Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault, photographed late Sunday afternoon as snow continued to fall in my southern Minnesota community. The storm began on Friday.
TO SAY THAT I’VE had it with winter in Minnesota would be an understatement. This weekend’s forever snowfall, which pushed us into the snowiest April on record, did it for me. I’ve officially had it with this endless cold and snow.
Light snow fell all day Sunday in Faribault as traffic drives here along Minnesota State Highway 60 in the downtown area.
I offer no apologies for my negative attitude. Because of this storm, I missed my granddaughter’s second birthday party. And, yes, that was enough to make me cry.
Thoughts of spring flash as I pass Farmer Seed and Nursery late Sunday afternoon. Spring planting seems a long ways off with about 14 inches of new snow on the ground.
How did I deal? I baked chocolate chip cookies and ate dark chocolate chips by the handfuls straight from the bag.
Mountains of snow edge parking lots at the Faribo West Mall.
That was after shoveling snow for the second time in less than 24 hours. Heavy, wet snow that took considerable heft to lift from the end of the driveway. Shoveling that left my back aching. It takes hours of effort to remove 12 – 14 inches of snow. Randy ran the snowblower. But there’s still a lot of shovel work. While I was shoveling snow, I should have been at Izzy’s birthday party, watching her open gifts and blow out two candles.
A side street just off Central Avenue in downtown Faribault remains partially snow covered.
Yes, I’m crabby. Maybe by tomorrow I’ll feel better.
The south end of Central Avenue as snow continues to fall late Sunday afternoon.
Maybe tomorrow the snow will stop and the sun will shine…before our next predicted snowfall arrives on Wednesday.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I know all about that chips from the bag approach. Thought that mid-Jan. storm would be the end of it, this has ruled our world. So much cancelled. Really sorry about the birthday party. We had the flooding of ’65 ruin my oldest’s baptism. She was ok, but I remember it every year, especially years like this. You have grandparents fly in for a 2 yr birthday? Lucky little girl. She’ll love you even more healthy and uninjured. It’s dark…and still snowing. grrrrr
I echo your grrrr. When I went to bed last night at 10:30, snow was still falling.
I’m sorry about your oldest’s baptism being ruined by flooding, which sounds worse than a blizzard. Snow melts. Water causes damage.
Yes, the paternal grandparents, uncle and aunt flew in on Thursday, ahead of the storm. So the party could not be rescheduled. I find it rather comical that the California family was there, but not the Minnesota and Wisconsin families (unable to make it due to road conditions and weather). We could have risked the drive. But when I noted all the spin-outs on I-35 and posted on the MnDOT website, Randy and I jointly decided it best if we just stayed home. Some drivers in the metro tend to drive crazy. We didn’t want to be part of that.
Aw, so sorry, Audrey. Being crabby is understandable and totally acceptable in this situation. Hoping sunshine comes to you soon! Dawn
Thank you, Dawn. Clouds still today, but at least snow has stopped falling. But…I just heard we are in for another winter storm Tuesday/Wednesday with about five inches predicted. Sigh. More shoveling today as additional snow fell after the first two rounds of shoveling after the weekend storm.
No apologies. NO!
I want tulips, sun, & to sit on my patio w/ a good book.
I want soil inside my hands,
Robins’ resting inside my trees,
barbecued chicken!
So sorry you missed that birthday! That means you have much to make up for! xx from Duluth.
Oh, Kim, you make me smile with those visuals. Yes, hopefully we can celebrate with Izzy at a little party. No one from our immediate family made the party. The daughter from Wisconsin was stopped by snow there, too. Sigh. More snow in the forecast for here on Tuesday/Wednesday.
I would say there must be a rise in depression and anxiety in the areas like yours that are being continually hit by snow – those poor mums at home with little kids who are desperate to get out. And the lack of sun is not good for animals and people at all. You need light to function. We also have snow but nothing like yours at all. Well done baking and eating! You worked all the calories off shovelling snow! c
Yes, seasonal depression probably is more prevalent in our area. I told my husband yesterday afternoon, “I just need to get out for an hour.” So we did a Walmart run and browsed at the thrift store when the snow let up a bit. It helped. When my kids were growing up, I tried to get outside with them daily in the winter, unless temps were too cold. It was good for them and good for me and helped me discover the joys in winter like sledding and building snow people. Now I think only of all the work associated with snow removal.
I wore off more calories this morning shoveling the snow that fell since shoveling on Sunday afternoon. I also chipped away at ice build-up on the sidewalk and driveway. Another hour of labor. More snow is expected on Tuesday/Wednesday. Sigh.
That’s pretty hardcore, Audrey. 🙂
Oh, Greg. My friend Sue recommended a shot of whiskey. If only I drank whiskey. I did have a beer with my supper, though.
We have to ask ourselves, is this a spring demanding of whiskey? It could be, but try spiking hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps first.
Note to self: Add hot chocolate to the grocery list.
Note to self: Stop at the liquor store.
Wow that Library is beautiful even in the snow. I’ve read on the news that we are expecting another 6 inches of snow Tuesday and Wednesday. Spring has lost her way
Our library, built of Kasota limestone, is absolutely stunning inside and out. It was a gift to the city and includes a Charles Connick stained glass window, Greek murals, fireplaces and more. It is one of my favorite places in town, both for its beauty and the content therein.
Wow that sounds like a great place to curl up with a good book.
I don’t usually read there. But I’m a frequent visitor to check out reading materials.
One can never have to many books on hand.
Lord woman! what an awful winter you are having! I’m so sorry! Chocolate is always good for the soul. ❤ ❤ ❤
I’ll need to purchase more chocolate because…more snow is in the forecast for Tuesday/Wednesday.
😦 Poor baby!
Missing Izzy’s party must have been so sad, I am truly sorry my friend!!! I really am 😦
Thank you. Yes, I was sad about missing her party. Really sad.
Goodness. I’m sure not going to complain about the lateness of spring here. And I sure won’t gripe about our trip to Nebraska last week. Your photographs say it all… this has been the longest winter ever! Sorry about the party, but at least it can be made up for later!!
I am happy to report that we had a glorious weekend of warmth (in the 60s) and sunshine here in Minnesota. Photos coming yet today to prove that spring has finally sprung.