The Weather

[Michael]

People often comment that North Americans are obsessed with weather and are always talking about it. I find this is mostly true.

I think the reason for this is that North America gets some pretty wild weather and it changes all the time.

Anyway, this thread is for talking about all things 'weather'.

So what's it doing in your area? :)

[Michael]

For what its worth, up until last week, I would have said this has been the LONGEST SPRING I've ever seen in my life!

It has been unusally mild, damp, grey and overcast for the last couple of months, in weather that is more like May than July. I must say that everyone's gardens and lawns are looking splendid right now - almost overgrown in fact.

Finally, this last week we've finally actually got some "july" weather here (temperatures above 80F/26C and lots of clear blue sky).

Seems like our seasonal weather is jumping around all over the place, must less predictable than in years past. At least summer has finally arrived. :)

[partofme]

I think many people talk about the weather as a way of making chit chat. As somebody that has dealt with the public for years a common greeting is: It sure is hot/cold out there. Sort of annoying it's fucking obvious but I've always worked in places in which I had to be polite.

[KSigMason]

Hot and dry. Today I saw 105. We had some thunderstorms early last week, but it's pretty normal Idaho weather.

[Lily]

I've always been kind of a weather nut. I suppose living in Florida, tracking hurricanes and daily violent storms becomes more a matter of practicality than whimsy. When I've purchased homes and property, I've kept an eye out for the implications of bad weather when doing so, e.g., elevation and slope of the land, soil drainage, health of the trees close to the home, flood insurance requirements, "safe rooms" inside the home, etc.

Most days, from mid-June through September I check a couple of weather sites on the net. Electronics are unplugged due to threats from lightning storms. I have surge protection installed on all of the big stuff and I'm having one installed on the main outside circuit breaker next week. A freak storm in May got a small TV, the porch light, my blow dryer and tripped my GFI outlets and the the well motor.

Also, ER visits increase with inclement weather. People just run into each other in the rain. At the start of the summer, we see bad sunburns, mostly on tourists who don't understand how strong the sun is here. Of course, there are always a few people who are struck by lightning because they seek shelter under the nearest tree on the golf course. Bad, bad idea. Respiratory illnesses are worse in the cold weather, especially cold, wet weather.

Five years ago, I completely lost power for four days during one of the five hurricanes that passed over or close to my area. That was a trip. I basically camped out in my home, using a propane cook stove, a camping lantern and a bathtub full of fresh water to survive. My contact with the outside world was a battery operated weather radio and my cell phone, which I charged in my car.

Having said all that, I love to watch the awesome power of really huge thunderstorms building from the east. And if there's a Gulf hurricane approaching, I'm out on the coast with my camera. A heavy frost transforms my land into crystalline perfection for a few hours.

Yeah, I'm a weather nut.

[The Drunk Guy]

I think many people talk about the weather as a way of making chit chat. As somebody that has dealt with the public for years a common greeting is: It sure is hot/cold out there. Sort of annoying it's fucking obvious but I've always worked in places in which I had to be polite.
I still get to deal with, so I've turned into sort of a weatherman, informing boring conversationalists about the upcoming weather. Mixes it up a bit.

[Michael]

Thunder bolts and lightning, very, very frightening!

[The Drunk Guy]

Thunder bolts and lightning, very, very frightening!
I had to work through that shit. Curtains of rain and 60mph winds on the interstate isn't as fun as it used to be.

[Americano]

Lightning = beautiful.

My interest in weather originated with a love of blue water sailing, fall hunting trips in the high mountains and downhill snow skiing. I maintain an outdoors weather station with the data receiver sitting right next to my PC monitor. I commonly bore my wife and others foolish enough to mention the weather.

I bypassed the inconveniences of losing residential power during severe weather conditions by installing a 15K propane powered generator with its own board wired into the house electrical boards. Automatically checks its systems weekly, runs for ten-minutes and shuts down. It comes on automatically when incoming power drops below a certain level and powers everything, including the all-important well pump, but not the HVAC as we heat with wood.

[Americano]

People often comment that North Americans are obsessed with weather and are always talking about it. I find this is mostly true.

I think the reason for this is that North America gets some pretty wild weather and it changes all the time.

Anyway, this thread is for talking about all things 'weather'.

So what's it doing in your area? :)

Sorry I posted my recent weather report in the wrong thread.

[Lily]

This is a very weird Atlantic tropical storm season. Here it is, first week of August and we have yet to have a tropical storm of any consequence; in fact, we have had only one tropical depression, back in May, before the start of the hurricane season. Granted, the season really cranks up in late August and throughout September, but still, this is very unusual.

Forecasters, including NOAA, are still calling for a normal hurricane season with 10-14 named storms, 6-8 hurricanes, 1-2 intense hurricanes. El Nino remains a factor; if the conditions strengthen, chances go down.

[Michael]

Sorry I posted my recent weather report in the wrong thread.

I'll be sure to ban you for such a blatant violation of the rules - just as soon as the "Ban Everyone" game gets going again! ;)

[Michael]

I had to work through that shit. Curtains of rain and 60mph winds on the interstate isn't as fun as it used to be.

Yes, it really came down hard yesterday - flash-flooding for low-lying roadways and underpasses.

I love the thunderstorms. I only wish I was at home to have watched yesterday's spectacle! Its great to watch from my high-rise. :)

[The Drunk Girl]

Thunder bolts and lightning, very, very frightening!

Thanks for getting that damn song stuck in my head :lol:

...today looks about the same as yesterday so I reckon I'll just wait out another hellacious storm later this afternoon

[Americano]

I remember living in Atlanta, GA and its fierce rainstorms. Rain so heavy I had to pull off the road and sit until it passed as I couldn't see anything beyond the windshield.

In winter 1" of snow would shut down the entire state.

[Michael]

I remember living in Atlanta, GA and its fierce rainstorms. Rain so heavy I had to pull off the road and sit until it passed as I couldn't see anything beyond the windshield.
That's the way it is with thunderstorms. If you can still drive your car in it, its just raining.

In winter 1" of snow would shut down the entire state.
That applies to about 50% of the USA I suspect.

[Americano]

That's the way it is with thunderstorms. If you can still drive your car in it, its just raining.

Never experience that in the Western US.


That applies to about 50% of the USA I suspect.

I have memories of sitting in an Atalanta bar drinking and hustling chicks while watching cars on the freeway at 70mph as it snowed and doing very impressive, long lazy loops before crashing. The looks on drivers faces went from arrogant to bewildered to sheer terror. That meant the ladies were afraid to drive in it, there was zero taxi service and champagne in my hotel room (booked when the storm warning was announced) sounded like a lot of fun during the 'big storm'.

[Michael]

Never experience that in the Western US.

Yes, we always find it amusing when our West Coast family comes to visit Toronto in the summer. They come from Vancouver which has more annual rainfall than any other place in North America. And they always freak out when they see our thunderstorms - claiming they've never seen anything like that back home.

I have memories of sitting in an Atalanta bar drinking and hustling chicks while watching cars on the freeway at 70mph as it snowed and doing very impressive, long lazy loops before crashing. The looks on drivers faces went from arrogant to bewildered to sheer terror. That meant the ladies were afraid to drive in it, there was zero taxi service and champagne in my hotel room (booked when the storm warning was announced) sounded like a lot of fun during the 'big storm'.

Yes a good snow storm can really put the fear of god into inexperienced drivers. First snow storm of the year is good for that. After they've been pulled out of the ditch, they tend to be a bit more circumspect about the effect of weather on driving. :D

It is amazing to see every year with the first snow storm the number of drivers who act like nothing is changed and still try to drive 70mph and/or use brakes while turning... like I said, after they get pulled from the ditch, they are usually a bit less arrogant about it.

Number one rule of winter driving: Thou shalt not engage brakes and steering wheel at the same time!!! This is guarenteed to cause a spinout into a ditch or guardrail (best case scenario that!).

[KSigMason]

Boom boom pow: Storms rock Valley, set records

BOISE - A somewhat unusual morning storm rocked the Treasure Valley Thursday - with heavy rain, lots of lightning - plus hail and some high wind.

The National Weather Service issued a series of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings - and even a Flash Flood Warning.

A tornado warning was also issued for a portion of Custer County in the Stanley area for a time, though it is unknown if any tornado was spotted or touched down.

---

Boise also set a daily rainfall record for August 6th - with more than .42 inches of moisture in the rain gauge at the Boise Airport. The old record of .14 inches was set in 1974.

SOURCE (http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-aug0609-big_storm.b4294744.html)Man, I leave and all Hell breaks loose in my State.

[KSigMason]

Here are some photos:

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/200.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/205.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/210.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/240.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/260.jpg

[KSigMason]

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/270.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/300-crazyidahoguy.jpg

http://www.ktvb.com/images/slideshow/aug0609-light/images/340-tinamarie.jpg

[Michael]

Wicked! :D

Are those your own photos taken with your own camera?

Btw, I've seen a thunderstorm like the first photo here in Toronto - ten to twenty lightning bolts at a time going off like a symphony! It is absolutely mind-boggling to experience that in person!

[KSigMason]

Wicked! :D

Are those your own photos taken with your own camera?

Btw, I've seen a thunderstorm like the first photo here in Toronto - ten to twenty lightning bolts at a time going off like a symphony! It is absolutely mind-boggling to experience that in person!
I wish I could say I took those pictures, but it was a local photographer.

[Lily]

Wicked! :D

Are those your own photos taken with your own camera?

Btw, I've seen a thunderstorm like the first photo here in Toronto - ten to twenty lightning bolts at a time going off like a symphony! It is absolutely mind-boggling to experience that in person!

That's a regular occurence in Florida (lightning capital of the world and all). Just yesterday morning after dawn, I had some very active storms off to the west. The lightning lit up the building cloud tops just as the sun was lighting them. Pretty cool stuff to watch.

Great photos!

[andrewl]

People often comment that North Americans are obsessed with weather and are always talking about it. I find this is mostly true.

I think the reason for this is that North America gets some pretty wild weather and it changes all the time.

Anyway, this thread is for talking about all things 'weather'.

So what's it doing in your area? :)

In Alberta,

Way drier than usual, not overly hot though, just a complete lack of rain. A couple of crazy wind storms (1 actually blew over the stage at country music festival, killing 1 and injuring 75).

Andrew

[Americano]

For those without patience and a lot of luck the easy way to obtain lightening photos is with a video cam. You then use software to pull the best frames from the video for 'still' shots.

[Lily]

Well, well. Seems the Atlantic Hurricane season is finally kicking up. We have our second Tropical Depression (TD) off the coast of Africa and two other small areas of disturbed weather ahead of it. Another larger area just left the African coast.

The TD has not stengthened yet, but forecasters from NOAA are expecting development into our first Tropical Storm during the next 24-48 hours, as it only needs to pick up 4 mph to be upgraded.

[Michael]

Well, well. Seems the Atlantic Hurricane season is finally kicking up. We have our second Tropical Depression (TD) off the coast of Africa and two other small areas of disturbed weather ahead of it. Another larger area just left the African coast.

The TD has not stengthened yet, but forecasters from NOAA are expecting development into our first Tropical Storm during the next 24-48 hours, as it only needs to pick up 4 mph to be upgraded.

