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| Photo by my father, Cape Cod, February, 1973 |
“The environment of Massachusetts proved to be perfectly suited for a Puritan experiment. The climate was rigorous but healthy and invigorating. The land was challenging but rewarding. For historian Arnold Toynbee, New England was the classic example of a "hard country" which stimulated its inhabitants to high achievement through a process of "challenge and response." The vitality of this regional culture owed much to its physical setting.”
- David Hackett Fischer, Albion's Seed
(I double posted the last few relevant comments from the last entry.)
54 comments:
Does anyone other than I cringe on the occasion of telecasters’ announcement of this week’s storm of the century? This phenomenon of life in modern America is one of the most patent pieces of evidence that we have descended to a culture of bread and circus, where football games resemble ravages in a coliseum for the amusement of the masses and a storm allows us to escape from our own private Bleak House. When I was a child snow was snow. Its oncoming did not involve endless cacophony and mindless speculation about accumulations. Grown adults did not discuss a coming storm with the interest and urgency previously preserved for world wars. I suppose with corrupt, sinful slime for clergy our only remaining common experience of purity and proof of the deity is a snowstorm. Oh well, at least it will give our game show host politicians something else to distract us with whilst they carry on with their plunder. What a world we have made.
As ususal, Ferd is dead on! Sad, but true...
I'm with Ferd, totally rolling my eyes last night when the media gassers started shrilling "Historic!" storm. Histrionic is more like it.
It snows in New England, after all. Sometimes even a lot. It's half the fun!
My take on it is someone on Madison Avenue figured out that fear, panic & confusion sell things--so if we keep the populace in a continual state of Impending Doom, rather like stirred-up sheep, business will be good. If an asteroid or lost election isn't in the offing, a rainy day or the imminent Zombie Apocalypse will do.
The downside of all this is like the Boy Who Cried Wolf; in Hurricane Sandy, people who were over-inured to hearing "State of Emergency! State of Emergency!" declined to evacuate and found themselves wishing they had.
It all brings to mind the old saying, "When in danger, or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!" Our ancestors respected the elements; and the Indians, well, they just moved to the wigwam on higher ground, built a fire, and shrugged.
Blizzard of '88, anyone?!
What has changed is NOT the weather; it's the far greater complexity and scale of our modern human infrastructure, as well as the populace's unrealistic expectation of unfailing comfort and convenience. Well, Nature still rules, the grid DOES fail, so Yankee ingenuity is key. I tweak my routine a little more every storm. "Sparky" the Generator is all ready to go with gas for a week--just call me the Preppy Prepper! ;)
As with our food sources we are removed from our pioneering ways. We all have become "soft". We take our heat and food for granted because we are no longer responsible for obtaining them. I enjoy preparing for winter putting up extra food, blankets, candles and such. I feel more connected to the land and my ancestors at this time of year.
I personally love the snow. We had another dusting last night and not only is it beautiful, we skiers are very happy too. Enjoy.
Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Historic blizzard! Historic hurricane! Historic heat, cold, rain, wind, tornado, drought, ice, tides, all never before experienced until this month, this week, this minute. Look to the political party of the various owners of various networks that broadcast/advance histrionics around weather. Ask whether "historic" weather is used to advance a thesis, prove a point, pass a bill. Al Roker deserves a breaking headline?
-F
@Rachel,
Correct. Far too many Americans are dependent on the grid and infrastructure for everything but as you know from mega storms in the last few years, the public system can easily fail. It was astounding that so many people were left exposed by the storms because they didn't sufficiently prepare, have alternative plans or own off grid devices such as PV panels, generators, wood stove, etc.
We're the generation of packaged foods, reality programming, insipid music and debt slavery.
That said, there are noble and practical ideas behind the notion of Prep aesthetic. Style is Classic and understated so it goes with everything, anything at just about any time. Craftsmanship behind the marquee brands are top notch: J. Press, Barbour, old school Bean, etc. And of course, the immortal Volvo 240. It's easy to repair and will last an eternity with basic maintenance.
And if you're a New England Prep, chances are you grew up around antiquated ideas about thrift and ingenuity.
So happy about this storm! The snowball fight is ON!
Bye the way, that photo is like a painting!
Yesterday Anderson Cooper was even expressing how annoyed he was--his comment was "It's winter!!! It's supposed to snow!"
I remember the blizzard of '78, I was in Jr. High and we didn't go to school for several days which was very unusual for our district. My mother always joked it was run by Eskimos. I don't remember it being a big deal until it was over and they had to bring in highlifts to dig us out.
And of course our media will play this to the hilt with video footage of empty milk cases and bread shelves at the grocery store. Seriously? In Western PA we are so used to this kind of weather you rarely see that unless after the storm the food supply companies can't get through.
Stay safe everyone!
