The weather

[Toolslinger]

Woke up, took 2 or 3 steps out of bed, and the alarm went off for the water column sensor. That's not the panic point, I've got it set at 34F, but it's when I start paying attention.

Checked the outdoor weather station. 2.7F. That's about right for getting to 34 by the pipes, so nothing to immediately worry about. The temp monitor records every 5 minutes, and will send me an email every 20 minutes once it drops below the set point. The audible alarm stops after 20 minutes. The 25w heater in the water column does a really good job keeping it just above freezing normally.

This isn't a normal winter, and it is making me nervous. We really don't hang out in the single digit temps as a common occurrence.

I think I'm going to get a 6' pipe tape with the built in thermostat, and basically hang it in the column. When it drops below 42 they turn on, so when the regular heater is starting to struggle, it will kick on. That's an extra 42w of heat. I think a 3' would be a better match at 21w, but they're all a week out minimum, and the 6' is a 20 minute drive. I'll put a 3' on order though.

Can't wait to go to Lowes today while the whole world is trying to buy salt that isn't available, and snow shovels that are designed to break on first use. It's right across the street from the food store where there will be empty shelves of milk, bread, and toilet paper...

[JSinMO]

Well the great winter storm of 26 has left us down this way. We ended up with 6 to 8 inches of powder snow. The 446 got its workout today. It was doing such a good job I didn’t even bother trying to start the 2N, so it’s Case for the win! It finally threw a tire chain off but I was about done so no big deal. We’re sitting at a balmy 17F and they say we won’t get above freezing for at least a week with below 0 temps at night. Roads are horrible all over our region, the state hasn’t plowed our road out here in the country yet, don’t expect to see them today. Hopefully by tomorrow they’ll come through and open the road.

Here’s where I’ll be the rest of the day!

@Toolslinger I hope you can get your water situation taken care of. Were the same over here in that we usually don’t have extended sub freezing temps like we’re getting now.

I’m ready for this winter to be over.

All you folks east and north still have some storm to go. Stay safe and stay warm.

[Toolslinger]

I guess we're around 10-11" now. All powder. Could be more, but certainly not less. Cleaned the porch and steps off once earlier. Might do it again around dark if the sleet hasn't made it up to me. If it's going to sleet, I'd rather it fall on snow.

Neighbor called me an hour ago to invite me down for beer and the football games... I had to ask him if he's been living under a rock, and hadn't looked outside lately. Supposed to keep snowing until tomorrow morning.

Water seems to be behaving. Checked when I did the porch, and everything was flowing nicely. Hose is now buried in snow, so that's insulated. The water column has been steadily in the 36.something range since I added the extra run of tape. Outside got to 2 last nice, so I think I'm ok currently.

Keeping busy. Tried making the pound cake my mom used to make. Looks good so far. Happy it came out of the pan nicely.

Probably do a batch of cookies later.

[DavidBarkey]

How did you all make out from the big storms . We up here got spared for a change getting just a dusting . I hear reports of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area ) getting 30 -40 cm / 12 16 in. I hear northeast USA getting the same and sleet and or freezing rain mixed in . What did you guys do to piss off the weather gods . Hope you all are ok and get some seat time playing in the snow .

[Toolslinger]

10-14" depending on where I measured. All powder, except perhaps it sleeted for 5 minutes to crust it. Got everything started, and warming. Wound up using everything. The 444 did my drive, mailbox area, and the place people park to get water. Switched to the JD300 loader, and cleared in front of the barn, and the drive across the street to my uncles garage (it's gravel). Switched to the 8N and scraped the drive with the back blade. After all that, it was on to the shovel for the porch, detailing around the barn doors, and clearing a path to both sides of the generator.

Only took 5 hours.

Just cracked the beer open at the end of that...

[DavidBarkey]

I would say you deserved that beer @Toolslinger

[MattA]

We got a good 12" of snow here too. I did my driveway and two neighbors driveways. Probably a good 2hrs or so. Would have been nice if I had taken the time to put my cab on this year.

While backing down a snow bank I was cutting down, my snowcaster cut out. As I throttled down my snowcaster restarted. I think I got snow in the snowcasters drive pulley. It happened again doing the same thing.

My tractor also appears to have a slow oil drip now. I've previously been trying to track down a slow leak in the steering tower which I think is the return hose to tank connection.

[Harry]

I’ve been in Florida for the past week. Left home before the storm and drove here with no problems. Headed back this weekend so watching the weather reports closely. It was 41 F this morning which was the coldest day. Overall been in the 60’s with one day in the 70’s. Neighbor at home cleaned my driveway last week but will probably need attention when back. Last year it was snow then rain then more snow. Snow caster wouldn’t touch it and had to use the 644 lbh which took awhile with small loader bucket. If it’s bad when I get home I’ll get to tryout the 646 loader with big bucket. What a winter it has been.

[DavidBarkey]

safe travels Harry

[MattA]

Looks nice Harry. Stay a few more weeks. Were headed to the Orlando area in two weeks. I certainly won't miss the -13F the other night.