Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[NorthwoodsChick]

Thank you for explaining the physiology of it.

I'm sorry for your loss.

thank you so much

 

[troyer]

Hello all you MI storm survivors. Yesterdays blizzard was not fun at all. No snow when I let my pups out at 5:30 but within an hour there was 4-5 inches of snow. Snow plows were out but the roads partially plowed making my usual 45 min drive a 90 min white knuckle 4WD adventure through snow drifts and ruts made by others. All in all a total of 12 in. fell within 5 hrs in my area with higher amts in the usual areas prone to it. Things were fairly cleaned up on the main roads by evening thankfully. Lots of cars in snow banks keeping tow truck businesses busy.
Unfortunately this storm claimed (and nearly claimed) a few lives as ppl shoveled or fought with the snow blowers. DHs cousin was one of them…found face down in the driveway behind a running snow blower. He was just 60 and one month from a well deserved retirement, now gone. Very sad indeed.
I hear the lower peninsula is getting hit this weekend..pls be careful if shoveling the heavy wet stuff.
If you have high blood pressure, plaque or high cholesterol and/or diabetes or take meds for any of those conditions PLEASE get help with snow…don’t take the risk. Call a neighbor or family to do it.
Lifting just a shovel full of wet snow weighing 20-30 lbs is hard work for the heart and causes rapid acceleration of the body’s oxygen demand. Such strenuous activity will cause blood pressure to rise, heart rate to increase dramatically, resulting in fast blood flow through the arteries. If there is immature plaque in the arteries the sheering forces may dislodge it (like skim on warmed milk) and a clot can quickly form leading to heart attack. Higher blood pressures also tighten tiny vessels feeding the heart, brain, muscles, etc leading to chest pain, dizziness or stroke if BP gets too high, and exhaustion. Inadequate hydration worsens all of this.
If you are healthy pre-hydrate, take rest periods, use common sense.
If you have health issues, don’t be a hero, please. It’s hard for some to ask for assistance and even harder for others to accept it. If a friend or neighbor offers help with snow removal it’s because they care and want to help, not viewing one as incapable. Be the foreman of the snow removal crew.

I’m not trying to lecture so sorry if it came across that way. I truly care and it weighs heavy on my mind after I just spend my entire workday sending far too many ppl to the ED, cath lab or The Father.

I'm very fortunate to have excellent neighbors. We look out for each other and will willingly lend a hand wherever needed, sometimes without being asked.
Thank you for your willingness to give us a heads-up on how the exertion can make or break us.

 

[Sally PB]

Thank you for your willingness to give us a heads-up on how the exertion can make or break us.

Ditto. I was just reading about this very thing, and your explanation was much better. I'm also sorry for your loss. So sad.

I'm very thankful we bought a plow vehicle a couple years ago. If it can't handle the snow, we shouldn't be going anywhere anyway.

 

[chickflick]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[1muttsfan]

I am so sorry to hear about your cousin, NWChick. Such a tragedy for the family.

We got only a dusting of snow, but had sleet and freezing rain, so the roads here were a little hairy this am. A friend of ours drives a freight boat to Mackinac Island, and in an act of lunacy tried to make a run there yesterday early am. They were unable to dock due to the wind, and were lucky to make it to the lee side and anchor to ride out the tropical storm strength wind. Close call.

 

[troyer]

Captain and Bowser wondering when I’m taking them on a long walk? Not today anymore littles, I can do it tomorrow. The horse in the background is Cosmo. Captain is the Cur (hound) and Bowser is the black speckled white pup. The picture looks a bit dark because daylight is fading.

 

[Sally PB]

We went out for dinner with friends. Barely snowing on the way out, nearly whiteout conditions on the way home. Home safe, yay.

The dinner was awesome. Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park.

 

[RaZ]

So sorry!
And you are right on all counts; many of us, especially men, think they are invincible...
Mary

I don't think. I know I'm invisible.

 

[RaZ]

The big snow storm that was predicted to hit here on Wednesday didn't happen. Just a light rain for most of the day but it was windy. Lost power sometime over night but that is a common occurrence.

Whilst out cutting wood it did begin to snow not long before dark. Nothing more than a dusting. The ground around the house is more mud than snow. Terrain that only the ducks enjoy.

Still waiting to close on the home equity loan so I can get a furnace. Once I get the funds it will still be a couple of weeks to get the furnace installed. I sure hope I get coal for X-mas to tide me over. The wood I cut today is good and dead but pretty wet from the rain.

Winston, the new pup, is doing well and is slowly being accepted by the old dog and the cats. He is starting to follow Bella when she needs to go out. We jumped up an opossum earlier then a raccoon about an hour later. The little guy was wary but barked at them both.

Chicken flock dynamics have always amazed and amused me. I had forgotten how entertaining household pet dynamics are just as fun.

 

[Sally PB]

I don't think. I know I'm invisible.

Not true at all! I saw you just fine at Chickenstock!