Category Archives: Weather

Photographing the Blizzard of 26

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Snowstorm Photography & the Bag That Saved My Sanity

February gave us one last New England tantrum — a heavy, wet snowstorm that turned my street into a postcard. The world went quiet. The trees looked like they’d been dipped in powdered sugar. I grabbed my camera because I had to capture it before it melted.

Out I went, bundled up like the Michelin Woman and determined to get a few good shots before the plows arrived. This is where my VSGO Black Snipe Pro Camera Backpack proved its worth.

I’ve carried camera gear in everything over the years — tote bags, purses, and backpacks that were never meant for cameras. I always ended up digging around like I was searching for buried treasure. Not this time.

The snow was coming down sideways, and it was a relief to have everything in one place. Every lens, battery, SD card, and cleaning cloth had its own compartment. Everything stayed dry and easy to reach. I didn’t have to unzip five pockets or juggle gear in the cold. I could focus on the moment — the hush of the snowfall, the weight of the branches, and that soft storm‑light you only get in winter.

And yes, I got some beautiful shots. But the real star of the outing was the bag that kept me organized and sane.

If you’re a photographer — or even a “grab‑the‑camera‑and‑run” type like me — this bag is worth a look. It’s lightweight, durable, and built for people who want to enjoy the experience instead of wrestling with their gear.

👉 Here’s the link to the VSGO Black Snipe Pro Camera Backpack:
Camera Gear

I’ll add my snowstorm photos below so you can see what I captured before everything thawed. Days like this remind me why I love photography — and why having the right gear makes all the difference.

 

March Comes In Like a Lion… Or Maybe Just a Squirrel

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gray squirrel

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Checking the Weather the New England Way

There’s an old saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Here in Massachusetts, that lion has a flair for the dramatic. Some years it roars in with a blizzard, other years it tiptoes in like it’s afraid to wake the neighbors. And sometimes it just shrugs and gives us mud.

So this morning, before I did anything else, I performed the official New England March 1st ritual:
I looked out the window to see what kind of mood March was in.
(Cold, Light rain and snow. Yuk)

Meanwhile, at the Deck Slider…

While I was assessing the weather, Banner and Balboa were conducting their own March 1st investigation. Both were crouched at the deck slider, tails whipping like furry windshield wipers. Outside, the squirrels were running back and forth, pausing just long enough to give the boys a look that clearly said:

“Ha ha, you can’t get me.”

Banner took this as a personal insult. Balboa, ever the dramatic one, flattened himself into full panther mode. The squirrels, of course, remained unimpressed.

If March did come in like a lion today, the squirrels didn’t get the memo.

A Little Spring Inside the House

No matter what’s happening outside — roaring lion, sleepy lamb, or taunting squirrel — March always feels like a turning point. The light lingers a little longer each afternoon, and I start craving small changes that make home feel fresher.

One of my favorite early‑spring rituals is swapping out my heavy winter curtains for something lighter. Even if the weather is still acting up, it makes the whole room feel like it’s leaning toward spring.

This year I’ve been eyeing the Joydeco curtains — soft, modern, and perfect for letting in that slowly returning daylight.
Explore  Curtains here

Lion, Lamb, or Something in Between

Whether March arrived roaring, purring, or just sending squirrels to mock my cats, I’m welcoming it with a warm mug, a hopeful heart, and a few small changes around the house.

Here’s to brighter days ahead — and to Banner and Balboa keeping the squirrel population on high alert.

 

The Storm That set the Record- You be the Judge

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❄️ When They Say the 2026 Storm Beat the Blizzard of ’78… I Have Thoughts

2026

Every time a big storm hits New England, the weather folks rush to compare it to the Blizzard of ’78. And this week, after the February 23, 2026 storm dumped heavy, wet snow across Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the headlines started again: “Bigger than ’78!”

Well, I was here for both. And I disagree.

Yes, this storm was a beast. Yes, it broke some snowfall records. But the Blizzard of ’78 wasn’t just a storm — it was a shutdown of daily life on a scale we haven’t seen since. And I’ve got the personal scars (and canceled vacation plans) to prove it.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane — snow boots optional.

🌨️ Snowfall: 2026 Wins in Spots, But ’78 Was No Slouch

2026

The 2026 storm dumped impressive totals, especially in Rhode Island. Some towns saw nearly 38 inches. But in Massachusetts, totals were all over the place — heavy, yes, but not historic everywhere.

’78, on the other hand, buried the region. Boston got over 27 inches, Providence nearly 29, and some areas topped 3 feet. It wasn’t just the amount — it was the way it fell: fast, relentless, and with hurricane‑force winds whipping it into drifts taller than cars.

💨 Wind & Duration: ’78 Was a Monster

The Blizzard of ’78 wasn’t just snow. It was a nor’easter that parked itself over New England and refused to leave. Winds hit 83 mph in Boston and stayed strong for hours. Coastal towns were hammered by storm surge for four high‑tide cycles.

Blizzard of 78

The 2026 storm had some impressive gusts — especially on the Cape — but it didn’t have the same destructive, drawn‑out punch.

Blizzard of 78

🌊 Coastal Flooding: No Contest

’78 flooded entire neighborhoods. Seawalls failed. Homes were destroyed. People had to be rescued by boat.

2026 brought coastal flooding, but nothing close to the devastation of ’78.

🚗 Travel: One Storm Stranded People for

Blizzard of 78- Rt 128

Days

Here’s where the difference becomes crystal clear.

In 1978, thousands of people were stranded on Route 128 for days. Not hours — days. Cars were abandoned. Roads were impassable. Emergency crews couldn’t get through. Forecasting wasn’t what it is today, so people were caught off guard.

