What weird weather we're having #5

Sally, your moon picture is great. I keep my few indoor plants in the tub as well! If I think of it in the morning I'll take a picture:-p Don't think I'll have time though.

Good luck with finding your new Pal Portland, I sure hope that it goes quickly and without much consternation. Thanks for reminding us that we need to go and look at our Camellias. I always forget about those things until they are in full bloom.

Katie, I just read that link that you posted. it sounds as though this whole weather thing is going to start up your way and push down to us. You will have to keep us all updated so that we know what to expect!! I think for Seattle, in this case, snow might be the best way to go if those sort of temperatures are going to follow. If it were rain, and then those temps, it would be a bloody ice skating rink for a couple of days. I remember the Ice storm that seattle had a few years back, it was aweful. The ice was so smooth that people were sliding just tying to stand still. Can only imagine the ones who tried to drive in it.

Sofer, you have been quiet. What sort of stuff are they saying that you're going to get out of this?

I was trying to think of history places too. I know a lot of people who know some of the history. But they aren't up on computers, they just remember stuff. I also have found books in restaurants, those little local museums and bought one of my favorite bird books at the feed store.

rc...said valley floor, that would be me. On highway 58 actually. So like I said, I hope they're wrong this time. I can deal with cold, don't have to go out in the snow, but if the high winds come I get nervous. Surrounded by trees, even though I keep most of mine kept up, not much you can do about the firs. It's the power outages that do me in, we have a generator (hate using it) but there's mom next door and the critters, etc. Last time we had a serious outage I was doing soup/coffee runs to half the neighbors so they would have something hot. Elderly people in cold houses is not a good thing.

He's probably knee deep already and laughing at us. LOL

It's so great that your neighbors have someone like you Sally! You're a much needed commodity! I agree with you, I hope that they're wrong this time. I agree completely. I don't mind the cold. Snow, I don't like, but it's fine if I have to. Freezing and Wet, always spells outages and wrecks, and trees down. If trees come down and you should need it, and this is a very real offer, I'll gladly come over with a saw so that folks can get in and out of your rds. there. That is assuming that I can get there. But, it would make the day much more interesting than just any other day without power, that's for certain!!

who is knee deep and laughing? Sofer? Yep, I bet that you're right. Sitting there saying, "those wimps, they want to see snow and cold, come here!" And nope, I don't need to go see it there. Just knowing about it is just fine for me!!

That's for sure. EPUD is good about getting us turned back on quickly (they take care of the old folks) but the last time it happened they thought they had it on, went about their business and it was 3 days before they got back after we told them they only turned 1 house and the clubhouse. But our clubhouse has a kitchen and dining room/living room. So we set up there, gathered as many carafes as we could and started checking on everybody. One lady brought her cat in a carrier and sat there the whole time, she didn't want kitty to get sick. We just kept rotating fridge, pellet stove, freezer, so our place was good. Then we did the same at mom's, we kept a portable heater going there, but it was still cold.

Thanks for the offer, you never know I might have to take you up on it. That last snow we had, there was a man and his son who came to clear a path for someone from his church and ended up clearing a path at all 99 units. He was a sweetheart, I had already cleared a path to our car and to mom's house, so he did one to the mailbox for me.

This message was edited Dec 11, 2008 12:38 AM

ok... saws, shovels, whatever... I'm fair game for it all! As I said, I'd have much more fun doing that than hanging out at home in the dark!! I think I know what storm it is that did that to your area. That was an interesting for days around here. We actually had power in about a day. But, the interesting part was that a powerline came down across my driveway and they wouldn't let me go home. I told them that I would park somewhere on behind the fallen line and walk through the trees to get to my place. They still wouldn't let me do it!!! hmmmppff.

Don't ya hate when they stop you because some people would do something stupid.

yes!! I so do!

Red, I remember a couple ice storms, and I think they are about the most destructive weather we get; I’ll take snow over that any day.

So, are they pretty certain that this is going to stay snow for you?

OHHH!! Condolences on the up-coming storm. ACKKK having to wait for it- anticipating something. Hope it doesn't turn out to be awful. I'd be glad to help, but the commute would be a doozy. LOL

I am hoping to get a LITTLE Snow...a Little, little snow...