It's always good to be prepared for inclement weather--I'd hate to be out of power or stuck on the side of the road without adequate supplies in a Nor'easter. But I am continually confused by the hysterics, not just of local and national media but of the government and individual citizens, many of whom have been around long enough to know better. Welcome to New England! It snows here!
Those of us living in Connecticut not only have to put up with this idiocy, but also have the pleasure of being schoolmarmishly scolded by our Governor if we dare leave the house with any form of precipitation falling from the sky. Putting aside any of his substantive policy positions, he has the countenance of an old and particularly bitter crone, and seems convinced that those traveling on state highways on anything but a sunny and dry day are asking for, and deserve, a painful death.
The picture is stunning! Please show more of your father's work!
Ferd is right on point!
I thought it was supposed to snow in New England in the winter. That's normal. I live in Dallas County Texas - it was 80 degrees yesterday. It's 46 today. That's normal in Texas.
We actually had snow on Christmas Day this year - it was so exciting! Now that was unusual but really enjoyable and appreciated!
We had 18" of snow in 1978 and were without electricity for an entire month. I was 13 at the time and that experience made me into the person I am today. My grandmother told me about our ancestors and how hard their lives were and because I listened my love of history was ignited that winter. I learned to never take material wealth for granted, my grandmother's family had lost everything in a flood. I learned thrift because her father couldn't find work during the Depression so money must be spent wisely. I learned to take care of my health and get some skills because my grandfather died at a young age leaving my grandmother to take care of herself and my mother. My family motto is Sh*t Happens..Be Prepared.
Importantly, in this age if hyperbole, the storm must be named. In Kansas two years ago, we christened ours The Blizzard of Oz. Any good monikers emerging with the newly fallen snow?
I love your quote from "Albion's Seed". That book has changed the way I look at modern american culture and I highly recommend it to all.
Ferd, how I agree with you. Hell's bells February in the Northeast should mean snow and a little inconvenience.
May I also add (without any relationship to this posting) that I HATE the descriptors luxury and designer that are so overused that they mean nothing.
Marie - I totally agree - hate those terms.
Muffy that you for sharing the video of the deer. I know they cause destruction, but I find there is nothing more lovely to see in the woods. Have you ever spotted an albino deer?
Well, from your recently posted video, looks like it's snowing like a sonofabitch up there. According to the New York Times Online you are all going to die. So, until then have fun in it!!!
Just a gray and rainy day down here in Naptown and I’m very envious.
PS Ferd, how correct you are!
It's Sweeps month, which helps to explain the televisio hysteria. Weather sells.
Loved the running of the deer.
I live in Texas (yes, one of those wide open faces from the wide open spaces). I have never experienced a blizzard and I have a question for you hardy winter veterans. Can you get trapped in your homes? I have seen photos of houses covered by snow drifts up to rooftops. I don't know how I would react if I opened my door and saw a wall of snow. Silly as it sounds, the first thought that crossed my mind was that I would breathe up all the oxygen in the house and suffocate. What do you do? How do you cope?
The post on New England speech the other day reminded me of two experiences I had.
My niece and I were visiting Maine several years ago and asked a toll booth attendant if we were going the right direction. With New England economy of speech, he gave us directions in five words. "Bear right, you're heading north."
Once in the subway in Boston I asked the attendant with some diffidence, "The redline goes to Harvard, doesn't it?" His reply still makes me laugh. He said, "Lady, you asking or telling?" Good question.
The media coverage on this storm is laughable. 24-7 coverage of panic, fear, urgency, images of endless lines at the market and early deals from Ski Resorts for February Vacation Week. But the sad part of this is that most people follow whatever the news anchors and politicians tell them hook, line and sinker. This is terrifying given how easy it is to manipulate the system.
I remember when former State Governor William Weld refused to play up the hysteria. Instead, he quoted Moby Dick on the snowy streets of Cambridge as he walked his dog and offered a wry smile.
On stormy days, I like to absorb the printed page and lose myself in tales of suspense, political crimes, unrequited love, conspiracies and secret societies, etc. But for some reason, the film "The Ice Storm" by Ang Lee is appealing right now.
Take care and enjoy the storm.
Oh how I loved the deer video!
It's snowing like a ...
baahstid right now here in Kennebunk.
And from Ruth Moore, my favorite Maine author: Cold as a dog and the wind no'theast. NEVER nor'east!
Unless you live in the higher elevations in the White Mountains, the snow accumulation isn't enough to trap people in their homes. The real concern in a storm like this is for people who live near the coast because of the threat of wind damage, beach erosion and flooding. A few years ago, a record number of flat roofs collapsed due to heavy accumulation of wet snow. This isn't a problem for most residential homes if their roofs have an ideal pitch.
People who live on the City have to deal with issues like parking bans on the streets and drunk college kids who think its a amusing to play chicken with snow plows.
