From the Western Side of El Nino
According to the weather people, the mid-east coast snow storm is the results of El Nino. Here on the western (northwest side to be more exact), El Nino is having the opposite results. Here in State of Washington, January was the warmest it has been since they started to keep records in 1891. Today was sunny and 52 degrees. The daffodils are growing and in some real sunny place they are blooming. As you can see from the pictures below, the crocuses are in bloom in my yard. Trees are budding out and neighbors are mowing the grass.
Our greatest fear is the we will get a freezing cold snap and kill a lot of the plants that are growing too early. This is something that has happened in the past.
I hope that the sight of the pretty crocus brightens your day and that everyone who is covered by snow keeps their power and can enjoy reading and maybe watching a few episodes of DB especially the one featuring Mingo.
Suzy
Our greatest fear is the we will get a freezing cold snap and kill a lot of the plants that are growing too early. This is something that has happened in the past.
I hope that the sight of the pretty crocus brightens your day and that everyone who is covered by snow keeps their power and can enjoy reading and maybe watching a few episodes of DB especially the one featuring Mingo.
Suzy
Hi Suzy,
Thank you very much for sending the flowers! It is so nice to see colors other than WHITE! I am in the northwest corner of Virginia, probably about 60 miles from Rebecca. We had continuous snow for about 30 hours, and we got an average of one inch per hour. I had to go out in the backyard and shuffle my feet in the deep snow to make canals so the dogs can get around. Bill shoveled the porches and used the front-loader to plow our driveway and some of our neighbor's. Now, that all sounds like normal after-snow activity ... we did this routine three times ... once on Friday evening, and then twice on Saturday to keep ahead of the snow. We live in the country, have plenty of food (well, milk and wine), and don't work, so we can now sit back and enjoy the vast whiteness that surrounds us. It's sort of like being at the snow-encased Varinkyno house in the movie "Dr. Zhivago" ... it's white everywhere.
I saw a story on the news a few days ago about your mild weather and how they are having to use helicopters to carry large buckets of snow to some of the venues for the Olympics. If they need more snow, tell them they can have ours!
Since El Nino is responsible for this record-breaking snowfall this winter, it means that we will most likely have a record-breaking long hot summer.
By the way ... it was supposed to get down to 8 degrees overnight ... it was 6 degrees when I got up at 7:30!
Thank you again for the flowers.
Ellen
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Hi Suzy,
I too liked seeing 'color'. I was good to see 'new life' cropping up somewhere. We were getting just as much snow as Ellen. It was 'zero' this morning when I got up, it's now up to '1'! You can have the snow from my place as well! Ellen, if they take all of our snow we won't have anything to complain about! THAT could be a 'good thang'
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Dear Suzy,
What a beautiful treat! Thank you ever so much for the COLOR!!! As Ellen says---"it's ALL white here!" We wound up with over 3 feet and 4 in some places due to drifting. Even the deer people can't get here for their corn! I imagine it will be the end of the week before plows find our country road. Oh well, we have power, food and plenty of Dr. Pepper so, since Mother Nature is in charge we will just enjoy the scenery. Thank you again for reminding me what flowers look like!! They were so lovely. How nice of you to think of us!
Rebecca
P.S. Temps last night were 3 degrees---that's just wrong!!!!!
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Hi Rebecca,
I moved to Northern Virginia (for those of you who don't know the area ... that's the Washington DC suburbs) from warm, balmy San Diego in February 1983, there was a huge blizzard like this one the day we moved into the house. And then the temperatures dropped to about -5 degrees and stayed there for days. So, I'm not complaining about 6 degrees! It's hardest on the dogs, as they HAVE to go outside to go to the bathroom.
Ellen
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Greetings from the frozen tundra of NE.
We lucked out and didn't get any of the snow. Actually it really isn't that cold if you don't count the wind chill.
The winter of 2001 we were living in New Hampshire. We lived on top of a mountain, about half an hour from civilization, and my husband was on business in Europe, when we had not one but four snowstorms in a row. The storms averaged out to be about 3 feet per storm. We only had one day to dig out in between storms. And since school was canceled our road was at the bottom of the list. So I can relate to the heavy snow that you ladies are seeing. And trying to find a way out for the dogs.
