Sunday, December 28, 2008
Photo Excursion
David, Ray, Lori, and I headed out on a photo field trip today, even though it was a little rainier than anticipated. We were hoping to get some great photos of frozen waterfalls. I managed to capture a few decent photos, although they're not as clear as I would have liked since I was trying to keep my camera from getting drenched.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
We're Thawing Out
We're finally thawing out! Even though this morning started out with a couple of inches of snow (all over my freshly shoveled driveway!), it didn't stay cold for very long. The temperature warmed up to a balmy 37 degrees! Of course, with all the snow and the mix of warm temps and some rain, the streets were a mess--big ice chunks and slush everywhere. I felt like I was four-wheeling it in my Honda. I don't believe my shocks have ever had that much of a workout before, lol.
Before the thaw started, however, I managed to capture some pics of the fresh snow that landed on the ice-covered trees.
The other interesting photos I got were of the icicles that are hanging off the sides of the house. A few of them fell as the temperature rose. I could hear the crash against the side of the house. However, a really large one was sticking straight out of the snow, just like a stake, before it really warmed up.
And, since it is also Christmas Eve, there was a lot of Christmas preparation going on here. I spent a few hours wrapping gifts. I suppose it would have gone a lot quicker if I wasn't talking on the phone and also checking the computer occasionally at the same time.
I'll be finishing the wrapping in the morning.
Oh, and one thing I discovered this morning when I woke up--snow shoveling definitely works muscles you don't use on a regular basis. My back has been killing me all day! I did try to shovel out the patio, but I couldn't get the gate open because of all the snow. I guess I'm going to have to wait for it to melt...
Hope you had a peaceful Christmas Eve with your loved ones!
Before the thaw started, however, I managed to capture some pics of the fresh snow that landed on the ice-covered trees.
The other interesting photos I got were of the icicles that are hanging off the sides of the house. A few of them fell as the temperature rose. I could hear the crash against the side of the house. However, a really large one was sticking straight out of the snow, just like a stake, before it really warmed up.And, since it is also Christmas Eve, there was a lot of Christmas preparation going on here. I spent a few hours wrapping gifts. I suppose it would have gone a lot quicker if I wasn't talking on the phone and also checking the computer occasionally at the same time.I'll be finishing the wrapping in the morning.Oh, and one thing I discovered this morning when I woke up--snow shoveling definitely works muscles you don't use on a regular basis. My back has been killing me all day! I did try to shovel out the patio, but I couldn't get the gate open because of all the snow. I guess I'm going to have to wait for it to melt...
Hope you had a peaceful Christmas Eve with your loved ones!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Brief Reprieve
The weather actually cooperated today and did not snow or rain for the first time in days. I took advantage of that fact and left the house. However, that required putting chains on the car.
All I can say about snow chains is that whoever wrote the instructions on the ones I bought ought to be shot. They were NOT self-explanatory as the jolly man at Les Schwab said on Saturday. Luckily, there were pictures, so I was able to figure out some of what I was supposed to do. The first set of chains on the passenger side front went on okay, after I figured out what had to go where. The second chains on the driver side...not so good. I had them partially on, then realized that the chains weren't going completely around and had to start over. If it was this hard for me to do in the garage, how the heck do people put these on out on the highway when the snow is coming down???
I had a little trouble getting out of the driveway because of all the snow that was piled in the driveway, but finally made it out. Once on the streets, it wasn't too bad, although it was a bit slippery. I can't believe how fast some people were going. I was limited to 30 mph or less with the chains. Anyway, I made it to the grocery store, bought some stamps, and was able to get some food from Baja Fresh. I even stopped a few times to take photos. It truly was like one of those winter wonderland postcard scenes.
Once back at my house, I had a little trouble getting back into the driveway and stalled the car three times before I could finally get into the garage. My neighbor about three or four houses west of me was out trying to unload his SUV and was watching me after the first stall. I think he was waiting to see if he needed to help push my car into the driveway. Luckily, even with the snow flying as I gunned the motor, I actually gained some momentum to get up into the driveway. I never realized that there was a little dip between the street and the driveway before...
I also shoveled my driveway this evening about 7 pm. Kind of a weird hour, but I was waiting for Laura's friend (whose father lived less than half a mile away) to deliver the snow shovel. Once it arrived, a little after 6 pm, I went ahead and shoveled out the driveway since there is another storm anticipated for early tomorrow morning. We are supposed to see another 3-6 inches of snow. Thank you, Laura, for having Morgan and Doug get in touch with me!
Anyway, it was my first time ever to shovel snow, despite living in the Chicago area for a couple of years. It was definitely a lot harder than it looked. Snow, when it is even slightly packed down and when it has a layer of ice in the middle, is HEAVY. I know my arms and shoulders are going to be crying out tomorrow! But, I think I did a pretty good job, despite not really knowing where to put the snow once I shoveled it. I ended up dumping it on my front lawn and also piled it at the foot of the driveway since I didn't want to dump it in my neighbor's yard--well not the nice neighbor to the west of me, that is.
