COLD MONDAY MORNING

[Colliemom]

Morning everyone,

Current conditions here at the 45th: Temp 0 degrees
Wind gusting to: 21 mph
Wind Chill: -17 below
Skies: Partly to mostly cloudy
Predicted high: 10 degrees

The big storm has left the area and is now out east, giving those folks some misery. The cold air has swept all the way south as well. All you in the southern areas, bundle up.

After all is said and done here, the stom was very impressive. Some areas to my southwest had as much as 19 inches of snow. But the totals varied widely across the north. Some areas reporting hardly any and others big amounts. Here at my place, we averaged about 5-6 inches. Disappointment for those wanting more snow for the snowmobile trails. But they have plenty elsewhere and riders go for a hundred miles or more riding, so there will be no shortage. Might see some sun for a bit here, but not sure if all day. Winds are strong enough to create ground blizzard conditions. LES waarnngs are up for a few counties along the lakeshore due to North winds. Power is out in some areas and roads are in really rough shape. At least 193 axhools are closed across the state.

I for the most part will be staying inside. Plan to address my Christmas letters I wrote yesterday, do some laundry and a few other things. Eventually though, I will head out and fire up the snowblower and clear the drive out. I do have an appt. tomorrow and don't want to pack the snow down driving through it. Won't take long. Will leave the rest for later this week. I did my deck and part of the dog's potty area yesterday, so won't have to bother with that. Neighbors drive can wait till later. Nobody over there anyway. I have a cab on my blower, so I am protected from the wind. The girls are getting bored, being inside too much. They did go in and out quite a bit yesterday despite the weather and laid out on the deck, getting snow covered. Maybe we will take a short walk if the road gets plowed later today.

So life goes on in the north country. Hope everybody stays warm and cozy wherever you are. Enjoy your day.

[dayspring39]

Good Morning... it was in the 20s when I got up at 7 but now is 31 will be a whopping 44 for a high if we get there... I have finished making bite sized cakes for church and am now having coffee to get awake... I made an 8" square cake to share also... but oh so sad the oven in here is way off and it is very lopsided.... ha ha ha well best solution is to frost and cut into pieces and put on a paper plate... will disguise the sad results... oh come on lets all
I found out that who ever owned this rig did use the oven and a lot... I did not really look inside but it has a lot of residue on the shelf and sides... will maybe clean that another day... the top of the stove had not one mark spot hmmmm could not get the grate off then lifted up the top and the clips they put in at the factory were still there... hmmm my best guess is that they replaced it... this is good as it is nice and clean... the burner did turn color when I boiled water so it had not even had water boiled on it before... better for me... almost newish...
I did get my LP yesterday so am using both the electric heater and the furnace it is now 67 inside... feels better than the 60 degrees when I got up this morning... unhooking in the wet is not pleasant at best there is sand all over inside as well as on the drivers side I will close my eyes to that until a better (warmer) day...
Sue you must feel like an iceberg... burrrrrr
Oh this was strange there were two cats fighting on top of my MH last night... they were scrapping awful... I did not notice but when the sun came out I saw bright light... well somehow they had dislodged the ceiling vent in the bathroom... no wonder it was only 60 inside this morning...
Please stay warm everyone... time for a good book and a nice fire in the fireplace...
Kathleen

[Redetotry]

Where is everyone else this morning it's after nine. All the schools are closed I guess because still snow on back roads and the temperature is bad with wind chill zero or a bit below. DH was surprised to find even the gym where he goes every morning was closed which is unusual. Think I will skip yoga today, my regular instructor is in LA so that's a good excuse to stay home.

Nothing exciting going on here which can be a good thing I guess. But sure could use some, excitement. Maybe an old BF will see me on Facebook and write a beautiful PM about how he's missed me all these years, he has won the lottery and is giving me a million dollars so I can finally get the RV of my dreams.
One of my friends who never married is engaged, thanks to Facebook. Two days after she set her page up a man she worked with 35 years ago contacted her, they exchange phone numbers and talked for SIX hours the first call. I think that was in September, they are getting married in the spring.

