City at a standstill …

… because we aren’t at all prepared for even small amounts of snow and ice. We had freezing rain late last night, followed by less than an inch of snow overnight, but that’s enough to wreak havoc in a southern city. The university has delayed opening until noon, and I’m not sure that things will be thawed out sufficiently then. I live at the base of a steep hill, with a bridge at the bottom, and all morning drivers have been turning around at the outlet for my neighborhood, after discovering that the hill is insurmountable for most vehicles.

drivers

Texas drivers, paralyzed with fear. Should I make cappucinos and venture out with the dog, to deliver them to “stranded” motorists?

I no longer have a vehicle equipped with 4WD; just a 10-year-old Honda Accord, and the F-250 behemoth, Smaug. I avoid driving Smaug when it’s raining – no way will he fly from the Lonely Mountain today.

smaug

Snow on the snout of the Smaug the Magnificent

I took the dog for our usual early morning walk, and she enjoyed the snow so much that she wanted to go out in the backyard when we returned … probably looking for mice near the compost and mulch piles. On several occasions, I’ve caught her in the yard trotting around with a mouse or rat tail hanging out of her mouth. Retrievers – gah!!!

dog

Labrador retriever and sagebrush

Sorry, my photos aren’t as pretty as Steffi’s!

EDIT: ‘nother dog photo from this morning. The Labbie is probably about 10 years old now, still very energetic. The age is only a guesstimate, as she was found abandoned out at my friends’ ranch, and the vet thought she was 4 or 5 at the time I adopted her.

dogdoor

I can has inside and on warm bed naow?

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