Australia, Stuart, of Gardening Tips 'n Ideas, is off gallivanting in Tasmania for a few days (he says he'll be working....uh huh) and has asked Val of Val Has Her Say, Colleen of In the Garden Online, and myself to write a guest post to help fill the time he's away. I wrote about fuchsias and my post was featured on Thursday, March 8th. Pop over and have a look if you'd like.

Stuart shares a mine of information about all sorts of garden-related topics. He works hard to bring garden bloggers across the world together, and has recently introduced several new features, including a wonderful sitemap that features garden bloggers the world over. You may want to add your own blog to it. You'll find a link to the map in the top right corner of my blog.


Nasty weather

The beginning of the week brought us more wretched weather. In spite of a winter storm warning on Monday, our school was open. Like most schools in our area we had already used one more than our allotted snow days, making administrators reluctant to add yet another. This unfortunately turned out to be a huge mistake. The morning commute was fine, but as the day wore on the wind picked up and the snow squalls began. By dismissal time conditions had deteriorated badly, with 30mph winds and blowing snow creating dangerous whiteout conditions. Where snowbanks are high and the wind blows the snow across the road, visability can be zero. On my trip home I unfortunately drove into one of these spots and had an experience I never want to repeat!


We still have plenty of snow!

The only thing I could see in the mass of swirling white snow engulfing my car was a large vehicle a short distance ahead of me, which seemed to not be moving (it was hard to tell). At this point I became disoriented and drove into a snowbank. It's impossible not to feel terror as one sits there wondering if at any moment another vehicle is going to rear end your car. By backing up just a little and turning my wheels all the way to the left, I luckily was able to drive out of the snowbank (thank The Lord). Pulling up behind the large van I could see that it was a UPS truck, and it was stuck! Now what? There was no way I could drive around it, so I just sat there wondering what to do, and feeling scared to death, all the while waiting to be rear ended.


Finally the UPS guy walked back to me and offered to help guide me around him. He said it wasn't so bad once you got by the houses in that section of the road. I was afraid for him to be standing in the road and thought him a brave and gallant soul. Miraculously, there were no cars behind me, and none coming the other way, so off I went into the swirling snow, feeling my way like a blind person. A little way along I passed a line of 4 cars coming toward me. Thankfully, we were able to pass each other without mishap, and shortly afterward I reached my turn-off and was able to drive out of the bad spot. The rest of the trip home was comparatively easy. You can well imagine how glad I was to get home to my husband and a nice hot cup of coffee!
I told hubby that I was going to stay put until winter was over...or at least until the wind and snow stopped blowing! It didn't stop until Tuesday afternoon, and thankfully school was closed once again.


Poor Apple, who lives not too far away from us, had an experience even worse than mine on Monday when she was involved in an accident during a whiteout. You can read about it here. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Tonight the forecast promised warmer temperatures for the next several days and that's definitely a blessing to look forward to.

I've got mail! Posted by Picasa


Last week a lovely surprise arrived in the mail....Lee-ann sent me an absolutely wonderful magazine from Australia, with a lovely note. While vacationing at the seaside on the breathtakingly beautiful south coast of Australia, she had an idea. As she sat on the beach with her hubby, soaking up the warm Aussie sunshine, she thought of her blog friends here in the freezing temps, surrounded by snow, and decided to share a bit of that sunshine with us. So she sent this magazine, filled with pictures of bright flowers, to a few of her blog friends here in the frozen northern US.

Thank you dear Lee-ann, for your sweet thoughtfulness and friendship. I'm constantly amazed at the warmth, care and concern that flows between blog friends.


Anita's heart


And while I'm thanking blog friends I must show you a couple of other sweet things that have come in the mail recently. Many or you have seen the gorgeous hearts that have been passed between blog friends lately during the Nostalgic Hearts Swap. Just before Valentine's Day a package arrived from Anita in Germany. In it I found not only the white marigold seeds she had most generously shared, but also this perfectly adorable pink embroidered tapestry heart. She's so talented and puts such fine detail into her creations.

See how well the card matches the Heart? Isn't that the prettiest?

Thank you so much dear Anita! You are such a sweet and thoughtful friend.

Wonderful Gifts from Marion and Anita Posted by Picasa

Another dear friend I'd like to thank while I'm at it is Marion, who lives in beautifully picturesque surroundings in Wales. At Christmas time she sent a package of Four O'Clock seeds, this very sweet little fabric covered green gingham heart (pictured above), and a lovely homemade Christmas card. Thank you so much dear Marion for that sweet, thoughtful surprise.

One last thing: A couple of blogger buddies had a happy meeting in Melbourne yesterday and there's a photo on Val's blog showing them in a cute schoolgirl pose :) There you'll find Frances ("Alice") of "A Growing Delight" and Val, happily disturbing the peace at the State Library of Victoria. I wish I could've been there with them!