[asirimarco]

Good Morning to All - or afternoon as the case may be. It is cool and very foggy here this morning. Can't see very far up the beach but I can see all the seagulls sitting right outside our window waiting for Bill to get his butt out there and feed them. At least they're being quiet.
Did a couple of updates on my blog. Have been lazy the last couple of days and ignoring it. Still have a couple more to do.
Having problems with my laptop - the "click" button on it is getting very undependable. sometimes it clicks and sometimes it doesn't without a lots of pleading. Going into the little town later and try to find an external mouse - might or might not find it.
We went to a farmer's market the other day, drove on the beach for awhile [pictures in blog] and [haven't done these yet] joined a religious procession and took a drive to the town of Alamos so we've been keeping busy. Besides town today we have to do or get done our laundry.
Our house sitter sent us another picture of our home - all under the snow. I see the schools are all closed there today. Oh well we will continue to suffer for them.
Keep warm everyone - lots of hot chocolate and fireplaces.

[Carolinagal]

Good morning ! They predicted about 4 inches of that white stuff for this area, and you know what, think they were right this time We usually only get 1-2 or so inches at a time, so this is a big deal here. Its going to be on the ground for some time too, which doesn't happen either, the temp is going to be under freezing for several days. Do I have to say, I have no plans to go anywhere Maggie and I, will have to go out and play in it several times a day. Its so pretty now, hate to make footprints all over it

I finally have my tree up and all decorated. Took a couple of days and its only 4 ft., but I am not a good tree decorater. Nothing seemed to be going to make it pretty. But I am satisfied now, don't usually use icicles but did this yr and hid all the flaws I love it when the lights are on at night, something about a lit Christmas tree, fireplace going and a good Hallmark Christmas show on, while I crochet, is so peaceful and I enjoy thoroughly. First year at this time, I finally feel at peace with myself, and its a great feeling. I have half my Christmas cards to finish and get out in the mail. Right now they are at one end of my diningroom table, and would like to get my table decoration on, so need to get them done.

I found several Christmas tins, so have decided I am going to see if I still know how to make cookies and fill them up and give them away. (not all of the cookies of course ) One way to enjoy myself and get rid of those tins, that I do not need taking up space in my house I don't really know what I will do, but am really clearing out the things I do not need here, feeling there are maybe some changes in where I live, how I live etc. in my future. Besides, it sure makes keeping house easier

I am a couple of days behind here, but did read that Li, picked up Foo Foo. I am so happy for you Li, what fun is in store for you, and for us to hear all about it. So much to catch up on the forum, but need to get moving this morning , if I set too long, you know how it goes, things don't get done. Its Monday, so wanted to check in, with you all. Those that are in worse weather conditions then I have, which there are many, do what you need to, to stay safe and warm. Those who don't need to fight the white stuff, think you need to stay safe and warm too, I do believe, this winters going to break more records.

I do hope you all will have a Great day inspite of weather conditions
CArol

[HorizonSeeker]

Another brrrr morning. School's closed so I get a free day today. Windchill was 1 at bus stop time so good for the kids to stay home. But it's exam week so we really need to get those tests done. Also a traumatic time because one of our seniors was killed Friday night in a shooting. Grief counselors were scheduled to be in the school today. That poor mother having to bury a child at Christmas. I hope the ice melts off the roads and school is open the rest of the week. We need to help the kids get through the exams and this death. And I want to get out of this house! Next December I vow to do an Odysseus: put a snowshovel on my shoulder and keep walking till someone asks what it is.

[Nasoosie]

GOOD AFTERNOON TO ALL!

It only got down to 37 degrees at St. Cloud last night, but the wind was as hard as I've ever felt it in the trailer, all danged night long! Talk about rocking and rolling, and the howl of it through the trees as it swept across those pastures was downright scary! I got up at about 1:00 am and got another two flat bungie straps from out of the basement of the trailer, 4 more large tent pegs, and an axe to use for a hammer. Luckily I had my canoe strapped down with one strong, flat bungie, but I added two more as I could not fathom that it would still be out there next to the pond this morning. I would have carried it to Goog's garage if I had been able to buck that wind, but I figured if I ever unleashed it, both canoe and I would go sailing across the skies as far as the Keys! I must have looked like a wild woman out there in the pitch dark with my headlamp on, axe in hand, and hair blowing like out-of-control weeds!

