SE TE'ers: the ice storm cometh

[Selkie]

It started around 9 am in the DC suburbs, which is earlier than they originally forecast. They're expecting up to 5 inches here. I just cancelled my lunch plans because it will probably take a few more hours before they plow the roads around here.

I got home from the pool just as it was starting (8:30ish) and my DH was out doing errands all morning. He said Arlington County was doing a good job with the primary roads but he saw wrecks on 395 (Alexandria) and some fender benders here and there. It was getting worse as time went on. Luckily, he managed to pick up my new Isis from the bike shop, where it was assembled and given pedals/new tires (will be awhile before it sees some action---I won't ride it until the roads are free of salt/chemicals).

No plows/salt/sand through our neighborhood yet, but that's to be expected. Road is now covered. Hopefully, this will be the last measurable snow of the season. We are long overdue for an early spring.....

[ny biker]

Looking outside I'd guess there's almost 4 inches on my balcony railing right now. What worries me is that it doesn't look like they plowed the road back there, which is a main road and a big hill.

Since it's so cold outside I decided today would be a good day to put the insulating styrofoam in the electrical outlets on my exterior walls. I bought these things months ago but never put them in because the previous owner painted over all the outlet and light switch covers so it was going to be a project to remove them and put the insulation behind them. It took a utility knife, 3 screwdrivers and two skinned knuckles, but I managed to get it done. I don't know how much good it will do but it can't hurt.

[owlice]

I thought about biking to the grocery store; put the panniers on the bike and decided to do a little test run on my street to see whether this was a good idea or a boneheaded one. I was okay going downhill (very slowly... brakes on the whole way) and okay going uphill, but I needed goggles or glasses or something to keep the snowflakes from hitting my eyes.

So I drove to the store instead. Kind of wish my neighbor across the street wouldn't park directly opposite my steep driveway when the weather is snowy or icy, and today, it was looking likely that he'd be wishing the same thing. I tried to get my car up my driveway, slid down several times (which could have been thrilling were it not for the very real possibility of smacking into my neighbor's vehicle), and finally gave up.

Later, I was walking down my driveway to retrieve cookies (!) that I might have left in the car, slipped, fell, and landed hard on my tailbone. I think this means I'll not be riding for at least a few days.

Damn Mint Milanos.

(I want them still.)

[sfa]

We ended up getting six inches of "dusting." Yay Mr. Foot for calling it right!

Sarah

[Tri Girl]

6 inches of *dusting* huh? If that's a dusting- I'd hate to see a real storm.

Hope everyone is staying warm and being safe out there!!!

[ASammy1]

In my area of VB we got about 6 inches. In central VB, they saw 9"-11." We didn't get a much because it turned to sleet the last few hours. The sleet packed down the 6 inches we got and added a nice layer of ice on top. Spring? Spring? Where are you?

[ny biker]

I'm trying to convince myself that I really do want to go outside and clear off my car. It's only 23F right now with a wind chill of 13.