|
Post by Phalon on Dec 22, 2015 9:48:21 GMT -6
Damp air too, I think can make it feel colder than the temperature would suggest. Sunday, Hubs and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. It was in the mid-40s, the sun was shining, and there wasn't any wind. It was nice - it's probably been late August or early September before yard-work and fall clean up took precedence since we last went for a walk together. We were out for quite a while, stopping to talk to some neighbors around the block, inspecting the remains of a couple more Emerald Ash borer infested trees that had been taken down recently (though all the wood had been removed, the scraps of bark that were left behind had not a fraction of an inch that didn't show tunnel tracks; I cannot hate these destructive-@ss bastards any more than I already do), and explored a new house that's being built. I swear, Hubs with his walking stick and me in a floppy winter hat, holding hands, we looked like an old couple out for leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll. He even told me that for our 30th anniversary this year, he wanted to renew our wedding vows with the girls in attendance!
This morning, I walked down to the bank. Though the temperature was the same as it was Sunday, it was a much shorter walk, and I was moving very briskly (trying to get some exercise), after raining all day yesterday, the damp air felt very chilly.
Same here! I know plenty of people who wouldn't mind a bit if we didn't have snow all winter, but want it for Christmas. It doesn't look as if there will even be a chance for it though this year.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 22, 2015 19:49:49 GMT -6
I imagine so, but on the cycle I have a full fairing which blocks the wind (for the most part) and diverts the moisture with it. If skin gets exposed then the affect is much more pronounced.
He held you hand? In public? I bet he opens doors for you too. Old school! You know we're getting out of fashion when I did the same thing for Steppet at a local corner store and it was noticed. One lady coming out asked "Did you just open and close the door for her? 'Cause you know you just don't hardly see that nomore." I wasn't aware that common courtesy was so uncommon, but it's happened a few times in other places too. What strikes me as odd is that strangers, when you hold the door for them, will often say thanks or otherwise acknowledge you've done something, but doing this when it appears it's obviously for someone in the family, it's remarkable. Why is that?
A word of advice, don't take them on the second honeymoon. You'll have much more fun without them. Or take them to Disneyland but don't get adjoining rooms!
It's not happening here either - they've put 80's back in the forecast through Sunday. Friday-Sunday overcast, highs in the 80s, slight chances of drizzle, and then Monday it's supposed to actually cool off. And rain. Wasn't it just last year that much of the news was about the record amount of snow in New England and especially Boston?
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 23, 2015 8:44:00 GMT -6
Yes. Yes. And it depends.
Opening doors - it depends on who's first to the door, or if one of us has something in our hands. If I'm first to a door, I just open it myself.
I have no idea. It's just common courtesy to hold the door for whoever is behind you coming in, or if someone is on their way out.
I remarked once to LX while I was picking her up from college last year, that it was interesting to me that all the students - both female and male - were so courteous about opening and holding doors - not just for me (obviously much older), but for anyone coming in or out. Common courtesy shouldn't be uncommon, but it happened so often it was very noticeable, which made it seem remarkable.
When I mentioned it to her, she said the college stressed courtesy on campus. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing - it's good that it's stressed, but that it has to be stressed means that it's commonly overlooked?
Speaking of college, the semester's grades just in - all As.
I think so. I know we were pretty much buried by this time last year.
It's supposed to get up to 60 degrees today. I haven't seen any more of the robins since that day over at Xena Sis's, but this morning the crows are very active. I'm not sure what they were doing that was so fascinating across the street, but Quetta stopped her usual morning wander through the ravine to sit in the parkway and watch them. She was so engrossed with their antics, she didn't come when I called, and I had to cross the yard (in my sock feet), and coax her away.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 23, 2015 19:46:53 GMT -6
Those who already practiced courtesy won't care and the rest need to learn-by-doing as quickly as possible.
That's quite the accomplishment! Brag on proud mama!
