Category Archives: weather

The Great Blizzard of 2010

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Technically the blizzard didn’t reach quite this far north, but we did get a lot of snow so I’m saying we were in the Great Blizzard of 2010. It makes a nice blog title, don’t you think?

A look up our street after the snow plow came through:

Sookie wasn’t too sure about so much snow at first, but once she figured out how to maneuver she loved it.


Not such a great day for rocking on the deck:

A view of the green belt – not so green:

Pretty, isn’t it? Especially because I didn’t have to get out in it. Instead I just hung out in the house, sipping coffee in my flannel lounging jammies. I’d say it was a good day.

The Latest

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Saturday has now been cancelled as well. Todd and I are going to make the best of today. Lunch out, a movie and then the Phillies/Dodgers game this afternoon. We’re also considering sleeping in our new sleeping bags tonight! On top of the bed, of course.

The Poconos – just north of us – have received over 4 inches of snow in some parts – a new record for this early in the season. They closed and were salting Kelly Drive in Philadelphia this morning because there were some icy slick spots. The air temps weren’t quite freezing, but the road was cold enough to ice up in areas.

So again, as disappointed as I am about missing out on the experience, I’m glad they had the foresight to cancel. Makes me want to try it again next year!

A Mix of Emotions

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I was so proud of myself this afternoon. After leaving work early I ran by Target to buy a few last minute items including exercise pants in an attempt to keep my legs halfway warm this weekend. I packed up my duffel bag with all my goodies – even my sleeping bag, an air mattress, two tarps and a small, rechargeable air compressor – and it all came in at 33 pounds.

Todd and I also kept a watch on the weather and the 3-Day website and it was looking dismal. The weather kept looking worse and nothing was being said about alternative plans on the website. So I finished packing, had a nice family dinner, watched last night’s GLEE on the DVR and got ready to leave for the hotel where we would be starting our adventure tomorrow morning.

As I stood there with my 33 pound duffel bag/back pack on my shoulders thinking, Dang! This sure feels more like 50 pounds!, Tina called to wish us good luck. She also wanted us to know that if we chose not to walk in the Nor’easter nobody would think ill of us, which I greatly appreciated.

Once again we got on-line to check the weather and the website. The high for tomorrow had dropped since the last time I had looked – down to 41 with a chill factor of 32. I started to have second thoughts because we really don’t have the appropriate clothing for those types of temperatures. We then went to the website and found this:

October 16-18, 2009

In light of the extreme cold, windy and wet weather conditions the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3-Day Opening Ceremony (previously scheduled for Friday morning at 7 a.m. at Willow Grove Park Mall) and the first day of walking have been cancelled.

As organizers of the event, our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of our participants. After consultation with medical and safety experts, a delay of the event was determined to be the most appropriate action.

I wanted to go “whew” and “nuts” all at the same time. (Would that be “whuts”?) I’m very disappointed that we’re not going to get to have the whole experience. But I’m also relieved that the decision to go or stay was made for us. That would be because the Reverend Terri Stone told me she would pray for the right decision. Thanks Terri!

We’re supposed to keep checking with the website to see what the plan is after tomorrow. I’ll be sure to let you know!

Almost Walkin’ Time

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Todd and I are nearly all packed up and ready for our three day adventure. The hardest part right now is making sure our duffel bags don’t weigh any more than 35 pounds. Sounds easy, but when you have to put in a sleeping bag and an air mattress (because I’m NOT sleeping on the ground) it adds up.

October is usually such a beautiful month and a perfect time for walking six or sixty miles. Right? Except we’re expecting a nor’easter this weekend.

Friday

High of 48

Saturday

High of 48

Sunday

High of 52

No biggy. What’s a little water and low temps compared to a cure for cancer? That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.

How about these encouraging words on the white board calendar at work?

And this is to let everyone know why I won’t be at work on Monday.

Thanks, Kelly!! :o )

Blame It On The Rain

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Or O’ What A Terrible Morning.

O’ what a terrible morning
O’ what a horrible day
I’ve got a wonderful feeling
Nothing is going my way

[An appropriate song considering Todd is in Tulsa. If you don't get the connection then you either: One) don't live in America; B) have not been exposed to the great musical classics; or THIRD) ...I got nuthin. Just One or B.]

The morning started out pretty good. I got up around 6:35 so I could hang out with Taylor for about ten minutes, give or take, before he left for school. Katie made a small pot of coffee for me and we turned on the news to catch the weather. The entire eighth grade had a field trip to Dorney Park – an amusement/water park in Allentown – and yesterday’s news forecasted some pretty wild stuff today.

Taylor left for the bus stop and it was pretty cloudy out, but no sign of precipitation. I figured I could jump in the shower after he left and be out in time to drive Katie and Shelby to the corner if the storm hit. But just then the jovial meteorologist came on and showed the line of severe thunderstorms with almost constant lightening strikes headed our way – the worst of which was scheduled to hit our area in four more minutes.

