Watertown, NY, USA . "Public Square" (vintage, date unknown) but the monument is honoring veterans of the American Civil War so the date of the image is late 1800s

Thursday, January 31, 2019

(17:14 UTC-5)
(+10*F...."feels like" -9*F....snow....winds 19 mph out of the west/south/west)
(Now Playing: "Beat Bobby Flay" re-runs on the Food Network)
    Between the snow and the wind the visibility is maybe 100 feet....and at times less than that....commonly referred to as a "white out conditions"....and the wind direction of west/south/west is the direction from which historically we get our heaviest snowfalls....the dreaded "lake effect snow"....the small city I live in is about 20 miles "as the crow flies" off the east end of Lake Ontario....The manager where I live, lives about 20 miles south of here....last night the wind was out of a different direction slightly and the snow went to the south of us....they got at least 2 feet of snow, and it was still snowing....so will have to check with him tomorrow....that's assuming he can get here....
   I had a couple of purple top turnips that were getting a little soft, and just a little parsnip left so decided to use them for my mid-day egg white dish....and just some chopped greens from green onions....but when I went to get out the liquid egg white that I use, saw the package of radishes....now I've love radishes....but have always eaten them raw....never cooked....but reasoning that they were after all  a "root veggie".....and chopped and added them to the dish....butter, salt. pepper, a dash of red pepper flake....some mozzarella and grated blue cheese....and of course the egg white....and was quite enjoyable....not all of my spur-of-the-moment ideas work out, but this one did.... 

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

(19:19 UTC-5)
(+5*F....-14*F w/ wind-chill....snow showers....winds....WSW 18 mph)
( Now Playing a Youtube mix (link))
    Although we have got some light snow today....so far not the multiple feet of snow that was predicted....not at least in the small city I have called my home for 52+ years....with the temperature being as cold as it is right now it's highly unlikely that we would get a real heavy snowfall (knock wood)...strange things have happened weather wise in this area....
   Did not venture out today and unlikely to venture out tomorrow....Friday and/or Saturday seem to be my best options as the temperature will be a bit higher....the weather forecast is still for rain....Sunday through Tuesday....and with the snow we have on the ground now....things could get very sloppy....
   Therefore it'd been a quiet day here in my warm, and cozy rooms....much game playing online....and an exchange with my old friend "Moose"....who I haven't see in going on 53 years...have seen him since high school graduation....
   Tried something a little different with my mid-morning egg white dish....got some biscuits from the morning breakfast buffet....and used them as a base....for some sausage. a little bacon, some chopped green onion, a dash of pepper, salt and garlic powder....and a small dash of red pepper flake....some mozzarella....and of course the liquid egg white....another winner....which will be made again....

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

(19:02 UTC-5)
(+22*F...."feels like" +15*F....snow)
(Now Playing: Meat Loaf 3 Bats Live (link))
   We didn't get the 12" inches of snow possible over last night....maybe 3 or 4 inches tops....but it's been snowing on and off most of the day....and is predicted to stay about the same conditions through Thursday....so no telling how much more snow we may get....
   Now during warmer weather a trip to the local Plaza....Ollie's, Thrift Store, and Dollar General....t's maybe a 100 feet out the backdoor and over the lawn to the back of the Plaza....but with the snowdrifts and banks from plowing....I have to walk up to the lobby....across and down the driveway to the plaza....at least 3/16th of a mile....but it's been several days since I went there....and there were a few things I wanted....note: not needed....just wanted....big mistake....the sidewalk along Arsenal Street was impassable....so out into the street....and even then the footing was less than perfect....normally a trip like that my  take 35 or 40 minutes....not the 70 minutes it took me today....got back in one piece...but not one of my better decisions....