We hit 83 - tied the record high for this date, but get this. They're starting to look past Christmas - the weekend will be wet with potentially busy thunderboomers, and by Monday morning (and for a few days after that) the morning lows will be in the 30s. So the busy after Christmas shopping days will be warm and wet - very wet at times - and the beginning of the work week will be cool again.
Parkway? "Parkway: a broad thoroughfare with a dividing strip." Is this another Phalonism? This is your driveway or somesuch?
Probably, the crows were telling her that they could get you into the yard in just your stocking feet and Quetta was so surprised she sat down to listen more closely because she couldn't believe what she'd heard and she just knew you'd never do it.
|
|
|
Post by Mini Mia on Dec 23, 2015 22:13:13 GMT -6
Congrats on the As!
Door opening: I open and hold the door for anyone coming out/in, (towards me), or coming in/out behind me. And I say, "Thank you," to those who open and hold the door for me. I've rarely had any problems with anyone. I had one with one guy in front of me once. He opened the door, walked in, and let the door hit me in the face. I guess it was because I'm a woman, and, you know, women open their own doors now. That, or he was just an equal opportunity jerk.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 24, 2015 8:45:43 GMT -6
Very proud, indeed. Thus far, she's got a solid A in her major, a perfect 4.0 in her minor, and hovering between a B+ and A- with her university requirements factored in; science classes (oceanography, anthropology, and meteorology) brought down her overall cumulative "A" GPA - she hates science! Hopefully a good GPA counts for something; she asked me to help over winter break to get her internship resume together and find businesses offering internships over summer break. She's got her grades, but no real experience in a working environment in her field.
It was a deluge here yesterday; the ravine is still flooded! When the rain finally quit, the winds picked up...the power went out five or six times last night. On the news, there was a report about how all the ski resorts in the area are severely hurting - it's been too warm to even make snow. Looking into next week, it's supposed to be much colder, and there's snow in the forecast.
"2.) Chiefly New York State and Western New England. a strip of grass, sometimes planted with trees or shrubs, between a sidewalk and curb"
It might not be the most common definition, and we aren't in New England, but the strip between the sidewalk and curb is always referred to the parkway here.
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt; maybe he didn't see you, or the door slipped. An "oh-my-gosh, I'm sorry!" from him would have indicted that was the case. All-around-jerks, though - one of my biggest "grrrr"s.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 24, 2015 14:47:35 GMT -6
Sorry, but that's a bad guess. Mine would be that the person in question was a complete a-hole. But that's just my guess of course.
Excellent! My niece is starting her student teacher semester beginning January - she was hoping for a class near home but ended up with one in PA. She went before Christmas break to meet the teacher and class - turns out it was a really good thing. The teacher was impressed that she showed up early for a meet and greet. The class is 2nd grade, and the teacher told her quietly that she would not be teaching 2nd grade next year - because she'll be the principal - and she's the one who will hire the new second grade teacher.
It's hard to watch Christmas Specials or work on your new computer when the power keeps cutting out.
It's probably the same system. I understand it's the first real polar air coming down from Canada this season.
Here, there's no distance between the sidewalk and curb; one abuts the other, although I have seen places where there was a gap. To be honest, having mowed a lawn or two, I consider it a design flaw.
|
|
|
Post by Mini Mia on Dec 24, 2015 20:51:29 GMT -6
IIRC, he stepped in front of me to get into the door first, and never looked back, just kept on going.
He most certainly was.
I didn't make a fuss. Just acted like it didn't happen.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 25, 2015 14:51:55 GMT -6
It's possible he was in an extreme hurry for some reason, but since he wasn't a fireman or a cop, I'm sticking with jerk.
|
|
|
Post by Mini Mia on Dec 25, 2015 23:31:49 GMT -6
Yeah. Me too. Thankfully it's a rare thing.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 26, 2015 18:50:09 GMT -6
Lets hope it gets even rarer.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 27, 2015 9:37:31 GMT -6
Let's hope. There is a recent commercial that I really like; one of many with similar themes over the years. I can't remember right now what company this recent one is for, but it shows a person doing a small nice gesture for another, who does something nice for someone else, who passes on and so on. Sometimes just a small kind thing is enough to get a person out of a bad mood, and make their day better.
