Thursday Morning post Christmas & Awful Weather

[rvgrammy1953]

Yep, I'm here with the coffee, tea, and cocoa hot and ready, with oatmeal and/or sweet rolls for ya'll...

Hope everyone is warm and toasty cause the weather sure has been awful for most of the country....even here in eastern GA it's chilly....thank goodness we have the electric heater cause I'm not going out to change the tanks on the propane in this right now.....will wait for Ernie to get awake for him to do it....41F right now at 4:46am....Spinner had an awful day yesterday with the winds blowing stuff from the trees and rocking the 5er....now, that things are calmer, he's sleeping....poor baby.... And both sides of our family are all socked in with snow in PA...Glad we're in GA...

Read earlier that Horizonseeker's SIL is home from the hospital, resting, and is going to spend some "Grandma time" with her 1st Grand-baby today...am so pleased that things are going well there...can't wait for the promised photos..

Looks like I'll be spending some time with Gwen's washer and dryer today....Laundry has piled up over the last few days.. And will probably take the tree down today or tomorrow.....That new Nook of mine has me glued to it the last couple of days and I've been lazy....

Okay, re-filling my coffee cup and go check out what is new with all of you....

Have a great day, all...

[carolb]

Good morning Smiley Faces & all to follow! Yep, woke to a good 8" of snow & thot of Soo (Colliemom)--jst finished shoveling owr tenants driveway so they can be off to work this morning. For me, mine can wait, since I don't need to go owt til later....I too am done with Cmas--took down everything yesterday, except owtside lights. Hopefolly will get them down before I leave for FL GTG Yes, good news re Sprinter! ...Need to go back & read yesterday's post again--jst scanned them last night before going to bed. I DO remember that many were "honkering" down for the bad weather to go threwgh--or digging owt from it. Oh yea, BJ's pix of snow! So pretty! JdyB, did yore flight make it? Lots of cancellations, eh? Irmi, on the road, making it to FL??? ...Everyone be safe & have a great day!!

[Colliemom]

Good Morning Lori, Carolb and all,

sorry you are being buffeted by winds Lori, but at least you aren't buried in snow like you said. I"m sure Carolb and all those in NY are probably by now. Hope Irmi and Steve got on the road and managed to get out of that anyway. I'm sure they have probably run into rain and maybe even some storms and are hunkered down waiting it out. Keep safe you two. Soos' kids are probably buried in at her northern home if they stayed there rather than returning home before the storm hit. I also know that the southern part of Michigan was hit pretty good with this storm as well. Up here in the U.P. we are just having daily light snows that aren't amounting to anything, just lightly coming down and back at home, all's quiet too from what I hear.

BJ, you asked the other day, how I handle my dogs in the snow with their thick coats. Well, I don't worry about it for one thing as it's only frozen water. It lays on top of them actually. They have to be out in a really wet snow for it to penetrate their thick undercoats, but their hair can get wet. For the most part, they don't stay out in it long and they don't play in it. Just go out, take care of business and come back in unless we are out for our daily walks. Sassy however, loves to lay out there in a snowstorm and can turn into an "abominable snowdog" before she comes in. Usually she's pretty good about shaking it off before she wealks back in the door. The snow doesn't stick to them, it just flies off. I also will towel them off if needed. But if we are out for a walk in really cold weather or a wet snow is coming down, then this is the answer to that

I got these coats through Drs. Foster and Smith and they do help keep most of their coats dry in wet snow conditions. You might want to look into something like that for your dogs.

Well, the place here is filled up for the rest of the week now. I think there are a couple of units coming in today, but down here, everybody's here. One unit came in after dark last night instead of waiitng to today. Want to get their "sleds' out and hit the trails. "Sleds" meaning snowmobiles for those of you wondering. They pulled up out front here with a huge trailer of them. But they unloaded the trailer and parked it out of the way, down the hill, so they don't block everybody's view of the lake. Thank you very much I parked my van over away from my unit, in front of the one next door cause the fella that is leasing it, is gone for the holidays. That will give the others more room to manuever. So right now, theres a vehicle and at least 4 snowmobiles parked out here.

I'm like Lori, in that I have some washing to do too, not a lot, but I think I will haul it to the laundromat this morning and get it done and put away. Then can enjoy the weekend. Plan to take down my tree and decorations either tomorrow or Saturday. Box them up for the trip home next weekend.

Read through all the Christmas Day postings and enjoyed hearing about everybody's plans for the day. Sounds like everybody was enjoy8ing it one way or other. Now on to the New Year. Everyone on the roads, keep safe, those with loved ones still around, enjoy, those in bad weather areas, hunker down, it will pass and for all the rest, have a great day.

[Irmi]

Good morning everyone!

It sounds like the storms hit all of us at same degree, whether it was snow, rain or winds and colder temperatures. We left MD yesterday and ran through rain, snow and sleet. After we got into VA, the precip changed to rain and much of the day we drove through pouring rain. The traffic was very slow at times because of the whether. We didn't make it to our planned destination in SC because the weather was so lousy, so we pulled into a campground that we've stayed in before in Wilson NC. I haven't even checked in yet because when I called to let them know we were coming, we were told to go to the same site we had the last time we were here and we'll settle up this morning. We won't make it to Ocala today but will probably layover in GA somewhere. Have a good day everyone and please be safe!