Lowell.......hmm, we lived in a tiny one room apartment in Lowell for a few months back in the 70's.....

Happy Birthday, Zhinusmom!!! Hope it the happiest!!!

Thanks.....It is shaping up to be a great Birthday, and they say a little snow Saturday or Sunday. Would be a wonderful late Birthday Present!!!!!

We are so hoping to have some measurable snow with this system. Our holidays are usually spent with grandparents in N. Michigan enjoying snow. This year will be the first in a long time we've not gone - Grandparents escaped to FLA. and they have 40" on the ground at their house that we'll miss.

I can do without the ice as that makes road travel up our hill impossible without chains. Any strength to the wind gusts and we'll be out of power again.... seem to be a regular event here lately. Trees are, thankfully, far enough from the house to not fall on it. We're working on getting the generator hooked up and working shortly. I've got soup started now and a cast iron kettle for the outside pit if we need to use it to eat. Kiddos liken it to camping indoors. My neighbors are wonderful folks, have all checked on me today to see if I have everything I might need in case of a bad storm. Most have promised to check back on Saturday. I guess from their tone, this is expected to be cause some difficulties. This will be our first experience with the PNW winter weather.

Portland, I hope your trip to meet your new companion turns out wonderful. Looking forward to hearing about your adventure.

Hopefully everyone stays safe and warm.

Oh, and check out all books by Pam Dennison: http://www.positivedogs.com/. Even if you're not a dog owner, her books are great studies in behavioral modification using only positive reinforcement. Bringing Light to Shadow made me cry (in a happy way) and made me realize that we simplify creatures and their motivations so much when in reality they also have very specific reasons for each and every one of their behaviors.

Jan, we don’t generally get the volumes of snow that you do, but even a little usually turns to ice quickly. We have so many hills and smaller bodies of water and the elevation rises from sea level to the mountains relatively quickly, so the temps always seem to hover just above and just below freezing. Portland is built at the mouth of a great river that runs into the ocean, so they seem to get some of the worst (which is made worse by the bridges and the sheer number of people trying to get around).

If you're interested, check out the pictures in the folder Windstorm of 1006-2007 at http://picasaweb.google.com/home?hl=en&tab=wq

I'll try to keep you posted on what we're seeing up here so you know what to expect. I just know that I need to stay home and winterize and cover things up this weekend . . .

The NE is going to get hit as well. Where I am located, about 30 miles south of Philadelphia, the weather is moderated by the Delaware Bay. North of us -freezing rain and ice and snow. Here, just rain. Current temp 40.
Can hardly wait for pictures of your new friend ( if it is to be) Portland1.

I remember the storm at Christmas out in Portland 1996. My son got married on the 28th. Our family flew in on Christmas night and we were lucky, cuz the airport was closed soon after we got in. Power went out for 3 days at his in-laws. They used their motor home as a generator, since they needed power for the feeding machines of the special needs foster kids that they had. DDIL hit a patch of black ice, but wasn't hurt, just scared. Anyway, it was a trip to remember.

Jan, I heard this morning on the news that you all on the East Coast were expecting a winter storm, as well. We're not usually all in synch, it doesn't seem. Generators are good.

Portland should be getting down to Grants Pass about now if she left this morning. Dying to hear some fun news on that front.

Ladybug/Kris, don't forget your headlamps. It's infinitely easier in the dark if everybody has their own headlamp on . . .

Katie - I do need to get some - would make it much easier to walk dogs before bedtime. I can't manage a flash light and my big guy just needs to 'think' he hears something that doesn't belong.... all bets are off then. At 180# it's all I can do to manage to keep him from running down whatever is lurking. Our fencing goes up during the holidays.... then I can stand and watch.

Hope Portland has a safe and enjoyable trip, can't wait to hear what she decides.

