Some More Photos of the Christmas Snow

We went out to the barn to get the snow shovel in case the power goes out later.

You might wonder at the logic behind that, but there is some. Really.

I figured that if the power goes out, I'll need to fire up the generator (magic cannot be without heat, internet or tv, and thanks to the generator and a well thought out gentron, I don't have to be. We also had a few other circuits on the gentron - things like lights and refridgerators...but whatever. heat. internet. tv. happiness.)

I digressed a bit there.

So...fire up the generator. Yeah. That means I'll need to put it outside the garage so we don't succumb to fumes, which means I'll need a place to put the generator, which means I need the snow shovel to clear a space.

See? It makes sense (in a roundabout way, LOL).

So, we hiked out to the barn. The snow was DEEP. Up past my knees (which isn't saying much, lol), Here's Goofy standing in the snow up past her knees too.



On the way out there, we noticed that the iccky tree that hangs over the fence from the neighbors' yard snapped in half. Ooooh...toooooo bad. NOT! lol. It doesn't appear to have done much damage, but it will take some effort to clean up.

And a chain saw! Yay!



While we were out, Goofy went ahead and banged on trees and bushes to get the heavy snow off...we were too late to save the maple in the front. It split overnight with the new wetter snow.





Meanwhile, I shoveled the walk way into the house. I don't know why, I just know I was told to do it. Mine is not to reason why...mine is but to do (or die. lol). I am good at doing what Goofy tells me (well, ok...most of the time. I do have a mind of my own on occasion. I also like to mess with Goofy's mind from time to time, but that's a different story ;)). If Goofy ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, so you see the logic...LOL.



There's about 20+ inches of snow there on either side of the shoveled part. More where I tossed the snow I was moving. Amazing!

And finally, here's a pic for my friends J&D. We are happily giving their mustang some space in the garage...here's a pic that shows it's all tucked in and happy while the snow is raging outside.



That'll be it for today I think...y'all stay happy and warm and dry!

And For Those of You That Care...

FedEx never did deliver the overnight package.

It went on tour of Bothell for a few more days before I called and had them hold it for me to drive and get it.

Amazing how I can drive to them, but they couldn't get to me...

Makes you wonder....

This Is WAY Beyond White Christmas

We have 19" of snow and counting out here in the northern reaches of Seattle.

Crazy day!

It's coming down hard, and doesn't seem to want to let up for more than a minute or two...then it ramps back up. We got two inches in less than two hours.

WOW!

Dunno what it's doing where you are, but...stay warm and dry!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

White Christmas in Seattle...Yeah, Who Woulda Thought?

Here is a little video of the snow coming down out here in South Canada at about 2:30pm, Wednesday, December 24th.




It'll give you an idea of what's going on out here...in the land of the endless snow. LOL!

Hope you all are happy and warm tonight!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas Song...

Just a little change of pace...funny (and more true than we'd like to think I guess).

Enjoy!



AND...MERRY CHRISTMAS! None of that "Happy Holidays" PC stuff here. Goofy and I wish you all a happy season whatever you call it.

Snow Update: Tuesday in the Snow with Goofy...

A view down the driveway. Doesn't look much different than other days...

Yesterday, Goofy and I went out to knock the snow off the laurels and such. This heavy snow can really wreak havoc on them, and we'd end up having to see the neighbors if they came down...which wouldn't be fun.

Although it's about 31 degrees at the moment, we've not lost too much of the snow to melt at all. And what did melt a bit is now slippery ice. YAY!

I went out this morning to check the place, and basically, other than a bit of snow falling off the trees (both of it's own accord and due to Goofy beating the heck out of it with a stick, lol), not much has changed.

No mail for days, no newspaper...no one coming or going much on the road. They keep closing the hill - because, mostly it's one big slippery, icy ski jump. It'd be fun if no one else (read "chuckleheads") were out on it...but I digress.

Lots of snow and ice...and small snow flakes beginning to fall again.