Why the heck people live in Florida because of this is completely beyond me. Likewise living in the Mississippi flood plain. :ummm:

But to each his own in my book. ;)

In our local weather, summer has finally arrived after what seemed like a six month long spring this year. Now it is baking hot and humid and endless sunshine (with the occasional thunderstorm to mix things up) - just the way I like it! :)

[Lily]

We now have our first Tropical Storm of the season, TS Ana. Five-day tracking shows it heading toward the southeast coast of Florida, arriving sometime on Thursday, still at Tropical Storm strength. Of course, all that could change as these storms are pretty unpredictable this far out.

[Lily]

And our second, TS Bill, a much larger storm, is also heading on a course toward Florida. A third area just coming off the coast off Africa could also develop.

Guess it's time to start gathering hurricane supplies.

[Americano]

And our second, TS Bill, a much larger storm, is also heading on a course toward Florida. A third area just coming off the coast off Africa could also develop.

Guess it's time to start gathering hurricane supplies.

I purchased a semi-portable generator right before Katrina hit and felt fortunate, even though I didn't live in a hurricane prone area. After Katrina landed the demand for any type of generator immediately exhausted legitimate national supplies and prices reached black market levels for illegal commodities.

I'm satisfied I only have to prepare for the minor inconvenience yet pleasure of being periodically snowed in during winters rather than facing potential property destruction.

Is Florida's hurricane insurance pool still solvent?

[Lily]

I purchased a semi-portable generator right before Katrina hit and felt fortunate, even though I didn't live in a hurricane prone area. After Katrina landed the demand for any type of generator immediately exhausted legitimate national supplies and prices reached black market levels for illegal commodities.

I'm satisfied I only have to prepare for the minor inconvenience yet pleasure of being periodically snowed in during winters rather than facing potential property destruction.

Is Florida's hurricane insurance pool still solvent?

Oh yes, we still have a Hurricane Catastrophe Fund... until we're actually hit by a major hurricane. Then the state's funds will be exhausted. This may be the year. Another storm has formed due west of me in the Gulf of Mexico. I don't think it's really going to do much, but this season is seriously cranking up. TS Bill is now forecasted to be a major hurricane with winds exceeding 110 mph. If we get a season similar to 2004, we will have to look to the federal government for assistance.

Until states with exposed shorelines and huge liabilites begin curtailing building (and rebuilding) along those shorelines, or build smarter, or at the very least, charge those who choose to build right up to the water a premium commensurate with the risk, insurance claims will eat into every states' pool. Moreover, every citizen will see increasing insurance premiums and/or more insurance companies pulling coverage from those states.

Florida is a prime example. State Farm insures nearly a million homeowners, the largest insurer in the state next to the state-run Citizens Insurance fund. State Farm will pull out of the market within 18 months citing restrictive regulations and the inability to raise rates. This move will force more homeowners into the Citizens fund or scrambling to find other insurance. Either way, premiums will rise and more pressure will be put on the state's ability to pay claims. It's a mess and Gov. Crist seems more occupied with his upcoming Senate run than actually running the state.

[Michael]

I'm under a tornado watch advisory right now...

Twisters have touched down less than 100 miles northwest of Toronto about an hour ago, funnel clouds have been sited in the outer suburbs...

:eek:

[Americano]

98°, 15% humidity, 8-10mph breeze, barometer holding steady, clear blue skies here. 55° by 10pm, perfect sleeping weather with windows open and a nice breeze. Mid-80s from Saturday on.

[Michael]

TV news reports three funnel clouds confirmed sightings in Toronto. It's crazy out there right now! Wicked storm...

Thunderbolts and Lightning, Very Very Frightening!

[Americano]

Toronto's not known for a people friendly climate regardless of the season.

[Michael]

Toronto's not known for a people friendly climate regardless of the season.
Some of the best weather in Canada... (everywhere else is worse).

Very similar to, but not as bad as Chicago's weather though. :D

And apparently, one of our suburbs is missing - a tornado touched down about a dozen miles north of my place.

[Americano]

Some of the best weather in Canada... (everywhere else is worse).

For weather I'd take Vancouver over Toronto.

Very similar to, but not as bad as Chicago's weather though. :D

And apparently, one of our suburbs is missing - a tornado touched down about a dozen miles north of my place.Has it been found?

[Michael]

For weather I'd take Vancouver over Toronto.
I wouldn't agree. Vancouver can be quite depressingly grey for months at a time through the fall, winter and spring. The wonderful early summer this year was uncharacteristic of normal Vancouver summer weather.

It is Victoria (on Vancouver Island) that has the very best weather in Canada - kinda like Vancouver with sunshine.

But once you leave the south-west corner of BC, Toronto and the Niagara Penninsula pretty much have the best weather in Canada (pathetic as that claim is!). Everywhere else is just way worse. :D

Has it been found?
Yes. A tornado touched down about a dozen miles north of me in a suburb called Vaughan and did considerable damage there. There was another 'touchdown' about 150 miles northwest of the city as well (town called Durham). Both were declared "disaster areas", though only parts of these towns were hit. Injuries were few - only one dead that I've read about.

Lots of funnel-cloud sightings as well. Wicked nasty storm. :)

[Americano]

I wouldn't agree. Vancouver can be quite depressingly grey for months at a time through the fall, winter and spring. The wonderful early summer this year was uncharacteristic of normal Vancouver summer weather.

It is Victoria (on Vancouver Island) that has the very best weather in Canada - kinda like Vancouver with sunshine.

Sorry, I did mean the island. That and skiing at Whistler are my only personal exposure to that area.

But once you leave the south-west corner of BC, Toronto and the Niagara Penninsula pretty much have the best weather in Canada (pathetic as that claim is!). Everywhere else is just way worse. :D

Yes. A tornado touched down about a dozen miles north of me in a suburb called Vaughan and did considerable damage there. There was another 'touchdown' about 150 miles northwest of the city as well (town called Durham). Both were declared "disaster areas", though only parts of these towns were hit. Injuries were few - only one dead that I've read about.

Lots of funnel-cloud sightings as well. Wicked nasty storm. :)

Growing up in Texas we used to head for the storm cellar when a twister was spotted. Guaranteed severe destruction if they landed. There are people who chase them as a hobby http://www.stormchase.com/.

[Lily]

Growing up in Texas we used to head for the storm cellar when a twister was spotted. Guaranteed severe destruction if they landed. There are people who chase them as a hobby http://www.stormchase.com/.

Here in Florida a storm cellar isn't an option. The water table is about, oh, three inches below the topsoil. I may be exaggerating some, but not much. We are told to hide out in an interior room with no windows. More often than not, people end up riding out twisters in their bathtubs. And yes, mobile homes are tornado magnets. I think that's a proven scientific fact.

[Michael]

A main-floor bathtub is probably one of the strongest/safest places in most houses. Even if a wall or ceiling collapses on you, if you are laying down, you might end up trapped there, but likely not crushed. Good advice. :thumbsup:

[Americano]

Here in Florida a storm cellar isn't an option. The water table is about, oh, three inches below the topsoil. I may be exaggerating some, but not much. We are told to hide out in an interior room with no windows. More often than not, people end up riding out twisters in their bathtubs. And yes, mobile homes are tornado magnets. I think that's a proven scientific fact.

Are there still real bathtubs? Most I've seen are fiberglass shells attached to wood framing by glue and caulking.

[Lily]

Are there still real bathtubs? Most I've seen are fiberglass shells attached to wood framing by glue and caulking.

True. Oddly enough, people still ride out tornadoes in them. I don't understand it, but there's story after story of homes, mobile homes in fact, being completely destroyed and someone escaping injury by lying in a bathtub.

[Michael]

I hope Greendruid and his family (and Pumpkin the Dwarf Donkey!) are all okay!

He lives right in the path that TS Bill passed through yesterday... :eek:

I believe TS Bill is due to flood out the Newfies today. ;)

[Americano]

I hope Greendruid and his family (and Pumpkin the Dwarf Donkey!) are all okay!

He lives right in the path that TS Bill passed through yesterday... :eek:

I believe TS Bill is due to flood out the Newfies today. ;)

I doubt we'll be hearing from him for awhile as the news said a large portion of NS is without power from that storm.

[Michael]

I doubt we'll be hearing from him for awhile as the news said a large portion of NS is without power from that storm.

Yeah, well, maybe he's got Pumpkin all rigged up on a treadmill to drive a generator? :D

[Greendruid]

Yeah, that "Hurricane" was a joke. We've had much worse winter and fall storms than what ole Bill brought us. My creek isn't even back up to level after the dreadfully dry summer we've had. Ah well, the garden got a good soaking and our tired and true methods of sculpting our plots have proven once again to be flood proof. Even after ~60mm/2.4" of rain everything is quite happy out there. The 120kph/100mph winds were nothing we wouldn't normally see in a good storm out here without a name. I've got a few pics of the "eye" that I'll upload when I get a chance. All are safe, including our dear Pumpkin and his trusty miniature horse sidekick Blue Moon.

...oh, and we didn't lose power once. Our systems here are built pretty tough. Now, ice storms, that's a whole different animal.

[Americano]

98° here, 14% humidity and 55° tonight. Sure would be nice if this continued through October, but that won't happen.

[Lily]

I'm so over this hot, humid weather. I'm ready for Fall. There's a very large area of disturbed weather hanging out over the entire Gulf of Mexico right now that promises lots of rainy weather in the next couple of days. At least the rain will keep the temperatures down. Plus, I'm looking at houses today. At least I'll be able to see how good the drainage is on the lots.

Thursday night I caught the first cool September breezes which predict the official end of Summer here in Florida. The air has a certain clean smell and the angle and color of the light changes subtly. It's that change in the quality of the light that I'm looking for. Instead of the harsh, bright white light of summer, the sunlight takes on a honey-colored hue. It's coming. I can't wait.

[Michael]

We've had about twenty days straight (and still going) of absolute perfect weather - clear blue skies and about 75 degrees every day.

Can't get much better than that - not hot, not cold and lots of sunshine! :)

[Americano]

We've had about twenty days straight (and still going) of absolute perfect weather - clear blue skies and about 75 degrees every day.

Can't get much better than that - not hot, not cold and lots of sunshine! :)

That's my idea of perfect weather.

[andrewl]

Still no rain in Alberta. 27 degrees in the middle of september. Unheard of.

Andrew

[Zarquon]

had heavy rainfall for three consecutive days here, though its mellowed down now.
Temperature is at 25*C at the moment.

[Americano]

It was 99° here yesterday with 6% humidity. That's the lowest humidity I've recorded in my three years here. Our fire danger level is red flag, with everything tinder dry.

[Michael]

We're experiencing HIGH humidity right now (66%).

Rather odd for late September!

[andrewl]

33 degrees today in Edmonton at the end of september. This has been the hottest and sunniest september i can recall.

According to the radio, its never been this hot on sept 23rd since records have been kept. Normal high is 16 degree.

We have not seen any (essentially) rain all summer.

Andrew

[Greendruid]

23C here and sunny. Ironically we had our first frost less than a week ago. Luckily it wasn't a killing frost - only a few leaves on the pumpkins and squashes but no whole plants dying.

[Americano]

33 degrees today in Edmonton at the end of september. This has been the hottest and sunniest september i can recall.

According to the radio, its never been this hot on sept 23rd since records have been kept. Normal high is 16 degree.

We have not seen any (essentially) rain all summer.

Andrew

Any water or ag crop problems?

[andrewl]

Any water or ag crop problems?