Just got caught up on this thread. Wow! So much has been discussed, I hardly know what to say. I do hope our bout with weather this weekend is not too severe. Sometimes I think those weather forecasters like to drum up some excitement to make their jobs more interesting. Other times the wind can run its own show.
I remember that 1996 storm, power out, family huddling in my sister's living room by the fireplace which we were also cooking over. Her daughter wasn't feeling well (a bad cold) and my kid had the Chicken Pox and was itchy and miserable. A big tree had come down across the driveway, so we couldn't easily get out. I could definitely have benefited from having and knowing how to operate a saw like Redchick. I am totally impressed by your capabilities! Not only firefighting, but supervising teenage work crews sounds like one challenging job. My sister did mop-up work with Forest Service firefighting crews in the 70's and then got into lookout work in Oregon in the 80's. She was on Green Mtn. and Hager Mtn. and maybe another one over the course of several years. I don't know if they still have operating lookout towers. i think I read somewhere that most or all of them had been phased out. She took some amazing pictures of lightning storms from up there.

Sally, Your community sounds like a good place to live, even with the inevitable difficulties that arise on occasion when people are working cooperatively together to take care of a place. The community spirit sounds pretty great overall, and how nice to have a clubhouse and pool and of course...compost area...something to make a gardener's heart go pitter-pat. I hope your son continues to cope alright with the MS. He sounds like a great guy. Anyone who's been an EMT has my respect.

Portland, so great that you are getting a dog. Sounds like you have been thoroughly researching just what you need. Fabulous that you are going to have just the right companion. Good luck getting him or her safely home.

Trisha, Happy birthday! It is my sister's birthday also today. I need to give her a call. How comforting to your mom that you live right close by. My mom is closer than she used to be (Chicago). I'm coming to Lacey later this month to help her through a medical procedure for a pre-cancerous spot on her lip. It would be easier if she were next door, but she likes the place she lives for the most part because it has a pottery and art studio and a community pool. Vashon isn't an easy place for older people to live because you can't get to medical specialists (or emergency medical care) all that easily.

Ladybug, The outdoor kettle sounds very picturesque, so long as it does not get tooo cold and your electricity is not out for very much longer. It would be a real shame for it to come back on only to be knocked back out by another storm.

Kathy, your dad's stories are fabulous! This is the kind of story that needs to be shared so kids know the history of real people. Have you been able to get any of his experiences on tape?

Happy Birthday to you, Trish

Trish ♪♪ Happy Birthday To You ♪♪ I let you have your late birthday gift if it's only a little snow. I'm getting too old to shovel snow!

Thank you for the kind words mauryhillfarm.

Jan...yes anticipation is the word of the day. Waiting on the storm....have I done everything I should?....what should I pick up at the store? Looks like both east and west are going to get it this time. And I agree with mauryhill about the forecasters. They try to make everything sound exciting and are almost disappointed when it doesn't happen. Hope everyone can just snuggle up somewhere warm and ride it out.

Can't wait to hear from Portland.....did she or didn't she meet a forever friend?

Happy birthday, Trisha, from one Sagittarius to another!!

I take it as it comes, they really never get it right anyway I can have snow and drive 5 miles away and they have none or the other way around. I have been thru the 1990 ice storm that was really bad, and the 96 I almost lost my horse barn with the horse in it, think goodness we got to it quick. And a few others, with out a generator, I am so glad we got one 2 years ago and for my wood stove keeps the house warm and I can cook on it.
We have power outages all the time even in good weather.
But the real thing is, if you have outside animals thats where you really need watch out for them.

Thanks so much for all the Birthday Wishes everyone, this has been a really good one....Laura gave me a framed print of the Carrbridge Scottland Bridge in the Snow.....so I got Some Snow for my Birthday!!!!

Can't wait to hear new doggie stories!!!

Mauryhill, sounds like your mom is in a really nice place. Mom just had a place removed from the side of her nose.....she's with Group Health and the Dermatologist there just happens to be a good friend of ours so he keeps a pretty good eye on her....she had had several skin cancers over the years.....all those years in Oklahoma sun! My sister in law works at St. Peters, and several of my husbands good customers are doctors.....so we have it pretty good when we need medical advice.

I remember the 96 Ice storm.....hadn't seen anything like that since living in Alaska when I was about ten years old.... One of my favorite books is called Hannah Fowler it is about a pioneer woman in Daniel Boones time and and they have a bad Ice Storm one winter....the sights and especially the sounds of our storm were straight out of the book!!! I can do without another one of those!!!

