Good Moorning from the Frozen North,
Bit of a blow here at the 45th this morning. But we are nothng compared to what's going on elsewhere.This storm is really somethng. I was watching the news and weather last night and it's really a monster out there. I hope all of you who are in this storms impact areas are doing okay. No tornadoes, power outages etc., keeping safe and warm in your homes till it's over. Funny thing about it, was watching the weather forecasts for this week, nothing was said about a big storm and all of a sudden this big thing comes roaring out of the southwest.
As for me here, I live way up in the upper part of the lower peninsula, about 75 miles from the Tip of the Mitt as it's known. We were completely out of all warnings, watches etc. as of last night but they finally put a Winter Weather Advisory out. The fine line between who was even getting snow and who was not, kept fluncuating and eventually moved north of me about 40 miles. Our forecast caalled for 3-6 inches of snow. Now that daylight has arrived and I can finally see out, I figure we probably have about 4 inches or so out there. Very heavy snow. But the wind is blowing it around, so it's hard to get a measure on it. Schools are closed today as there are some visibilty/drifting issues out there. Farther to my south, the warnings are in effect and travel is not recommended at all. So we are actually just getting the edge and in a way, it's just a normal snowstorm day here. Maybe later, I will venture out and see if I am going to blow it out or leave it till tomorrow.
Well, I found out yesterday that my boss' transfer to another park was approved and he will be going over there next week. He gave me the news yesterday while I was over walking the dogs. Sure hate to see him leave, but I know this is somethng he has wanted. He's been at Otsego for 12 years now. Came in and took over a park that needed a lot of updating and work done, both on the grounds and buildings among other thngs. He has transformed that place into a really beautiful park and the crowning jewel being the new toilet/shower building that he fought hard to get. He's a great guy, smart, great to work for, wouldn't ask you to do anythng he wouldn't do himself. Works just as hard alongside us. One of those kind of people who you knock yourself for and want to make sure "he looks good". This new State Park Recreational Passport" (new way of funding the parks) idea was his. Although of course the politicos have to make their changes and get the credit type thing as you know. If it works out, it will be because of his idea.
But he has always want to have a park on a big lake and loved the one he is going to over in Petoskey. It's right on Lake MIchigan and actually he will be supervisor to two parks as this park has another one to oversee as well. A rustic boondocking park just being developed on the lake as well. So for him, it will be another challenge which he will love. The park needs updating as it's crowded and sites are small, needing to be enlarged etc. I would love to be a part of it, but for me it would mean 120 miles of driving every day to and from, and it's just not prractical. Not with today's gas prices. My whole paycheck would be in the tank. So, I will stay at Otsego for this year. Our head Ranger who is also the Asst. Supervisor is taking over for now til a new Supervisor is posted. She is applying for the position, but cause it's civil service, they have to go through the rites of interviews etc. I certainly hope she gets it and I'm sure my boss will make sure it happens. She's been there 12 years and he has been grooming her for it the last couple of years. He asked me to come over and see him either today or toomorrow too, so I will go back over and see what's up. This will be a summer of transitions. So with the shift in management, the two guys who are usually called back in early to help with grounds cleanup, now having permanent jobs elsewhere, we are short three positions right off the bat this spring. So maybe I will wind up going in earlier this year. Time will tell. If it calms down out there, which it looks like it is, I will call and find out if he's there today and go over. It's only three miles up the road here.
But it is nice not having to go out today. And having cleaned my house yesterday, I don't really have anything on my plate today other than putting a second coat of paint on a door frame. Hope to work on my new campsite sign I am making. Just a nice be inside type day unless I decide to taclke the snow out there. Not doing much of anythlng out there now. Storm is pulling away.
Wonder if they will find the darn Groundhog's burrow today