Water is not yet a problem.

Ironically the warm September rescued some crops from failure.... if this was a normal september most crops would have been abysmal. Many years we have snow (certainly frost) by this time of the year. Earlier in the season there was some reports of farmers shooting their cows due to lack of grazing.

Andrew

[Michael]

Yes, it appears that a long hot and dry spell in August and September is making up for the unusually cool and damp June/July - at least as far as our local agriculture goes.

[Arkady]

The weather here can't make up it's mind as to whether it wants to rain or be sunny.

Right now it's sunny, but a few hours ago it was so dark outside it was like night time, and it was raining so hard I half expected to see lightening.

It's still a bit overcast, but hopefully it brightens up a bit more.

[Americano]

Weather patterns are bringing us smoke from California wildfires, three more days of it until those patterns change.

As a comparison look at my avatar.

[Americano]

Fall weather is definitely here in Oregon. A nice rain and wind storm for the week with sporadic clearing, fall colors in the trees are beautiful, not cold yet and I've turned-off the yard irrigation system.

[Michael]

Yes, it is indeed fall around here... about 45-50 F (single digits C). Leaves don't seem to be turning yet. :shrug:

Seems like this weekend will see the brewing up of our first batch of Minestrone soup... a seasonal household specialty. :)

[Lily]

We've suffered an unusually long summer here in Florida with high humidity and matching temperatures starting in May. Here it is mid-October and we're still in the 90s. But all that is about to change this weekend. My weather report is saying daytime temps in the 70s and nights in the high 40s to the low 50s. Now, that's what I'm talking about! :D

[Americano]

We've suffered an unusually long summer here in Florida with high humidity and matching temperatures starting in May. Here it is mid-October and we're still in the 90s. But all that is about to change this weekend. My weather report is saying daytime temps in the 70s and nights in the high 40s to the low 50s. Now, that's what I'm talking about! :D

You're approaching the seasons that make people who love sunny, mild weather live in and visit Florida. Here come the snow birds!

When I was still involved in the hobby of cars I bought a classic located in the Midwest while I was on the West Coast. I soon learned fall was a terrible time to book commercial transport for a vehicle anywhere in the US. Everything was booked to move personal vehicles from Eastern states to Florida for 'the season'. Big enough that vehicle transporters from all over the US were concentrated on that move every year.

[Arkady]

It's been pouring rain here the past few days. Everytime I want to step outside, the clouds open and I get wet!

Mid October now, should be getting warmer as we are coming up to summer. Still chilly in the mornings and at nights, though.

[Greendruid]

Frost is flirting with the remains of my garden. Damned green tomatoes again this year! We have a hoop-house for next year so that should be easily avoided. The colours here are beautiful this year and I've just submitted my tenure application today. Ahhhhh, nice breath of crisp autumn air!

[Lily]

You're approaching the seasons that make people who love sunny, mild weather live in and visit Florida. Here come the snow birds!

When I was still involved in the hobby of cars I bought a classic located in the Midwest while I was on the West Coast. I soon learned fall was a terrible time to book commercial transport for a vehicle anywhere in the US. Everything was booked to move personal vehicles from Eastern states to Florida for 'the season'. Big enough that vehicle transporters from all over the US were concentrated on that move every year.

Oh yes, they are packing up in New York, Michigan, Canada and Illinois as we speak. Soon the RV park down the road will be bustling again, the condos will be opened up, beach cottages will be full until Easter, roads will be jammed with out-of-state drivers who, for some odd reason drive in the left lane with their right turn indicators on, restaurants will be full for the early bird specials and the ERs will clog up with our yearly avian visitors.

My favorite bumper sticker? One I saw a few years ago on a block-long Cadillac with New York plates: As a matter of fact, I do own the road.

Well, alrighty then.

[Michael]

I spent the day yesterday driving up in the Muskoka Lakes & Haliburtan Highlands about 100 miles north of the city yesterday. Lovely bright sunny fall day - the leaves are turning brown/gold/red so it was very beautiful. :)

[The Drunk Girl]

Beautiful day here. 62 degrees F, sun is shining, light breeze...quite the shame I have to go in to work in about an hour.

[Zarquon]

22*C here

[Michael]

22*C here

Given that your "location" is "Western Hemisphere", your assertion of "here" is meaningless to everyone save yourself. ;)

[Zarquon]

Given that your "location" is "Western Hemisphere", your assertion of "here" is meaningless to everyone save yourself. ;)
'Northern', covering an even wider range;)

[Americano]

'Northern', covering an even wider range;)

Maybe a hint as to which planet?

[Zarquon]

can't yu just read the location over there?----->

[Michael]

Maybe a hint as to which planet?
His location does say "Earth", so that narrows it down a bit. :lol:

I could look up his IP address, but that would be cheating! :D

[Zarquon]

In the Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic of India:rolleyes:

[The Drunk Girl]

Seems like you had mentioned that once before:ummm:

[Michael]

In the Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic of India:rolleyes:
Well, that clears everything up entirely! :lol:

[KSigMason]

Some wind storms have been blowing over Idaho the last few days.

[Michael]

Woohoo! Its practically spring weather here. Yesterday and today - beautiful blue skies, sunshine and 15C/60F and no wind at all. :)

That's quite unlike normal November weather...

[andrewl]

Woohoo! Its practically spring weather here. Yesterday and today - beautiful blue skies, sunshine and 15C/60F and no wind at all. :)

That's quite unlike normal November weather...

Same here today. 14C and calm blue skies. Definitely not a typical November day just south of the arctic circle.

Bit odd seeing the local ski hills in operation with all the fake snow....

Andrew

[Zarquon]

21C here, and I've got a persistent cough and cold.
Any suggestions for a nice beverage(non-alcoholic/caffeinated)?

[Americano]

31/51° here, a week of rain ahead with 37/50°.

Today's sunset:

[dilettante]

21C here, and I've got a persistent cough and cold.
Any suggestions for a nice beverage(non-alcoholic/caffeinated)?

Hot spiced cider.
1 gal Apple cider
2 cups orange juice
1 cup lemon juice
~6 cinnamon sticks
~12 cloves
a little nutmeg if you have some

Heat to a simmer. The longer it sits/simmers, the spicier it will be.
Getting real pressed cider is best, but even natural, unsweetened apple juice will work if you can't get anything better.

[Americano]

Same here today. 14C and calm blue skies. Definitely not a typical November day just south of the arctic circle.

Bit odd seeing the local ski hills in operation with all the fake snow....

Andrew

Their business plan says X number of paid skiers over Y number of days to produce Z, acceptable ROI. That they have the equipment to produce skiing conditions without natural weather attests to the size of the capital investment. Older US downhill ski areas without early heavy snowfalls or the equipment to produce what's normally crummy skiing are marginal businesses.

[Lily]

It's been absolutely gorgeous here in my part of Florida. Nights in the 40s/50s and daytime highs of mid-70s to low 80s. Low humidity and bright blue skies.

Jake, my resident gopher tortoise, has been out and about more, munching on gopher apple and drawing the attention of the cats in the neighborhood. He hisses, they jump. It's pretty funny to watch. :lol:

[The Drunk Girl]

31/51° here, a week of rain ahead with 37/50°.

Today's sunset:

Absolutely beautiful :)

[The Drunk Girl]

It got up in the 70s here over the weekend, and yesterday was pretty nice as well.

It's 50 right now with a high of 60 and some rain.

[The Drunk Girl]

Looks like we have gotten our first snow of the year.

Unfortunately, it is the really wet snow that will probably melt here in the next few hours.

[Americano]

Looks like we have gotten our first snow of the year.

Unfortunately, it is the really wet snow that will probably melt here in the next few hours.

25° here with snow expected tonight and tomorrow.

[Zarquon]

17*C here, wheat harvest all messed up.

[Donkey]

Finally gotten to consistently below freezing. I doubt it'll get warm again.

[Michael]

Still hasn't hit freezing here yet - we've been hovering just around 2-4 degrees (C) or 35-40 (F) for the last couple days (with a bright blue sky and sunshine) and the same is forecast for the week coming.

They do mention potential light snow on Tuesday... which would be the first sign of that around here. :erm:

[Greendruid]

We had 15cm/6 in. of wet snow last night and into this morning and afternoon. Thank goodness classes ended last week! This translates into about 40cm/16 in. in drifts in my fields. The dogs are in heaven!

[Americano]

16°F (-8.8°C) here this morning, but no snow.

[Michael]

We're still riding just a degree above freezing here (all weekend).

[The Drunk Girl]

39 degrees F here.

Cold and cloudy, with some flurries here and there...makes me want to stay in bed all day and the wind is rough on my chest :(

[Americano]

Today's sunset

That clear sky means 10°F (-12°C) overnight here with a couple more days of the lowest temps since 1998. With all the construction that took place during our most recent economic bubble, a majority of it down & dirty cheap, plumbers will have a financial windfall over the next two weeks.

[bug]

I love the sunset pictures. :)

There's supposed to be something magical about the first snowfall of the year. All I feel is Scrooginess. Humbug, I want the sun back. We got cheated out of summer this year and some nameless, faceless source owes me compensation. ~wretchafretchagrumble~

[Michael]

Well it snowed here last night. But since its been raining steadily all morning, the minute trace of snow that fell is long gone.

[Americano]

Much of the US is getting clobbered with blizzard level snow and wind, especially the Midwest and Eastern seaboard states:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-WqKbY64oAqC7RR_lsu1h9nMHFwD9CFPHJ84


Eastern Canada also seems to be enjoying some winter weather:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/storm-triggers-travel-troubles-in-ontario/article1393716/

It's getting to be that time of year.

[Americano]

I love the sunset pictures. :)

There's supposed to be something magical about the first snowfall of the year. All I feel is Scrooginess. Humbug, I want the sun back. We got cheated out of summer this year and some nameless, faceless source owes me compensation. ~wretchafretchagrumble~

When I traveled Chicago it was my understanding that the sun wasn't allowed this time of year. I can't remember the number of times at O'Hare where my winter flights out narrowly beat incoming bad weather fronts. And some that didn't. All travelers dreaded Chicago.

[bug]

I dread Chicago and I live here. Some people really like it. I have trouble seeing the draw. Horrible weather, claustrophobic, and a bad football team= recipe for clinical depression.

[Michael]

The one thing that makes winter up here tolerable is the fact that one gets bright blue clear skies and loads of sunshine about 75% of time.

That grey overcast winter scene is very depressing. I associate that with the coasts (and Chicago!) :lol:

[Americano]

The one thing that makes winter up here tolerable is the fact that one gets bright blue clear skies and loads of sunshine about 75% of time.

Don't you need the sunlight to see the markers for parking meters and street lights buried under snow?

That grey overcast winter scene is very depressing. I associate that with the coasts (and Chicago!) :lol:

[Donkey]

Well, it's snowing in parts. Not a lot right here, a ton in the snow belt, where my work is. My widgit says that it's 16 degrees, so apparently winter has arrived decidedly.

[Michael]

Living in the 'doughnut hole' of the snowbelt, it is clear blue skies here and virtually no snow - but cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey! (I just love that expression!)

But anything north of the city is shut down and buried under two feet of snow and blizzard conditions.

[The Drunk Girl]

- but cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey! (I just love that expression!)


I enjoy, "It's hotter than two rats fucking in a wool sock," when the weather is warm.