I know that skin cancer is not a good thing, I have had surgery on my face and have to go and be checked every 6 mo. I read that book long time ago. was really good and yes don't want to see another one.
Glad you are having a good B-Day.
Hugs
Tills

This message was edited Dec 11, 2008 10:21 PM

Sure hope the weather is kind to us.....you usually get it a lot worse than we do down here....as I said I don't mind a little bit to look at, but don't want a lot and do not want to have to drive in it.

Did you guys see this one? How does he do this????

http://www.maniacworld.com/art-in-the-eye-of-a-needle.html

Aw, take it easy on the weathermen, Mary. They do prepare us for lots, even if they aren't right to the degree. And the PNW is supposed to be one of the most difficult in the U.S. to predict. I did just hear that recently.

You're right about the animals, though.

I hear that there's a mad rush for winter clothing - like, what, nobody has any clothing left from last year?

Here's the road up from my driveway (I'm at the end of the road) in December 2006.

Trish...so happy you got your snow for your Birthday!! That is such a lovely picture. That link was awesome!

I just finished writing a newsletter for our Orchid society, I had to call a couple of people to confirm things and told them both if the streets are icy next Wednesday (our Christmas potluck,darn) I won't be at the meeting. They are all worried about greenhouses, heating is going to cost them a bunch.

I took a class with Tim Chuey, one of our local weathermen, at the senior center. He said what they do is an educated guess. Most of the time they get it right, but then somehow another front comes in and messes up the whole thing. He's a neat guy, loves to talk about the weather. He's always doing programs at schools.

This is my back yard April this year.....we don't get snow as a rule. Stayed for 3 or 4 days, since it was just the snow it was kind of neat. We didn't need to go anywhere so we just enjoyed it.

I think that's why everyone is so worked up by this storm, they're saying snow for 4 or 5 days, and temps in the teens, we just don't get much. So it's a big deal here.

Katie, you mean you can’t just predict chance of rain everyday?

It could be like sunglasses. Seattle is the sunglass sales capital of the US; I figured it’s because everyone loses their sunglasses between each time they’re really needed. Since we don’t get a lot of really cold weather maybe everyone for got where they put their winter clothes last year.

Sally, I’m glad you like the picture. It got second place in the photo contest and is one of my favorites.

Happy birthday Tricia! belated, but I just got back on here! I'm so surprised to hear that you lived in Lowell. why?

Thanks Mauryhill. I agree, strangely enough, knowing how to operate a saw is a skill that I'm glad to know. If it weren't for my job, I wouldn't use it all that often. However, often enough that I would miss it whenever I had to ask someone else to do the work for me. Most of the time, the teenagers are pretty good kids. But, even good kids manage to produce some vicarious situations that make interesting stories later on. Did your sister work on the Green Mountain near Oakridge? I think that green mountain had been renamed dead mountain by then. They did intend to decomission all of the lookouts, with the thought that the job could be done better by helicopters, and they made very good progress on completing that goal. However, they did find along the way that the helicopters actually cost more to run on a regular basis. But, they can identify the location of a fire with pin point accuracy. So, they did leave the lookouts with the most expansive vantage points in service, a few had to be rebuilt, and they put the helicopters up when they know that something is going on. Imagine that..... they found that using people power was more cost
effective than machines! Being a lookout is one of the most interesting experiences that one can have in a job, I think. You should go visit some of them!

Tilly, I hope that this is nothing like the 96 storm for you or any of us.

I do hope that they're overestimating this a little. But, I think that having all of us overprepared is better than them underestimating it and we are underprepared. Unfortunately, I think that this thing is going to hit. I don't know about the snow amounts, but I bet that the temps will be pretty accurate. I was reading something put out be the National weather service, it looks about as the weather people are saying, however the NWS aren't weather anchorpeople, they aren't trying to get people hyped up or tooled down, they are not on tv of radio, they just configure the weather forecast. If I can, I'll post the recent link that I read here.

This is a little long, it wasn't a link. It's a summation of the weather frong given by the NWS last night.

National Weather Services warns that the weather systems headed for Oregon and SW Washington could bring some of the “coldest weather in several years.” A combination of factors, from low pressure systems coming from the Gulf of Alaska to an Arctic air mass moving in from Canada, are forecast to deliver very cold temperatures, snow – particularly in the Cascades and Coast Range, high tides and some coastal flooding, and strong winds both along the coast and inland.

