Some people stock up on storm chips, today when Sandra and I ran out to the Supermarket, I decided to stock up on something even better. Storm meats for the smoker to prepare just ahead of what is forecasted to be a significant and drawn out winter storm!

With the Pitboss pellet grill/smoker fired up I seasoned a dandy pork shoulder to make pulled pork, and some ribs for another couple hearty meals. As usual Sandra wanted her ribs baked in the oven, almost sacrilegious!

Seasoning for both items was Spiceology Honey Habanero, topped with my own mix 50/25/25 black pepper/salt/Lawry's seasoning salt.

As usual, after 3 hours the pork shoulder was tented in foil, and ribs wrapped in tinfoil on a bed of brown sugar, real butter and a dollop of honey. Both were put back on at 225 for 2 more hours. Sandra's ribs came out good but not nearly as colourful or flavourful as those on the smoker.

11pm Friday evening the first snow started to fall.

By Saturday morning just over 20cm was on the ground, and the storm eased ever so slightly. The main event was scheduled to ramp up after lunch with high winds and high rates of snowfall lasting overnight.

Late afternoon I went out and made an initial pass on the driveway. As the ground was unfrozen due to our extended mild spell, this snow was wet & heavy as it partially melted to the still warm ground. Of course this was no trouble for my trusty now 17 year old, just serviced, Honda Blower.

Boomer loves his catio and even blizzard conditions wouldn't stop him for at least a short adventure!

As forecast, winds picked up in the afternoon and created poor driving conditions, the last of the few remaining open business across the city closed by suppertime.

Sunday morning finally brought an end to this long drawn out storm, winds were brisk but posed no problem for clearing away now 50cm of windswept snow!

Our side of the street got socked in pretty good due to the wind direction which is just fine by me!

The Honda eats up full bucket pass after full bucket pass of heavy dense snow the same today as when it was brand new.

Back out for another look!

All in all it was an awesome storm, the likes of which we haven't seen in 2 years. Winter last year was pretty much a write off with mild temperatures and only a couple minor snow events. Hopefully this is finally the start of decent winter conditions!

Cheers, MIKE

Copyright © 2011 Michael Smith