News
If you are reading this note, you must have accessed this page directly through a bookmark or an external link. Please be advised that www.mnnetherlands.com recently underwent a re-structuring and that this page has been renamed and moved to a new directory, and will eventually be phased out. Click the SEARCH button below to locate this page's upgraded version.


Pinoy Family coping with the Blizzard of 2010
Arnel Rivera
Washington DC
February 11, 2010
 
 
We managed to survive the blizzard conditions of last night into this afternoon. It's the first time I had ever experienced what they call "whiteout". Winds of 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. You literally cannot see your hand in front of your face when the snow blows at that velocity
Click to enlarge image.Wife Ginny with Son Marty Shoveling 50cm of Snow at the Family's Driveway
 
Click to enlarge image.
 
Backyard
 
Click to enlarge image.
 
Driveway (almost) Cleared of Snow----for Now
 

There's something about the day after a major snowstorm. After a day and a half of constant snow (which in it of itself, is a sight to behold), when the front moves away and the sun comes out, you get a totally different appreciation of what mother nature is capable of. As depressing as the prospects of having to shovel out of waist deep snow is, there is a certain awe-inspiring beauty in how blue the sky can be and how clear the air is the morning after. You just find yourself staring out into the open in pure admiration. The way the sun reflects off the pure and untouched snow is a sight like nothing else. There is an overwhelming quiet (that's not a contradiction in terms) that descends around you. You do not even hear the birds - they too seek shelter during these weather events.

We may get to experience this all over again tomorrow - they are calling for 12" to 18" more on top of what we already have. Coping can be fun too. Another good thing - neighbors come out and talk to each other. Not dissimilar to our Bayanihan, this stuff brings out the best in everyone. The elderly couple across the street need not ask for assistance in shoveling out their driveway. Neighbors and sometimes even total strangers, shovels in tote, are more than willing to lend a hand. Kind of reinforces one's faith in humanity.
Click to enlarge image.Firetruck While Responding to a 911 Call Got Stuck in Deep Snow
 
Click to enlarge image.
 
Lake Pleasant
 

Today, a fire truck was responding to a 911 call down our street. Even this heavy vehicle was no match for the waist deep snow. Marty and I along with some other neighbors tried to help shoveling them out. Not even the chains on their dual tires was enough to get them out. Shortly after, a National Guard extraction vehicle (6x6) came by and picked up the fire and rescue team members. I can only hope that the 911 caller got attended to. The fire truck remains stuck as I send this to you.

With an even heavier snowfall prediction in the coming days…Arnel, “ Suko na kami ! “

 
 
Earlier Comments First

Dave
Thu 11th March 2010
Buffalo, New York
 

Try living in Buffalo, NY, the snow capital of the US or some people would ironically say "Miami of the North". The blizzard of 2010 in Washington D.C. is just a normal winter condition, blizzards, whiteouts, blowing& drifting snow,driveways that looks like a tunnel.Evey household owns a snowblower or you're not going to survive with just shoveling....

 
Baby Pulumbarit
Thu 11th February 2010
Markham Ontario
 

When I arrived in Canada in 1977, the 2010 scenario is a normal sight in Toronto, but as the years go by, it got warmer and less snow. But last year we experienced heavy snow falls, and waist deep snow on the ground. Many people ask us " Why live in Toronto?", well of course we got used to it especially we have lived here for 34 years, it has become a way of life, without the snow it will not be TORONTO. Other than the snow, Toronto has the best Multicultural CUISINE, which we really miss when we travel abroad, in Europe, or even Asia. The Torontonians have MASTERED any culinary from the different CULTURES, I love Markham where we live and we thank the Lord we have chosen CANADA as our home next to our dear country the Philippines.