There was a weather man on the Today show this morning and he said that they lost power for 12 hours and the house got down to 60 degrees. He had a major whine in his voice, looking for sympathy. Whoopee pickle!!! We have lost power for weeks in subzero cold and you don't hear us complain.
So what are they going to do at the Olympics? Sounds more like the summer games should be done instead of the winter.
By the way, it is nice to see flowers again. When I go to the store I linger near the flower section just to see the color. Thank-you Suzy.
Take Care,
Judy
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Mt. Washington in NH (as I'm sure you know Judy) has seen the highest wind gusts ever recorded anywhere. 158 mph comes to mind. (I think it's recently been broken tho') I met the guy who marketed the commercial for, I think it was Paradigm windows, where they put some baby chicks on the top of Mt. Washington with a live webcam for a few weeks, protected by their windows... to show how great their windows were. I can't seem to find it to post though.
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oh my, higher than that, here's from a write up on it:
Mt. Washington is famous for its dangerously erratic weather; until 1996, it held the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth's surface, at 231 mph."
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Hello dear Suzy and all my Mingo friends,
I feel like I've been a bad girl in not coming over and saying hi once in a while this quarter. Indeed, it's been a rather challenging term, yet in a good way. School is pretty tough but I'm keeping my head above water. Other than my chemistry class and biology class, I'm taking a 2D art class and a ballroom dance class.
Thank you for the lovely flowers, Suzy. I have some of those purple flowers growing outside of my kitchen window, but I never knew what they were called. They've barely sprouted, as it's been rather chilly over here. The pink cherry blossoms are blooming at my college, and they always bring a smile on my face.
Well, off to my busy student life again... take care! At least I have Mingo's charming face to look at on my cell-phone whenever I need a smile. ^_^
Inahlee
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Hi Inahlee,
Good to hear from you and about the courses you are taking. While we do miss you, I think that it is very important for you to concentrate on your college courses and I believe that the other members of MW will agree with me. Log in when you can and let us know how you are doing. This is a very important time in your life.
Suzy
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Hi Inahlee,
I totally agree with Suzy. It sounds like the chem and bio classes are keeping you very busy. I am glad to hear that you are taking some fun classes to help you relax.
Take Care,
Judy
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Great photos!! And yes I am north of you and we also had the warmest January on record. Not only are our crocus' blooming but we have a rhododendron that has been in full bloom for over 2 weeks and more are showing colour so more flowers on the way. Although we are "hosting the world" (Olympics)and have a dreadful lack of snow on the mountain where snowboarding is to take place. I can still remember 1990 when we had a blizzard on Valentines Day. I hope that does not happen this year because not only will our flowers be ruined but so will the plants. Hope everyone back east is surviving the dreadful weather!! Keep warm!!
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"And yesterday the bird of night did sit
Even at noon-day upon the market place, Hooting and shrieking.
.................................
"When these prodigies
Do so conjointly meet, let not men say
'These are their reasons, they are natural;'
For, I believe they are portentous things
Unto the climate that they point upon.
~ Julius Caesar - Act I, Scene II
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hi everyone, i was just watching fox new and some of the same areas that got hit by the huge snow getting hit again.i fear some of you are in the new storms path if you are please stay safe and be careful.if you cant get to work may i offer this idea.a hot drink,blanket and some beautiful ed ames music.close your eyes an think of ed being at your side singing to you.take care everyone.cathy
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Hi Cathy,
Oh yeah---we are getting clobbered again. Right now, I can't see the trees in my backyard---heavy, blowing snow!!! This one promises 20 inches or more and high winds--30-40 mph! There is already 3-4 feet on the ground from the first storm and to top off our luck---a lot of the snow removal equipment in this area is broken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No roads are clear from before and now this--I have heard that Route 81 is closed, and that is a federal highway!!!!!! Go figure!It is beautiful coming down, and last night was so pretty, but I have had enough to last a lifetime----this is not Alaska!!!!! Most everything is closed and I am not sure when the kids will have school again. Now a new threat is the weight of all this snow on flat roofs---which most schools have. But, we have power and a backup plan, so we are ok. Bill's plow died on Sat.---the transmission couldn't take the weight of the snow! And most snow blowers can't handle this amount either--so we are stuck till the Spring thaw!!! I have crocheted 3 doilies and am working on 2 knitted shawls---but even that is getting old! The Dr. Pepper is holding out so far and I have chocolate and Mr. Ames, so all is not lost yet!! In this area, we all help one another and keep a check on older folks--but please Pray for all in this nasty storm! It's nice to hear from you.