Monday, January 28, 2019

(19:54 UTC-5)
(+1*F....feels like: -16*F....cloudy winds: 11 mph)
(Now Playing: the current "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   Now normally (if anything about me can truly be called normal) I would not have walked today....but the forecast is for the temperature to raise over night and up to another 12" of snow (on top of the 3 feet plus we already have on the ground....and snow on and  off from Tuesday to Thursday with a possible accumulation of 3 feet of snow....so the weather gave me 2 options....either walk today or wait until Friday or Saturday....because the long term forecast calls for warmer temperatures and rain Sunday through Tuesday next week....now as much as I dislike walking when the temperature is plus single digits w/ a minus "feels like".....I know from many years of living in the Northcountry of NYS how to dress for it....and I handle that better than I handle walking in heavy snow conditions....the sidewalks are often unusable....it's hard for peeps to keep up with the accumulation....and it would force me to "take it to the street:...one of the busier in the small city I live in....and with the poor visibility....I'm afraid I might end up as a "hood ornament" on a SUV....so off i went when it was +4*F & a feels like of 10*F....and will look for a spot to walk Friday or Saturday as well....part of an important part of my current diet is fresh fruit and veggies....I have enough in my "winter pantry" of canned and package food for 2 to 3 weeks....but I'm a grumpy, gimpy stubborn, old codger, who's stuck in his ways....and I want what I want....and I'd miss the fresh fruit and veggies....  

Sunday, January 27, 2019

(21:16 UTC-5)
(+11*F...."feels like" 0*F....winds WNW....8 MPH....)
(Now Playing" "Lt Ellis of Shado" a Shado re-run (link))
   Been a very quiet Sunday....winds around 20 MPH most of the day....a little new snow....but with the wind speed, the snow was drifting and the visibility was limited....besides...decided to wait a day or two before walking outside....give peeps a chance to get their sidewalks clear....besides it going too be high 20's to low 30" Tuesday.....and will probably wait until then....don't need much of any thing but do want to look for a few things at Ollie's and Dollar general....but will need to walk before the weekend....the long term prediction is for rain starting next Sunday through Tuesday....so I plan to walk to Aldi's towards the end of the week....I actually have enough food in my "Winter pantry" to  last 2 or 3 weeks...but I'd would run of fresh foods....veggies....breads and the like....which are an important part of my normal diet....could get by  without them....but I don't want to....besides Aldi is just across the street....and sure over the next few days I can find a "hole" in the weather that I can get out in....
 
   

Saturday, January 26, 2019

(21:24 UTC-5)
(+10*F...."feels like" -1*F....mostly cloudy....8 mph winds)
(Now Playing: another mix off Youtube (link))
   What I like about the Youtube mixes....although they are selected for me probably by a program....there are pieces I have listened to in the past or very similar to what I listen to....and because my taste in music is quite eclectic...so are some of the mixes....the one playing now is mostly classical/liturgical....
   Well our good luck avoiding the "lake effect snow" must have run out overnight....I awoke to find about 3 feet of freshly fall snow....I'm very thankful that my living arrangements makes dealing with it's removal someone else's problem....but it does put a crimp in any plans I might have had to walk outside....but having lived in an area all my life where "lake effect snow" is common....I always keep a "Winter pantry"....I grew up in western NYS....in the "lake effect snow" area off Lake Erie....and for the last 52+ years in another "Lake effect snow" area in what is known as the Northcountry of NYS...in the lee of Lake Ontario....as a child and young adult I used to enjoy the Winter weather....except when I had to work in it....but being well paid for my efforts made it tolerable....but as a retired senior citizen....I avoid it at all costs.... 