Personally, I like the snow and the winter months. Summers can be quite brutal and humid here. The resort towns and islands are usually over-crowded with posers and tourists. The ideal setting: timber frame home in the White Mountains with a rustic interior and a Land Rover in the barn.
Brad: The New York Times has been taken over by trolls (and zombies). I'm sure that paper is responsible for at least half the suicides and 2/3 of the people in therapy in the tri-state area.
@Lynn, Your description of the snow is clearly more in keeping with the "Language of New England" than my Mid-Atlantic version. Classic!
@Greenfield, The Times is saying this snow “could be the heaviest snowfall for some cities in a century.” Sounds like you’d better get to Stew Leonard’s for milk, bread and toilet paper and get your car filled with gas and some extra for your “Sparky” before it is too late!
No once in a century weather crisis, or even good sledding, down here for us non-New Englanders this weekend. Pretty boring actually…
Brad: Heh-heh; Sun Tzu said, "Manage matters BEFORE they arise!" ;) I did it before anyone ELSE had thought of it. I hate lines . . . to wit:
I was in Stew Leonard's ONCE--it resembled halftime at a Madison Square Garden Grateful Dead concert, only minus the mellowness.
And the PRICES! Never been back.
Got my milk (raw!) yesterday from the three righteous bovines in a certain Old Farmer's back yard; and talk about a crusty Yankee! Muffy's "native" conversation could have been overheard from my "milk man!"
Just told the plow guy he can leave me low priority--I have no intention of moving 'til Tuesday.
Feb 8, 2013
The New York Times
Connecticut: Cars Ordered Off Highways
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy of Connecticut signed an executive order on Friday banning most vehicles from state highways starting at 4 p.m. Exceptions include emergency vehicles and utility trucks.
This better be the big one or you folks are not going to look like tough Yankees ;-)
I believe we need all the hype and hysteria. People these days don't know how or want to slow down. Everyone needs to be somewhere. I like the sense of urgency warning people to stay home.
Finding this quotation is fortuitous. My work is with executives and how to improve their effectiveness, and I was discussing just yesterday with a client the need to toughen, or stress-test if you will, today's young leaders. I love the image of "challenge and response."
Don't kill me, Muffy, but I thought at first sight that your father's photo of the boat was a Thomas Kinkeade painting. :)
Say out here in the midwest it's actually pretty nice!
You guys don't get it. THE SKY IS FALLING!
The skiing was pretty good at Sunday River today and promises to be better tomorrow. Do shovel out Manhattan in time for Westminster, please.
Snow is snow-nothing more, nothing less. Last year in Michigan, we had record low snow numbers; two of our big lakes - Michigan and Huron - are down 17"!! We need an historic, storm of the century, stay off the roads & sidewalks, stock up, fill up your cars, etc., type snowfall. If you're going to live in Michigan or New England, don't be a wimp! And as usual, Ferd was spot on!
Muffy, your father's picture of the boat is gorgeous! How long do we have to encourage you for a book??? At least copies for us, your close personal friends . . .
Be safe and cheers!! scotmiss
I am in complete agreement with Ferd. The panic that the media tried to whip up for this storm was mind boggling. I firmly believe the weather is being used by politicians to stimulate the economy. We have been urged by local authorities to rush out and stock up on groceries, water and flashlights. Many gas stations in the tri-state area had run out of gas by the time the snow started. In the end we ended up with 5-6" of snow-a minor inconvenience at best.
Also can someone tell me why bad weather spurs people to stock up on bread, milk and eggs? Does snow increase the need for French toast?
Bonnie
Heavy Snow and Winds Batter Northeast
Heavy Snow and Winds Batter Northeast
New England Bears Brunt; Thousands Without Power
By MARC SANTORA 19 minutes ago
With five states under states of emergency, a storm system buried some parts of the region in more than two feet of snow on Saturday and left more than 650,000 homes and businesses without power.
To those of us not in New England the media tells us you are having a "state of emergency." Hope there is skiing and sledding to go along with your emergency! Please let us know...
To no surprise, the Storm failed to match the media hype and state of emergency authoritarian ban on driving. I live a few miles outside of Boston's limits and there are no extensive damages, fallen tree limbs or dangerous power lines in the middle of the road. We got hit with some snow and a few waves of strong winds but nothing dramatic.
This wasn't Sandy or Katrina. This was just a big snow storm, nothing we haven't seen before. But the media's sensationalistic coverage created a lot of unnecessary panic. Our Governor imposing a jail sentence and fine for violating a driving ban was absurd.
As of this morning we have well over two feet of snow, wind, and it is still snowing. It was a wild night and we are lucky to have power. Police cars and plows are stuck and roofs are collapsing. All roads are closed. But first on our list is to shovel out the hens.
