Maddie has us very well trained. Sometimes, she is particular about whether I need to take her out or the Editor has to take her. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter. Monday, it mattered.
It had snowed overnight Sunday into Monday. I spend several hours clearing the driveway and sidewalk of 8″(20cm) of heavy wet snow before going to work (which had opened at 10:00 am). I came home, and I sat with Maddie, as is required. After a few minutes, Maddie got up and went to the door, then came to me, then jumped up on the couch, off the couch and back to the door, and then back to me and the couch.
I got the message.
I put on a pair of boots, my winter coat, hooked up the pup and out we went. We got as far as the steps, and Maddie stopped. The sun was shining. It wasn’t warm, but the sun felt warm. She looked up as if to say:
“Can we just sit here for a while?”
Then she sat.
Then I sat.

Pretty soon she was laying in the sun and sniffing the entire world.
This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. If you have a one-liner, I’d encourage you to join in on the fun. You can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other participants.
The gallery has a few pictures from the morning adventure clearing the mess and a few from the steps.
Thanks to Maddie and the red plough I see these are not black and white photos. In the photos it’s pretty for sure, in life I prefer my blues and greens right now. It had to be a bit cold sitting out like this, no?
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There are a couple black and white, but mostly as is. The steps were actually somewhat warm from the sun. She didn’t care, she loves to si outside. Thanks for visiting, Manja.
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I find pictures of snow like these to be quite incredible. I have only seen snow four times in my life and two of those occasions were during overseas holidays.
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I’m glad you enjoy these. This wasn’t a huge snowstorm, we’ve had storms that dropped much more snow, but this was very heavy – good snowman snow – as we would have said when we were kids. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the tweet!
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I’d don’t blame Maddie at all. I too would take one look at that snow and decide to hunker down instead. It may be pretty at first, but then I want it to go away. Given how much snow we have, I think that will be a long while.
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You’re encouraging her, Joanne. She eventually got up and ventured into the yard, but she loves to just sit in the sun, sniff and look around. We don’t have a lot of snow, but it’s been hanging around, or melting and turning into ice overnight. You guys have a lot more – see you in April.
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Aw, the cozy sunbathing position for Madie is so heart-warming! It was a pretty snow storm. I chuckled at how you’ve got the precision down so well – the plows leave 70% to the side they go down first, and how you have a method to the madness when clearing. You’re well experienced and do nice work. In case you don’t have plans for the weekend, you’re welcome to stop by and help Mr. clear our driveway yet again – we’re expecting 8-12″ again on Saturday – Sunday.
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Ha ha – I think I’ll wait for the pictures. It’s funny, but it feels so good to see the plow make that first pass while pushing the snow to the other side. I have to avoid blowing the snow onto our ramp and porch and the path we clear for the mailman. The pattern has evolved over time, but it’s routine now.
One last snow storm before you head south? I hope he gets your “cleared for departure” on time.
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You sound scientific about it like Mr. It’s an art, that’s for sure! Yes, one more &%(*#(#)@ storm and then one sleep and then we’ll be on our way!
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Beautiful. I miss those days! But I’ll never be able to talk the better-half into it!
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Ha! I’d never be able to talk the Editor into heading south.I’m not sure I’d like 85 degrees days right now, either. I do like the four seasons. There’s something special about feeling warm when there’s a bunch of snow on the ground – I guess Maddie thinks so, too,
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We’ll be having about 3 more days of ‘winter’, so they tell us. But it is actually more like a spring 50 – 75*. At least i can finally turn the AC off!!
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Wonderful images and sharing. It’s interesting how so much beauty can create so much work too. :-)
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Thanks Ron. It was hard to clear this mess. It took me almost 3 hours to get the driveways (ours and our neighbor) and the sidewalk done. The sidewalk took forever.
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I can imagine. Glad you have a blower. I shoveled snow a few times on trips and it’s a lot of work. 🙂
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The snow photos look very familiar, although it’s much less than around here. We’ll send you more of this stuff after the weekend so Miss Maddie has a higher mountain to climb.
I’m waiting for the spring warm-up to happen so I can go out and sit in the sun, just like your pup. It will feel sooooo good this year.
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This is one time I don’t mind you guys having an insurmountable lead. BTW, does Aaron need a good wide receiver to throw to? We have one going cheap. He’s a bit of a loon, but, good hands.
We have another “wintry mix” coming Sat/Sun – I am really getting tired of that phrase. I hope the sun come on strong, pretty soon and we’re all able to sit in it and enjoy it.
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I have no idea what the Packers are thinking, planning or doing. I only hope it’s good stuff for next season.
Wintry mix…that’s what we had two weekends ago. I am not a fan!