Weird weather is still continuing here, though it's gotten colder. Xena Sis came by Christmas afternoon - she got back from a quick trip to Florida in time for Christmas, bringing with her her son for the holidays, her son's dog for forever (and LX wonders why we discourage her from getting a pet while she's in college; somehow they always end up living at the parents' house...sometimes with the kid in tow), and her new (10 year old) Mini Cooper convertible. We drove downtown and through the beach area with the top down; it was warm for Christmas day, but still only 45 degrees - we couldn't resist though! The beach was crowded, and not just with people sitting in their cars with the heaters on - there were kids playing on the playground, people in winter coats throwing frisbees, and a lot of general milling around going on by those just enjoying the warmish temperatures.
And my daffodils are up!
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 27, 2015 18:40:47 GMT -6
I remember that one - I think it was insurance but I'm not positive. I know Liberty Mutual did several of them, and one from Thailand was pretty popular.
If I understood the forecast, the cold that is hitting us is on the way to your area. It's about to get seasonably cold there. I don't know what that'll do to your flowers, but it may not be good.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 28, 2015 8:02:46 GMT -6
Dang, that sounds like a great opportunity! Hope it works out for her.
Though sidewalks abutting the street is common in downtown areas, I've never seen them up against the curb in residential areas. Having shoveled snow from a sidewalk or two, I'd consider not having a parkway a design flaw. The slop the plows leave at the end of the driveway is bad enough; I can't imagine having to shovel it off the entire length of sidewalk!
We're under a winter weather advisory until I think tomorrow afternoon. It's supposed to start off as snow this morning (about now, if the forecast is right), then change to icy rain this afternoon. I'd better get going - Monday is Grocery Day, and I'd much rather do it in snow than ice.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 28, 2015 17:33:27 GMT -6
The cold has arrived, along with 3/4" in rain. Wind chills were in the 20s.
It makes it very easy to shove it off onto the street.
Go! Go! If you don't get that done, they'll blame us and then they'll bar you from coming to Whoosh and no one will be happy!
Not shopping today though - Bro just called and said lets meet at Red Lobster. Sounds like I need to get ready soon!
|
|
|
Post by katina2nd on Dec 28, 2015 22:59:43 GMT -6
Speaking of college, the semester's grades just in - all As. Takes after her Mom no doubt. Seriously though, congratulations all round.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 29, 2015 6:52:32 GMT -6
Good plan if you want to get fined; shoveling snow into the street is illegal...not to mention counterproductive, because the plow is just going to throw it back again.
Never ended up going. I was up with a fever all night Sunday, and naively thought I'd feel better after taking a shower yesterday morning. Pfft. Pretty much didn't move from under a pile of blankets on the couch yesterday.
It was a good place to be - the ice started early and the roads were a mess. It's above freezing now though, and the ice has turned to slush; the roads are still a mess.
Hope you had a good time with your brother...do you get to see him often? Mine was supposed to visit and bring his kids sometime over the holidays, but it's looking pretty slim now.
Let me catch my breath after laughing so hard! But thanks, Katina - Hubs and I were quite proud.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 29, 2015 17:26:43 GMT -6
And you let them make rules like that? And, "them" plowing it back is the reason you get your own plow be it mounted on a jeep or a blade on the front of a mower. (Or my preferred version, the blade is mounted on a remote controlled vehicle so you don't even have to leave the house.)