Yesterday was blistering cold. Lord have mercy was it cold! I looked at the weather yesterday afternoon and it stated that it was 27F but felt like 14F. I believe that to be a total understatement considering the the high winds that would cut right through someone. By the time I walked from my car to my first class, I couldn't feel my feet and truly thought I was going to fall and bust my face walking up the stairs.

[Michael]

I enjoy, "It's hotter than two rats fucking in a wool sock," when the weather is warm.
Yes, that's a good one too! :lol:

Yesterday was blistering cold. Lord have mercy was it cold! I looked at the weather yesterday afternoon and it stated that it was 27F but felt like 14F. I believe that to be a total understatement considering the the high winds that would cut right through someone. By the time I walked from my car to my first class, I couldn't feel my feet and truly thought I was going to fall and bust my face walking up the stairs.
Wimp.

Its about 15 F here right now and winter hasn't even started. ;)

[The Drunk Girl]

Wimp.

Its about 15 F here right now and winter hasn't even started. ;)

Possibly so, but I will be a proud wimp at that ;) My nose was so red and runny, it looked like I had been doing nothing but snorting cocaine all day, my hands and lips both got chapped, and the wind seriously did hurt when it blew on you.

I think I'm going to go cry now...

[Michael]

I think I'm going to go cry now...
And sappy too! :lol:

[Americano]

I enjoy, "It's hotter than two rats fucking in a wool sock," when the weather is warm.

Yesterday was blistering cold. Lord have mercy was it cold! I looked at the weather yesterday afternoon and it stated that it was 27F but felt like 14F. I believe that to be a total understatement considering the the high winds that would cut right through someone. By the time I walked from my car to my first class, I couldn't feel my feet and truly thought I was going to fall and bust my face walking up the stairs.

This time of year you're probably going to have to consider trading the spike heeled open-toe pumps for proper winter foot gear. I prefer at least 400 grams of Thinsulate in my 10" boots. Sorels for anything real cold with snow.

[The Drunk Girl]

This time of year you're probably going to have to consider trading the spike heeled open-toe pumps for proper winter foot gear.
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Sir you have me completely mistaken. I rock my Timberland boots (http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1775814&cp=1779792.1761172.2151504.1770686) like nobody's business (yesterday I was wearing my Chuck Taylor's, (http://www.converse.com/?CSID=44_kwid/#/products/shoes/chucktaylor/3J235) which is probably why my feet were so damn cold). But open-toe pumps?!..That shit is not ME! My style is extremely casual and dressing up is not a forte of mine. Getting all dolled up and wearing make-up is just not me. I'm rather plain actually. :)

[Americano]

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Sir you have me completely mistaken. I rock my Timberland boots (http://www.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1775814&cp=1779792.1761172.2151504.1770686) like nobody's business (yesterday I was wearing my Chuck Taylor's, (http://www.converse.com/?CSID=44_kwid/#/products/shoes/chucktaylor/3J235) which is probably why my feet were so damn cold). But open-toe pumps?!..That shit is not ME! My style is extremely casual and dressing up is not a forte of mine. Getting all dolled up and wearing make-up is just not me. I'm rather plain actually. :)

I was kidding. You seem very sensible. Though wearing trainers in 27° weather with a severe windchill factor is questionable.

Once it drops below freezing I'm in insulated boots with cotton socks next to my feet and wool socks over them to wick the moisture. I despise having cold feet.

[Michael]

(yesterday I was wearing my Chuck Taylor's, (http://www.converse.com/?CSID=44_kwid/#/products/shoes/chucktaylor/3J235)
The coolest shoe on the planet. :)

[The Drunk Girl]

I was kidding. You seem very sensible. Though wearing trainers in 27° weather with a severe windchill factor is questionable.

Once it drops below freezing I'm in insulated boots with cotton socks next to my feet and wool socks over them to wick the moisture. I despise having cold feet.

Well thank you. Glad to hear I am sensible :)

Yes, the ol' Converse choice of yesterday probably wasn't too wise. I had a doctor's appointment at 8 and I didn't check the weather before going out, and by the time that was done it was time to head to class. So I was screwed.

And, yes cold feet are horrible. I am cold-natured anyways (I will be wearing a hoody and sweats inside during the summer), so there isn't too much for me to enjoy during the winter months. TDG gets upset with me for turning the heat up too high when he's not at home :lol:

The coolest shoe on the planet. :)

Whoa! Not only am I sensible, but I wear the coolest shoes on the planet. Damn! This is gonna be a good day.

I also own a blue pair. I bought them because they're "cute" but I have hardly anything to wear them with except for my UK basketball shirts. The black pair is another story.

By the way, I'm pissed. I paid $45 for the blue pair and $50 for the black pair, on the Converse site they're listed at $30 :mad:

[Americano]

Well thank you. Glad to hear I am sensible :)

Yes, the ol' Converse choice of yesterday probably wasn't too wise. I had a doctor's appointment at 8 and I didn't check the weather before going out, and by the time that was done it was time to head to class. So I was screwed.

And, yes cold feet are horrible. I am cold-natured anyways (I will be wearing a hoody and sweats inside during the summer), so there isn't too much for me to enjoy during the winter months. TDG gets upset with me for turning the heat up too high when he's not at home :lol:



Whoa! Not only am I sensible, but I wear the coolest shoes on the planet. Damn! This is gonna be a good day.

I also own a blue pair. I bought them because they're "cute" but I have hardly anything to wear them with except for my UK basketball shirts. The black pair is another story.

By the way, I'm pissed. I paid $45 for the blue pair and $50 for the black pair, on the Converse site they're listed at $30 :mad:

That's why I utilize Internet shopping - all the vendors/prices on one page.

[Michael]

I also own a blue pair. I bought them because they're "cute" but I have hardly anything to wear them with except for my UK basketball shirts. The black pair is another story.

By the way, I'm pissed. I paid $45 for the blue pair and $50 for the black pair, on the Converse site they're listed at $30 :mad:
Yes, $30 is the standard price these days. $45 in the trendy shops where young women shop for fashion though. Nothing unusual there.

I've never been without a pair of black hightops since I was about 8 years old. I also tend to wear a mixed pair of one black and one white one. I also have a green pair.

And no, I don't wear them outside in the winter. That would be foolish.;)

(and yes, back in the 1980s, I remember wearing a black suit with a black shirt and a skinny white leather tie and black converse hightops - 'twas the epitome of cool back then! :lol:

[bug]

I remember hightop Converse!! I wanna breakdance now...

Check out your smile-inducing local Target (http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/?node=403871011) (I LOVE TARGET!), now selling Converse for the low, low price of 27 bucks. You don't have to pay shipping or pace back and forth by your front door, wringing your hands, waiting for the package that is going to make you do cartwheels(/breakdance).

[Americano]

I remember hightop Converse!! I wanna breakdance now...

Check out your smile-inducing local Target (http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/?node=403871011) (I LOVE TARGET!), now selling Converse for the low, low price of 27 bucks. You don't have to pay shipping or pace back and forth by your front door, wringing your hands, waiting for the package that is going to make you do cartwheels(/breakdance).

This is what I use for break dancing:

[Michael]

I remember hightop Converse!! I wanna breakdance now...

Check out your smile-inducing local Target (http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/?node=403871011) (I LOVE TARGET!), now selling Converse for the low, low price of 27 bucks. You don't have to pay shipping or pace back and forth by your front door, wringing your hands, waiting for the package that is going to make you do cartwheels(/breakdance).

We have a Converse store here in Toronto - it isn't owned by Converse, but that's the only product they sell.

Converse never went out here - even when Converse stopped making them, our shops were filled with Polish/Romanian knockoffs of the same shoe.

Btw, for anyone who is curious, Converse ranks second to Coke for the supidest corporate gamesmanship. Coke's launch of "New Coke" is one of the all-time worst business decisions ever. Converse was equally stupid. About ten years ago, that company decided it wanted to increase their "sports-jock" credentials and thus needed to get rid of their 'cool-shoe' that was way too popular with non-jocks. So they killed the Chuck Taylor line. And then they went bankrupt within three years since that shoe was supplying over 60% of their sales revenue and about 99% of their profits.

The bank-appointed bankruptcy manager just took one look at the books and offered the Converse shoe for licensed production to anyone who wanted to make the shoe. The revenues from that exceeded the total corporate revenue of Converse before they dropped the shoe.

Bottom line is that sometimes the people who run corporations are complete idiots.

(Now Converse is made by dozens of manufacturers around the globe under license and the shoe has made a massive comeback - more popular now than ever before)

[Donkey]

Hmm... would that be the reason for the (from what I've heard), drop in quality?

[The Drunk Girl]

This is what I use for break dancing:

I would love to see that

[Lily]

The coolest shoe on the planet. :)

Damn straight, skippy!


Hightop chucks? Love those things! I've been wearing them since the 60s. I have pairs in red, black on black, the black "hemp" model, purple and my patriotic red, white & blue pair that I wear for special stuff, like election day. :D

Mine are all more than 10 years old, by the way, I think it's time to get a new pair.

Second favorite pair of shoes I own? My Doc Marten hightop leather boots. I'm due for a new pair of those, too. They're about 20 years old.

[Michael]

Hmm... would that be the reason for the (from what I've heard), drop in quality?
I've been wearing these shoes since I was 8 years old - I've never been without several pairs. I've noticed no drop in quality at all - if anything, I'd say the shoes seem to be better made now than ever before since they appear to last longer than they used to.

Damn straight, skippy!


Hightop chucks? Love those things! I've been wearing them since the 60s. I have pairs in red, black on black, the black "hemp" model, purple and my patriotic red, white & blue pair that I wear for special stuff, like election day. :D

Mine are all more than 10 years old, by the way, I think it's time to get a new pair.

Second favorite pair of shoes I own? My Doc Marten hightop leather boots. I'm due for a new pair of those, too. They're about 20 years old.
Wow... we appear to have quite a few things in common! :lol:

I wear Doc Marten low-cuts as my standard work shoe (I always have a pair in black and brown).

[dilettante]

Snow!

[Americano]

Snow!

From what I read tonight you're in for some serious snow with a lot of significant wind. That's not going to make retailers happy.

[dilettante]

From what I read tonight you're in for some serious snow with a lot of significant wind. That's not going to make retailers happy.

From TWC:

SNOWFALL WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY WITH RATES OF 1 TO 3 INCHES AN HOUR POSSIBLE. STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TO BE 12 TO 20 INCHES. THE HIGHEST AMOUNTS ARE EXPECTED IN PARTS OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY... INLAND DELAWARE AND NORTHEAST MARYLAND.

THE SNOW... HEAVY AT TIMES... COMBINED WITH NORTHEAST TO NORTH WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS 30 TO 40 MPH WILL PRODUCE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW AND NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS COULD OCCUR.
Bleh.

[Donkey]

Been sprinkling snow all day here. Minimal accumulation since it's been about 34 most of the afternoon, but my widget just dropped to thirty, so I imagine it will stick overnight.

[Michael]

Well, seems like we're just hovering along here for the last week or so - lots of sunshine, no snow at all, just a degree above or below 0C/32F.

We did have a couple of very light 'flurry-like' activities last week, but both disappeared very quickly (within the hour) leaving no trace.