Now, as you all know, I lived in the South for 18 years. I don’t mind a good thunderstorm now and then. In fact I kind of like them. But there are two things I won’t do when we’re in the middle of a cluster of lightening. I won’t talk on the phone and I won’t do anything with water. And I AM a girl which means my showers last more than four minutes. So I decided I’d wait to take my shower until after I took the girls to the bus stop.

The weatherman was true to his word and at 6:52 the skies opened up, complete with a spectacular fireworks display and a grand bass drum concert. I had my coffee and was snuggled into the oversized chair while we watched the weather when Katie decided she needed to sit with me. So there we both were, stuffed into the chair while Sookie wandered around the living room anxiously. Finally she just sank down in her crate, watching Katie and me from her safe place.

We sat like that for nearly 30 minutes until it was time to go get Shelby and wait for the bus. Thankfully by then the storm had settled down some – no lightening right overhead, anyway. The bus was late and when it showed up the girls jumped out of the car and I sped the half a block home so I could hit the shower.

But before I could get in the shower Katie texted me because I forgot to give her the money I told her I would. It wasn’t like I could just drop it off on my way to work because they would be leaving for Dorney Park before I could get there. *sigh* My shower was going to have to be put on hold again. Then I got another text, this time from Taylor, asking if I could bring him a t-shirt, socks and another pair of shoes because he was drenched. Apparently he had gotten a ride from his friend, Josh, up the street. That was really nice. Except for the fact that Josh’s parking space (they’re assigned) is across the street from the high school – almost to Katie’s school. They had to run from there to the high school in the pouring rain, hence the soaked clothing.

Off came my jammy bottoms and on came a pair of knit exercise Capri’s. I kept the tank top and light sweatshirt on, slipped on my flip flops, ran a hand through my hair and took off. First to drop off Katie’s money and then to drop off dry clothes for Taylor. I was looking hawt! Really. I’m sure the kids are glad none of the students who saw me associated me with my offspring.

I got home, let out the dog and sent an email to my ladies at work so they would know I was going to be late. Sookie came in and followed me upstairs – me into the bathroom and she into my sitting room to sniff around. Except when I then walked into the sitting room I saw that she hadn’t been sniffing around. She’d been peeing! On my carpet! That’s just weird. She never pees in the house. What’s up with that??? I obviously had to clean it up before I could get in the shower and I began to question if I’d ever make it to work. My enjoyable morning had quickly slid downhill.

But I did make it to work and it was delightful. The last couple of weeks have been crazy hectic – I’ll have to tell you about it in the next day or two. Today, however, was great. I had plenty to do, but I wasn’t running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I feel like I accomplished more today than I have in a while – probably because it was a lot of little things that I could check off my list. Ahhhh…

I just hope tomorrow morning runs a little smoother.

Divine Bovines and the Weather

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HOLY COW!

I have been overwhelmed by the comments, emails and real life conversations I’ve had since my last post. Writing it all out helped me see things a bit more clearly and realize that yes, this funk has gone on much too long. I’ve been in funks before but always managed to pull myself out of it. Not this time, though, so tomorrow I’ll go see my internist and tell her all about how I’ve been feeling – or not feeling as the case may be – and go from there.

There’s a tremendous relief that comes with finally making this decision. Though why do I feel as though this is a sign of weakness? I think I have some pride issues going on. I don’t see depression as a weakness in others. Why should it be that way for me? Just one more thing I need to get over.

Do you think if she puts me on a mild antidepressant I’ll all of a sudden have the desire and energy to clean my home from top to bottom, eat only healthy food and crave exercise?

***

Several weeks ago I made the 32-And-Below rule. The 32-And-Below rule says that I will only drive the kids to the bus stop and let them sit in the warm car if it’s 32 degrees or colder. Last week they were a bit bummed because it was above freezing. The last several mornings, however, have been in the low 20′s. I told Todd, “Man! I should have said single digits only!” Too late for that now, though.

Saturday night Taylor and his friend went camping. I told him it was going to be really cold that night and asked if he packed appropriately. “Yeah, Mom. I’m good.” Short of going through his bag I had to take him at his word.

Nick dropped him off Sunday morning and he told us how he nearly froze to death the night before. Nick had a warm quilted sleeping bag and wool socks. Taylor had his regular nylon sleeping bag and cotton socks. He slept with his hoodie on and the hood tied down around his face as far as it would go.
You know, I hate to say, “I told you so.” Oh, who am I kidding? I LOVE to say, “I told you so.” Maybe next time he’ll listen to his mama!
Yeah. Mother of the Year is now officially a distant dream.

I’m Still Around

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My poor mother had to call me today because I haven’t been keeping up with my blog so she didn’t know what was going on with me. Sadder words have never been typed! So I’m going to give you a bit of random…

* * *

We had Chinese food the other day and check out my fortune:

Todd was pretty smug when I read it to him because every time I complain about my weight or any other cruddy side effect of having cancer he says pretty much the same thing. This is the part where I usually say something flippant and roll my eyes, but Mothers with Cancer lost one of our own last night so I’m going to embrace these simple words and be grateful for what I have.

