Snow

Yesterday we had a "snow" day because a major storm was headed our way and supposed to dump 3 - 8 inches of snow in our area. The snow was supposed to start around 9 in the morning. I was hoping for an early dismissal day, but since our latest schools don't get out until 1:45 on an early dismissal day, the decision was made to close the schools. 

Gary was home because he had two doctor appointments and that meant I was able to go with him.

After his first appointment, we headed to Target to pick up a few things and the snow plows were lined up and ready for the snow to begin.  After Target, we went to the bank and then stopped by the Kissels for a quick visit. 

By this time it had started sleeting. As we drove home we started seeing snow flurries.  It was very fine snow and ice mixed together.  

After lunch, we headed out to Gary's second appointment and the main road, although pre-treated, was a bit slushy.  However as we got about 4 miles from our house and turned onto Hollywood Leonardtown Road, the roads were just wet and you could see a little snow in the yards. 

It continued to snow these tiny little icy snowballs all afternoon. The wind was blowing and swirling the snow around.

Our temperature had dropped all day long and then was predicted to be around 9 degrees in the night.  We received a call last night announcing that schools would be closed again today. 

 

This morning we awoke to a winter wonderland.

It is so beautiful and peaceful back here in the woods.

The wind had continued throughout the night and the snow drifted to various heights across surfaces. 

I have no idea how much snow we actually had fall.

But since it was so icy and the temperature was so low the side streets were bad today. 

 

Tony was able to use the snowblower and it cleared our drive quickly.  Of course, after you leave our paved personal drive and get onto the unpaved shared private road/driveway, you have about three tenths of a mile before you get to the main road.  We didn't go anywhere today.

In the afternoon I looked out and saw these icicles hanging from my car. I stepped out on the porch long enough to take a couple of pictures. Brrrr it was so cold. I think it only got up to 17 degrees today. Definitely a good day to stay inside. 

Gary had filled the bird feeders and many birds flocked to the feeders. 

Gary made a pot of chili today - Yummy!

I already received my automated phone call saying no school tomorrow.  The recorded announcement started with an explanation of how the combination of the condition of many of the side streets and the extreme cold temperature made it difficult for the school buses full of children to travel safely to school.

 

  I know there will be many parents upset that they are either stuck with their kids again or that they have to make arrangements for their children because the school isn't going to be open.  Sorry for the inconvenience, but I'm sure they would even be more upset if their child was on a bus and was injured or killed. 

 

 I miss my students.  I hope they are having fun with their families.  I have such fun memories of snow days as a child.  Dad was a teacher and Mom was a homemaker, so we were all home together. My dad's philosophy was if it was bad enough to cancel school, we should stay home.  We played games, shoveled the driveway and sidewalk, played in the snow, drank hot chocolate, baked cookies, read, and worked on jigsaw puzzles.  We would get the card table out and work on the puzzle off and on all day long. 

 

I also have many fun memories of snow days as a mom.  We always had fun together playing outside, shoveling snow, baking cookies, drink hot chocolate, working on puzzles, playing board games, reading, and since technology had advanced since my childhood, we could watch some of our favorite movies.  Sometimes we would have movie marathons.

 

I am grateful to have my granddaughters close so that on snow days I still can play in the snow, play games, read, watch a movie, bake cookies, and drink hot chocolate. I don't usually have to shovel the snow now, but I do often help with clearing the snow off of the cars. 

 

The snow is beautiful. A clean white blanket covering the earth.  I am grateful for my snow day memories and for the chance to stop my regular routine and just stay home. Although on these two snow days, there has been construction in the house and report cards to finish, I have still enjoyed the change in routine.

Update on Gary's Health

Two weeks ago, Gary went to see the infectious disease doctor and she ruled out shingles and cellulitis.  By this time he also had a rash on his arms, back, and face and was itchy.  She thought it was an infection and took cultures.  She also scheduled appointments the following day with the dermatologist and the allergist.  She changed his antibiotic. The results would be sent to the dermatologist, allergist, and our family doctor.

 

The dermatologist put Gary on a steroid, and three different creams - one for his face, one for his torso and arms, and another one for his knee.  He also had to keep the knee dry, so no showering.