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Maddie has a connection with Mother Nature. Sun shines, she rests. Snow falls, she enjoys her mountain. Life is good. Now, she needs to go in and get warmed up on the couch while you clear the driveway and paths. Your work is never done this time of year. :-)
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Ha ha – you’re so right, Judy. After we sat, she ventured into the snow, took care of business and went back inside to lay by the fire. It’s not a bad life. Looks like we have a little more coming this weekend. Still, the sun is shining (it’s 14f) and warmer days are coming.
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Heavy wet snow is so pretty after it falls. Sticking to everything… it transforms the landscape.
Funny, but your first picture looks so much like my view out the kitchen window I had to do a double take to make sure you hadn’t stolen it!
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I wasn’t in your kitchen. Seriously, I promise, it wasn’t me. BTW, I do like Corona, but…
The sticky snow is really pretty when we first go out in the morning. It just transforms the way the world looks.. I love how it outlines all the branches on the trees.
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A winter wonderland, for sure.
But stay out of my kitchen!
(and if you can’t, bring your own lime)
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I love the word ‘snookered’! Our snow is melting so our roads and sidewalks are mostly clear. What we are dealing with is the cold: -20C windchill! (-4F). Winter is beautiful from inside. My new mantra is “Die Winter, Die! Actually they are calling for 7C (44F) by Sunday. That’s practically balmy!
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Yes, we are forecast to see 47f on Monday – I hope it’s the start of a trend.
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Ah, sounds like she was enjoying the hint of spring to come.
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She was really enjoying a few minutes of springlike surroundings.
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I love all the pictures of the snow. Living in San Antonio, Texas we pretty much never see snow that sticks. Maddie is adorable!!!
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Thanks. I visited San Antonio last March, which was the first time since the early ’80s. You have a lot to appreciate in that area, but I’ll happily provide snow pictures.
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I had to chuckle at Maddie….no worries, sweet girl. I am all bundled up, but we can just sit here….. We had freeze warnings last night and tonight. This morning at 6 it was 32. No snow. It does look pretty but….no.
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You’re getting closer to us. I think it was closer to 10 when I left at 6:00. Still, 32 might feel worse for you than 10 does to me. Regardless, Maddie knows what she wants – “I’ll just sit here in the sun.”
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Maddie makes me smile. She knows what’s important. Hoping your winter weather has decided to go spring from now on, if only so Maddie can relax in more sunshine on more days.
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Thanks Ally. this week is quite cold. Overnight lows around 10f, but the forecast for Monday is 47. Maddie will be out in her cot pretty soon.
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Hi Dan – sensible girl … and she knows who is boss … well worked out – but is a delight and really doesn’t seem to cause you or the Editor any hassle. I’m so pleased I have my gentle four seasons – now I’m back here … cheers Hilary
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Thanks Hilary. A “gentle four seasons” sounds nice. I don’t mind a bit of cold. Actually, this winter hasn’t been nearly as bad as some. In any case, Maddie has it worked out.
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You were indeed snookered. It looks like spring is coming back. It is supposed to get up to 50 on Sunday and stay in the lower 40s the rest of the week. Supposed. We will see. Stay warm.
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I was, John. We’ll be a day behind you, but yes, heading toward upper 40s next week. I’m guessing March still has a few surprises for us, but I doubt she can sustain a run at below freezing for much longer.
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Ah, to bask in the sweet sunshine.
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You get those days in April? May?
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I’m with Maddie: give me a patch of sunshine and I’m in heaven. Your winter pics are beautiful. I wondered if they were b&w, but then I saw a patch of blue (and read a reply about just a few being b&w). It’s hard to believe that all that snow will disappear at some point and you’ll find grass and flowers hiding underneath.
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We had several storms with small amounts of snow but very high winds, so we’ll find a lot of sticks under there, too. The sun does feel good, and Maddie seems to be ready to start the sitting season.
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Snow can be beautiful even when there’s too much of it.
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It is pretty, Frank. Thanks.
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Oh, it is gorgeous! I would be of two minds looking at it too if I had to clear the driveway, sidewalk, and walkway.
I bet the sun felt great for those 15 minutes though.
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Thanks Deborah. Maddie has people to clear her paths, and people to throw the ball when she wants to play. So, she gets to be of one mind.
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It looks cold but oh my, what wonderful pictures! I’m glad Maddie at least got a spot of sun.
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Thanks Jan. Maddie enjoyed her sun spot for about 15 minutes. The steps had gotten warm in the sun.
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Maddie has it down to an art….”C’mon dad, let’s just bask in the warm sun for awhile.” The redhead knows what’s best for you Dan, even if you don’t! Clearly MiMi has no interest in the snow whatsoever. And MuMu not even looking for a brushing!
Those winter scenes are beautiful…..until they aren’t! Our area mirrors your area, except we’re missing a Snoopy Bird House. It looks so cute with the mountain of snow on the roof.