Friday, January 25, 2019

(20:11 UTC-5)
(+19*F...."feels like" +7*F....snow showers....11 mph winds)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube (link))
   We never got the heavy "lake effect snow".....that was predicted....(knock wood)....because they've extended the warning through 10:00 tomorrow morning....what we did get was light snow and winds around 20 miles an hour....and one's better judgement for a walker like myself would have been to stay snug and warm in my rooms....but my judgement has oft been found wanting....I needed to walk...for no better reason than I wanted to walk....oh I had several excuses...oops sound reasons why I had to walk....probably shouldn't have....but did anyways....was going to use the ATM at the bank but it was "on the blink".... and the bank was about to close so I dashed in and got some cash....needed bananas....so across the street to Aldi....also picked up some protein bars....and back to my rooms in one piece....did I mention the sidewalks were impassable....and I had to walk in the street....a very busy street....in poor visibility conditions....at dusk....I'm fortunate not to have ended up as a hood ornament on a SUV....but I got my exercise....I don't think I'll try that again....well at least not until the next time....

Thursday, January 24, 2019

(20:26 UTC-5)
(+28*F....wind-chill +17*F....wind 13 mph)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-runs on the USA Network)
   The temperature is dropping again....and we are under a "lake effect snow" warning until mid-morning tomorrow....9 to 17 inches of snow possible....but the heaviest accumulation is expected slightly to the south and east of us....up on the Tug Hill Plateau....however all the wind has to do is shift a few degrees in it's direction....and we could get clobbered....
   Based on that possibility....slim as it might be....i waited this morning until the rain changed to snow....temperature was in the mid-30's F....sidewalks were clear except for a few spots which were avoidable....had planned to go to the convenience store and Price Chopper....but  was talking to one of the kids that work the desk here on the 3 to 11 shift....who also works part-time at T.J Maxx and the fact that I was looking for a mortar and pestle....and she told me that they had them for sale....so T J Maxx is just a short detour....so added the side trip to my walk....and now have a marble mortar and pestle....saw a garlic press and that came home with me as well....all I got at Price Chopper were veg....some green onions, some purple turnips, a few shallots, and some parsnips....I've only had them once....years ago....in a mash....paired with potatoes....but I just diced them, salt and pepper and some good cheddar....and made an white egg dish....I will definitely get parsnips again....  

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

(20:05 UTC-5)
(+42*F....rain)
(Now Playing: TNT starting at 11:00 this morning airing "Star Wars" episodes I-III....currently episode III)
   36 hours ago it was -15*F w/ a wind-chill of -30*F....as above it's now +42*F and rain....and between some winter mix....the rain will last through tomorrow morning....the temperature will drop and the rain will become snow....this has so far been the weirdest Winter weather I can remember in by 71+ years....of course I have little or no memory of the first 4 or 5....
   Didn't not walk today....didn't even consider walking outside....but hopefully I'll catch so decent walking weather tomorrow or possibly Friday....need to make stops at the convenience store, Price Chopper, and possibly T J Maxx....I've been wanting a mortar and pestle....and one of the desk clerks here also works at T J Maxx and says that at least they had one....so it's worth a look....got what I needed at Aldi yesterday....but need....check that...what a few things Aldi doesn't stock....

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

(20:25 UTC-5)
(+19*F....+6*F w/wind-chill....winds 12 mph)
(Now Playing" another Youtube mix (link))
   The mix tonight is all choral music....most of which is in a style which I loved to sing before age and essential tremors deprived me of my high tenor voice...but I still love listening to it....(most of the videos show the "sheet music"....
   When I checked the weather this morning just after 07:00 the temperature was -15*F....w/ a wind-chill of -30*F....high for tomorrow is predicted to be +39*F....oy vey....and snow changing to rain is also predicted....good grief....
   Not wanting to test the fates and or my karma....walked mid-morning....when it was +10*F....and a +4*F wind-chill....after living all but 9 semesters in college either in the lee of Lake Eire....(about 20 miles east of Buffalo, NY) or in the Northcountry of NY....in the lee of Lake Ontario I know how to dress for the snow and cold....hate it....but I know how to deal with  it....so I am now restocked with fresh veg and fruit....besides the market is just across the street....and the only thing that got cold at all was my face....and damage there would probably be an improvement....(hehe) 