[grammynmaggie]

Good moning everyone....brrrr chilly here in Melbourne ...40 right now...bunddled up to take Maggie for our walk. So glad to read that things are turning out good for all you that had some problems in family. We went on our over nighter to Sanibel ...but turned out not to over night. My DD was very disappointed in Sanibel and the shells ...we were there for the tide changes spent the whole day at beach and still there were only tiny to small shells, mostly white...not the pretty colored ones she has heard about. Was very much a tourist town,no parking , bumper to bumper , just was not her cup of tea... so we came back to dads. It was a 4 hr drive one way and a few buck in gas..I would have like to stayed over...(my first)...but guess the Jan GTG will be saved for that first trip over night....they are leaving to head back to VA sometime this moring...it was a great visit ...so glad for family to come and visit...now back to the same old same old...lol My family in northwest PA is snowed in also.
have a wonderful day and be safe....
donna

[avalen]

Good morning ladies, I'm up but I'm not awake yet. The girls just finishing up their breakfast going through their routine and will
soon snuggle back under the blankets. I didn't do anything yesterday so guess you could call it a lazy day. Will have to clean and
tidy up today for sure. My desk is getting cluttered again with mail. Its too cold lately to go out and do anything and the things
I want to do require a little $$ and are outdoors so thats out.
Coffee is fresh and its time for a refill. Ya'll have a great day and stay warm.

[carolb]

Still snowing, so not going anywhere today. Checking to see how others are doing and just have to say " what gorgeous girls, Sassy and Tessa"!!!!!! Great pic of them Sue!

[Nasoosie]

GOOD MORNING TO ALL!

Good to hear those of you in the path of the blizzard/storm checking in this morning. Glad to hear that Irmi and Steve made it south a bit and are on their way southernmore!

My northern kids left my house yesterday morning (the temperature there was about 9 below zero F. they said) and headed to their own home, even more northern, than mine. Mandy has to put in some time at the University this week to make sure her students' tests are all corrected, grades are in, and her own tenure stuff is ready to present for approval. They arrived to discover they had no water----the pipe froze where it comes into their house, so they had to run to town to get a salamander (propane) to thaw it out. It worked, and when she called me back last night, they were back in business with snow coming down like gangbusters. Those salamanders have saved our lives many times over the years of living where temperatures can get well below zero. Being without running water simply is no fun at all!

I am assuming my southern kids are back at work today and tomorrow, and I hope to see them this upcoming weekend. I may just leave all my Christmas decorations up until spring break when the northern kids might get time to come down for Christmas! One year, the first I spent down here, we celebrated Christmas in July back in the north country, and it was really fun! My fake tree back home I loved so much in the long dark cold nights that I never took it down again-----just untrimmed it but left the white lights on to use as ambience night-lights all year long. I am thinking I might do this down here with this fake tree. I love a lit tree.

Great picture of your pups in their winter coats, Sue! They sure are beautiful dogs! By the way, I am going to try to remember the chatroom tonight at 7:00 if you are around. I have been very remiss lately. (This is an ORS thing, for those of you wondering about a chatroom, but I think Sue is likely to read this on here.)

Got laundry done yesterday, but no vacuuming yet. Need to get to a bank today, too, to transfer some funds to cover first of the year bills. Hope to have it warm up again soon-----had to fire up the furnace again when I got up as it was down to 55 degrees in here and felt a bit brisk! This old furnace gets things warmed up in no time at all....natural gas with a strong blower and ducted throughout the house. Have a happy and safe Thursday everybody.

[Dawn309]

Good morning everyone. I sure feel for all you buried in snow up in the north country. I love to look at it, but sure don't like having to deal with it. It has mostly been cold and rainy here since we got here.

Talked to Mom last night and she is going to be renting a 2 bedroom cabin here in the campgrounds we are in right now. It is only about 5 minutes from youngest DB and SIL and right on the little lake here. They have to go right by it every time they go into town. The owner of the CG wants to come look at her Jeep. He may buy it from her since he has been looking for one already set up to tow. She told me she was just not happy living in the rig with me. She said I made her nervous because of how I am about my rig. Said she felt like she should not even get a cup of tea. Told her that was all in her head because I had always told her she could do whatever she wanted, just clean up after herself. It would drive me nuts to come behind her in 30 minutes to an hour to find stuff spilled that had not been cleaned up. I know we are both going to be happier. All my siblings feel this is for the best. It would drive her nuts to know they don't know how I did it for so long. We all love Mom, but none of us want to live with her. Youngest DB said he will check on her regularly. He is very pragmatic, so I think he is going to be the best choice in a caregiver for her. He will just tell her what he thinks and let her mostly make her own decisions. Was telling my sister today that I am going to have to get used to having my days all to myself. Will be strange for a while. Of course, I still have all my menagerie to take care of.