This morning, the canoe was none the worse for wear, but the winds hadn't slowed down a teensy bit. I took the nearly empty LP gas container from the trailer to the nearest refill place, which is not far at all, thank goodness, brought it back and switched over to that full one for tonight, as I am now back in Orlando and I wanted to be sure to not run out of gas for the furnace and the hot water heater. Tonight is forecast to be even colder than last night! I hope to get a decent night's sleep here in a real house tonight, after I do a lot of financial stuff via a REAL (rooted) phone! The palm trees are dropping dead fronds all over the place here, and it is just as wild here as it was in St. Cloud. I guess most natives here are shocked at just how cold it is, but, in reality, this would still be just normal spring or fall weather for us at home. Many people down here are so unprepared for the cold, however, and that's what makes it scary for them. I don't really mind cold, but wind has always terrified me for some reason.

Molly and I will try to go for a walk this afternoon, after the businesses I called return my calls, and see what damage, if any, has occurred here in this village. Then I will take a very hot bath before bed, climb into my sleeping bag designed for the Arctic, and try to get some sleep!

I hope the rest of the people wintering in FL can stay warm tonight----glad to hear that Kathy got more propane! Those, like Sue, way up north, seem to be faring no worse than we are down here, but for the pretty snow they have. At least Sue has snow, as do those friends of mine living at home and in Rochester and Syracuse.

Tonght I will also try to get some pictures of my house lit up for the first time. I had left my camera here by accident, so couldn't get a shot of the kids' spectacular Christmas tree.....next time. Some night this week, they will come to stay overnight, and Goog will take us, gratis, to a display at Disney of Christmas decorations and lights and some show. He gets free passes for all as part of his work benefits.

I am so sorry to hear about the shooting death of one of your students, Horizonseeker. What a horribly sad thing to have to be mindful of for the rest of their lives each Christmas time, for those poor parents.

Carol, it sounds as if you are ready to settle in for the duration of the holidays now.

Hunker down, everyone, and stay warm and cozy.

[bluepinecones]

Good afternoon ladies.
Not going above freezing here today either. Snow still flying around at times. TV stations have been running warning banners about how dangerous the wind chill is, reminding people if they must go out to bundle up and wear hat and gloves. Many of us who don't typically have to deal with such cold, do not even own heavy coat, gloves or hats, me included. Many schools closed and outdoor activities cancelled due to cold. Some black ice problems but most roads are open. We've got one more day of it before temps get above freezing again. Low tonight forecast to be 12 with wind chills -10 to -20. I count myself among the lucky as I do not have to get out in it. Pantry well stocked and I even made some chicken soup to warm insides. My back yard is fenced so don't even have to go out to walk Nicky. Keep thinking of Tina and Izzy dealing with the cold. Do hope she checks in today to let us know she is warm and safe.
If I can stay focused, I really need to devote the afternoon to catching up some much neglected bookkeeping and pile of mail.
Wishing all a safe and warm day.

[dayspring39]

Afternoon here also... will be going to the ladies meeting at church in a while...
Soos when we lived in Lakeland I was shocked to find out that many of the older houses do not even have a way to keep warm... no heat source... and also no air conditioning...
it is 42 by my thermometer with a wind chill of 37 that is cool... I did get out and took a spin on the three wheeler with Shadow just to the garbage and a tiny bit further...
Kathleen

[Echo]

HELLO SISTAHS!!!

Good grief ya'll are having some nasty weather! Hate to mention that it's beautiful outside here today. We've got the door open, just using the screen door but have a towel hanging over the top part to block the sun. Haven't checked for the official temp but my thermometer says it's 66f out there. We're loving it.

Got a text message from a very close friend in ME that her Mom died this morning. It was a complete surprise to the family. Told her that much love and many prayers are being sent her way from Kelly and I. I can't even begin to imagine how her Dad is coping. My heart breaks for the family.

We have been having a fight with son's phone as he hasn't been able to send or receive picture mail. He has been to 4 different Sprint stores with no luck. At one the general manager farted around with his phone for 1 1/2hrs and couldn't figure it out. Kelly went online and found the manual for his phone and in about 2o minutes found the solution and told David what to do to fix it. Problem solved. Been finally getting pictures of my Grandson. Good heavens that boy is getting big and he's only a little over a year old. We are soooooooo looking forward to getting home next winter to see son and grandson! Poor boy will probably take one look and start screaming!

