Arrowhead Gramma, 3-6-23

We all know Marie Simmonds who signs her comments as Arrowhead Gramma. Let’s let her know we’re thinking of her in CA. These pictures tell her story – she hasn’t seen another human being since February 24!

Oh, Marie, I am so sorry! Thank you for letting us know – you should have emailed me sooner – we’ll talk to you until you can get out of there. Readers?

81 thoughts on “Arrowhead Gramma, 3-6-23

  1. Jo in Wyoming

    Marie, loads of us are hoping you stay safe and can get out soon. We see pictures on the news and wonder how much more snow you can endure. It’s beautiful, but enough already.
    I do hope your neighbors are helping.
    Take care and send more pictures to Mary. It personalized your situation for us.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Jo – yes, I couldn’t even imagine this. I listen to the news but hearing and seeing it from Marie makes it something way different! It’s awful!!

  2. Kathy

    I’m so sorry for what you (and many others) are going through. I live between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe and know that this has been the most insane Winter we can remember. It’s something new every day. Hang in there!

  3. Marsha from Kansas

    Hello, Marie. You are being thought of in Kansas. Hope you have power. My aunt would send us pictures with snow covering her windows when she lived in Idaho. I’m claustrophobic so can’t even imagine. But looks like you can see out some windows. Please keep us up to date. Mary, speaking of Idaho, I have been wondering about Luana. I haven’t seen her comment for a while. I miss her conversations.

    1. Kathy in western NY

      Marsha, we miss when we don’t hear from regulars like Luana and doesn’t Charlotte live in southern CA too? Hope they have power and are safe.

      1. Mary Etherington Post author

        Kathy – for some reason Launa cannot get the blog via email – she must have some block installed but I don’t know how to help her. I’ll try to contact her again and see if we can figure it out.

        1. Kathy

          Thanks Mary for reaching out to her. I wish I knew more about technology to help. I wish I had a block on some of the crappy email I get but thankfully I get yours which is all I care about.

  4. Jeanie S, Central IL

    Hi Marie,
    We are thinking about you being snowbound all alone, so sorry. I hope you have adequate groceries and other supplies, as well as utilities.
    We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, as you navigate this situation with Mother Nature.

  5. Sandi

    I’ve been seeing California in the news with all the snow. I hope you’re safe. I can’t believe how it looks from inside your home. I’m sending prayers and good wishes from Alabama. Hugs,

  6. Kris in WI

    Marie, yes, please keep us up to date on your situation. As others have said, seeing reports on the weather channel is one thing, seeing snow covering your windows is quite another! Prayers for your safe-keeping, Kris

  7. Dorothy

    I cannot image that much snow. I have a hard time picturing the places the news talks about with all of these storms. I live in W WA, so have no knowledge of this kind of snow. Even when I lived in WI. I never saw this kind of snow (and they they say there is no climate change-BS)

  8. Sandy

    Hi Mary, it’s hard when you have no one to talk to,l hope she can speak to friends and family by phone or internet, and has plenty of supplies. We have had a lousy summer in New Zealand, before Christmas was ok, but I seem to have a cardigan on more often and an extra quilt on the bed last night. The south island has been hot and dry, whereas the upper section of the north island has had flood and cyclones! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy

  9. Jean

    Marie I had no idea…until I saw those pictures! Do take care. I pray you have family or friends to help you.

    1. Rita in Iowa

      Marie I hope you remain safe. It’s one thing to get all this snow but what will it be like once it starts melting? Be sure to send out updates and sew sew sew! We all will keep you company.

  10. Mary

    OMG, I’ve never experienced any snowfall of this depth! Take care of yourself and don’t take any chances where you could fall or get stuck! Stay busy and get caught up on your reading and UFO’s. Easy to say but I’m sure there are serious concerns that come along with a snowfall of this proportion too! Stay safe!

  11. Gloria from CC

    Marie – we’re all thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. As everyone else has already commented, listening to the news is a far cry from seeing actual pictures of the situation. 🙏❤️

  12. Sandra Goddard

    Marie letting you know I am thinking about you. Praying that when your melt comes it is slow and easy. Your pictures are sure an eye opener. Just be very careful take no unnecessary risks. Reach out anytime. Sending you my prayers and hugs,

  13. Rosalie

    Marie, that is certainly something I haven’t ever experienced or imagined! I am a native Texan and we think it is bad if we have 3-5 days of ice. We all look forward to reports of what you have done to keep your spirits up during this isolation. What would we do without our internet to keep us connected to the outside world?