Think I will get to work on taking down my Christmas decorations and getting everything back in order for the coming year. Mom will be moving out next week, so will have to rearrange where everything is stored. Taking down the Christmas decorations sure won't be as much of a job as it used to be in the house. Soos, I liked your idea of leaving the tree up with just the lights all year long. That would be pretty.

Hope everyone has a great day and if you are traveling, stay safe.

[dayspring39]

Good Morning... no storm here just gray skies... coffee is warm need to refill it soon... Sue love the picture of the girls... Oh Irmi soak up some sun for me!! you will have a great winter for sure...
Have a great day everyone mine will be spent at the doctors...
Kathleen

[Redetotry]

We are sort of back to normal except for the piles of snow. Three men stopped yesterday looking for driveways to clear so I said yes as their price wasn't bad. I knew when I looked at them they would do a poor job and I was right, but not many people come around looking for work any more. I was happy to be able to get out and go for my usual afternoon coffee . Being snowed in always makes me really want to go somewhere.

It's hard making decisions like you have faced Dawn, stay strong and know you did what you could. It could have gone either way but your Mom tried life on the road and decided it wasn't for her. She may be really happy settled in a little cabin on the lake with help close by. It sounds like a good solution.

I'm surprised some are taking your Christmas decorations down so soon, when I used to put up a tree we would leave it until after New Years Day.

Great picture Sue, collies are so beautiful! Their coats look good but it is the feet, legs and under belly that get so much snow stuck on them, maybe I need to get some boots It was funny though after that first romp I think Toby didn't like the snow stuck on him, he stayed next to the house under the eves with the other two where the snow wasn't bad.

Time for my second breakfast. Have a good day where ever you are and be safe. I was wondering if Judyjb made it on her flight to her Christmas destination. Irmi I'm glad you are on the way to warmer weather!

[Redwahine]

Good morning everyone. Oh Sue, that picture of Sassy and Tessa is so beautiful. I love looking at the snow. It is so pretty. I like to visit the snow and ski and play. But living where there is serious snow, not gonna happen. After living in the tropics most of my life it took 3 years for my body to acclimate to the "mild" winter here in SE Texas. Your body adjusts by naturally thinning or thickening your blood for the climate. However it takes a year or two. This is my 3rd winter here. I now can tolerate 70 without putting on a sweater. I moved here in a Feb and it was in the 40s, 50s and I thought I would die. And none of the stores had any warm clothes or sweat pants. Only Spring stuff!! DH wouldn't stop laughing. He couldn't believe I was really cold. However, I'm dealing much better this winter. I still have to remeber to "dress up" before I go out the door. Jacket, check. Hat, check. Gloves, check. Scarf, check. Then I'm in the car and realize I have flip flops on my feet Then I have Popsicle toes!!! Oh well, only a few months till spring. I know it'll be cold in AZ, but DH wants to go to AZ instead of FL in Jan. but making reservations for FL for next year.

Everyone stay warm and safe. Aloha y'all

[chalet05]

At 9:30 it is 40 degrees out. I am content to be inside except garbage does have to go out - laundry will wait.

Yesterday I tried to make Beth's vegetarian chili which I loved when she made it in Pennsylvania. Only made 1/2 recipe and put it in the crockpot. Think I must have put in the wrong amount of cumin - smell was so strong in here. Chili is okay but sure not Beth's!! Wishing for another can of tomatoes to throw in.

On top of that, I had debated on whether to take the small or large crockpot in the camper. Chose the large - didn't think about having a smaller refrigerator! It barely fits. Then discovered the freezer containers are something else I got rid of. Ooops.

Small space so only have a few decorations to take down. I love having lights up so may leave mine because I want them next year - red and white striped Mickey Mouse heads.

Just can't imagine all the snow some of you have! Glad Irmi and Steve 'escaped'. Hope Judy made it to Ohio.

Stay warm everyone!

[Readytogo]

Good morning all! Yesterday when i got up we were Ala's version of snow, coming down pretty good but only for a few minutes and not sticking. They always say ground is too warm! Hit the day after sales and I'm a happy camper. I have 6 boxes of chocolate covered cherries (well, there arent very many in the box!) If I don't eat them all maybe I can make something out of them! I am wondering if Judy made it onto her plane ( and then got to land!). I think I am going to a movie later. Ya'll have a SAFE and a FUN day! Wendy

[Bethers]

Anita, I put things in containers for the fridge, as necessary, but use freezer bags for the freezer .... amazing how much more you can freeze that way. So I only have a few containers for storage ... but always have lots of freezer bags on hand.

I hated taking Peaches for a walk this morning, but after I bundle up, I'm ok. Now with the sun out, we're up to 48 ... cold for here ... hope this doesn't last too long. But it is what it is.

As for me ... grew up in cold climates and have never gotten used to it. I have a sweater with me almost all the time ... and sweat pants, etc. I love temps in the 80's. Perfect ... But I love snow (visiting it is enough now) and handled the cooler AK temps ok ... although am a little dreading them this coming summer ... haha ... Might be time to think about Baja again for a winter.