Things we're learned

We realized that never having lived with snow we have a lot to learn about dealing with it. The storms that have produced 1-3 inches a few times this year have not caused significant problems...only delays. But then, we were still living in Rapid City where the roads are plowed and everything keeps running.

In the last few days we learned several things about snow in this area...

1. If the storm is coming from the south, it MUST be taken seriously. This one dumped 10 inches in this immediate area..a little more than we expected.

2. NEVER put off a trip into town (25 miles) before a predicted snow storm (especially if it includes a TP purchase). If the storm does not happen you have the trip out of the way and can do something else tomorrow...if it does come, you don't have to worry about what you don't have.

3. Roads must be scraped BEFORE snow depths reach 7 inches. After that the tractor has a lot of trouble...it's sitting in a ditch as a result of that trouble...nothing hurt. Just stuck in the snow. Hopefully we can get it out tomorrow.

4. Do NOT pass up a chance to fill the fresh water tank before the storm..even if it is not empty. Again, if the storm does not come you can do something else tomorrow. It it comes, that's one less thing to worry about.

5. Coffee made with water from the fresh water tank tastes like rubber...just like it smells.

6. The satellite dish will NOT work with 4 inches of snow in it. Also, if there are 7-inches of snow on top of the camper, do NOT stow the dish. It will compress the snow as it collapses making it harder to clear the spot later.

So, we are wiser. I trust we will remember at least a little of this wisdom when the next storm hits...like on Wednesday...I guess we get to practice a little.

Also..my friends in Wisconsin can quit laughing. There is no way to learn this other than through experience...at least that's my excuse.

Construction has been delayed for a few days. You can see why...