  14. Kathy in western NY

    Marie, it is overwhelming to me to see this much snow but I imagine you are prepared for whatever Mother Nature spews out any season. This is just a longer duration than anyone can navigate through. We have watched the news diligently as I have a relative out there too and learned he sold his home in Lake Arrowhead before this happened. Be careful what we wish for as we always want more time to sew inside, but this is insane weather. I thought Buffalo endured more than it’s share, so praying for your safety and health to get through this challenge.

  15. Pamela Dempsey

    Oh,Marie, that’s really something! It’s your kitchen window that gets me! Shudder. I pray your snow melts soon and no damage to your place and your pantry is full. Hugs 🤗

      1. Pamela Dempsey

        Hi- I am waiting for them to get my application processed and then they set an appointment before I’m allowed in. I want to get 2 and I hope they will let me. I came to my sewing group today and when leaving I looked for Emily to tell her goodbye and I will be back. Then I remembered she’s gone and started to cry. No one will replace her but I know I need someone to love on 🥲❤️. Prayers for finding the right someones 🤗

  16. Connie Tesene

    Marie, thanks for sharing those eye opening pictures! Praying for you- and a SLOW SNOW melt. Hugs

  17. Dorothy

    Marie, wow! Mother Nature sure has been busy in your part of the country. That kitchen window picture,yikes! Praying for your safety and a quick thaw.Hopefully your pantry and freezer are full so you can make some hearty meals and keep on sewing.

    1. Teresa in Indiana

      The snow makes a beautiful backdrop – but this amount is just plain crazy! I pray you are able to stay safe and not lose your power. Reach out often and let us all know you are still ok. As others have said, this is perfect time for sewing and reading and making soup! Hand in there.

  18. Joyce from NY

    Marie, i just can’t imagine, I sure hope that you are able to stay warm & have plenty to eat. Please stay safe & sew your heart away!

  19. Cheryl from Niagara Falls

    Oh my! I always worry about having pets that need to go out when your home is surrounded by that much snow! You can’t even get doors open! It is scarry when you can’t see out of your windows. Reminds me of the Blizzard of 77 here in Niagara Falls/Buffalo. People were getting out of their homes from the second floor windows and sliding down! There are pictures of people climbing snow piles and touching traffic lights! Unreal. But everyone helps out others if they can and I hope that is the same where you are. Wishing you lots of sunshine and warmer weather to melt all that, but slowly. You don’t need flooding! Stay safe and warm. My husband always says we will never be cold with all these quilts!

  20. Trudy

    Hello! Golly! Hang in there! I am from Brea, California. Now I live in Michigan.I have friends who live in Arrowhead. Very unusual snow fall for y’all. I hope you are ok.

  21. Gayle

    Good morning Marie,
    I live in Stillwater MN and we think this is a very long wi ter too. We had 7 inches on Monday and 8-10 more inches of snow coming Thursday thruFriday. Hang in there. Your pictures document well the snow everywhere. I hope you stitch or knit to keep your hands busy. Hang in there…..we’re th8nking of you and sending sunny and warm wishes to melt your snow. Gayle.

  22. Margie

    Oh my goodness Marie! Those pictures are an eye opener! I have always wanted a window over my kitchen sink. Can’t imagine seeing nothing but snow when I would look out. I live in ohio, our weather has been crazy, but nothing compared to your snow. Please keep in touch and as others have said, we will be thinking and praying for you.

  23. Kris in Naperville

    Good heavens!!! Those pictures are amazing…. sometimes I romanticize getting snowed in… now I’m not so sure…. hoping you are staying warm and have enough provisions to get you through. Here in the Chicagoland area we have had a very mild winter. The grass is actually greening and the trees are budding. we are about 3 weeks early. Here to you and all your neighbors… thinking about you!

  24. Sandra Pierson

    Marie,
    I am amazed everyday with the puctures I see of California’s “snowmageddon” and yours are no exception.
    Thinking of you and will be keeping you in my prayers.
    Sandy

  25. Sue

    Marie, hang in there. What has happened to your area is so strange. I hope you have food and heat and water. This too will end.