I think I'm pretty much set now (and even prepared!) to be here for the holiday, after doing a little bit of grocery shopping. I was definitely appreciative of having even a brief reprieve from this crazy weather!
All I can say about snow chains is that whoever wrote the instructions on the ones I bought ought to be shot. They were NOT self-explanatory as the jolly man at Les Schwab said on Saturday. Luckily, there were pictures, so I was able to figure out some of what I was supposed to do. The first set of chains on the passenger side front went on okay, after I figured out what had to go where. The second chains on the driver side...not so good. I had them partially on, then realized that the chains weren't going completely around and had to start over. If it was this hard for me to do in the garage, how the heck do people put these on out on the highway when the snow is coming down???I had a little trouble getting out of the driveway because of all the snow that was piled in the driveway, but finally made it out. Once on the streets, it wasn't too bad, although it was a bit slippery. I can't believe how fast some people were going. I was limited to 30 mph or less with the chains. Anyway, I made it to the grocery store, bought some stamps, and was able to get some food from Baja Fresh. I even stopped a few times to take photos. It truly was like one of those winter wonderland postcard scenes.
Once back at my house, I had a little trouble getting back into the driveway and stalled the car three times before I could finally get into the garage. My neighbor about three or four houses west of me was out trying to unload his SUV and was watching me after the first stall. I think he was waiting to see if he needed to help push my car into the driveway. Luckily, even with the snow flying as I gunned the motor, I actually gained some momentum to get up into the driveway. I never realized that there was a little dip between the street and the driveway before...
I also shoveled my driveway this evening about 7 pm. Kind of a weird hour, but I was waiting for Laura's friend (whose father lived less than half a mile away) to deliver the snow shovel. Once it arrived, a little after 6 pm, I went ahead and shoveled out the driveway since there is another storm anticipated for early tomorrow morning. We are supposed to see another 3-6 inches of snow. Thank you, Laura, for having Morgan and Doug get in touch with me!Anyway, it was my first time ever to shovel snow, despite living in the Chicago area for a couple of years. It was definitely a lot harder than it looked. Snow, when it is even slightly packed down and when it has a layer of ice in the middle, is HEAVY. I know my arms and shoulders are going to be crying out tomorrow! But, I think I did a pretty good job, despite not really knowing where to put the snow once I shoveled it. I ended up dumping it on my front lawn and also piled it at the foot of the driveway since I didn't want to dump it in my neighbor's yard--well not the nice neighbor to the west of me, that is.
I think I'm pretty much set now (and even prepared!) to be here for the holiday, after doing a little bit of grocery shopping. I was definitely appreciative of having even a brief reprieve from this crazy weather!
Monday, December 22, 2008
MORE Snow??? Aaaagghhhhh
Day 5,203 of snow.
Not really, of course, but it's starting to feel like it. This continuous snow storm has totally stranded the area. Flights are still being cancelled--way too many of them, which means that the passenger situation at the airport is a complete mess. At least 300 people spent the night there last night. And, judging from the live coverage on the news, it's not looking very good for those trying to get out tonight.
The snow count here at home is now up to almost 10 inches. It's not snowing now, but there's still a lot of it out there.
Even the patio is completely under snow.
I ventured outside briefly to retrieve the newspaper (which was almost completely buried), get the mail, and to break up the nice untouched snow in my driveway. I could feel the layer of ice crack under the fresh snow each time I took a step. Unfortunately, I don't have a shovel, so I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to get the snow out of the driveway, especially since it won't be melting anytime soon.
After being stuck indoors so much for the last few days, I'm definitely feeling the effects of "cabin fever." My sense of humor is not there, and I'm just a little impatient and sick of this situation. I'm even tired of watching movies! Yes, that is a little shocking for even a self-proclaimed movie fanatic.
The only plus - some interesting photos.
One other plus I forgot--found a brand new book of stamps, so I was able to send another batch of holiday cards out today. Now, if I only knew where I might have stashed more stamps for all those holiday cards that need to go to clients...
Jen sent a couple of Hallmark e-cards to try to get me to laugh. Success, Jen! The cheesy e-card worked--thank you!!!
And poor Laura and I have been commiserating over her mother's travel trials. It is definitely a case of planes, trains, and automobiles trying to get her mother here. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, Laura's mom will be safely sitting at Laura's warm house with the rest of the family.
Brenda, hope you make it back tomorrow--crossing my fingers!
OK, Mother Nature... we're ready for the meltdown now!
Oh yeah...another storm predicted the morning of Christmas Eve... grrrrrr....
Not really, of course, but it's starting to feel like it. This continuous snow storm has totally stranded the area. Flights are still being cancelled--way too many of them, which means that the passenger situation at the airport is a complete mess. At least 300 people spent the night there last night. And, judging from the live coverage on the news, it's not looking very good for those trying to get out tonight.
The snow count here at home is now up to almost 10 inches. It's not snowing now, but there's still a lot of it out there.Even the patio is completely under snow.