OK, time to go check and see the other postings and see what ya'll have been up to. Sure hope Barbie checks in soon and lets us know how she made out. Ya'll have a good day, stay warm and please stay safe!

Love to all

[Bethers]

We had a few inches of snow here in KY - and the cold is upon us, also. My thermometer shows 21 outside right now - probably will be the high today - and down to single digits overnight tonight - then tomorrow about the same high, but not quite as cold overnight, and everyday after inching upwards. Wind rocked me to sleep last night. Soos, this wind is nothing like some I've been in

Another plus to my added on electric to my water heater? Some peoples were frozen this morning and couldn't turn on - mine, being on all the time, was just fine. Now, I am overusing the electric heaters - but no choice with the propane heater out of commission right now. Really looking forward to getting that fixed.

My last day (night) at Amazon will be this Saturday. A few days earlier than scheduled, but I'm ready. Will only put in about 40 hours total this week, as I'm going in 'extra' tonight, but they'll let us out after less than 1/2 a day on Saturday. And I'm only going to put in 10 hour nights on the other 3 nights. Will seem like a piece of cake... hahaha Actually, I slept 10 hours overnight and could have stayed in bed longer. Feel now like I caught up. The snow out here is beautiful. After I walked Peaches I took some pictures. Eventually when I get caught up with my blog - will get them posted. Am sooooo far behind!

Off to figure out something to eat before work - have a great day all!

[BarbaraRose]

I got the job!!!! Yay!!! And they are going to pay me a dollar an hour more, plus full time hours and I start on January 2nd! I might start part-time earlier than that if they need me, when I have time off from my other job over the next two weeks. I did a haircut on a really nice guy and got a $5 tip! I used that to buy some milk for myself and 2 cans of soup to donate to the local food shelf that had a donation table at the store.

I also got a call this morning (before I left for my technical interview) from the owner of another GC's nearby wanting to interview me. We set up a time for later this afternoon, but now I think I will cancel that since I really like the salon I just got hired at. If I was a little uncertain about it, I would go ahead with the other interview to check out my options.

Then, I got an e-mail from my daughter's dad saying they want to send me a Christmas card! That is a first! I bet that was Naomi's idea! He wanted my address to send it to. I hadn't told them yet that I moved out here, so they will be surprised. I did mention that I plan to come back for my yearly visit in April, just so they don't think they can weasel out of that just because I don't live up there anymore.

So it has already been a very good day today and it is only noon! It is sunny and 82, which makes it even better!

[Echo]

YAY, YAY, YAY!!!!! OMG Barbie I am so excited for you..... What a difference it will make to you and for you! YIPPIE! Way to go girl.

[flick4411]

YEA Barbie! Imagine me doing the HAPPY DANCE in my living room! Good on ya! But then we all knew it was going to work out for ya! (at least we surely hoped so!!!)

Well, we here in central VA went to bed with rain, and we got up to snow snow snow. For central VA, this was a real surprise; it's too early for snow here. But we only got about an inch. It was rather nice until about 4 p.m. when the trailing winds kicked in. Now it's about 15 degrees factoring in the wind chill. All the melted snow (and there's a lot since it snowed at a ground temp of about 33-35 all day) is gonna turn to ice. But now it's colder than a twitches wit, and it's all gonna freeze. And trust me when I tell ya'll that these southerners don't know how to drive in normal conditions let alone in snow and ice. Gonna be a dangerous day to be on the freeway tomorrow. At leat I have a morning appointment not far from here; wont be heading to Richmond till the majorithy of the traffic is cleared out. Yea!

Seems like we've got more snow coming on Thursday...oh goodie! I don't mind the snow; i spent a good bit of time in Omaha in my late teens/early 20s. It's the local idiot drivers that I fear.

Oh well, time for some dinner.

Stay warm everyone! And Soos thank you for the visual of the crazy lady out tying down her canoe. Must have been a sight for sure!!!!

[mitch5252]

..

Barbie!