  26. Deb in Idaho

    I’m in Idaho and the mountains are covered with the white stuff. I can’t imagine how hard it is to dig out. I hope you have a great pantry and freezer. Warmer days are coming. I will say prayers for you.

  27. Meredith in Cincinnati

    Marie, it looks like the whole world is thinking about you! Your pictures help us realize the reality of what’s happening. Your kitchen window is really eye opening! Our weather in Ohio has been weird (74 degrees yesterday, snow possible Thursday) but not as scary as yours. Hope all this crazy weather will improve the water situation in California? Please know we’re all cheering you on, Marie!

  28. Angie from Baltimore

    Maria Ui am so sorry to see all. That snow and I worry about you and the ones that live alone. Mother Nature is really ticked off. I am in Baltimore and we have only gotten flurries a couple times but lots of rain that would have made piles of snow so we lucked out. I ordered frequently think about being snowed in but after your pictures I am totally rethinking what I wish for. Keep us posted and hope a spring thaw comes soon.

  29. Carla

    Hello Marie! My first thought was, I sure would like some alone time, but since February 24th?! That’s a bit much perhaps. Like others have said, let’s pray for a safe melt. I’m in Michigan and lived in a Lakeside community for the blizzard of ’78. Wild snow amounts! And I’ve enjoyed the snowy winters of past years. I was actually jealous of the snowfall in parts of the US this winter, oddly enough to some I suppose. But winter here was pretty boring. I didn’t even get out the snowshoes. I guess there’s always next winter haha! Take care 😀

  30. Kimberly Lusin

    Wow, Marie! I haven’t seen that much snow since the blizzard of 1967 in Chicago. I was 13 at the time and remember my family and me hunkering down for days. On around day 4 we were able to shovel an opening by the front door so we could finally get out and walk 2 miles to the grocery store. We pulled our groceries home on a sled. The shelves were pretty empty but we managed to get a few items. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know you must be scared. I hope you have a lot of quilting that you can work on. Please know I’m thinking of you and praying.

  31. Elaine Kopischke-Trejo

    Marie….I watch the news every day reporting on the snow in CA. This is so difficult to even wrap my head around!! Please know that so many people are praying for all of you and are wishing all of you a speedy release!

  32. Diane in Maryland

    Marie, you have lots of us thinking of you and hoping all that snow melts slowly. We pray you have utilities and plenty of food. As Angie in Baltimore said, we have only had a few flurries here in Md this year. Most winters we will get one or two snow storms but what you have is too much! Stay safe and warm. Keep us updated and thank you for sending the pictures! Hugs!

  33. Mary H

    You must feel so isolated, Marie. I love snow , but I am afraid having it over the windows would make me claustrophobic. I hope you have plenty of supplies on hand and are safe. Do you have family in the area?

  34. Erin

    Miss Marie, I’m sorry you have been isolated for so long. It’s one thing to be snowed in for a day and feel cozy inside. It’s certainly another to be in your situation. I’m originally from Illinois and was used to lots of snow, though where I am in Oregon, we get little most years. It must have been a shock for you to get so much so quickly.
    I hope you have plenty of supplies and can get out soon.

  35. Carol at Pin Oak Quilting

    Arrowhead Grandma, I can honestly say I can feel a bit of your discomfort as we received over 80 inches of snow one weekend in November here in Western New York. Looking out a window over chin height snow was freaky, I felt impending claustrophobia and my husband experienced a good deal of anxiety. Looking out your kitchen window… that photo says it all. I have read you recurved anything from ten to twelve feet if snow and that is just unfathomable.
    I hope you have heat and electric. I know you have to dig out vents etc, and until you do that in snow higher than your head, you cannot understand how incredibly difficult that task is. It takes your breath away. It’s exhausting.
    I hope you are able to sew, read, watch TV or pursue entertainment that takes your mind off your situation for a little time. Do you have a kitty or a pup to keep you company? Do you have the supplies you need while you’re sequestered? What is the forecast for melting possibilities?
    I think we should all be praying for sunshine and 50 degree temps so you and your neighbors get some relief. Time for the Mary Prayer Chain to activate!

    Write and let us know how you’re doing, what you’re doing, and what your forecast is! Inquiring minds want to know, consider us your nosy neighbors who want to know what’s up with you!

  36. Susie

    Hi Marie!