 

The allergist said that Gary was having an allergic reaction to the infection and instructed Gary to take bleach (diluted) sponge baths to keep the infection from spreading.  He also suggested an antihistimine to help with the itching. 

 

In less than 24 hours the itching was better and the rash started to subside.  The knee stopped oozing but was all scabbed over.  Finally the scab is gone and Gary can shower again.

 

His knee looks so much better. 

I did take pictures when it was really bad, but they are pretty gross.  

You can see how big the scab was where his knee is still red.

Ellie used to say, "Papa icky boo-boo" and point to his knee.

 

Today Gary had follow up appointments with the infectious disease doctor and the surgeon.  Both were pleased with his progress.  He doesn't need to see the infectious disease doctor unless there is another problem.  His next appointment with the surgeon will be in July for his one year check up unless there is a problem.

Hopefully he is on the road to recovery. 

Basement Progress

 

Yesterday Tony and JJ painted in the basement storage area.

It is really coming together now.

Gary and Tony went to Lumber Liquidators in Annapolis to pick up flooring for the basement and look at flooring for the living room, dining room, and entryway.  We will be ordering flooring soon.

Today we had a snow day, so Chase joined Tony and JJ and they are working on the flooring in the basement.  I took this photo when they took a lunch break. 

It is exciting picking out new things for the house and finally getting some of the projects we have planned actually started. 

Entryway Construction

These closet doors are annoying! I had thought of replacing the doors, but Tony had a better idea.

So we removed the closet

We are replacing the hardwood when we do the living room/dining room, so it seemed like the perfect time.

He also raised the entry to the living room from the entry way.

Hector taped and mudded the closet when he did the basement on Saturday.  

 

JJ painted yesterday. 

You can't even tell there used to be a closet there - unless you look at the floor 

 

Here is Tony's sketch of the halltree/entry to the living room. 

Lots of exciting changes in our home.

Basement Update

Our home is becoming a construction zone!

We have wanted to get these projects going but the time wasn't right before.  We have a few projects we are working on over the next few months.  The basement storage area, the entryway, living room, and dining room.  This post will be about the progress in the basement.

 

Tony, JJ, and Jonny have been busy this week finishing the framing and drywall.

The HVAC unit will be in a closet now and there is also a storage area right outside of Sarah and Tony's apartment.

Tony cut out a couple of sections of drywall in the basement stairwell for extra storage.

Abby, Tony, and Ellie lead the way downstairs to show me the latest update when I get home from school each day.

The plumber came and installed the hook ups for the Aina's washer and dryer.  Sarah is so excited!!!

The side of the closet around the HVAC unit.

Looking in the apartment.  Their storage is on the left and the HVAC closet is on the left.

On Saturday, Hector came to tape and mud the drywall. He is amazing!

The area of ceiling in the back will have a drop ceiling to make it easier to access plumbing, electrical, etc.

Standing by the freezer looking toward the stairs.  The refrigerator and freezer will be moved to this area.

It is looking great. Next is painting.

Gary and Tony went out and picked out flooring on Saturday.  The basement will be finished by the end of the month.  Then it will be time to organize the storage. 

 

 

Storage Area Remodel

 

Since we built the apartment in the basement two years ago, my storage and food storage area has been interesting.

We kept a small area of the basement at the bottom of the stairs for our storage. 

The plan was to eventually fix it up and organize the space.

So for two years we made do. 

Tony has some time now, so the remodel has begun.  The gluten free foods have been moved to the mud room.

The Thrive food is in the mudroom bathroom.

The odds and ends are in the living room.

The shelving is in the screened porch.

Tony and his crew cleaned out the area.

 

The fridge and freezer are staying in the area during the remodel.

The door to the apartment.

Canned goods are stored in Sarah and Tony's dining room.

Abby loves checking up on the progress and showing me what has been finished.

Framing is done.

A new closet around the stairs and HVAC unit. I can't wait until it is finished. 

   We put a deposit down with an Amish carpenter yesterday for the next project!  More on that project later. I am so excited that we are finally able to get some of these projects going. We've been talking and planning and pinning (on Pinterest) for a while and now it is becoming a reality.  

Cute Bulletin Boards

My student teacher created these two cute bulletin boards for the 3rd grade house bulletin boards. 

Aren't they cute?  The kids love the minion!