We are finally getting some winter here in eastern PA. I do feel bad for the people along the coast who had considerable damage in the hurricane. An old book I remember says something about not building on sand.
I think we had a pretty good snow storm when I was a junior in '62.
We live in the backyard of about 10 deer that for the most part we enjoy seeing, except when they eat the hostas.
We are lucky that we have a neighbor who likes to play with his snow blower. I need to get him another gift certificate for a local restaurant.
A minister who moved from W.VA to New Hampshire wanted to to change the state slogan to: "Live, freeze and Die". He also said "many were cold and a few were frozen".
"Blizzard of OZ", pretty clever.
Ferd's got it right. Too much hype, it msut be a slow news day.
I rode out the storm at my parents, who live on the Southeastern Connecticut coast. Power out by 6, after which we read from a grandparent's copy of Edgar Allen Poe's collected works by candlelight. (Creepy!) Power back by 2AM, praise be to the municipal utility company, which is far, far superior to CL&P, and to Fisher's Island, NY, with whom we share a power substation. Still snowing this morning, but the ducks and other birds were out about 2 hours ago, so I think the storm is pretty much done.
Muffy, I hope your hens are okay! They are such fun characters! If you can, without too much trouble, please take some photos.
Less than a foot here in the north 'burbs of Philly. I am officially disappointed.
I happen to be one of those weird creatures that loves snow. Especially the eerie calm and quiet after a major storm. In 2010 my wife and I went on a trek after the massive storms. The peacefulness was indescribable and I was aided in keeping warm with my old army issue "waffle top".
Muffy,
Your readers wish we could be there to help with the hens! I hope your neighbors who have lost roofs will be able to be helped.
Mixed feelings about the hype. I was here in Providence in '78. People did not get off the roads before the storm hit and many were stuck in cars on the interstate for several days. The stuck cars and lack of appropriate equipment made snow removal very difficult. The National Guard had to drop plows and bucket loaders from helicopters onto the runways at the airport to plow the runways, then plow their way up 95 to Providence. We do not need a repeat of that mess. On the other hand,the media does hype things. How many "storm of the century" events can we have in 1 year?
Anon. 8:24:
Mid-Fairfield County:
About 2 feet. Lights never flickered. Road is clear, but there's 4 feet of snow behind my car and no sign of the plow guy; but that's no problem because I can get to the barn, the feed room and the dogs, everyone's fed in the wind-breaks, the sun is toasty and I just had a big bowl of clam chowder. What's not to like?
Hope your power stays on, Muffy, and if your hens are like Mom's, they'll decline to put their little yellow feet in the white stuff at ALL. Ours stay inside!
@Greenfield - Now all I can think about is clam chowder. I did make a hot milk cake but clam chowder sounds so much better. Power is still on but the wind is still pretty strong. In communicating with friends and family from one end of New England to the other it is evident that people got hit very hard. A few were unable to get out of their houses for many hours as there was five feet of snow against their doors in some cases. And yes, the chickens are refusing to touch the snow!
I hope everyone is safe, warm and comfortable. I have lived in Nebraska, Alaska, Ohio and Michigan and I noticed most people managed ok. They just slowed down and hunkered down.
Nebraska was probably the worst for snow IMHO. Alaska (Anchorage) was not as cold and we had the natural beauty to fall back on.
I hope you all are able to get your power back on soon. Stay safe and warm!
Having been a student at Williams during the Great Blizzard of '78, I remember that storm with some fondness. It was actually kind of fun.
My girlfriend's brother had his car destroyed by a snowplow, though, so he wasn't so happy. He had abandoned his car along with everyone else when the snows overcame Route 128--the plows later needed to clear the road, no matter the consequences.
In my house a snowstorm always means hot cocoa (the real way) and warm tapioca. But the hot milk cake sounds like a good choice.
Hope all is well up Nawhth. I look forward to seeing pictures Muffy. When it gets to hot and steamy down here in Georgia in August, I like to look at photos of snowstorms and the like--cools things off a bit!!
Now I need to get off here and search a hot milk cake recipe. Sounds yummy.
Overheard this morning in Noank Village:
Passerby, to older lady shoveling snow: Aren't there any neighborhood kids ta help'ya out withat?
Older lady: Nahhhh. There's none ta'be found! Must be inside playing video games'er somethin'. T'aint like it used to be!
And I smiled to myself, imagining the number of times, over the 300 years or so that the village has existed, that some old Yankee has complained about it not being like it used to be.
Such great posts! I, too, LOVE the snow. And yes, it's winter, it's supposed to snow!! The media is so ridiculous. They just love to whip the American people into a frenzy over everything, we've become their puppets. Sensationalism at it's best - everything is "historic," "massive," or "unprecedented." This is why the extent of my TV watching is limited to Tivo'd episodes of, "Frasier," and "The Barefoot Contessa." Enjoy the snow! --Holly in PA
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