    I live in MN and I can’t say I have ever had snow like you do now! I am sending good thoughts and a slow melt for all of you in CA. Do you have power? And family nearby to get groceries? I am thinking of you, and all the quilting community too🌻

  37. Judy - Michigan

    I hope there is some help coming soon and that you have heat and water to keep you safe. Surelly hope also that there is no more snow on the way again.

  38. Jane Dumler

    Oh Marie that is way too much snow. I have property in. Northern colorado near the Wyoming border and we have huge amounts of snow up there. Can’t get into the property and drifts are at, least 10 feet tall. Take care and stay warm. Please keep us posted. Hope you have good books to read and lots of projects to finish. Take care and be safe.

  39. Beryl BC

    Marie, Hello from SW Ohio. As said before, prayers for a safe melt of all the snow. I like your chicken collection on the window ledge; they will look even better with sunshine shining on them. Stay safe!

  40. Jan Hebert

    Good grief! We’ve had some big snowfalls in past years but that is just amazing! Praying for you that you are safe and warm and can get out soon. There’s no denying that the climate is changing – but I still don’t believe that it is caused by man. Just my opinion… Jan in MA

  41. Susan K in Texas

    Thanks for sharing the pictures. It brings it into perspective that you’ve gone since February 24th Marie! A few days alone is ok but that’s a long time to be snowed in. I hope you have enough food and water. I hope you can at least get outdoors some to catch sunshine and fresh air. The kitchen window would make me feel so claustrophobic. Here’s hoping it clears off soon and you can be amongst people again.

  42. Diane, Squeak, and Buddy in Central Ohio

    Oh, Marie, I think that is enough snow! We have been watching the reporting on the news and have seen some of the piles, but your pictures sure bring it to us. I hope you have power and are safe and warm even though you can’t get out.
    Take care! Diane

  43. Tanya T. in Houston

    We are thinking about all of you who are housebound in this terrible weather! We always think of beautiful warm SUNNY California, but this is awful. Seeing that photo from the inside looking out at only snow really brings home how isolated you must feel. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for better days very soon!

  44. Tanya T. in Houston

    My parents-in-law were in Apple Valley and Victorville, CA area during WWII. She taught school in Apple Valley. He was in the service. We went there a few years ago to explore so I unplugged my computer just now and took it in to show Sweet Husband the photos from Arrowhead Gramma. All he could say was, “WOW! WOW! WOW!” Thanks so much for making this real for all of us, Marie and Mary.

  45. Bonnie McKee

    Oh Marie! I’m thinking of you and sending prayers and warm hugs! I can’t imagine being snowed in for so long.
    Stay safe,
    Bonnie in Oregon

  46. Vicki in Seattle

    Marie, I am thinking of you and sending prayers for your safety and comfort in these unprecedented days. One of your many Country Thread’s friends!

  47. Helen Jane (TX)

    Hi Marie…That is some deep and wide spread area snow. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. I hope “help is on the way”…I did see the message written in the snow the other day for help. Please keep us up to date on how you are doing…

  48. Susie from TEXAS

    Marie…
    WOW!!! The snow amounts are amazing!
    I will think of and pray for you to stay safe.
    May Mother Nature be kind by allowing the snow to melt very slowly, filling the rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes and not flooding anything🤞🏼
    Good things,
    Susie from TEXAS

  49. Marylise

    Une grosse pensée de France pour vous Marie. Ici l’hiver n’a pas été terrible comme chez vous. J’espère que le printemps va très vite arriver pour vous. Bon courage à vous.

      1. Kris in WI

        From Google Translate: A big thought of France for you Mary. Here the winter was not terrible like at home. I hope spring will come very soon for you. Good luck to you.

  50. Carolyn in GA

    Wish I could send you some of the beautiful sunshine today here in north central Georgia. Hope you and yours are safe and will continue to be so until all of that snow melts.

  51. Cheri

    Oh my! That IS alot of snow! I like your chickens behind the sink. I collect chickens, as well!

  52. Arrowhead Gramma

    First let me say I appreciate all of your kind comments. As we always say, quilters are the best.