I'd say this was a silly time to let yourself get run down and catch something, but one of the guys at work called in sick today. This, after he and his wife were sick from Christmas Eve through Sunday, and feeling like he'd improved to death warmed over he tried coming to work Monday (so he could share what ever version of creeping crud he’s got I guess) but he wasn't able to do the whole day and it set him back. Now he may not be in until next year. You were smart enough to crash on the couch and snuggle with blankies - sorry that you're feeling unwell.
Good time? Well, no. But it wasn't his fault. It gets complicated - the sister in San Antonio had additional relatives visiting so we waited for Monday to go out - then the additional relatives which included her brother's cute but loud 3 year old granddaughter who had tons of unspent energy decided they needed to join us. And, the extra people made them something like 10 minutes late - not a horrible thing unless you also know that two large groups of people got ahead of us because of the delay. We had to wait quite a while before they could seat us. Then, with all the noise and that many people, any real conversation was limited. And my shrimp was slightly over cooked but we waited so long I just ate it. We see each other about once a year - they go to San Antonio once a year to visit with SILs sister and I meet up with them for an hour or two - it's about all the time they have to spare.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 30, 2015 7:09:34 GMT -6
It was the weirdest thing...I was fine, absolutely nothing wrong, no symptoms or warning what-so-ever, then BAM! my sinuses filled, and I instantly had a pretty high fever; felt like I'd been hit by a freight train, and was dragged along the track for 10 miles. Fever gone, and now it's just a head cold. It seems to season though; yesterday I saw a woman in the grocery store wearing a surgical mask...either to protect herself from others, or to protect others from herself.
Aw, I'm sorry you didn't get much of a chance to really visit....and that your shrimp was cold.
Same with my brother visiting with the kids...which has never happened without his ex-wife (who I love, and who will always be part of the family). They've been divorced, I think nearly 10 years - but except for romantically, they've always functioned like a family; family vacations every year, and since he works down in Cincinnati most weeks, she cooks dinner for him nearly every night, they go to all the kids' school and sports activities together, and he pays for their groceries, utilities, etc., and does whatever Honey-Do chores that need doing while he's there. Though he's dated off and on since the divorce, he's never had a serious relationship until now; he and his girlfriend (interesting tidbit - she's the little sister of my best friend from high-school) have been going out for more than a year. Here's the weird part - my ex-sister-in-law has said she will never allow the kids to meet the girlfriend, which means my brother can never bring the kids here without her coming also...which doesn't matter to me; I'd love to see her - it's been over a year. Feel bad for my brother though - he's living two lives, and I know it's wearing on him.
I didn't get much shoveling done yesterday - it was misting, there was two inches of slushy snow on top of an inch of ice, and I got as far as the front walk before I gave up completely. Oh wait! I did try to shovel the slop the plows left at the end of the drive, but only after one very heavy shovelful, I then gave up completely. Hubs couldn't get through it coming into the drive after work and had to park in the street. Before he could change out of his work clothes and into his shoveling garb, I saw the neighbor boy and his friend shoveling the end of their drive, and quickly hired them to do ours. Better, faster, and much less risky to have two strapping 17-year olds do the work, than a 50-year old with a torn-up shoulder.
One thing I did get done yesterday was putting away the Christmas decorations. Ok, to be truthful, I only took down Mom's little tree, and all the knick-knacky stuff we put out every year. The lights and stars are still out on the porch - I hope to take them down today before it starts snowing. The big tree is still up - I haven't gotten tired seeing it lit at night yet.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 30, 2015 21:07:53 GMT -6
See, I wouldn't say it that way. It'd be more like I had this raging fever - OMG I thought about putting my head in the oven to cool off! You know what I mean? I walked outside and all the snow in our block melted! It was terrible - just terrible. I made it to the couch and covered up as best as I could - with that kind of fever you also get terrible chills - although how that works I'll never figure out. Anyway, I basted under those blankets like my Thanksgiving Turkey in its roasting pan and finally, finally, the fever broke. But now I'm left with this nasty head cold - at this rate the girls will have kids before I'm completely better. I had this pounding throbbing headache - and when I tried to blow my nose my ears got this high pitched ring and my eyes nearly popped out. I need a serious double dose of Benadryl and three days of unfettered sleep. Hopefully during my recovery I'll lose all the weight I put on over the holidays. Oh, and I stubbed my toe on the way to the couch...