But an hour north of the city, all the ski-hills are operational and people are ski-dooing since they got a huge three foot drop of snow last week. Btw, it is very nice having a small pocket of rocky ridges & lakes just outside the city - it serves as 'cottage country' in the summer and 'ski country' in the winter - called the Haliburton Highlands & Muskoka Lakes district - you can't farm nothing in this region since it is all granite rock and pine trees - it is the lowest edge of the Canadian Shield which is one huge chunk of granite covered with pine trees!

(P.S. "cottage" is Brit/Canadian word for American term of "cabin" - meaning a summer vacation place, usually in some scenic, wooded or lakeside location - though, if it is on a mountainside, it is called a cabin!)

[Americano]

Well, seems like we're just hovering along here for the last week or so - lots of sunshine, no snow at all, just a degree above or below 0C/32F.

We did have a couple of very light 'flurry-like' activities last week, but both disappeared very quickly (within the hour) leaving no trace.

But an hour north of the city, all the ski-hills are operational and people are ski-dooing since they got a huge three foot drop of snow last week. Btw, it is very nice having a small pocket of rocky ridges & lakes just outside the city - it serves as 'cottage country' in the summer and 'ski country' in the winter - called the Haliburton Highlands & Muskoka Lakes district - you can't farm nothing in this region since it is all granite rock and pine trees - it is the lowest edge of the Canadian Shield which is one huge chunk of granite covered with pine trees!

(P.S. "cottage" is Brit/Canadian word for American term of "cabin" - meaning a summer vacation place, usually in some scenic, wooded or lakeside location - though, if it is on a mountainside, it is called a cabin!)

Quite some time ago I was a guest at a Canadian lake cottage in mid-summer and what still sticks in my mind was the ritual of bathing in insect repellent and donning bug netting to save my eyes before venturing outdoors.

[Margot]

Man, it is cold here! 54!

It's been a terrible winter here so far. It's been hanging around in the mid to upper eighties every day until today. Finally cooling off. You guys have no idea how much I envy your snow (and I suppose I have no idea how much you envy our fat international tourists be-speedo'd and clogging our beaches).

[Michael]

Quite some time ago I was a guest at a Canadian lake cottage in mid-summer and what still sticks in my mind was the ritual of bathing in insect repellent and donning bug netting to save my eyes before venturing outdoors.

I've never put insect repellent on in my life - I hate the smell of that stuff.

And you should stay away from the Canadian Shield before the 1st of July due to bugs. But July and August is paradise up there. :shrug:

Heck, Lake Muskoka is now become clogged with Hollywood celebrities owning multi-million dollar summer 'cottages' there.

[Michael]

Colder than a witch's tit out there today!

(I have no idea what that expression means, but I have a friend that uses it all the time)

We do have a tracing of about 1/4 inch of snow out there from the weekend and all the windows here at work are all frosted up so you can't see outside.

[Donkey]

We got unloaded on Sunday and yesterday. Little flurries today. I didn't go into the office yesterday (variety of reasons), and I'm not sorry to have missed driving in the snow. (I don't particularly mind driving in the snow, I'm good at it and drive slowly... but at this time of year, nobody has remembered how to drive in the snow yet, so venturing out is playing russian roulette with huge hunks of steel.)

[Michael]

Yes, it never ceases to amaze me that each year in December, once the first snow falls, how it is that everyone drives like they've never seen winter before. :ummm:

First snowfall of the year and there are literally thousands of accidents and they are pulling SUV's out of ditches all over the place.

Note to the idiots: having 4 wheel drive does not mean you are immune to winter conditions. Indeed, the vast majority of vehicles pulled out of ditches in winter are 4 wheel drive vehicles!

[Americano]

First decent snow here today, an unexpected few inches, and my wife was in town when it started. She made it up to the bottom of the hill before spinning out (2-wheel drive) and walked half-way up before I got to her with the quad. I then went back and retrieved the groceries.

She's pissed because she had an appointment for a pedicure and when it started snowing she'd finished shopping and had just arrived at the salon for her appointment. She learned her lesson (former city girl) in 2006 when she got caught in a big storm with 2' already on the ground and had to walk uphill about a mile, in tennis shoes. After that one she won't leave the place if there's any expectation of snow.

[Americano]

Yes, it never ceases to amaze me that each year in December, once the first snow falls, how it is that everyone drives like they've never seen winter before. :ummm:

First snowfall of the year and there are literally thousands of accidents and they are pulling SUV's out of ditches all over the place.

Note to the idiots: having 4 wheel drive does not mean you are immune to winter conditions. Indeed, the vast majority of vehicles pulled out of ditches in winter are 4 wheel drive vehicles!

Washington State troopers used to limit Highway 90 over the Snoqualmie Pass due to snow to all but 4x4 with snow tires. That was before most 4x4 hubs were electric and the had to be manually engaged. They stopped all traffic to check for 4x4 and a trooper told me half the drivers had no clue as to how to even engage the hubs on their at that time fairly new SUVs. They thought just moving the on-the-floor at that time 4x4 shift selector did it.

When living in real snow country I've always had 4x4 with studded snow tires all the way around. Mounted on extra wheels and changed each season. Great peace of mind and that'll do everything chains will. Almost.

[Greendruid]

Colder than a witch's tit out there today!

(I have no idea what that expression means, but I have a friend that uses it all the time)

We do have a tracing of about 1/4 inch of snow out there from the weekend and all the windows here at work are all frosted up so you can't see outside.

I believe it stems from the idea that a witch was a wrinkled, hideous, warty old hag. The tits of such a creature were therefore cold from never having known love or children. However, I assure you that the tits of every witch I've ever met were never cold ;)

Oh right, the weather. Quite windy here tonight but we still seem to be in our December thaw. We had 50cm of snow already but that left with the rain of the past week. Not really very cold out here either. Gotta love the ocean for controlling those extremes!

[Margot]

I believe it stems from the idea that a witch was a wrinkled, hideous, warty old hag. The tits of such a creature were therefore cold from never having known love or children. However, I assure you that the tits of every witch I've ever met were never cold ;)

Oh right, the weather. Quite windy here tonight but we still seem to be in our December thaw. We had 50cm of snow already but that left with the rain of the past week. Not really very cold out here either. Gotta love the ocean for controlling those extremes!

You're in Nova Scotia, right?

I have a friend who inherated a house in Nova Scotia from someone in his family (I say "someone in his family" because he's the sort of lucky bastard who gets stuff from perfect strangers, too). Apparently it is on the coast, waves crashing, liquor still in the back yard, very exciting stuff. We keep trying to plan a road-trip up there, but it usually ends in "Jesus that's a long drive for canadian beer!"

He says that it is frigid even in the summer and the only source of heat is a small wood-burning stove. Still, I think it'd be a blast. He also says that we always need at least one sober friend around, or someone will be wandering off the cliff. I think he's a damn liar on that count. If it is so cold out why are we wandering around outside at night?!

Anyway. Yeah.

[Greendruid]

I am indeed in Nova Scotia, and it is quite an inaccessible place by road. I imagine that by boat it would be more manageable and thus its heyday passed with the passing of water travel.

I have lived in many different climates in North America and I'd have to say that this is the most narrow one in terms of temperature extremes. 25*C/77*F in the summer is the start of a heat wave and -15*C/5*F is extreme cold :rofl: I heat a 1.5 storey house on a fireplace insert on most days in the winter here. We don't usually get long stretches of -10*c/14*F or lower temperatures such as those experienced in my home territory of Southern Ontario. Many homes here use or once used wood as their main source of heat. This got converted to coal when coal was readily available here. The cliffs here are indeed quite dangerous though: wind + cliffs + drunk = bad.

[cassandrabandra]

We are inundated with bushfires. well not here in the city - and not my place down south (if I was there and a fire came I wouldn't even THINK about staying. Immolation has no appeal to me).

My Aunt rang me a little while ago - thirty seven houses lost - they have been evacuated, and will probably lose their sheep - even if the house doesn't burn.

The whole township of Toodyay (abou two hours drive from the city) may go up. Its a historical town - one of the oldest in Western Australia, used to be called Newcastle.

This is the worst bushfire in this state since the early 60's.

fortunately no news of any lives lost yet.

[Americano]

I am indeed in Nova Scotia, and it is quite an inaccessible place by road. I imagine that by boat it would be more manageable and thus its heyday passed with the passing of water travel.

I have lived in many different climates in North America and I'd have to say that this is the most narrow one in terms of temperature extremes. 25*C/77*F in the summer is the start of a heat wave and -15*C/5*F is extreme cold :rofl: I heat a 1.5 storey house on a fireplace insert on most days in the winter here. We don't usually get long stretches of -10*c/14*F or lower temperatures such as those experienced in my home territory of Southern Ontario. Many homes here use or once used wood as their main source of heat. This got converted to coal when coal was readily available here. The cliffs here are indeed quite dangerous though: wind + cliffs + drunk = bad.

I burned coal one winter in Idaho (still have the stove, a fancy base burner made in 1886). Great heat but what a horrible mess outside. Everything in a 150' radius around the stack had a solid dusting of coal carbon and gray snow was, unattractive. I came to a quick realization why so many cities using coal for heat were at one time bleak and ugly.

[Michael]

I burned coal one winter in Idaho (still have the stove, a fancy base burner made in 1886). Great heat but what a horrible mess outside. Everything in a 150' radius around the stack had a solid dusting of coal carbon and gray snow was, unattractive. I came to a quick realization why so many cities using coal for heat were at one time bleak and ugly.

Indeed - mid-late 19th century industrial cities must have been horrific to have lived in. All that coal burning, narrow streets, no building codes, no sewers, no running water. :eek:

Kinda makes me think of Dickens! :lol:

Mid-19th century Manchester was apparently the most hideous to my knowledge.

[Americano]

For those interested in such things this is a photo of the coal burner stove I used in Idaho. The coal goes in the very bottom, a relatively small area, and it has nine hinged doors faced with mica. That place was only 1400 sq ft and the heat this stove generated would require an open house window at -20°F to keep the interior heat at 75°F. With a full load of coal it would burn for 12-hours.

[The Drunk Guy]

Indeed - mid-late 19th century industrial cities must have been horrific to have lived in. All that coal burning, narrow streets, no building codes, no sewers, no running water. :eek:

Kinda makes me think of Dickens! :lol:

Mid-19th century Manchester was apparently the most hideous to my knowledge.
It was warmer back then. Damned global cooling!

[Michael]

For those interested in such things this is a photo of the coal burner stove I used in Idaho. The coal goes in the very bottom, a relatively small area, and it has nine hinged doors faced with mica. That place was only 1400 sq ft and the heat this stove generated would require an open house window at -20°F to keep the interior heat at 75°F. With a full load of coal it would burn for 12-hours.

Beautiful object that is - and practical too! :)

[Americano]

Beautiful object that is - and practical too! :)

Can you imagine cities using coal for heat with current populations?

[wphelan]

It sucks when I look at tomorrow's weather forecast and see 17F for the high and think...hey that's not too bad! Damn this cold.

[Lily]

It's 28 degrees right now. I bet when the sun comes up, I'll see frost on the ground. The high today is forecasted to be 49 degrees.

I left my taps dripping last night because at 11 p.m., it was already below freezing here. In west central Florida that's cold.

My neighbor is going up this morning to backpack into the Ocala National Forest for a couple of days. He may see temperatures in the low 20s, maybe even the teens. If I wasn't expecting a call about a job, I'd be going with him.