I ventured outside briefly to retrieve the newspaper (which was almost completely buried), get the mail, and to break up the nice untouched snow in my driveway. I could feel the layer of ice crack under the fresh snow each time I took a step. Unfortunately, I don't have a shovel, so I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to get the snow out of the driveway, especially since it won't be melting anytime soon.After being stuck indoors so much for the last few days, I'm definitely feeling the effects of "cabin fever." My sense of humor is not there, and I'm just a little impatient and sick of this situation. I'm even tired of watching movies! Yes, that is a little shocking for even a self-proclaimed movie fanatic.
The only plus - some interesting photos.
One other plus I forgot--found a brand new book of stamps, so I was able to send another batch of holiday cards out today. Now, if I only knew where I might have stashed more stamps for all those holiday cards that need to go to clients...Jen sent a couple of Hallmark e-cards to try to get me to laugh. Success, Jen! The cheesy e-card worked--thank you!!!
And poor Laura and I have been commiserating over her mother's travel trials. It is definitely a case of planes, trains, and automobiles trying to get her mother here. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, Laura's mom will be safely sitting at Laura's warm house with the rest of the family.
Brenda, hope you make it back tomorrow--crossing my fingers!
OK, Mother Nature... we're ready for the meltdown now!
Oh yeah...another storm predicted the morning of Christmas Eve... grrrrrr....
Sunday, December 21, 2008
First Day of Winter
At 4:04 am this morning, winter officially arrived. However, if you ask folks around here, winter's been here for the last week, with temps below freezing and snow storms on and off.
When I went outside this morning to get the newspaper, I discovered a layer of ice covering the snow that had piled up overnight.
After I finally broke through the ice, I found at least a half foot of snow underneath. The ice sheets weren't that thick, but everything was covered.
That's the newspaper sticking out of the snow.
Yesterday, the weather reports were stating that the snow would end today and the temps would warm up this afternoon. Not so. It turns out that more snow is on the way tomorrow, and now we won't break freezing temps until Wednesday. So, there will definitely be a lot of snow on the ground for the next couple of days.
The airport is also having challenges, with many flights cancelled. Late this afternoon, Alaska/Horizon and Southwest both cancelled any flights in and out of Portland for the rest of the day. There are lots of people stranded at the airport who may not be able to get out until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Something tells me that despite the white Christmas, it may not be a very merry Christmas for some.
David sent a photo of the snow view at his place...
I also had a little time to do a mini album for a gift. I won't post any photos of the project itself since I don't want the recipient to see it yet. It's funny how long it's been since I've used these supplies. It's like learning how to walk all over again, lol. I even had to go searching around the house for some of the tools since I haven't used them for months.
On Friday, I received this little surprise from Laura...thank you, Laura! It was so sweet of you! I haven't opened it yet--planning on doing so on Christmas Eve.
For you locals, hope you're staying safe and warm!
When I went outside this morning to get the newspaper, I discovered a layer of ice covering the snow that had piled up overnight.After I finally broke through the ice, I found at least a half foot of snow underneath. The ice sheets weren't that thick, but everything was covered.
That's the newspaper sticking out of the snow.
Yesterday, the weather reports were stating that the snow would end today and the temps would warm up this afternoon. Not so. It turns out that more snow is on the way tomorrow, and now we won't break freezing temps until Wednesday. So, there will definitely be a lot of snow on the ground for the next couple of days.The airport is also having challenges, with many flights cancelled. Late this afternoon, Alaska/Horizon and Southwest both cancelled any flights in and out of Portland for the rest of the day. There are lots of people stranded at the airport who may not be able to get out until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Something tells me that despite the white Christmas, it may not be a very merry Christmas for some.
David sent a photo of the snow view at his place...
I also had a little time to do a mini album for a gift. I won't post any photos of the project itself since I don't want the recipient to see it yet. It's funny how long it's been since I've used these supplies. It's like learning how to walk all over again, lol. I even had to go searching around the house for some of the tools since I haven't used them for months.
On Friday, I received this little surprise from Laura...thank you, Laura! It was so sweet of you! I haven't opened it yet--planning on doing so on Christmas Eve.For you locals, hope you're staying safe and warm!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Snow, Snow, Snow...
Close to four inches of snow here (so far) for today!It's been snowing steadily since early this morning. I ventured out for a little bit, and although I was driving VERY slowly (about 20 miles an hour), I still slid a few times. Feeling the ABS have issues is a little unnerving. Anyway, I didn't stay out long, simply because it was way too stressful to deal with the driving conditions. But, I now own a pair of chains, in the event I do need to put chains on the car and get out.
I also walked over to the park about a block or so away to take pictures, and even walking over there was a bit of an ordeal. No slipping, but I did sink into the snow a few tmes.
The street leading into the neighborhood...
The street headed toward my house...
The top of the recycling bin. See how much snow has accumulated???
The park down the block. Kids were sledding down the mini hills in the park.
Snow-covered trees at the park. Hard to believe it's here. I keep thinking you'd see a scene like this in Colorado.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but after a week of crazy weather, I can't wait for it to just rain so I can go out and get stuff done. This is definitely throwing a little bit of a wrench into the holiday stuff for everyone! It is cold (today's high was about 25 degrees, with a wind chill that made it feel like 12), but cold and dry is easier to handle.BTW, it's still snowing steadily--no break yet!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)