The Aftermath

Ventured forth today to walk the dog and survey the storm damage around my neighbourhood.

Shocking how many trees sustained heavy damage.

The crews that attend to Townsend Park will be busy once the ice crusted snow clears a bit.

Some of the trees there will need heavy pruning or complete removal.

There isn't much left of the tree in the above picture!

But for now I don't think too many people will be walking the non-existent paths through the park. To step off the beaten track is to invite shin skinning! About 70 pounds (the dog's weight) seems to be about the limit before breaking through the very hard ice crusting the deep snow. 

My shins can tell you that one or two steps is more than far enough!

It's not just the parks of course. All around the neighbourhood there are downed trees and fallen branches.

 

Looks like some narrowly missed vehicles. 

Ice falling from overhead lines and branches must have been dangerous! Luckily now it's just crunchy shrapnel underfoot.

Skipping Elevenses

There was a reward to all that work yesterday -- Second Breakfast of Apple Pie a la Mode!

The pies turned out absolutely delicious! Tart and flavourful, not bland and overly sweet like the store bought ones.

Now I suppose in an effort to not be mistaken for a Hobbit I'll have to skip Elevenses? 

My son started to ask if there were any apples left that needed picking, then he glanced out the window.

Um. Yes, I'd say there are a few left. In fact I noticed two more broken branches. As the apples grow they are so heavy the branches are bending over to the point where they break. I guess we might as well cut those branches down since the apples won't ripen or grow any further now that the branches have broken.