    The good news is that through a neighbor on another lane, I have a plow lined up for tomorrow. The fellow is familiar with our narrow lanes and will be using a backhoe which will allow him to clear the snow more quickly. He also has two fellows that shovel, so will get my steps, car and generator cleared. All I can say is that God answers prayer. Marie

  53. Charlotte S in northern California

    WOW! Marie, I’m praying that you have heat and electricity and food. I saw a news story last night of people walking for miles just to get milk and a few groceries for their neighbors. Hard to clear all the roads…where do you put all that snow? Also praying for a slow melt and no flooding.
    Stay safe. We are all thinking about you.

  54. Lee Bowers

    Marie,
    Good luck with the melting snow. I lived in Michigan for a few years and we got snow, but not your amount of snow. We lived in Ct. and got snow over the mailbox but still not your snow.
    When we lived in Huntington Beach we spent a day at Lake Arrowhead. It was cool up there and very quaint. What I remember most about your day was the huge pinecones. I managed to pick up about a dozen of them and took them home. In the next 40 years we moved to Tx. Ky Va. and now live in North Carolina.
    I still have those pinecones in a hangmade basket. I have washed them more than several times and they still look just as pretty and special as they looked on the ground at Lake Arrowhead.
    Good luck digging out…our thoughts are with you. If you can enjoy the solitude and the quiet of the snow. This too shall pass and our grandmothers said.

    Lee Bowers

    1. Arrowhead Gramma

      Lee, Lake Arrowhead is indeed a unique place to live. One year I gathered three boxes of those big sugar pine cones. Sent them to my grandson and his class used them in craft time. I have been doing well even though I am alone, I am keeping busy. I have said many times recently “this too shall pass “. That was my Mom’s and today is on her grave marker 💖

      1. Kathy in western NY

        Marie – you have a good attitude to get through this unprecedented weather event. Thanks for letting us know you are still coping and help is coming tomorrow to dig you out.

      2. Lynette in Orlando

        Marie

        I live in Florida, so I cannot imagine that much snow!! It is beautiful to look at! Hopefully you are still keeping yourself occupied and have power and plenty of food. That’s my issue when we have a hurricane – often I’m without power. Usually I plan a quilt and spend my time sewing. But know there are people out there thinking of you and praying “this too shall pass”. Xx

  55. Lynn in Scottsdale, AZ

    Marie,

    I am sorry you are dealing with so much snow and the resulting isolation. Sounds like help is on the way.

    Will keep up the prayers for you and all those dealing with the snow overload.

  56. Elizabeth Rodgers

    Oh Marie, it looks so pretty on tv but your pictures are kinda scary. Wish someone was with you. I know I will be thinking of you. What are you doing with your time?

  57. Barbara Firesheets

    Hello Marie! Thank you for sharing the pictures of all your snow. Hope you’ve had lots of good sewing time and been able to work on projects. I live in Louisiana now but grew up in northern CA (40 miles east of San Francisco). My family still lives there. Mom said they still have snow on the peaks of Mount Diablo, but none down in town. Hope you are doing well. Take care and send more pictures when you can. You’re in my prayers.

  58. ChristieB in SE Nebraska

    Marie – Arrowhead Gramma Letting you know we are all thinking of you and praying for you. I cannot image what you are living through. Hoping you have utilities, food, and most of all FABRIC!!! Stay warm, stay safe! Keep us posted – we are here for you! HUGS… and stitches

  59. Joy in NW Iowa

    Wow! Wow! Cannot imagine, in Iowa it doesn’t pile up….it blows in drifts! The harder the wind, the harder the drift! I hope you were prepared for this. Thinking of you.

  60. Sandra Fraenkel

    Wow, I can not even imagine that much snow!
    How you can stay safe and warm and have plenty of books and projects to keep you busy.
    Hang in there!
    Sandra in Virginia

  61. Sunflower from Michigan

    Marie, stay safe. We’re all thinking of you and wishing you the best.

  62. Jean from Central Iowa

    Marie, wow! Lots of quilting time, Netflix series and hot chocolate. I hope it begins to melt soon. We are waiting for snow here this week but definitely not that much. Stay safe and warm!

  63. Jackie in NY

    Hey Marie – thinking of you from upstate NY. We are continuously amazed at the amount of snow you folks are getting. We have snow on the ground, but nothing like you! I hope your internet and cable stay working so you can watch TV and read blogs, etc. If you’re a sewer, you should have some nice time to do some of that. You can do what I just did and put up your spring decor – maybe that will at least make you feel like spring is on the way!

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