I hope you all enjoy your weekend

27 comments:

Alice said...[Reply]

Hello dear, Kerri, from sunny Melbourne. I wish I could have sent you some to guide you out of your frightening experience in the snow. 'Someone' was definitely looking after you so that you didn't meet those four cars in a bad spot. I really think you should hibernate until winter is well and truly passed.

Lovely gifts to lifts your spirits from such sweet blog friends. They are so thoughtful and caring because that is what you are, too.

Yes, I had a lovely time with Val. I think we could have talked all night.

I'm enjoying my brief few days in Melbourne. Not sure what we'll do tomorrow, although Sara is also down here to play hockey against Victoria. Maybe we'll go and watch.

I'll be back home on Monday with lots of blogs to catch up on.

Cris said...[Reply]

Kerri, so sorry about all the weather conditions there... you are welcome to visit us and get some sunshine! Lovely gifts, I like crafts and just have not tried doing anything with fabric yet, these look fabulous. Have a nice weekend!

Carole Burant said...[Reply]

Der Kerri,

I was caught once in a whiteout condition while on the highway and I agree with you, it's one of the most frightening experiences you can ever go through! Like you, all I could see was the snow coming at me...I was so completely disoriented, I had no idea if I was still on the road and you don't want to stop in case someone comes up behind you!! Thank God you got home safely...I had read about Apple's experience and thank God no one was hurt there either!!

You certainly did receive some delightful presents in the mail...as you say, this blogging community certainly does consist of the most caring and generous people I know:-)

Take care and stay warm dear Kerri! We still have lots of snow too and although it's supposed to rain this weekend, they're forecasting more snow again next week. Sigh. xoxo

Charley "Apple" Grabowski said...[Reply]

Those are some very lovely gifts! I enjoyed your post on Stuart's blog. I'm hoping today to get caught up on some of the other garden blogs too.

I'm glad you are OK. Tuesday I ended up driving five miles around to avoid the stretch of road because of the blowing and then we closed. Yesterday John was on the roof. I can't wait for the rain to start!

I've decided spring may actually get here before June so I'm going to start some seeds today and hope it's not too early.

Val said...[Reply]

Oh Kerri, what a nightmare. I am so glad that we never have those conditions here in SW England. Ive experienced it once in Afghanistan many years ago, but my husband was driving and we were in a LandRover. Even so, not nice. Glad it turned out well. So hibernate, and I can tell you that spring will not be far away. And it will be lovely. I write from a sunfilled room looking out onto flowers! Hurrah!

sonia a. mascaro said...[Reply]

Kerri I am sorry about the bad weather! But your snow's photos are great! Love so much the flag and the contrast with the white snow.

So lovely the pink embroidered tapestry heart!

Annie in Austin said...[Reply]

The experience sounds pretty nervewracking, Kerri - hope the UPS guy got home eventually [bet he was not wearing those cute shorts this time] and that you're done with snow pretty soon.

Some of the Austin Garden bloggers have been lucky enough to meet already - I hope that all your readers get to meet their blog friends sometime, like 'Alice' and Val.

Your fuchsia post was fun to read - and it was sweet of you to pinch-hit for Stuart.

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Susie said...[Reply]

Kerri,
That whiteout driving sounds just frightening. I'm so glad you made it home safe and sound. You've posted lots of wonderful links here, so I will try and visit them too when I am a bit more caught up. Thanks so much for your prayers. I can't tell you what they have meant this last few days..
xoxo

Anonymous said...[Reply]

Oh my it looks just too cold there...I would stay snuggled home till some of that stuff melts. Take care and try and stay warm.

Hugs,
Connie

HORIZON said...[Reply]

Loved your special 'spot' on 'Gardening Tips'n ideas' :) That was a nice read Kerri. I also think it fitting that you get your Fuchsia for Mother's Day!

That sounds like some scary driving in the snow Kerri.
Once l got caught out in a 'whiteout' drive home in Maine- the snow flakes were enormous -(all joined together) and we couldn't see a thing- all the cars had to pull off the motorway.
So so dangerous and l am glad things turned out ok for you Kerri! Brave lady!

Thankfully you had some nice surprises from blogging buddies to keep you smiling and a hug from Ross l am sure. :)
Bests and keep cosy

Shelley said...[Reply]

Hello Kerri! Look at that snow! However I can vouch that spring is not far off. We have had a rough winter too, here in Texas, but seem to have finally broken out of the winter storm pattern we were stuck in. Spring is coming your way! Then..we'll be able to see your dreamy garden photos once more!

Hang in there!

Shelley

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...[Reply]

Driving in a white out is so frightening and I'm glad that you were able to finally make it home safely. I hope that this is the last snow of the winter for you and that you have budding daffodils under that snow ready to burst open at the sight of warm weather.