[Michael]

Fucking winter wonderland around here. Been snowing all weekend. Not much on the ground actually, but it is cold is hell right now.

[Donkey]

About 21 degrees. It's been unloading on us all night, I think. Looking out the window there is moderate snowfall, but it sure adds up. In the snow belt (northeast of Cleveland), apparently it's really going to town. I drive through that to go to work. Fortunately I'm not going today.

[Greendruid]

It's 28 degrees right now. I bet when the sun comes up, I'll see frost on the ground. The high today is forecasted to be 49 degrees.

I left my taps dripping last night because at 11 p.m., it was already below freezing here. In west central Florida that's cold.

My neighbor is going up this morning to backpack into the Ocala National Forest for a couple of days. He may see temperatures in the low 20s, maybe even the teens. If I wasn't expecting a call about a job, I'd be going with him.

Wow! I must live in the tropical part of Canada! I have the exact same weather experience as Lily did last night and today. Gotta love the ocean!

[Michael]

Wow! I must live in the tropical part of Canada! I have the exact same weather experience as Lily did last night and today. Gotta love the ocean!

:lol: sorry to break it to ya, but the Maritimes are not the most tropical part of Canada!

Besides which, that weather in Florida has everyone freaking out about how cold it is and worrying about frozen pipes. That same weather in your neighborhood has people saying how mild it is and what a nice day for a walk! ;)

[The Drunk Guy]

I left my taps dripping last night because at 11 p.m., it was already below freezing here. In west central Florida that's cold.


Unless your pipes are several feet from both the ground and the house, you shouldn't have a problem. The earth takes a few days of below freezing temperatures (around the clock) to start freezing enough to make a pipe bust. It's been below freezing here for several days, but last night was the first night we left the water running and that was only because it was supposed to get into the single digits.

[Lily]

Unless your pipes are several feet from both the ground and the house, you shouldn't have a problem. The earth takes a few days of below freezing temperatures (around the clock) to start freezing enough to make a pipe bust. It's been below freezing here for several days, but last night was the first night we left the water running and that was only because it was supposed to get into the single digits.

It's not the house pipes, but the well's water tank and above ground pipes that freeze. It's completely exposed. Last year it froze up overnight. Some people build housing around the tanks, even put lamps out there, but I just never got around to it. If I keep some taps running, the well kicks on and keeps water circulating.

Right now, the temperature is already 32.4 degrees and it's only 8:17. The weather report says we'll be down to 22 degrees. I'm always a few degrees colder than what that report says, so I wouldn't be surprised to see temps in the teens tonight. Taps will be running.

[Americano]

It's not the house pipes, but the well's water tank and above ground pipes that freeze. It's completely exposed. Last year it froze up overnight. Some people build housing around the tanks, even put lamps out there, but I just never got around to it. If I keep some taps running, the well kicks on and keeps water circulating.

Right now, the temperature is already 32.4 degrees and it's only 8:17. The weather report says we'll be down to 22 degrees. I'm always a few degrees colder than what that report says, so I wouldn't be surprised to see temps in the teens tonight. Taps will be running.

Wow! Water pipes fully exposed to sub-freezing temps is.....amazing.

We've been balmy here; 55° today with a low of 36° tonight.

[Michael]

Yeah, seems odd to me. We do get the occasional broken water main in the winter (that's when really old infrastructure always fails), but the idea of a house having its water line frozen is just unthinkable up here. :lol:

I suppose Greendruid might view the issue a bit differently - given his neighborhood, but I've never given the issue any thought in all my life. Our water pipes are always buried deep - no doubt a building code requirement due to the Canadian winter!

[Greendruid]

Yeah, seems odd to me. We do get the occasional broken water main in the winter (that's when really old infrastructure always fails), but the idea of a house having its water line frozen is just unthinkable up here. :lol:

I suppose Greendruid might view the issue a bit differently - given his neighborhood, but I've never given the issue any thought in all my life. Our water pipes are always buried deep - no doubt a building code requirement due to the Canadian winter!

Nope. Poured basement that we don't let get below 5*C/41*F keeps the pipes sufficiently warm. Anything out to the barn is buried below the frostline so we're good there too. Line into the house is about 5 feet under.

[Lily]

The cloud cover kept the temperature from falling last night. I don't think it got as cold as it was forecasted. It's a warm 36 degrees right now. lol But, I did have thick frost on the ground yesterday morning. Thursday, the forecast is for snow flurries and ice/sleet in north Florida. Okay, that's just weird.

[The Drunk Guy]

The cloud cover kept the temperature from falling last night. I don't think it got as cold as it was forecasted. It's a warm 36 degrees right now. lol But, I did have thick frost on the ground yesterday morning. Thursday, the forecast is for snow flurries and ice/sleet in north Florida. Okay, that's just weird.
We're not expecting to see the freezing mark for another week. That's pretty strange for Kentucky. Our worst winter storms are always the wet, sloppy ones that come at the end of winter and bring temps in the 30's, nothing this cold.

[Zarquon]

We have had minimum temperatures of 1.2C and highs of about 14-15C over the past week, and experienced a blackout due to pathetic power lines tripping cos of heavy fog.

[Americano]

We have had minimum temperatures of 1.2C and highs of about 14-15C over the past week, and experienced a blackout due to pathetic power lines tripping cos of heavy fog.

Are back-up generators common?

[Zarquon]

Are back-up generators common?
In private homes, but not for winters.
Especially where I am in the North, where its mostly a sub-tropical temperature except for the harsh winters.

[The Drunk Girl]

Today is probably the first day at the home that no one has complained of the resident's keeping their heat on full blast.

Currently the temperature is 20 degrees F, but also states that it feels like 8 degrees F. Around 11 this morning the temp was about 13. Snow flurries all day.

[Michael]

Today is probably the first day at the home that no one has complained of the resident's keeping their heat on full blast.

Currently the temperature is 20 degrees F, but also states that it feels like 8 degrees F. Around 11 this morning the temp was about 13. Snow flurries all day.

That "feels like" temperature is known as the "wind chill factor" up here. It is a standard part of all winter weather forcasts. That number is way more important than the actual temperature.

Btw, we've got exactly the same temperaturre here.

[wphelan]

It's -3 F with a -12 F wind chill. I'm working outside today. Off I go.

[Michael]

It's -3 F with a -12 F wind chill. I'm working outside today. Off I go.

Holy crap that's cold! If that was celsius, that would be cold, but not too bad. With Farenheit that's really fucking cold! :eek:

We're at about 10 or 11 F today and it is due to stay this way for another week or so.

[drgoodtrips]

It's -3 F with a -12 F wind chill. I'm working outside today. Off I go.

Really? It didn't seem too bad to me this morning when I left. Maybe we've been in the deep freeze for so long I'm just not noticing anymore. I don't pay a lot of attention to the temperature. My best gauge for how much it sucks outside is how hard it is to lock my front door. In the summer, it's normal. Starting in the fall, it's a bit of a pain. Winter is very annoying, and on very very cold days, it requires a borderline Herculean effort.

It was particularly annoying this morning, as I recall.

[wphelan]

Really? It didn't seem too bad to me this morning when I left. Maybe we've been in the deep freeze for so long I'm just not noticing anymore. I don't pay a lot of attention to the temperature. My best gauge for how much it sucks outside is how hard it is to lock my front door. In the summer, it's normal. Starting in the fall, it's a bit of a pain. Winter is very annoying, and on very very cold days, it requires a borderline Herculean effort.

It was particularly annoying this morning, as I recall.

The central part of the state is a lot colder today. There's hardly any wind though, so it's really not bad. It's up to 6 F now though, so things are looking up. By the time I go back outside it should be double digits. Of course, it doesn't look any of us are going to miss the snow.

It's times like this I really miss living in the desert.

[Americano]

Really? It didn't seem too bad to me this morning when I left. Maybe we've been in the deep freeze for so long I'm just not noticing anymore. I don't pay a lot of attention to the temperature. My best gauge for how much it sucks outside is how hard it is to lock my front door. In the summer, it's normal. Starting in the fall, it's a bit of a pain. Winter is very annoying, and on very very cold days, it requires a borderline Herculean effort.

It was particularly annoying this morning, as I recall.

As a amateur woodworker it sounds like typical residential mass construction, the door wasn't properly cured before being finished or it was hung for a long time without being finished and weather added moisture. We had one of those and ended up replacing it as it reached a point (during winter) where my wife was unable to close it. Upon inspection it turned out that the door frame was also a culprit and both were replaced.

[The Drunk Girl]

Our dead bolt is the same way since the cold has hit here. On the mornings that I leave around 6:15 in the morning for work, I find that I just leave the door unlocked. I am convinced that locking a door shouldn't be that complicated.

It's about 13 degree F right now, and we're supposed to get up to seven inches of snow by tomorrow sometime, which is a pretty good fall here. Light flurries right now, nothing that will accumulate but things could change. We could end up with 10 inches tomorrow or nothing at all. Guess I'll just wait it out and see.

[Zarquon]

Don't have any central heating in this country, outside hotels and offices(its not in the culture). So using a halogen-based heater in my room.
Temperature inside is 16C, outside, probably 10C less.

[Greendruid]

It's a balmy 5*C/40*F at my place, a little colder at the university for some reason. Very unseasonably warm I might add. Not much snow to speak of either. I've been seeing grass poking through for weeks!

[drgoodtrips]

As a amateur woodworker it sounds like typical residential mass construction, the door wasn't properly cured before being finished or it was hung for a long time without being finished and weather added moisture. We had one of those and ended up replacing it as it reached a point (during winter) where my wife was unable to close it. Upon inspection it turned out that the door frame was also a culprit and both were replaced.

I suspect the door frame as well. I do a lot of home improvement tasks, so there's a lot in the queue before it, but hopefully I'll get around to identifying and fixing the problem in the next year. It's one of those things that comes just under the radar of sucking enough to take time and effort to fix.

[The Drunk Guy]

Really? It didn't seem too bad to me this morning when I left. Maybe we've been in the deep freeze for so long I'm just not noticing anymore. I don't pay a lot of attention to the temperature. My best gauge for how much it sucks outside is how hard it is to lock my front door. In the summer, it's normal. Starting in the fall, it's a bit of a pain. Winter is very annoying, and on very very cold days, it requires a borderline Herculean effort.

It was particularly annoying this morning, as I recall.
Numbers below freezing are iffy. Moist cold is much more tolerable than dry and breezy days can be devastating. I can tell no difference between 20F and 10F, though. All I know is if it's cold enough to hurt me or not.

[Michael]

Numbers below freezing are iffy. Moist cold is much more tolerable than dry and breezy days can be devastating. I can tell no difference between 20F and 10F, though. All I know is if it's cold enough to hurt me or not.

As a Canadian, I think I know a little bit about cold. And one thing is for certain - a damp cold feels way colder than a dry cold.

Serious dry cold is particularly dangerous because of that (for frostbite). But damp cold you can feel it in your bones.

In other words, -5 and damp is nasty, -15 and dry one feels the cold much less. Of course, most 'serious' cold is always dry.

[Americano]

I suspect the door frame as well. I do a lot of home improvement tasks, so there's a lot in the queue before it, but hopefully I'll get around to identifying and fixing the problem in the next year. It's one of those things that comes just under the radar of sucking enough to take time and effort to fix.