In 2026, we had travel bans, flight cancellations, and a whole lot of “stay off the roads.” But people listened. And the roads were cleared in a reasonable amount of time.

✈️ My Personal ’78 Story: The Vacation That Wasn’t

In 1978, I was working as a property adjuster and had a vacation to Florida booked. My flight out of Logan was scheduled for the day the storm hit.

Here’s the kicker:
My flight ended up being the last plane to leave Logan before the airport shut down.

And I wasn’t on it.

My company canceled my vacation and made me stay in Boston “in case I was needed.” The irony? Once the storm hit, nobody could drive anywhere. The entire region was shut down. So I sat at home, watching the snow pile up, thinking, I could be on a beach right now.

Meanwhile, the folks who did get on that last flight were probably sipping something tropical while I was digging out my front door.

⚠️ Human Impact: ’78 Changed the Region

The Blizzard of ’78 caused around 100 deaths and hundreds of millions in damage (in 1978 dollars). It changed emergency planning, forecasting, and how New Englanders respond to storms.

The 2026 storm was serious — two deaths, widespread outages, and billions in economic impact — but it didn’t reshape the region the way ’78 did.

🧭 So Which Storm Was Worse?

If you’re measuring by snowfall alone, 2026 wins in a few places.
If you’re measuring by disruption, danger, and long‑term impact, ’78 still holds the crown.

And if you’re measuring by “storms that ruined Deborah’s Florida vacation,” well… ’78 wins that one by a mile.

🌟 Bottom Line

The February 2026 storm was big, messy, and memorable. But the Blizzard of ’78 was a once‑in‑a‑generation event that shut down New England and rewrote the rulebook.

Feb 24, 2026- the clean up

So when I hear people say this storm “beat” ’78, I can’t help but shake my head.
Some storms dump snow.
Some storms make history.

And some storms cancel your Florida vacation and don’t even let you work.

Were you here for both storms? Which one felt worse to you?

 

❄️ Wrapped in Winter Warmth ❄️

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When the New England nights settle in and the frost paints the windows, there’s nothing better than curling up under a blanket that feels like a hug. That’s why we’re swooning over the faux fur throws and blankets from Welcoming Haven—soft, stylish, and perfect for those long winter evenings.

 

✨ Why we love them:

• Luxuriously plush texture that makes every couch session feel indulgent
• Generously sized for solo snuggles or sharing with your favorite person (or pup!)

Whether you’re sipping cocoa, reading by the fire, or binge-watching your latest series, these throws transform ordinary nights into cozy rituals.

✨ Faux Fur Throw Blanket for Couch

The ultimate everyday snuggle essential. Plush softness transforms your couch into a haven.  Perfect for curling up with a book or sharing cocoa with friends. Find it Here

🐆 Luxury Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw

For those who love a touch of bold style, this throw brings wild elegance to your living space. It’s as chic as it is cozy—statement décor that doubles as your warmest winter companion. Available here

🐇 Ultra Soft Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket

Velvety smooth and irresistibly soft, this blanket feels like pure luxury. Ideal for layering on your bed or wrapping yourself in comfort after a long day. Available Here

👉 Explore these cozy treasures at Welcoming Haven and make your winter nights unforgettable.

The 4 P’s of Cold Weather

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❄️The 4 P’s of Cold Weather

Snow is piling up across Massachusetts, the winds are howling, and winter has officially settled in. Here on Around Dusty Roads, we know that surviving the season isn’t just about braving the cold—it’s about finding comfort, warmth, and maybe even a little humor along the way.

That’s why we’re sharing the tried-and-true 4 P’s of Cold Weather: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

👨‍👩‍👧 People

  • Dress in layers: Think of it as building your own personal insulation system.
  • Check on neighbors: Especially the elderly—sometimes a knock on the door means more than just a wellness check; it’s a chance to share a smile.
  • Prepare for outages: Stock up on blankets, flashlights, and snacks. (Yes, marshmallows count.)

🐾 Pets

  • Bring them inside: If you wouldn’t sleep outside in a snowbank, neither should your dog.
  • Keep water fresh: Frozen bowls are no fun for thirsty pets.
  • Create cozy corners: Heated beds or a pile of blankets make winter feel less like survival and more like luxury.

 

 

🚰 Pipes

  • Insulate exposed pipes: Foam covers are basically puffy jackets for your plumbing.
  • Let faucets drip: Keeps water moving and pressure down. Bonus: dripping faucets double as cat entertainment—your feline friends will think you installed a new toy just for them.
  • Disconnect hoses: Outdoor hoses don’t enjoy becoming popsicles.

🌱 Plants

  • Cover delicate greenery: Burlap, blankets, or tarps—plants love a good winter fashion statement.
  • Bring potted plants inside: Herbs and houseplants thrive when they’re not auditioning for Frozen.
  • Think ahead: Protecting plants now means fewer tears when spring finally arrives.

🛋️ Featured Cozy Essential: Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw

When the winds whip and the snow piles high, nothing says “winter survival” quite like a blanket that’s equal parts warmth and style. Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw is the ultimate winter companion:

  • Luxuriously soft: Perfect for curling up with a book or binge-watching your favorite series.
  • Wildly stylish: Adds a pop of personality to your living room or bedroom décor.
  • Practical warmth: Because sometimes the best way to fight the cold is to embrace cozy.

👉 Ready to make winter chic and cozy? Shop the Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw at Welcoming Haven today!

🌟 Final Thoughts

Winter in New England is a test of preparation, patience, and humor. By remembering the **4 P’s—People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants—you’ll keep your home safe, your loved ones cozy, and maybe even your cats entertained. And when it’s time to settle in after a long day of shoveling, let Welcoming Haven’s Faux Fur Leopard Print Throw be your stylish shield against the cold.