Thanks. I'm going to try to talk him into staying over night on their way back to El Paso, and possibly eating at Golden Corral - it's a buffet style steak place with pretty good food. I'm not really counting on it though - it's a long drive and Bro will be pretty much zeroed in on getting home. There's a golf tournament and he's already signed up for it.
What? She hasn't dated? Or has but the kids don’t know it and haven't met him? Or more to the point, she's the EX and has no say. (Can you tell I have an opinion here? My parents went out of their way to ensure their problems intruded as little as possible on us. You cannot imagine how much not being in the middle or a weapon with which they beat each other up meant to having peace.) No matter how nice the person is under other circumstances, kids as weapons in any form is a no no.
You can stop right there. Unless it's a matter of life and death, slushy is a perfectly good reason to not do it, no matter what "it" is - but especially shoveling.
That was very nice of you! And it was probably a very wise decision too. Shoveling slush is a good way to over strain and stretch everything pertaining to your body.
Yuck. Never do housework now that you can put off until later. And I have an excuse - Steppet's birthday is in the middle of January and she likes to have the house lit up for that too, so nothing that looks like un-decorating is going to happen for several days yet.
I hope to take things down before the end of Spring - or mid summer at the latest.
Ditto.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Dec 31, 2015 8:40:58 GMT -6
OMG, you are doing it again! Channeling Hubs. Except you musta had a fuzzy connection during that last part - Hubs would never incur a common injury such as a simple stubbed toe; he'd have broken it in three places, require pins to put it back in place, and need an additional sixteen weeks of unfettered sleep to fully recover.
Hope it works. Turn your Powers of Persuasion on full-blast.
No, she hasn't dated. I asked her about it once - she said she had no interest; her life was complete with job and the kids, and she was happy the way things were. She also knew my brother was dating, but when he actually got a steady girlfriend, she was shocked and hurt. He even asked me, a few years prior, if I thought it was "okay" that he was dating. Seriously???!!!! You've been divorced for how many years now, you're in your forties, and you're asking your sister if it's wrong for you to date???!!! WTF?
I think it doesn't have anything to do with her using the kids as a weapon. In my opinion, their kids are waaaay too sheltered...as far as they are concerned, they are all still a happy family, except Dad doesn't live with them...some of the time. Before my brother's company got the contract in Cincinnati, as soon as school let out for the summer, ex-wife and kids would move in with my brother in Michigan for the summer until school started again; now that he works most of the time in Cincinnati, it wasn't until recently (and until the girlfriend insisted...and I don't blame her), that he stays in a hotel, and not at the ex's house. As weird as it sounds, it worked for them for a long time, and it was done so the kids had a "normal" two-parent upbringing. I've even had doubts if they know that their parents are divorced.
That's sweet!
We had light snow yesterday, with no wind - perfect winter weather for a walk. I thought. I had a couple of errands downtown to do, but underestimated how cold it was...or how many pairs of socks I should have put on to keep my feet from freezing.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Dec 31, 2015 14:13:30 GMT -6
My apologies – I confess I was getting tired.
I wonder if I could be that lucky?
I think there are unresolved issues there.
Because he was there so much as far as she was concerned he was still hers.
It’s great that you remain on good terms with all of them, but I can see that getting a little uncomfortable if they all start asking for advice.