I can understand that. It's not a simple task to replace the frame with proper shims (and paint it) in inclement weather. My wife made certain comments regarding my personal comfort levels to motivate me. I had it done, complete with tarps outside and inside as a weather barrier with heaters to dry the paint.

[Americano]

Our dead bolt is the same way since the cold has hit here. On the mornings that I leave around 6:15 in the morning for work, I find that I just leave the door unlocked. I am convinced that locking a door shouldn't be that complicated.

It's about 13 degree F right now, and we're supposed to get up to seven inches of snow by tomorrow sometime, which is a pretty good fall here. Light flurries right now, nothing that will accumulate but things could change. We could end up with 10 inches tomorrow or nothing at all. Guess I'll just wait it out and see.

I envy you. We're having a mild early winter (51° today, 37° tonight) and miss our occasional treat of being snowed in for a few days.

[The Drunk Guy]

As a Canadian, I think I know a little bit about cold. And one thing is for certain - a damp cold feels way colder than a dry cold.

Serious dry cold is particularly dangerous because of that (for frostbite). But damp cold you can feel it in your bones.

In other words, -5 and damp is nasty, -15 and dry one feels the cold much less. Of course, most 'serious' cold is always dry.
Damp cold here is only experienced near the freezing point. I can't say I've felt damp air below 25F.

The dry cold hurts my face every time I step outside (which is way too often). My bones tend to ache, even when indoors, when it's this cold and dry. My skin dries out and it hurts to wear the four layers of clothes that I have to have on. Damp cold is much more forgiving on my skin and bones.

Plus, wet snow is so fuckin' fun to play in. :D

[Lily]

Crap. Well, I have no water. I shut the well pump down. It may be frozen exposed pipes out on the well, may be the contacts are frozen open. I just don't know, but I'm not taking a chance of burning up the well pump if it's not moving water. And it's not daylight yet.

I was below freezing at 8pm and it's now it's 22 degrees. Just great.

[The Drunk Girl]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/local/40475?lswe=40475&lwsa=Weather36HourColdAndFluCommand&from=searchbox_localwx

[Americano]

Crap. Well, I have no water. I shut the well pump down. It may be frozen exposed pipes out on the well, may be the contacts are frozen open. I just don't know, but I'm not taking a chance of burning up the well pump if it's not moving water. And it's not daylight yet.

I was below freezing at 8pm and it's now it's 22 degrees. Just great.

Time to break out the propane torch.

[Lily]

Time to break out the propane torch.

Nah. lol I won't need it. It warmed up and I flipped the breaker for the well and viola! Water. :)

I may have to go through this again this weekend though. We're supposed be at 23 degrees both Sunday and Monday mornings, with freezes lasting more than eight hours.

[Lily]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/local/40475?lswe=40475&lwsa=Weather36HourColdAndFluCommand&from=searchbox_localwx


Okay. At least it won't be 13 degrees with snow flurries. :eek:

[wphelan]

Crap. Well, I have no water. I shut the well pump down. It may be frozen exposed pipes out on the well, may be the contacts are frozen open. I just don't know, but I'm not taking a chance of burning up the well pump if it's not moving water. And it's not daylight yet.

I was below freezing at 8pm and it's now it's 22 degrees. Just great.

Depending on how much you have exposed, a heat lamp or two directly above the exposed pipes would probably do the trick and let you keep the water running.

[Americano]

Nah. lol I won't need it. It warmed up and I flipped the breaker for the well and viola! Water. :)

I may have to go through this again this weekend though. We're supposed be at 23 degrees both Sunday and Monday mornings, with freezes lasting more than eight hours.

I'd wrap those exposed pipes with dirt cheap heat tape and forget about it.

[Lily]

I have a sneaking suspicion it was the contacts. I don't think those pipes would have thawed that quickly, although the heat tape is probably a good idea anyway. My neighbor says a 100 watt bulb is enough to keep the contacts from freezing, so I'm going to try that.

[The Drunk Girl]

The snow has picked up and has started to stick. I guess we'll be getting something worth a count.

[Margot]

It may snow here Saturday night. It depends not on how cold it will be, but whether or not we'll have enough precipitation.

Come to south Florida! It is a tropical paradise!

[Donkey]

Eeeefa them's some nasty roads.

[Americano]

I have a sneaking suspicion it was the contacts. I don't think those pipes would have thawed that quickly, although the heat tape is probably a good idea anyway. My neighbor says a 100 watt bulb is enough to keep the contacts from freezing, so I'm going to try that.

How deep is the well? It doesn't sound like you have a submerged pump.

[The Drunk Guy]

Snow arrived today. Powder. It was barely coming down until late this afternoon when it started pouring and mounting up. The problem is that the temp has dropped into the lower teens, so the roads are getting fucked.

Our apartment's parking lot is on a hill. I pulled into a spot at the top of the hill when I got home. I tried to leave again a few minutes later, but wound up sliding into a position further down the hill (mainly because I have a 2WD pickup). After having TDGal move her vehicle out of my way, I spent 10 minutes revving my engine and spinning my steering wheel in order to mount the incline. I probably spent a quarter tank of gas doing it, but at least I'm pointed at the street, ready to go. :thumbsup:

I'll do it all over again when I get drunk tonight just to see if I can still do it. :D

[Americano]

Snow arrived today. Powder. It was barely coming down until late this afternoon when it started pouring and mounting up. The problem is that the temp has dropped into the lower teens, so the roads are getting fucked.

Our apartment's parking lot is on a hill. I pulled into a spot at the top of the hill when I got home. I tried to leave again a few minutes later, but wound up sliding into a position further down the hill (mainly because I have a 2WD pickup). After having TDGal move her vehicle out of my way, I spent 10 minutes revving my engine and spinning my steering wheel in order to mount the incline. I probably spent a quarter tank of gas doing it, but at least I'm pointed at the street, ready to go. :thumbsup:

I'll do it all over again when I get drunk tonight just to see if I can still do it. :D

Good planning. It'll be more of a challenge at night when temps go down and create an ice base (extensive experience in these matters with driving women home from Idaho bars during winter who always seemed to live on mountainsides and having a current 12° slope driveway).

[The Drunk Girl]

Good planning. It'll be more of a challenge at night when temps go down and create an ice base (extensive experience in these matters with driving women home from Idaho bars during winter who always seemed to live on mountainsides and having a current 12° slope driveway).

He forgot to mention that once I moved my car ( a 1993 Camry, which did fine in the snow and DID NOT get hung up :lol: ) he had me go to the store for a 30 pack of beer. We both definitely have our priorities straight!

Watching the 11 o'clock news last night from Lexington, they stated that in Lexington alone there had been 110 car wrecks, 80 of those wrecks occurring from 3 in the afternoon until then! It just reminded me of what I believe Michael had said about people not knowing how to drive in bad weather, let alone getting out in this kind of shit.

The sun seems to be shining, but we have hit -4 with the wind chill. I'm glad I don't have to get out today, but I am dreading having to be at work by 6:30 tomorrow morning.

[Americano]

He forgot to mention that once I moved my car ( a 1993 Camry, which did fine in the snow and DID NOT get hung up :lol: ) he had me go to the store for a 30 pack of beer. We both definitely have our priorities straight!

Your Camry is front wheel drive with the engine weight over the drive wheels. His two-wheel drive P/U is rear-wheel drive with no weight over the drive wheels resulting in limited traction ability. People around here with two-wheel drive P/Us (a rarity) usually have 2-300 pounds of sandbags in the bed over the drive wheels during winter.

Watching the 11 o'clock news last night from Lexington, they stated that in Lexington alone there had been 110 car wrecks, 80 of those wrecks occurring from 3 in the afternoon until then! It just reminded me of what I believe Michael had said about people not knowing how to drive in bad weather, let alone getting out in this kind of shit.

Ice does that here. As our terrain is mostly mountainous many end upside down in a ravine.

The sun seems to be shining, but we have hit -4 with the wind chill. I'm glad I don't have to get out today, but I am dreading having to be at work by 6:30 tomorrow morning.

[Lily]

How deep is the well? It doesn't sound like you have a submerged pump.

The well is 83 feet deep and yes, the well pump is submerged. However, the contacts are not. They are housed in a little electrical box above ground. In 2004, when four hurricanes crossed the state, I had some saturated ground and the ants decided to migrate into the electrical box. They got squished in the contacts and, once again, no water. I used mothballs that time. Dead ants are not good conductors of electrical current, so I discovered.

[Lily]

He forgot to mention that once I moved my car ( a 1993 Camry, which did fine in the snow and DID NOT get hung up :lol: ) he had me go to the store for a 30 pack of beer. We both definitely have our priorities straight!

I owned a 1992 Camry, the first year of that particular redesign. What a great car! I loved that car. We have fine sugar sand in Florida and I used to take that car out on the fire roads in the National Forests. I never got stuck once. I did, however, manage to bust two motor mounts by speeding over the washboard, limerock roads. Oops.

[Americano]

The well is 83 feet deep and yes, the well pump is submerged. However, the contacts are not. They are housed in a little electrical box above ground. In 2004, when four hurricanes crossed the state, I had some saturated ground and the ants decided to migrate into the electrical box. They got squished in the contacts and, once again, no water. I used mothballs that time. Dead ants are not good conductors of electrical current, so I discovered.

Condos must be attractive to you.

I had my pressure tank and electrical controls installed in my garage. It's constructed with 2x6 insulated walls with 3' of ceiling insulation and to date hasn't dropped below 45°F. I spray it every quarter with a insect control solution.

[The Drunk Girl]

I owned a 1992 Camry, the first year of that particular redesign. What a great car! I loved that car. We have fine sugar sand in Florida and I used to take that car out on the fire roads in the National Forests. I never got stuck once. I did, however, manage to bust two motor mounts by speeding over the washboard, limerock roads. Oops.

They are good cars. I once got 423 miles on a full tank of gas, it still excites me to this day. The only problems I have experienced with the car have been over the past year and a half. And, the problems that have occurred were first time issues with the car...just from the natural wear and tear on it. I am however missing my passenger side door handle. That is a result from last year's ice storm though.

Not sure if you all got to see any pics of that from last year or not...

http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n144/aew1985/?action=view&current=100_0283.jpg

[The Drunk Girl]

one more

[Lily]

I don't think Florida is going to look like that, but they're forecasting sleet and snow flurries for tomorrow, all the way down to central Florida, along the east coast and maybe even into the Tampa Bay area. :eek: There's already been snow in the Panhandle.

[Americano]

I don't think Florida is going to look like that, but they're forecasting sleet and snow flurries for tomorrow, all the way down to central Florida, along the east coast and maybe even into the Tampa Bay area. :eek: There's already been snow in the Panhandle.

Lots of fear for the strawberry crop.

[Lily]

Condos must be attractive to you.

I had my pressure tank and electrical controls installed in my garage. It's constructed with 2x6 insulated walls with 3' of ceiling insulation and to date hasn't dropped below 45°F. I spray it every quarter with a insect control solution.

Condos are very attractive. Civilization is very attractive. Oh, and I don't have a garage. I have a galvanized steel carport. No slab, just soil.

I didn't have time to do anything about the well today, so I'm just going to throw a blanket over it and hope for the best. We have three freezing days ahead. I'm filling the tub, doing laundry and taking a shower tonight, just in case.

[Lily]

Lots of fear for the strawberry crop.