Monday, January 21, 2019

(20:39 UTC-5)
(0*F....w/wind-chill -10*F)
(Now Playing: a James Bond Marathon on BBC America)
   Actually was colder this morning when I check the weather just after I awoke....but will warm up tomorrow with snow expected and then rain is predicted for Wednesday mid-day through evening....so it looks like it maybe Thursday before I get to walk again....may run out of some of the fresh foods, especially fruit I eat daily....but I do have a nice selection of  canned and dried fruit so I'll be fine....this is the 3rd day that because of the weather I have been "trapped" in my rooms....and it maybe 2 more days before I can get out....with my TV, and WiFi and my desktop....not a bad way to be trapped in doors....and lest I forget....a full pantry....but the hotel I live in does have a treadmill and a stationary bike....I can use....plus I can always "hall walk"....
   

Sunday, January 20, 2019

(20:04 UTC-5)
(-4*F....-20*F w/wind-chill....winds at 10 mph)
(Now Playing: "Strong Poison" episode one (link))
   When I awoke around 06:00 this morning....conditions were -4*F....-22*F w/wind-chill....w/15 mph winds....and the whole day has been pretty close to the above numbers all day....and overnight maybe colder still through Monday into early Tuesday....and then rain is now predicted for Wednesday....oh good grief....
   So I have spent the bulk of the day in my rooms....with the exception of a couple  of trips to the lobby for some coffee....spent most of the day online....and did watch a little of the Rams vs Saints playoff game....didn't really care who won....but needed the brake from the desktop....may catch a little of the Pats vs. Chiefs....would prefer that the Chiefs won....but frankly not a big deal either way

Saturday, January 19, 2019

(20:47 UTC-5)
(-2*F....snow showers....-22*F w/ wind-chill...15 mph winds)
(Now Playing: "Have His Carcase" episode one (link))
   We're on the upper edge of the major storm storm that's sweeping through the North Eastern USA....but if the temperature stays as predicted for the next few days....I don't think we'll see that much snow....it's just dang cold....and the wind makes it feel even colder....I used to work outside and in  unheated warehouses when the temperature was -25*F or even lower....but 3 factors....(1) I know how to dress for it....(2) I was a lot younger then....(3) and most important I was well paid....although I still know how to dress for the cold....I am much older....and retired....so I ain't going out in this weather unless there is a very good reason....and I mean a very good reason....storm should be pretty much over and past us by mid-morning Tuesday....so won't even consider walking outside until then....

Friday, January 18, 2019

(18:09 UTC-5)
(+28*F....+22*F wind-chill....cloudy)
(Now Playing: my mix off Youtube (a bit of everything)(link))
   The temperature is predicted to "drop like a stone" and be -2*F with a -18* wind chill by dawn tomorrow and stay single digits and  minus wind-chill through Monday....with the high Monday of 0*F....and a low of -17*F....and with the wind-chill lower than that....oy vey....hence & ergo....did what little left of my shopping until Tuesday or Wednesday....a stop at the convenience store....and a few items at Price Chopper....the sidewalk was a bit slippery....we got a light dusting of snow over night....but traffic was light....walked just after 08:30....so walked in the street on the way back to my lodgings....as I could walk "facing" the traffic....
   When I made the switch from canned mushrooms....was just using the generic white mushroom, but had picked up some Baby Bella mushrooms yesterday at Aldi....and had them in my egg white dish this morning....and have decided that that is the way to go in the future....
   Besides the above just spent most of the day online....and expect that will be the same deal for the weekend....I have no reason (that I am aware of at the moment) to venture out before Tuesday or even Wednesday....and won't....baring the zombie apocalypse.... 

