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Friday, January 24, 2014

There are some days.

Even though we received several inches of snow,




My spirits have been a bit higher knowing spring is just around the corner. Yet there are still days where I fret and stress and cry, what have I done? Why did I drag my family to this hell?



The snow storms here aren't too awful. We have gone through worse. It seems like I should be more frightened because of the hills. But as long as you pay attention it isn't bad. We have driven through white outs before in mountains and in flats. Honestly the flats always were scarier due to having no idea where the road is. No land marks are visible, except sometimes a fence. And it isn't like the roads and land are even, nope. The engineers decided to dig deep ditches in some places to prevent the roads from flooding, so if you go in, you are not getting your car back out. And find yourself doing that in western Kansas, well I wish you luck. 

As of this time, the only scary road (we have traveled) during the snow is our driveway. Towards the end, you can't use brakes, otherwise you slide sideways. One of our neighbors got trapped down here the other day. Husband towed him out. 





We discovered that the road our driveway attaches to (our driveway is considered a road) is considered too dangerous for UPS and FedEx to travel on. Ok, it seems intimidating that's for sure. But we have found it isn't as steep as the popular road. It is only one lane, and you have to pay attention to other cars coming so that you or they can find the few pull offs on that road. But there are no blind corners so you have time to do this. 

It also seems that up hill has the right of way. Now I don't know this for sure, but the pull over behavior that we have seen seems to warrant this conclusion. Personally I think it's just that they can see the pull over spots easier, then when your nose is pointed up. 


A pretty drive to the shop.



We got trapped down in the holler. Our driveway is falling apart, and our 4 wheel drive just couldn't find purchase on the icey mud. The next day we managed to barely make it out. And let the walking commence! 





8 comments:

Rob said...

In Minnesota mud season (early spring) was a bigger pain than winter but I'll be you folks don't get cold enough (ground still frozen under the top 2' of earth, no place for the water to go) for that kind of mud season.
Right-of-way, backing down a hill has always scared me more than backing back up what with gravity and all.

Have you given any thought to making your driveway a year round road? Maybe a place to park up top for when you can't drive the hill?
Just a thought.

Hang in there!

Phelan said...

We plan on rebuilding the driveway as soon as we are able. We do have a place on our access road to park when we cant drive the hill. But it is a 1/2 mile walk, ugh. Down isn't so bad, but walking up. . .

We have been having a mud issue in our driveway, bad. Husband dug some trenches to help with the water run off. I have a feeling that this spring we wont be able to drive it, until it is repaired.

Tewshooz said...

Around here many cross country ski to their car at the bottom of their driveway. UPS has stopped delivering to our house and leave packages at the gate only (new policy) half mile away. You get used to these inconviences in country living. Sure beats city living, doesn't it?

Sandy Livesay said...

It looks like a cold walk to get to your parking area on the access road.

The countryside is sure pretty this time of year in your pictures.

It's going to get a lot of work to get your driveway the way you want before spring.

Phelan said...

Tewshooz, back in Kansas Ups would leave it at our gate as well. Here, they wouldn't even go to my mail box because of the road (not my driveway). Been 17 years since I have lived in a city setting, yes country living beats it.

Sandy, it actually isn't too awful cold. The temps are hovering around 0F, however no 60+ mph winds with it. Best part for us.

Harry Flashman said...

UPS and FEDEX leave my packages tied to my gate in plastic bags. I don't unlock the gate and they didn't want to come up there, because it's such a hard time turning around.

I figure we still have about 5 to 6 more weeks of serious winter, and with this very bizarre weather who knows?

longtime wife said...

What u all need is a cheap four wheeler. That would be easier. I feel bad that this isn't working out the way you envisioned, but I do think after this first tough year it will get easier. Hugs to you all.

Unknown said...

Hang in there hun, Spring is right around the corner. If you ever want/need to talk to someone you've got my number. Heck I'm most always home. No answer means I'm probably outside somewhere.
Thats one heck of a walk. How's your knee holding up?
Hugs to you and yours,
Sci

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