This winter SUCKS!

First off this winter started a little early. Fall events around Willow had to be canceled because of snow. Then we have a really snowy December followed by one of the longest sub-zero cold spells on record in January. Now we are setting record high temperatures during our normal January thaw. Anchorage has been flooding because of their rapid melt down. All of the schools that were able to stay open during 2 weeks of -20 to -30 temperatures had to close when the temperatures hit the mid to high 40s and even 50s in some areas. The snow run-off mixed with the rain that was falling coated the super cooled ground with solid ice. I put the studded tires from the Golf on the Prius and was able to get to Willow a couple times but the area between our house and the shop where we keep our cars is just like a skating rink. I tried replenishing our wood pile yesterday by cutting down a few trees that I knew were dead but after slipping and falling on the ice with the chainsaw I decided to go inside were I would be a little safer.
I finally got to drive the Prius when the temperature was above zero and it does make quite a difference in gas milage. Even with studded tires on I get 10mpg better on the short trip to the postoffice and Nina and Dean's house. The Prius with traction control really handles the ice pretty good. It is a little disconcerting when the computer kills the engine when the wheels spin as you try and pull out onto the highway. Normally both the gas and electric engine are used when accelerating on the highway. If the wheels spin the computer takes over the throttle and applies just enough power to get you going without spinning the wheels. I have learned to bet patient when pulling out and make sure there is no traffic coming.
Time to go out and try to collect some of the trees I cut down yesterday. A little snow mixed with rain fell last night so the parking lot isn't quite as slippery.