Even Goofy has stopped doing the Snow Dance of Joy! LOL. I didn't think I'd ever see that!

I'll post more pics later on...the blog host seems to be having trouble getting them at the moment...

Until then...keep warm and safe.

When "NEXT DAY" isn't next day

On December 17 I ordered something to be delivered "next day" via FedEx.

For those of your keeping track, it was the day of the big snowfall in Seattle. The next day, I really didn't expect to get the next day package I'd ordered - we were buried, after all.

But the day after that? Or the day after that? Or, after that?

Honestly, I'd expected it on Saturday sometime, when we were able to get out to get supplies and last minute shopping done.

Nope.

I had a UPS overnight package that was due on the 18th as well. It arrived on the 19th. I don't know how they got up the hill or down the street or through our driveway for that matter, but they did, and I had my package from UPS.

So far, as of the morning of the 23rd...no overnight package from FedEx.

There is a lot of talk lately (well, I hear it anyway, lol) about the subliminal symbolism in the FedEx logo. There's something hidden there, supposedly to symbolize “speed/precision” . Once you find it, you'll never forget it...and if you really can't find it, then say something in the comments and I'll point it out to you...

So...precision they have (they never deliver my stuff to the Sullivan's, for example, which is more than either UPS or USPS can say). I'd question the speed part this time tho...

As of 7am today, it's "out for delivery". We'll see...

White Christmas in Seattle? (4:30pm Update)

Hey y'all.

It's snowing (still) and we have over a foot of the fluffy white stuff on the ground at the moment.

Wow....can you believe it? I wonder how much we'll end up with by tomorrow morning?

The last time it snowed like this in Seattle, Goofy and I were in Maui.

This picture is of my foot in the snow. It's my foot about a foot down in the snow...lol. OK, so...small minds are amused by small stuff...LOL








Here's the cedar in the front - I took this from the porch...









The view down the driveway toward the street. The trash cans have nearly 10 inches of snow on top, even though they are partially protected by the eaves...LOL.


The garage with the X5 tucked safely away...it's deep out here, but Goofy doesn't want me go play in the snow with the truck - unless it's to get to work...dangit! No fair!



And, finally, the Seattle area doppler radar. This is as of about 3:19pm today. Goofy and I are about a quarter inch from the I-5/I-405 northern interchange (just north of the county line - in black there)...the wind is out of the southwest (heading from lower left to upper right on this map), and we are gonna get hit by a big dump of snow...:)



UPDATE AN HOUR LATER....THE STORM IS MOVING NORTHEAST OVER US...



Stay safe and warm...and off the roads!

Over The River and Through The Woods...

So, Seattle is forecast to have a REALLY BIG snowstorm coming in tonight and tomorrow.

YAY!

That basically means that all the crazies that we've been avoiding are not only going to be out on the road, they are going to be freaked out worrying that they will be snowed in for a few days! It'd be funny if I didn't have a few errands to run before getting settled in for a few days.

With the thought that getting out early was the best way to miss most of the crazies, Goofy and I were up and heading out into the world at around 8:30.



As you can see from the X5 dash board, it was a balmy 10 degrees. LOL

It's funny how a person can get used to the cold. It's really cold. Really, really cold. And it's a bit damp too - which makes it seem oh, so much colder. Nice, huh?

So, we set out from the friendly confines of the 47 degree garage - never appreciated the garage as much as when it's snowy outside and the cars are still warm (in a relative sense) - and NOT iced over. No scraping is a good thing...








And, we were met with the compact snow and ice of our road - fun to drive on when no one else is around - 4WD is definitely an advantage for starting and driving along the snowy roads. Goofy got a bit jumpy as I tested the handling, but it needed to be done. :)










And, yes, even at 8:30am, there was a chucklehead in an old 4WD chevy pickup out tailgating me down this hill. Too bad I didn't get to see him slide off the road, but I was too busy to follow him once he passed me. ( was doing the speed limit down the hill, btw, which was (apparently) not fast enough for him). Oh, well, I can get my fix on the local news I guess.