Yeah, I think there's going to be some serious damage this time. They can't handle this many hours and days of sub-freezing temps.

[Michael]

Lots of fear for the strawberry crop.
I heard on the radio this morning that they were out in the orange groves with big tents and heaters trying to save the crop.

[Lily]

Okay, it's 4am and I thought it was raining, but it's these little crystals. It's not hail. I know hail. It's... uhm, what the heck is this? It's sticking to my deck in little crystals. It's crunchy underfoot. The temperature outside isn't freezing, it's 36 degrees. Is this freezing rain? Is this sleet? :shrug:

[Lily]

Yep, it's sleet. Holy shit! It's stopped and the little crystals have melted, but the temperature is dropping. And the snow flurries should start in a couple of hours. This is just weird.

[Margot]

Yep, it's sleet. Holy shit! It's stopped and the little crystals have melted, but the temperature is dropping. And the snow flurries should start in a couple of hours. This is just weird.

I KNOW!

When I was a little girl we went out to Wyoming in May for my Grandpa's funeral. It was a really shitty trip full of all the stuff you'd expect to be associated with losing the patriarch. But as we were driving up from Denver the temperature began to drop. It was the middle of May and my sister and I were watching the car's thermometer chanting "SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!"

We're doing that again today. :D

[Americano]

Out of curiosity, do most Floridians have clothing suitable for sub-freezing temperatures? Have there been runs on clothing/footwear stores? Or is it a situation known to be short-term and people (the general public) make do?

I have amusing memories of friends from warm areas of AZ and CA visiting me in Idaho's Panhandle during a fierce winter. One woman was extremely proud of her new down vest. Her words on walking out of the Spokane, WA airport into -10°F/-23C weather? "Shit, I forgot to bring a coat".

[Margot]

Out of curiosity, do most Floridians have clothing suitable for sub-freezing temperatures? Have there been runs on clothing/footwear stores? Or is it a situation known to be short-term and people (the general public) make do?

I have amusing memories of friends from warm areas of AZ and CA visiting me in Idaho's Panhandle during a fierce winter. One woman was extremely proud of her new down vest. Her words on walking out of the Spokane, WA airport into -10°F/-23C weather? "Shit, I forgot to bring a coat".

I think most Floridians have something to keep them warm. Mostly because they overreact. A few weeks ago it was sixty degrees out and everyone had scarves, mittens, and, no lie, I even saw a pair of ear-muffs. Everyone is pretty much equipped- particularly the snow-birds.

The only people anyone is really worried about down here are the homeless. there have been massive blanket drives and coat drives and all sorts of drives. I don't think I can remember there ever being a year in which at least one homeless person didn't die of hypothermia in the winter here.

[wphelan]

I just got home and the thermometer in my car read -7 F. It's fucking cold out there.

[Lily]

Out of curiosity, do most Floridians have clothing suitable for sub-freezing temperatures? Have there been runs on clothing/footwear stores? Or is it a situation known to be short-term and people (the general public) make do?



Sure we do. In my neck of the woods (and north), we get below freezing pretty much every winter. Granted, prolonged bouts of cold weather like what we're experiencing now is pretty rare.

There seems to be a lack of knowledge, however, about safe methods for home heating in Florida. When temperatures get this low, there are always news reports of house fires and deaths due to people trying to heat their homes by turning on ovens, firing up charcoal grills inside or overloading circuits and/or bad extension cords with faulty space heaters.

By the way, the temperature here is hovering around 20 degrees and has been in the 20s since about 10:00 last night. My strategy of throwing a blanket over the electrical box to my well didn't work. I haven't had water since around midnight. Oh well. The contacts will thaw when the sun has been up for a couple of hours.

[cassandrabandra]

Out of curiosity, do most Floridians have clothing suitable for sub-freezing temperatures? Have there been runs on clothing/footwear stores? Or is it a situation known to be short-term and people (the general public) make do?

I have amusing memories of friends from warm areas of AZ and CA visiting me in Idaho's Panhandle during a fierce winter. One woman was extremely proud of her new down vest. Her words on walking out of the Spokane, WA airport into -10°F/-23C weather? "Shit, I forgot to bring a coat".

LOL - last year we were in Europe and decided to spend a couple of months in southern Spain in Jan/Feb because we didn't think we would cope well with European winters and southern spain was supposed to be like home ...

so there we were - coldest bloody winter they'd ever had, (or so they kept saying) in a place where central heating and double glazing didn't exist ... and everwhere there were rebajas with coats and jackets, and news items on buying scarves and hats to keep you warm ....

we would have been better off in Finland!

only we were there for Spanish Christmas and Carnivale ... so it was all good!

[cassandrabandra]

oh - and by the way we've had record heat ... 48C in Esperance this week

your cool weather is related to arctic oscilation should continue for anoter week to ten days ...

apparently florida cops it because the bit in between the rockies and the appalachians acts like a funnel that carries the cold further south than it would normally go ... not sure how that relates to AO though, as I thought that was about ocean currents ... maybe its a combination of both - the currents go in to hudson bay and cools land air temps, then gets caught in the funnel :shrug:

or maybe I'm just showing my ignorance of north American geography ... :o I'll shut up now ....

but our extreme heatwave is part of the warming trend, with a bit of extra help from ENSO. I'm on stronger ground saying that.:)

[Lily]

There's a severe kink in the jet stream, the feature that usually keeps that Arctic air from Canada from moving this far south. On Jan 7th, it was warmer in parts of Alaska and Greenland than in parts of Florida. The North Atlantic Oscillation played a part, too.

Dr. Masters has a great blog (http://www.discussionworldforum.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=20769) that explains what happened.

[Michael]

There's a severe kink in the jet stream, the feature that usually keeps that Arctic air from Canada from moving this far south. On Jan 7th, it was warmer in parts of Alaska and Greenland than in parts of Florida.

Dr. Masters has a great blog (http://www.discussionworldforum.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=20769) that explains what happened.

Yeah, blame it on Canada! :lol:

[cassandrabandra]

Yeah, blame it on Canada! :lol:

so you are terror - icing the US with a special canadian deep freeze?:eek:

[Michael]

so you are terror - icing the US with a special canadian deep freeze?:eek:

No, just another manifestation of Canada's willingness and goal to trade everything with the US! :lol:

[Greendruid]

No, just another manifestation of Canada's willingness and goal to trade everything with the US! :lol:

...and look what we got in return ... more whining :rofl:

[Americano]

...and look what we got in return ... more whining :rofl:

Our leadership enacted a blame everything on anyone else mindset.

[cassandrabandra]

Our leadership enacted a blame everything on anyone else mindset.

Is it mandatory?

what happens if you don't comply?

[Zarquon]

8.4C with a minimum of 6.6C; lowest in a decade.

[cassandrabandra]

8.4C with a minimum of 6.6C; lowest in a decade.

where? doesn't sound like europe or the US ...

we're looking at 30's - increasing to 40C on Saturday - 42 in Melbourne today with catastrophic fire warnings while the northern hemisphere freezes ... well ... parts of.

[Zarquon]

where? doesn't sound like Europe or the US ...


South Asia

[Americano]

Is it mandatory?

what happens if you don't comply?

One is no longer considered a Real American.

[The Drunk Guy]

South Asia

Way to narrow it down, chief! :D

[Americano]

where? doesn't sound like europe or the US ...

we're looking at 30's - increasing to 40C on Saturday - 42 in Melbourne today with catastrophic fire warnings while the northern hemisphere freezes ... well ... parts of.

Some dramatic US images of your fires:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/02/bushfires_in_victoria_australi.html

[The Drunk Girl]

Stole these from a friend of mine who took 'em at Cumberland Falls.

[cassandrabandra]

South Asia

I thought that - Namastay:)

but then I looked at Delhi and Mumbai and those weren't even close ... so looked further north ... maybe you are some place high in terms of altitude?

[cassandrabandra]

One is no longer considered a Real American.

what - like a self hating American ... or a faux American ... or even worse ... a lilly livered liberal!

[The Drunk Guy]

Stole these from a friend of mine who took 'em at Cumberland Falls.
I've never seen a frozen river here.

[Americano]

what - like a self hating American ... or a faux American ... or even worse ... a lilly livered liberal!

Such as in 'you're either for us or against us' regardless of the issue.

[Michael]

I've never seen a frozen river here.
Wow.

We have ice-roads up here - and frozen lakes are a favorite of the snowmobile set.

Even the St.Lawrence uses ice-breakers around Montreal to keep the sea-lanes open.

[Americano]

58°F here today, 47° tonight. 1.27" of rain. Unseasonably warm. I want to be snowed in for a few days.

[The Drunk Girl]

The pipes at work froze and busted about midnight yesterday...flooded a whole hall, fire alarms going off, along with the fire department coming. A co-worker told me that the part of the ceiling that is now missing, buckled and the water just gushed out. The fire department had to hold up a tarp to direct the water outside. Evidently there was around 4-5 inches of water (most of the rooms are carpet, along with the hallway). THANK GOODNESS I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK.

But, I did walk into a holy mess this afternoon. There were beds in the hallways and the t.v. room, residents sleeping/hanging out in other resident's rooms, moving shit around. A cleanup crew had came in last night as well and worked throughout the night and left early this evening. The last four rooms, which are under the section of the ceiling that caved in, were still blocked off.

By the end of the night I was tired of hearing two of the patients ask why they weren't allowed in their rooms and why we stole their robes!!!

[The Drunk Girl]

58°F here today, 47° tonight. 1.27" of rain. Unseasonably warm. I want to be snowed in for a few days.


I'll trade you any day from now until the next 2-3 months

[Donkey]

It's 17 here, according to firefox, but apparently it may get above freezing tomorrow. And Thursday perhaps over 41? That would be glorious, because we have an event, and if overflow some people may be stuck outside.

The weather gods are smiling on me. :)

[Lily]

We're having an (un)expected side effect from all this cold weather in central Florida, sinkholes and dry wells. Yesterday, the DOT shut down two lanes of I-4, along with several local roads because of sinkholes or the possibility of sinkholes. Hundreds of residents living near Plant City (the heart of strawberry farming country) have reported that their wells have run dry.

According to the South Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud), low water levels are due to pumping by argriculture. When temperatures fall below freezing for an extended time, citrus farmers run sprinklers to keep plants and fruits covered in ice to help avoid damage.

Source (http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article1064785.ece)

I'm still well below freezing at night, here. Right now, 24.8 degrees.

[Michael]

We've just popped back above freezing now and are supposed to stay that way for the next several days. :shrug:

[The Drunk Girl]

We've just popped back above freezing now and are supposed to stay that way for the next several days. :shrug:

We're predicted to have temps in the low-mid 40s up to the 50s for the next week. Strange flippin weather this is

[wphelan]

Above freezing for the first time since Christmas! This rocks.

[The Drunk Girl]

48F right now..glad I can put the windows up

[Zarquon]

the chill and fog is gone here, its a mostly sunny and pleasant 16C.

[Michael]

Snow has melted away. Running about 40F here.

[Donkey]

It's been hitting 40 every day this week, which means yesterday it was time for some football.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b145/camilosmurf/22757_257358877476_683022476_384221.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b145/camilosmurf/22757_257359267476_683022476_384226.jpg

[The Drunk Guy]

It's been hitting 40 every day this week, which means yesterday it was time for some football.




You look like you're about to just cream that girl. :rofl: