Snowblind (continued)

The unprecedented December snowfall is fun for a day or so, even with having to improvise cold weather clothing (plastic bags on the feet, socks on the hands for gloves, etc).  The kids are having a blast stomping around in the snow, throwing snowballs and building snowmen (especially Toby as he pelts his sister.)  The snow has a high moisture content and is ideal for packing.

View from the YMCA Tower

We have a lot of standing water in our front porch area because the drain is clogged and I spent Friday morning bailing out snow and water with a bucket and a dust pan.  (Have to use what tools are available because I have not seen anyone with a snow shovel).  Then the sun came out and Michelle and I took a walk towards the Old City. Absolutely beautiful, winter wonderland in Jerusalem but very slow going as the sidewalks are 6-8 inches deep in snow and slush and many intersections are flooded.  We made it as far the as the YMCA on David Ha Melech and went to the top of the tower for the first time.  Great 360 degree views of a snowy city.

It is not all fun and games

But the fun stopped when we lost power at around 2:30 in the afternoon.  There has been a lot of damage from downed trees and power lines and tens of thousands of people are without power in Jerusalem. Apparently about 60% of the West Bank is without power as well.  We also heard that some people in Tel Aviv, wanting to see the snow in Jerusalem, ignored police warnings to stay off the highways and ended up getting stuck on the freeway to Jerusalem for up to 11 hours. Big fun that.

Spending the late afternoon in a freezing, dark house left a bit to be desired but we got out the candles and the flashlights.  Luckily we were invited to Shabbat dinner with friends or it would have been a long night. And then at around 8 pm power was restored (Baruch Hashem!).  So we were spared a cold, cold night huddled under the blankets. But clearly people are suffering in this weather.

Saturday brought more snow mixed with rain. We started to take a walk but did not make it far before the cold, wet weather turned us back. Toby hit Gabriella in the face with a snow ball (totally lucky shot) so she was not too pleased.  Just another quiet Shabbat at the Levin-Meers.