As we ventured out into the world, the roads got a bit better - still icy, but driveable with care - and we were able to get to the Post Office and the grocery store (and Starbucks - it keeps your hands warm as an added bonus). We did a little walking around through the shops in Mill Creek and enjoyed the people and the "one sheet of ice" that covered everything. (Goofy said that every (every) time we walked across a street, lol).

Along the way, we realized that we probably needed to break down and buy a warm jacket. We hadn't needed one in so long, we didn't have any in the closet (we've been cleaning closets like crazy for the last few months, and those were long gone and not "fashionable" anymore anyway). What we did have, though, is warm boots. Warm boots that Goofy gave me a bad time about. Warm boots, lined with wool, with nice lugged soles. Boots that Goofy said we'd only use once or twice and then never again. Warm boots that are so comfortable and warm that Goofy wears them without socks. Seriously. And Goofy also apologizes that there was any doubt about the "rightness" of my boot purchase. That's one for magic ;)

You'll be happy to know that we wandered upon a great sale on warm jackets, so we have those now too. No worries.

It's been snowing for hours again. Lots of snow - lots of watching Goofy do the happy dance of snow. I really should get that on video one day...one day when I want to die...lol.

Have a good evening and keep safe and warm...

Friday Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon, Goofy and I ventured out in the snowy landscape once again. This time, we were heading to the mailbox to see what we could see - and to look around the neighborhood.

The view here is of the trees behind the house, standing guard over the landscape with the sunlit clouds behind them as the sun was beginning to go down.

If you'd like to see it a bit bigger, go ahead and click on the photo. It works on all of them, although sometimes, the photo "clicked" isn't a ton bigger than the one you see (and sometimes, it's waaaaay bigger - if I forget to make it smaller before posting, lol). Anyway, now you know, or are reminded (or knew already and wish I'd just move on already - haha!)




It was about 23 degrees out, at the time we went for our walk, so of course we just put on our snow boots and a hoodie. It was a nice walk out in the snow. It's amazing how fast the heat leaves through your head in 20 degree weather though. Dang! We still had about six inches of snow or so on the ground, and as you can see, compact snow & ice on the roads. It's like it hasn't melted at all. It's still even powdery - not iced over at all. Fun stuff, but a bit slippery when you wander out onto the compacted roadway!




Here's the view down the road (much like the one yesterday) toward 228th.


Here's the view toward the mailboxes...the whole neighborhood is pretty much the same. Goofy likes to go check to see what everyone else is up to, so we walked down through the block and got caught up in what everyone's doing.




After these were taken, we got a few more inches of snow overnight. It really is beautiful - especially when you don't have to go out in it (unless you want to).

It's been a long while since we've had this kind of snow in the Seattle area. I'd forgotten how quiet and peaceful the world becomes when it's covered in snow. I kinda like it...

...magical...:)

Hope you all stay warm and dry...and off the roads with the crazy people :)

This Is Why Snow in Seattle is Dangerous

This happened today in Downtown Seattle.

Two buses, coming down a very slippery, steep hill (that they had NO business on in the first place), slid nearly onto the Northbound lanes of I-5.

One bus (the one on the right), actually was behind the first bus and hit it. He was heading over too, but the angle on the railing made his momentum less so he just hit hard and wedged in.

Geez...

And people give me a bad time when I say

"It's not MY driving I'm worried about. It's all those idiots that don't have the sense to be driving in the snow and ice - my 4WD won't save me from them at all."

It's true. I have confidence in my driving...it's all those
bald tire,
no brakes,
"I can stop on ice like it's dry pavement, 'cause I have 4WD"
chuckleheads that I'm worried about.

Look again...nearly ON the FREEWAY. Did a lot of damage to that retaining wall too - the only thing that saved that bus is that it high centered on the wall - seriously, it was going over...