TJ said...[Reply]

I'm a big fan of fushia's although I think my patio got too hot for them last summer...maybe my new backyard will have a better spot...that one is a dandy pink...love it!!
I'm so glad you made it alright...I hate being on the road in those conditions...I had to pry my hand loose from the door one time...Hubby was driving and it was much as you described!!
I couldn't see the last few pictures...but then that's blogger...sigh!!
:-D

LindaD said...[Reply]

I like the snow pictures almost as much as the flowers. Its been so long since I've seen snow. Getting caught in a white out is frightening - so happy all turned out well.
What a wonderful thing to know people through the blogs and then to meet in person... and I agree - people are nice to you because that's the kind of seeds you sow.

Val said...[Reply]

Kerri, what a dreadful experience! I wouldn't blame you for not wanting to go out for the rest of the winter. Hmmmm, now wouldn't that be nice? Just need to stockpile the food, red wine, ingredients for baking cakes, and of course a huge stack of books that are not due back at the library for a few months. POP! Oh, that was the fantasy bubble bursting.

Judypatooote said...[Reply]

Wow, I'm glad your safe....there is nothing more scary than a spin out or yes hitting a snow bank...I too cringe when driving in bad weather, well even good weather, for there really are some idiots driving around....i love the picture with the flag.....beautiful.

kylieps said...[Reply]

Nice post mum! And I loved your post on Stuart's blog too. Can't wait to see the new fuschias!

TUFFENUF said...[Reply]

I thought about you when I was up in Virginia visiting my mother this past week. It was 35 degrees; not cold by your standards but "freezing" for this Florida gal! When I was so cold, I was thinking of you, wondering how you stand the cold for so many months! Scary road story, stay safe! It will be spring soon!

Cris said...[Reply]

Kerri! I made the eclair cake over the weekend and took it to a barbecue at a friend's, it was gone in a minute! Everyone loved it, it is sooo yummy!!!

Stuart said...[Reply]

You're a brave soul, Kerri for navigating your way through a snow storm. Though I'm not exactly au fait with driving conditions in snow I've had my fair share of scary storm driving incidents - and I can imagine that snow would alter that exponentially.

Thanks heaps for your wonderful post while I was away. It was certainly well received and I was honoured by being able to post it on my blog. Thanks again...

Naturegirl said...[Reply]

You certainly have much more snow than we! I can identify with your fear while driving home in that snow as I had a similar experience years ago with my children in the back seat...
but I ~followed~ a UPS truck along a whiteout highway in an attempt to get home safe!I know the fear that you felt and thankfully you arrived home safe! Whew!
I posted many ~sunny photos~ while vacationing in Florida so come on by when ever you want to be near the beach!Scroll down when there.
Your gifts are lovely and I too have the pleasure of recieving one of Anitas' hearts..don't they smell divine!Stay warm and safe!hugs NG

Reflection Through The Seasons said...[Reply]

Dear Kerri... What a dreadful and frightening experiencing, I’m not a very confident driver at the best of times, so I can’t imagine how I would have coped had I been in your place. Thank goodness you got home safely. I shall go back and check the links you have put in this post, they sound interesting.

I just love the first picture in your post, that gorgeous pink fuchsia, how beautiful but isn’t it in stark contrast to the snowy scenes. Something to dream about enjoying soon though.

Anita certainly is a skilled lady and creates such exquisite needlework. I’m pleased you liked the little gingham heart I sent, it was my pleasure. What lovely other gifts you have received too.

Marion

Shelley said...[Reply]

How frightening. I'm glad you're all right and safe and warm. Don't worry..spring is just around the corner...Next week..and I've ORDERED Mother Nature to ZAP all your snow away! LOL

Hugs

Shelley

Sigrun said...[Reply]

Hi, I want wish you a nice weekend! Next week they said we get snow! :-(

And I tought, we get spring.

My back is a bit better now.

You have got very nice goodies!

Sigrun

Anita said...[Reply]

Hi Kerri!

I am finally back to blogging & commenting now as our internet access finally runs properly again!

Oh, I hardly can belive the difference between your and our weather. Hope all your snow will soon be melted away!

Thanks a lot for posting my little heart. It was good to see it again! Oh, what a joy to read that you got as well a little surprise from my dear blogging friend Marion from Wales!

Enjoy your week-end, Kerri!

Mountain Mama said...[Reply]

You are a very brave young woman. I would not have made it.
We don't have snow now, and I sure am thankful for that. I hope Spring comes to you soon too.
The pictures are very nice. You have received some very special gifts.

Merle said...[Reply]

Dear Kerri ~~ So glad you are safe and sorry you had that scary experience. Love the pink fuchsia,
and you got some lovely gifts to help cheer you a little.Thank you so much for your comments, glad you liked the Angel story. And yes it was reat to have my mother so near for so long.
Do take great care Kerri and be safe.
Love, Merle.