Covered in White,
Rebecca
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Oh, wow! I just woke up and I had the craziest dream ... yeah, I dreamed that I wasn't living in the Shenandoah Valley about 60 miles from Rebecca, but that she and I were living in Siberia and it was the middle of winter ... hey ... wait a minute ... I just took a look outside ... the wind is blowing and gusting and the snow is blowing everywhere and there's about 3 feet of snow on the ground and the trees are covered with snow and it's so frigging cold ... oh, my gosh! ... say it ain't so ... please, it can't really be Siberia!
It is truly horrible here, but I hear that they got more snow over in the DC area than we have out here in "God's country. With the high winds and the blowing snows, it is no wonder that I-81 is closed ... that's the major north-south interstate highway that does through PA, MD, western VA, and on into TN. They are trying to keep vehicles off the other major roads. The plowing was stopped earlier today so the crews could get a rest and get their vehicles reloaded with salt and chemicals.
Bill has been out with our little tractor and he looks like he is all dressed up to rob a bank ... heavy coat and ski mask!
Everybody take care out there. Well, gotta go do my Russian language lesson just in case this really is Siberia!
Ellen
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Hi Suzie,
Thanks for the flowers, the types of floweres in the pictures i miss living here in Fla. It get too Hot, and it shows springs and the hope of spring is just around the corner. I hope all is well with those M.W. friends that are snow in. am sinding warm thoughts to you all. Please stay safe and warm.
Kerry and Katie (irish sitter) who is also a big fan!
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Okay everyone, Kerry has a Katie (Irish sitter) and Keats has a Katey (Cocker Spaniel). One is ie and one is ey. So y'all have to keep this straight now.I think I will post my snowman pic later with Katey and Cassie.
We have closed our Williamsport PA and Scranton PA stores so far. Storm is staying to the south. D.C. is getting shown who is in charge I think! Not petty little men and women, that's fer sher. Drive carefully for those who have to go through the daily grind no matter what.
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Hey Keats,
If it is okay with you and Kerry, I think I will just say Kate, when I e-mail you two, that way I wont get confused, as it doesn't take much sometimes. LOL
Judy
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Hi Judy, hope you are staying warm and safe. its fine with me. taking time out to have some fun with my friends at M.W.
I hope everyone is fine and be safe and warm
Kerry
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Oh man, this is LOW:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Brooklyn-Terrier-Mugged-Doggie-Coat-Missing-84014112.html
I took Katey out for a walk toward the stores once. Got there and forgot - uh, she can't go IN. Someone offered to hold her leash while I went in, but no way. The world has changed too much. Wouldn't leave my baby or my dog with ANYONE or outta my sight! (Lest of course that was Kerry doing the dogsitting - otherwise I don't go in for that either.)
Anyone tries this on Katey, we'll be looking for a guy with one hand!
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dear rebecca,ellen and everyone in the middle of this storm i will pray for all of you.i pray you dont loose your power and all of you stay safe.cathy
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Well, back at work today. Took off yesterday due to the weather. The roads were pretty bad around my place, all throughout Pittsburgh as well. My husband has a big honking 4-wheel drive truck and he had problems getting off our street.
My street is still icky today, but the main roads are clear and while I'm waiting for Verizon Fios to come to my house I am without a computer on the homefront. So I am VERY HAPPY to be at work today
I hope everyone who encountered this fabulous snowy weather was able to dig out without any problems. Let's hope this is 'over' and the sun can come out and do a 'slow melt' which is what we need.
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