I hate when that happens – cold feet are no fun at all.
|
|
|
Post by katina2nd on Dec 31, 2015 17:52:40 GMT -6
The full enchilada here at the minute, fires at the bottom of the continent and raging floods up the top end. Couldn't find anywhere specific so this is as good a place as any I guess, like to wish one and all a very Happy New Year and a 2016 filled with love, happiness and most of all good health.
|
|
|
Post by Mini Mia on Jan 1, 2016 1:00:35 GMT -6
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Jan 1, 2016 9:21:37 GMT -6
There are, of course. We (the whole family) always thought they'd get back together. A few years ago, they were actually talking remarriage, but while spouses should also be best friends, sometimes being just best friends is best. They love one another, but they aren't in love.
Which is why I stay out of it.
I hope you're not in either area, but are safely sandwiched in the middle like Vegemite in a veggie sanger.
Happy New Year to all!
|
|
|
Post by katina2nd on Jan 1, 2016 18:54:30 GMT -6
I hope you're not in either area, but are safely sandwiched in the middle like Vegemite in a veggie sanger. Happy New Year to all! You're really on a Vegemits roll now Gams. I'm down the bottom end but well clear of the fires thanks. Cooler weather has eased the situation somewhat but some decent rain is needed to bring it completely under control, fingers crossed it comes soon.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Jan 1, 2016 18:58:40 GMT -6
One of those "if we only knew then what we know now."
Sage advice for many situations.
I'm sure you mean that as a good wish, and certainly we wouldn't want Kat caught up in either problem, but the Vegemite thing - I'm not so sure that's kosher.
Good luck with that rain Kat.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Jan 5, 2016 8:11:00 GMT -6
I did the first real snow shoveling of this winter yesterday; we were supposed to get 6-8 inches, but I don't think that much fell. It was nice and fluffy snow too, not the heavy slop we got last week. It was pleasant actually, to be outside shoveling - the sun was shining, and not too cold or windy.
I walked downtown later, and met a man walking two Akitas; he has four, he said, but can only walk two at a time because of their strength. Though I've always admired their beauty from afar, I've never had the opportunity to pet an Akita. They're even more beautiful up close, and oh-my-god, so, so soft. I had to take my gloves off just to sink my fingers into all that thick fur. The man said they are loving this wintry weather.
My Quetta too, who doesn't have nearly has much fur, and who is often mistakenly called Akita by some because it sounds so similar - same pronunciation without the 'a'. She was having a ball yesterday while I was out, tunneling through the snow, and purposefully running under the shovelfuls I was tossing so that it'd rain down loads of snow on top of her, just like a kid would do - she wanted to be outside all day.
Not so much now, though. It's only 13 degrees - too cold on her feet for her to want to stay out long. Don't blame her; I'm glad I don't have any shoveling to do today.
|
|
|
Post by stepper on Jan 5, 2016 17:17:47 GMT -6
I had to look up Akitas - and I don't know that I've ever seen one in person.
I think that's true of a number of dog breeds. Even Blue Eyes liked cooler weather - and playing in snow though not so much as Quetta. That would have made a great video!
Thirteen would be a severe problem here. We're in for more rain this evening and tomorrow, and slightly cooler temps.
|
|
|
Post by Phalon on Jan 7, 2016 7:30:36 GMT -6
They look to me as if they have perpetual smiles.
It'd be even funnier if I could catch her body sledding down the ravine hill. She lays on her side at the top, and swims doing the side stroke until she gets enough momentum to slide down the hill. She's done it enough times each winter that it's gotta be something she does on purpose for fun.
Our ravine used to be the neighborhood sledding hill; if it wasn't my kids and their friends, there was always someone knocking on the door asking if they could sled. It's been a while though; BP was always the youngest neighborhood kid - most of the children were LX's age and they've all moved away. There was a knock on the door yesterday afternoon, and low-and-behold, when I opened it, there were two little girls from down the street asking if they could sled down the hill - and the snow was perfect for sledding; the sun had melted it just enough that there was any icy-slick crust on top.
Then I said something that made me laugh afterward, "Have fun. And don't get hurt."
It's something Mom would have said. Like any of us ever planned on getting hurt!
|
|