And you wonder why I don't take the bus...;) LOL

Snowfall

Well, Goofy is extremely tired from all the happy snow dancing that has been going on around here. :) I'm sitting in the family room drinking a nice hot cup of coffee and watching the weather reports on the news (yeah, I know, it's a family thing.). I don't know why, but I'm still amazed at how stupid people get in the snow...lol

This shot is of the house from the road, and it's kinda nice to look at. We love snow!

It's been snowing off and on all morning, to varying degrees, and we have about 6" on the ground at the moment.

In case you are reading this from outside the Seattle area, there is something you need to realize...no one here has the sense to drive in the snow. They've had to close several main highways around here 'cause people with no business being out in it have stalled and are stuck in the middle of the roads.

And you know what they do then? They get out of their cars and walk around, of course. I mean, why wouldn't you walk around in slippery, icy, snowy roadways with other out of control cars trying to drive around you? Especially in the middle of a freeway or highway. What'd be the matter with that? Sheesh!

Part of the reason people fight so hard to make it into work is that many offices just do not allow telecommuting. In these economic times, the county saves a ton of money when people have to burn vacation or take leave without pay instead of working from home. Progressive, huh? You might say, "Well, magic, they don't save money if they use vacation". And you are right...and wrong at the very same time. Neat the way that works, isn't it?

Without boring you too, too much, it's a different revenue stream, so it's like a gift for the ailing employers. I think that if they force you in - or at least attempt to come in - they should be responsible for the damage done to cars and bodies. It seems fair to me. If you insist I come in when it's against my better judgement, and my choice is to take lwop, then, well, you have to assume some of the risk of that. I think they'll agree, don't you? It's logical and all...

And so, we have a bunch of idiots out on the roads. It's been entertaining watching them all on the news. I especially love the 4WD guys that, watching someone slide down a hill
right.
in.
front.
of them
decide to slide down the hill themselves.

LOL.

Anyway...

It's that heavy snow, so we had to go out and beat up laurels (it's for their own good, really), and they got even a few times by dumping big hunks of snow right on my head. LOL.

It's also nice to know that the kitty patrol (KP) was not off the job at all...we are safe from whatever evil they protect us from...LOL.



Here's the backyard and the barn...if you look closely, you can see more of the KPR :)



Here's the view of the road out front...the snow is totally compacted and slippery as hell out there. We stuck toward the powder on the sides of the road. Nothing is quite as pathetic as falling on your ass in the snow - in front of your house and neighbors. :)





And, finally, another view of the front driveway and such.

So...rest assured that Goofy and I are not in the group trying to wreck our cars on the way to anything. We happily sit in front of a warm fire, sipping hot drinks, watching the news, chillin' on the internet, and having a lovely snow day at home.

Hope you are all safe and warm today too.

Aloha!

Damn...it's cold

So, remember yesterday when I told you it was cold? I mentioned 14 degrees?

Here's a shot of the dash on the X5 from yesterday's trip to the bus stop.

Cold...really?

LOL.

Today, it snowed. North and South of Seattle, but not so much in the convergent zone (where we are).

That is, until this afternoon...

Dang, it started coming down fast and hard...we have about 6 inches of snow on the ground so far, and it's still coming down.

FUN HAVING!

At least if it's going to be cold (and really, it's warmed up since yesterday morning), we might as well have snow! Fun snow, cold snow...SNOW!

Keep warm and don't be a scrooge! Turn on those christmas lights!

Forrest Gump Explains the Mortgage Crisis

This about says it all...from my good friend KR:

Forrest Explains the Mortgage Crisis

Mortgage Backed Securities are like boxes of chocolates. Criminals on Wall Street stole a few chocolates from the boxes and replaced them with turds.

Their criminal buddies at Standard & Poor rated these boxes AAA Investment Grade chocolates.

These boxes were then sold all over the world to investors.

Eventually somebody bites into a turd and discovers the crime.

Suddenly nobody trusts American chocolates anymore worldwide.