* * *

This upcoming Friday I am going to the spa with my friends; Kris, Laura and Sheri. Last year for each birthday we chipped in and bought a gift card for a one hour massage and we’re finally getting around to cashing in on them. It’s going to be exactly like Sex in the City, except there will be no sex going on and the spa is actually in a pretty rural, yet quaint, little town. But there will be four exceptionally beautiful and fashion savvy women. Really.

Laura made the reservations for us, but we each had to call in and give them our GC number. So I called and gave my number to the receptionist and then I took a deep breath and said, “I have a rather embarrassing question to ask you.” She was very nice as I told her I had breast reconstruction a couple of years ago and am unable to lay on my stomach. My obvious concern was that I wouldn’t be able to get the massage. After relaying the information to the massage therapist she came back and told me it wouldn’t be a problem.

Here again I would like to complain about the inconvenience of cancer, but I remember Lisa and my fortune so I won’t.

* * *

Sookie is much better. Poor, neglected dog.


* * *

Todd, on the other hand, is still sick. His fever broke a week ago and his doctor put him on a steroid dose pack to clear the chest congestion so he could breathe, but he’s still under the weather. He’s going back to the doctor on Monday and I just hope he doesn’t have pneumonia because: A) He has another business trip next week and he gets to visit his brother’s family; B) He’s tired of feeling miserable; and C) I don’t do well with sick people in my house.

* * *

We had a little taste of spring yesterday. It was delightful. First of all, I have instituted a new “below freezing” rule which says if it’s not below freezing I’m not driving the kids to the bus stop. Now the bus stop is only a half a block away and it’s not the walking in the cold weather I’m opposed to. It’s them standing there for 20 minutes in the below freezing temps that I don’t like. Let’s face it – I’ll always be a Southern California beach girl at heart. But yesterday morning it was around 38 – well above freezing.

And when I opened the back door to let Sookie out it smelled wondermus. I don’t remember this smell in California, but you Southerners know exactly what I’m talking about. The smell of early spring. It’s in my top ten favorite smells ever, maybe top five.

It was just nice to leave the house for some Homie Hang time and not have to bundle up like Randy in A Christmas Story. But guess what. We are now expected snow. Not just a little, either. Depending on who you listen to we could get up to 10 inches of snow between tomorrow night and Monday morning. Of course, I’ll believe it when I see it.

I have mixed emotions here. On one hand, we’ve had a lot of snow events this year, but no measurable snow to speak of. It would be nice to have one good sledding snow. On the other hand I’m ready for spring. I’m ready to have the windows open and take the dog for walks without freezing.

* * *

There is much more random in my life, but this is all you get today. Who knows? Maybe I’ll write more tomorrow!!

GUESS WHERE I AM

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If you answered my cozy couch you would be wrong. However, if you answered the big, comfy green chair which used to be Todd’s but has somehow become MY big, comfy green chair you would be correct!

GUESS WHAT I’M DOING

If you answered fretting about missing work you would be wrong. If you answered writing a blog post whilst watching The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King with the kids you would be correct!

GUESS WHAT THE KIDS HAVE DONE SO FAR TODAY

If you answered shoveled the driveway and the sidewalk you would be wrong. If you answered nothing much more than make microwave popcorn to eat whilst watching the movie you would be correct.

Hold on. It’s the part with Sam and the giant spider…

Okay. I’m back.

As I said in my last post — er, second to last post — it started snowing around 10:00 last night. At 5:40 this morning we still hadn’t gotten the automated call from the school about a delay or closing and I heard Taylor rustling around as he stumbled to the bathroom to start his day. I got up and looked out the window and knew there was no way school was starting on time. So I ventured out of my room and told him to go back to bed; if it was only a delay I’d wake him up in enough time for him to get ready. I poked my head in Katie’s room and told her to turn off her alarm.

Before I settled back into my own bed the phone rang. NO SCHOOL TODAY! Yea!! We didn’t have any snow days last year so it was about time we had one. As for me and not working, I actually brought some stuff home from work. You know, the kind of stuff you keep thinking about but never get around to doing.

I was going to have the kids do the shoveling before we watched the movie, but the weatherman reported warming temperatures by noon and rain shortly after. Sure enough, it’s about 36 now with a steady drizzle. I didn’t think it would be very nice to make them go shovel something that’s probably going to melt on it’s own. Besides – I’m nearly a whole entire month into this Mother of the Year thing!

Oh! Another favorite part of mine! Maybe my most favorite of all! Hold on…

Okay. Eowyn just killed the “unkillable” Witchking. It’s all good.

So anyway, we all got our wish and are thoroughly enjoying our day. The only thing that would make it better is if Dad was here. Maybe next snow day.