We saw this coming a week ago, and all indicators remained consistent throughout the week. The consistency of the math, predictions, and forecasts have kept my boots and me exceptionally busy this week both at work and around my community and home.

What’s the nature of this extreme busy period?

…a blizzard warning.

Yep, you (did not) hear this here first. The area where I live and work, plus much more geographic area around us, will be affected by a large snowfall, but what’s worse, strong sustained winds. (My home is in the most intense purple band shown on this graphic)So my biker buddy who snowbirds to Florida from Vermont can sit back with his mai tai on his sunny lanai and smile in knowing that his evacuation to the south a week ago was well-timed. (While this storm will not strike Vermont, it would have affected his ability to drive through the Mid-Atlantic on his way south.)

I am not that worried about snow — though the amount of snow is daunting at some 27 inches (68cm). What concerns me most is the forecast of strong, sustained winds. Wind will cause snow drifting, understandably. But wind will also damage trees and likely cause widespread power outages. That is what I am concerned about.

All this week, I booted up in my serious yet comfortable logger boots, picked up a dozen senior pals (on multiple trips) and took them grocery shopping. I did several last-minute repairs on some of their homes so they will be safe. I made sure that their heating systems were working, and that they had plenty of blankets and flashlights in case the power went out.

At home, my black Chippewa loggers made heavy work easier as I prepared around our house. Got the snowblower working by filling the oil reservoir and gas tank. Rolled the huge generator (also filled oil and gas tank) from the garage to the backyard generator shed — some 50 feet away from the house, connected by underground wire to a transfer switch inside the house so if we have to use it, it will power essential circuits to keep us warm, lighted, and safe — but far enough away so deadly CO gas won’t seep into the house.

BTW, I also wore those black Chippewa loggers to the office with jeans, and TBC (The Big Cheese) noted (publicly), “I see you are seriously ready with those boots!”

We have enough food, water, and flashlights. A portable battery-powered radio is on the ready. Waterproof Chippewa loggers — three pair — are ready to keep my feet dry and warm as I do battle with what Mother Nature drops on us.

What don’t we have? Candles — candles are serious fire hazards during a power outage. A candle-caused fire can be deadly and devastating, especially during a blizzard where firefighters can’t get through mountains of snow-loaded roadways. We also do not have a smartphone. No need. A portable radio will keep us informed for what we need to know.

Wish us well as we endure a major blizzard. Doesn’t happen here as often as it does to my friends up north, but we’ll be fine.

Ed. note: if this blog post remains posted for multiple days, it probably means that our power and/or internet connection went out and I can’t update. See you in June or July…LOL).

Life is short: choose the right boots for the right application, including those most “blizzard-worthy.”