I sure hope you found your sidewalk! Lol.
🐾Ginger 🐾
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Thanks Ginger. I did manage to find the sidewalk, but it took a couple attempts.
Maddie knows how to manipulate me, that’s for sure. It was nice to sit for a bit. Pretty soon we’ll have her cot out there. MiMi likes the cold snaps as they mean fires in the stove. MuMu, yeah, she gets what she wants, too.
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GORGEOUS pictures of that snow, Dan. Even though we would rather NOT see snow now, still and all, snow does make for dramatic pictures. As for Maddie …. I do believe she has YOU trained. LOL
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Thanks Amy. This was our first “big” snow storm since early November, and by the standard of most winters, it wasn’t big. I do like the beauty of it when it covers everything. I think Maddie is ready for spring.
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8 inches – jikes. Sorry you’re having so much extra work! Maddie’s idea of having a good time is I guess different that yours! (it sounds you didn’t want to leave her alone on the steps ….)
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Thanks Jesh. 8″ wouldn’t bi a “big storm” most winters. We usually get one storm that dumps over 20″ on us. Maddie is a bit of a special needs dog. She won’t go outside without us. She will play in the yard, but she often comes back to us to get her leash on. So, we have to be with her when she does her “business” and we have to sit with her, when she wants to sit.
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Makes me cold to look at the snow blowing pictures. Looks like the light is holding. Maddie looks very happy. Nice to say.
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Thanks John. I think my repairs will get us through the rest of the season. I will try to reinforce the cab frame during the summer. Metal work when it’s below 20 is not my idea of a fun DIY project.
Maddie knows how to enjoy the day.
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😊
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It is SO pretty. SNOW pretty! We were out Saturday and it snowed a blanket and much as I’m tired of the crazy cold, I don’t tire of the snow. More snow yesterday. More snow tomorrow and Friday. Then just rain and regular cold, thanks.
Maddie is right to enjoy some sunbeams – they do feel nice on the face :)
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This snow was very pretty. Hard to work with, but pretty. We might have more coming, or it might turn to rain. Hard to tell in March. Maddie is ready for spring. She keeps pointing her nose to her cot on the porch – soon, Maddie, soon.
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I know how she feels..
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The snow is beautiful, but oh my no. I’d be more than ready for itto stop by now. Maddie looks uber settled in.
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Maddie took full advantage of having me at the end of the leash. I’m a sucker for a pretty girl, and she knows it. We haven’t had much snow this year. I can deal with snow, I just don’t want anymore ice.
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I love the way this closed, Dan.
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Thanks Rob. I appreciate that.
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I am so in love with these pictures. I wish I was there in real. I’m not sure if I can survive such cold weather but I want to try one day.
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It was 7°f (-13.9°c) when I left for work this morning. It’s been colder this winter, but not too many times. The cold days are preventing the snow from melting. We haven’t had much snow, but what we have had is still here.
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That last heavy snowstorm was perfect for a snowman… nice and packable. I thought about it but that’s as far as I got. I looked for one at your house but I see your driveway and walkway had your full attention… and sweet Mattie.
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Yeah, no snowpeople here for many years. At one point we had a snow family, complete with dog and cat.
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Oh, my gosh, that snow is SO BEAUTIFUL! I wouldn’t think so, if I had to shovel it. But I don’t, so I do.
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Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoy the pictures. It was hard to move but we got it done.
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Love the photos Dan. I agree with Maddie…enjoy the sunshine and the snow! Now you definitely need to rest after all that shoveling…
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Thanks. We had more to shovel today, but should be warm all week.
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Then I hope it melts for you so you don’t have so much shoveling! :)
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We’ve discovered that the bunny likes the paths we clear for the dog. That melts first and exposes the grass. Now I do some, even if the dog doesn’t need them.
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You’re a great friend to those bunnies! I can’t wait to see more photos! :)
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First school snow day! Great photos, Dan.
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Thanks Jennie – I hope you enjoyed your day. Looks like mid-40s and maybe 50 this week for us.
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Yippee!
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Sorry you got hammered with snow. We got hammered with rain. We now have had 10 inches of rain more than ever before dumped on us. If you don’t live in our dinky little town, you have a septic tank. And if your septic tank doesn’t have a good flow, because of all the rain, you’re paying out the bucks to have serviced right now. The people in the business of septic tanks are making a mint this year.
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Yikes! I never thought about how that would make a difference. I hope the rain lets up soon.
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We had a shower this morning but blue skies this afternoon. And yesterday was cloudy but no rain at all. Luckily the flow for our septic tank is good so no added expense.
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I love the way she thinks…great post….love fluffy white snow…great pics!
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You do have to give her credit, Kirt.
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