Summary:

The first system is forecast to arrive late tomorrow morning (Friday, 12/12) with precipitation and winds through Saturday. Snow will be significant in the Cascades, 2-3’ during this time period, and blizzard conditions are likely with the accompanying winds. The Coast Range is likely to have accumulations (7-15 inches) of snow during this time. The valley may have some accumulation of snow, 1-2” above 1,000 feet, and bursts of snow and cold rain showers with little accumulation possibility until Sunday.
Winds with the first system are expected between 30-40 mph and gusting to 60-70 mph on the coast. The Coast Range may experience winds 30-40 mph and gusting to 65 mph. In the valley winds are forecast at 20-30 mph sustained and 45 mph gusts. Most of this wind event is anticipated to be Friday pm to Saturday am.
Along the coast high surf from a combination of the highest tides of the year and the windstorm could cause coastal erosion and some flooding.
Sunday the Arctic air mass will be moving in from Canada and Washington and with it very cold temperatures, from the teens and 20’s at night to highs around freezing during the day. Any precipitation on the ground, rain or snow, could freeze and become icy. As the week progresses, the forecast inland is for dryer and continued very cold weather.

Hazards:

Transportation – be extremely careful of slippery road surfaces – from precipitation (rain, snow) to leaves and windstorm debris accumulation. If you travel, be sure you and your vehicle are fit for challenging driving conditions, that you have an emergency kit on board at all times http://www.co.benton.or.us/sheriff/ems/documents/travel-kit_brochure.pdf , and that you slow down. Do not hesitate to defer travel if conditions are extreme. Stay abreast of conditions as you consider travel, “know before you go.” www.tripcheck.com or www.weather.gov/portland are two internet resources and dial 5-1-1 for road conditions from your cell phone.
Supplies – particularly critical supplies such as medications, fuel and food. Prepare now in case road and weather conditions limit safe travel.
Power outages – related to the wind event, accumulations of ice and snow on tree limbs that break over power lines, accidents. Be prepared for power failure – to keep warm and have light safely. Remember, if you use alternative heating or cooking from a combustion system it must be properly vented according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Never leave an open flame unattended.
Winds - secure loose property and holiday decorations around your house to prevent damage from strong, gusting winds.
Frozen pipes – disconnect and drain hoses, cover foundation vents and hose bibs to insulate them. Indoors open cupboards near plumbing to allow warm air to circulate around them. Protect pipes to appliances and utility sinks in garages.
Domestic pets – take extra precautions to protect even outdoor pets during this sustained cold spate. Consider additional shelter such as a garage or barn.
Check in – with at least three other people who may not be able to endure a severe weather event, being housebound, or a power outage. These vulnerable populations can be in serious trouble without needed supplies, heat or light and check on them can make all of the difference in the world. If you’re someone who may have a tough time dealing with cold, power outage or being shut-in, reach out and let others know that you’d value a visit, a check-in. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people would love to extend a hand, but may not know how.

The cold weather coming may last longer than one week. Stay abreast of changes as forecasts are updated and extended. Monitor weather on local news and on the internet: National Weather Service, www.weather.gov/portland Oregon Department of Transportation at www.tripcheck.com

Jan, I sure hope that everyone over there fairs well. We'll keep our fingers crossed!

I think with the weather you just have to wait and see.

This is true. But, I do like a headsup on what I'm waiting for! Can't sleep tonight? or just a lot going on zhinu?

Honestly, just waiting for DH to want to go to bed. I don't have the other kids tomorrow, so I only have to be up for an hour between when I go to bed and when I have to get Sage from school, and since I just have her in the morning I can doze during the hour I do have to be up. I hate having to go to bed early; I'm most productive this time of night, so when I have the ability to do so I do.

I'm just usually not on here when I have done so recently. I'm working on getting the information off my old computer and on to my new so we can wipe the computer and give it to MIL for Christmas. Hopefully if she has a computer that is reasonably useable we'll see her on here more. We got her an account, but she’s only been on a couple of times, but with as slow as her computer is I can’t blame her.