Hank Paulson now wants the American taxpayers to buy up and hold all these boxes of turd-infested chocolates for $700 billion dollars until the market for turds returns to normal.

Meanwhile, Hank's buddies, the Wall Street criminals who stole all the good chocolates are not being investigated, arrested, or indicted.
 


Mama always said: 'Sniff the chocolates first, Forrest'.
 
 
 

Quote of the day from a fund manager:
 
 "This is worse than a divorce... I've lost half of my net worth and I still have my wife.."
 
 

The bailout, a different perspective
 
 

Back in 1990, the Government seized the Mustang Ranch brothel in Nevada for tax evasion and, as required by law, tried to run it. They failed and it closed. Now we are trusting the economy of our country to a pack of nit-wits who couldn't make money running a whore house and selling booze?

---------

Ya Gotta Laugh, or you'd just have to cry....

Baby, It's COLD Outside

This morning, on the way to the bus stop, it was 12 degrees outside at the top of the hill (where we are) and 14 down near the bottom at the bus stop.

WHAT is that about?

This is Seattle, for cryin' out loud! We don't have snow in December, and we don't have temperatures below freezing (not often at least). I'm talking about Seattle proper, here. It's at sea level, and it's very unusual to have snow that low...

Out in the Great White North (about 25 miles north of the city), in the infamous "convergent" zone, we ALWAYS get any flake that cares to fall (I'm talking snow here, the other flakes are stuff of a different blog, lol).

We got about 4 inches of snow, and although it's mostly gone from the driveway and such, it's still in the yard. Much of what was on the road has been replaced by ice - which makes driving FUN - but I expect that it'll be covered in snow again by tomorrow.

It's supposed to snow again too. Well, that's a good thing according to Goofy - who always does the snow dance of joy when that cold white stuff starts falling from the sky. LOL.

It's been so cold since the first snowfall on Saturday night that the snow is still powdery in the yard. It hasn't iced over at all. Powdery...seriously. How, cold is that?

And, how do I know that? Well...This morning (when it was still 14 degrees), I hiked out to the barn to get the gas cans. I needed to fill them so that we had fuel for the generator just in case the power goes out with this next storm and the cold. I believe that getting the fuel and being ready nearly guarantees that the power won't go off, so it's all good!

I have the gasoline if it does though...can't do without the heat and the TV...bwahahaha!

Keep warm!

Still Around

Hey Y'all.

We are still around.

Back in the cool, crisp,

cold

grey

drizzle

interrupted by occasional

SUNBREAKS! (only in Seattle).

The pic is from 930am this morning...marine layer...yeah...that's what it is....

Busy as hell, but getting things done.

Whatcha been up to?

And Now, for something not different at all.

Just few pics to tide y'all over.

Completely unedited, and just a shot or two of our underwater adventures...but something to let you in on some of what we've been up to...same ol' stuff, mostly, altho I did some server work up at Lahaina this trip, so I wasn't all lazy :).




Goofy has the gear all dialed in...well, mostly.




Diving out at Molokini...Mostly miscellaneous divers, but we might be there somewhere. That's Dauntless topside.




This picture is actually right side up - well, from my perspective, anyway. I took it hanging upside down in front of Goofy. I was entirely amused. Goofy...less so I think. Unimpressed at my dive skills for sure. LOL. I like to hang upside down under water...it's fun. Kinda like putting things on my head. (You know what that means if you know...elsewise, whatever).

It's been cold today (well, 78, but it was windy, and I saw an actual RAINDROP). Seriously. I actually thought about finding a sweatshirt to wear with my shorts and flip flops...

And there were rain clouds.

I mean it.

Rain is good though - but not for diving. Makes the viz go way down.

And, since something shiny just caught my attention, lol....did you hear that we saw WHALES this trip? Actual whales are back in Maui already. It's awesome (truly and in the best sense of the word). We even heard whale song out at Molokini. It was faint, but there...Niiiiicccce!

Heading back to rainy town tomorrow night...

Catch y'all later!

Aloha!

M&G