no more excuses

Well, if you've been putting off doing something, or not doing something, using the excuse "when hell freezes over" you're procrastination time is over.  It's official.  Hell has frozen over.  Hell, Michigan that is.  It was 14 degrees below zero there today. Just thought you ought to know.  

daredevil weather people

I'm always a little surprised but admittedly entertained by weather announcers who stand outside in hurricane force winds and chase tornadoes while warning us to stay inside.  Today they were playing with the cold.  While warning of the dangers of frostbite at minus 40 wind chill they proceeded to stand around outside demonstrating how cold it really was. Did you know that if you hang a wet t-shirt outside in sub-zero weather it will freeze into a flat solid board? I think some of our pioneer grandmothers wouldn't have been at all surprised.  They had to hang out laundry in all kinds of weather. 
If you fling a cup of hot water into the air it will freeze into a cloud of ice particles.  Ice cubes will freeze in an ice cube tray faster than in your freezer.  But my favorite was the egg demonstration.  Sometimes, on hot summer days, someone will fry an egg on a sidewalk.  Today a weatherman cracked an egg into a frying pan which had been sitting out side for an hour.  The egg instantly froze in the pan, but with the same shape and color as if it had been fried.  I especially liked that the weatherman warned us that if we tried this at home (which of course we shouldn't because we shouldn't go outside) we shouldn't eat the egg because it's not really cooked.  Really???

50 below

Once again I have a reason to celebrate retirement.  Tomorrow our high temperature will be below zero and the windchill might feel like 50 degrees below zero and I don't have to go anywhere.  Last year in New Zealand we visited an Antarctic science exhibit where we experienced standing, briefly, in a cold, windy room which replicated the average temperature and wind chill at the South Pole.  I guess if I want to repeat that experience I can just walk out on my balcony tomorrow morning. On second thought, I think I'll pass on that.  I've been watching the closing announcements scroll across the bottom of my TV screen and it looks like everything is closed.  I do feel sorry for anyone who needs to go to work tomorrow, especially amyone who needs to work outside.  On the other hand I applaud those heroes working to keep our water running and our electricity and heat on.  
My brother has a funny kind of cold related problem.  His little dog is, he feels, too old to go outside to relieve himself but the dog, being well trained, won't go on a wee wee pad in the house.  I think time will eventually solve this issue (no pun intended).  Cats are so much easier.  

time to let go

Today was a mushy, slippery, wet kind of day as you probably noticed.  So, when I had to go out this afternoon, I decided to wear an old pair of boots to save some wear and tear on my dressy black boots.  I actually have been planning to take these old boots on my trip to Finland in March because I understand we will need some sturdy snow/walking boots.  As I was walking around the large room where we hold our tutoring sessions, I noticed a funny flapping feeling down by my feet.  After the kids left, I checked out my good old boots and discovered that the soles had worked loose at the toes.  I had to walk carefully to avoid tripping.  I cautiously made my way to my car but by the time I got across the messy parking lot one sole fell off just as I was getting in my car and the other one had peeled more than half way off.  I peeled it the rest of the way off and drove home and walked into my building on the thin layer of sole that was left on each boot. I pitched the useless soles in the trash barrel by the entry from the garage and made it up to my apartment without loosing any more boot parts.  Then, after remembering that these boots are at least 35 years old (bougth when my husband and I were into cross-country skiing) and have been re-soled once, I made myself throw them away.  So sad, but now I can go boot shopping. There's always a silver lining.

someone to think about

In the last couple of weeks at least three people have announced that they will be running for president in 2020.  I've been mildly interested and find myself leaning toward a woman president (no surprise there).  However, this evening on "20/20" I saw an interview with Howard Schultz, the owner of Starbucks, who said he plans to run for president in the next election, and will run as an independent because he is not happy with either the Democratic or Republican parties at this point.  I can certainly understand that.  I listened carefully to the interview and liked the answers he gave to the interviewer's questions.  He seems intelligent, well spoken, articulate and thoughtful.  Also, he's richer than Trump.  He can afford to fund an independent campaign.  Stay tuned.  This next election could be very interesting.  

camping in the cold

I'm really glad it was sunny today, for the sake of the people camping across the street.  In the summer when I see that there is a reenactment happening at the Old Fort, which happens to be across the street from my apartment, I enjoy walking over to see what period they are living in and talking with the characters. It's a fun thing to do on a spring or summer afternoon.  While I enjoyed hearing the cannon boom a few times and appreciated the courage these campers showed in spending last night in the fort, I did not walk over to see what was going on.  I will admit it.  I am only a fair weather history buff.  I did notice that they appeard to have packed up and gone home by late this afternoon instead of staying the usual two nights - smart, very smart.  

Super Bowl anyone

I believe that the Super Bowl will be played in a few weeks.  I actually think I heard which teams will be playing on a recent newscast but the reason I am aware of this coming event is that I've been hearing commercials on TV saying how good the commercials will be during the Super Bowl, and how expensive.  Commercials promoting commercials?? I guess I shouldn't be surprised.  They are some of the most entertaining moments on television.  Some are so cute that I don't know what they're advertising.  If you're hoping for commercials for medical marijuana though, you will have to wait for another year, or several.  I don't know why people seem surprised that marijuana won't be advertised during the Super Bowl.  It is broadcast nationally (internationally?)  and medical marijuana is not yet legal everywhere.  I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to advertise illegal substances.  I'll probably tune in just long enough to see the big Bud horses.  I do have my prioriites straight.