Be prepared

I was a cub and a boy scout. Beyong getting a badge for being able to tie a bowline and clove hitch, I didn't excel. However I did remember the motto "Be prepared in mind & body"

So this evening out with the champagne and get it cooling for tomorrow night. The bottle is a standard 750ml bottle and gives some idea of how much snow we have. It's perched on the roof of the bird table. Photo taken at 23:15 without flash and no moonlight, it was still snowing. Amazing how much light the camera finds.

It snowed all day again. Must have been well over 20cm and kept me occupied for several hours this evening. I can't remember having so many consecutive days of almost constant snow. We have had more snow in a short period - March 2005 over 50cm overnight. Suspect we might well now have 40cm or so of compacted lying snow. Hopefully it will sto tomorrow as forecast as the clearing is beginning to be tiresome.

Iknow I have mentioned it in winters past - here in Germany one is obliged by law to clear the footpaths in front of ones house from 7:oo until 20:00 and at least 1.5m wide (or width of pavement if less) Anyone who falls and sustains damage can sue you it can be shown you hadn't cleared / sanded / salted adequately. Generally people renting have this obligation too. Businesses and blocks of flats tend to have a snow clearing service contract. As far as I know this also applies for paths on one's property eg for postaman, bin men, visitors etc.

Today a very thin lady managed to squeeze through the gate as the hydaulic system had not quite shut with the cold, walked the 60m to the front door, knocked and on getting no reply opened the front door. Quite normal in these partsfor locals - she was visiting to read the slectricity meter. I wonder what would happen if she had fallen.and broken a leg?

After much deliberation, took the easy option today and drove to Ottobeuren for a walk in the Bannwald forest/woods. Paths were OK but little Luna still had to jump like a hare as soon as she left the path made by a few previous walkers. Then a not quite so quick shop at the supermarket for some goodies for tomorrow evening. Snow, health and work willing, we hope to have some family and friends to stay.