Thursday, January 17, 2019

(21:43 UTC-5)
(+17+F....cloudy....+6*F wind-chill)
(Now Playing: another one of my mixes off Youtube)
   The mix playing tonight is one that contains a lot of choral music....most of which....the screen shows the "score" of the music and it advances with the piece....when I sang with the local choral society....last time was 15+ years ago....I would practice with a book of the score on my lap and listen to a CD of the music....but if this asset had been available it would have been wonderful....remember we're talking about the age of the midi file (link))
   Did take the planned walk to Aldi....and have everything I need food-wise through Tuesday....another cold weekend is in-store for us through Monday....temperatures at least during daylight hours looks like they'll be pretty typical for this time of year....mid-20's....but light snow is predicted....and after doing the math....probably don't really need to walk....but will if the sidewalks look passable.... 

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

(20:59 UTC-5)
(+9*F....clear...-2*F wind-chill)
(Now Playing: "Sink the Bismarck" (link))
   According to the weather forecast it's going to be cold Saturday through Monday...temperatures in the single digits....with wind-chills below 0*F....probably will pick a time on Friday to walk....light snow predicted for Friday AM....light snow I can handle....actual I can't handle single digit temperatures....I just don't want to unless it's something very important....although close running out of my daily banana isn't one of them....although I do have a "running gag" on my Facebook time line about the "quest for the willy banana".....
   Been a very quiet...restful day....if you read the below post you'll see that the walked planned for today occurred last night....
   My willingness to experiment with food yielded two wins today....mushrooms and the tops of green onions paired with blue cheese in my mid-day egg white dish....and turnips with fresh garlic, and shallots w/ butter....pre-cooked and then some sausage (Polish) and BBQ sauce added and reheated....lovely....have added them to the growing list of must make again....

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

(20:36 UTC-5)
(+29*F....+19*F wind-chill....cloudy)
(Now Playing: Peter, Paul & Mary...."All the Best" (album)(link))
   Much warmer today....of course that's relative to the cold weather towards the end of last week....the plan was to only walk once today....to Price Chopper....pickup a few things that Aldi doesn't carry....and then Aldi and the ATM tomorrow....picked up a few shallots....and some anchovies, some salmon packed in E.V.O.O....and a package microwavable pasta....and while in that aisle saw some olive pesto....I like using pesto on open face sandwiches....and so I thought I was in for the day....but then logged on....or rather tried to log on to the net, and discovered no WiFi....it was down in the hotel I live in....and I had timed things to take care of on two of the online games I play....nuts....and partially out of frustration....or maybe boredom....took the walk to Aldi and the ATM....and when I got back the WiFi was back up....was about 50 minutes late on the games but in the long run didn't real cause even a minor problem....plus I was in a much better mood....picked up some bananas, 2 differnt jars of pesto, a red and a green....a bottle of ketchup....a package of dark chocolate bars....and was looking for an item for the freezer....(defrosted it last night)....ended up with a package of soft pretzels....one of which has already been consumed...ergo....will probably spend tomorrow indoors....  

Monday, January 14, 2019

(21:35 UTC-5)
(+15*F....+8*F w/wind-chill....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube (link))
   Finally typical Winter weather has arrived....except for the coming week end when the temperatures will dip down into the single digits....day time temperatures for the next several days will range between mid-teens and high 20's....but with the slightly higher temperatures the chance of snow returns....
   I hadn't been to the plaza for several days...and there were some things I needed from Ollie's and Dollar General....and probably head to Price Chopper tomorrow....in the good weather I might do both walks as one....but with the snow some of my "shortcuts" are not passable....but I looked out the backdoor and the quick way to the plaza seemed to be passable and it was....so went that way....now it leads me to the back of the plaza....and the lot and driveway was extremely icy....but being very careful....didn't have a problem....but decided....that I had tempted fate or my karma and got away with it once....and wasn't about to tempt it twice in one day....so took the safe way....how be the long way back to my rooms....didn't really get much in the way of food stuffs....but just a few things on needed for my rooms....but will if the weather holds get the few food items I still get at Price Chopper tomorrow....there are things that either Aldi doesn't carry....or for example....at Aldi I might have to buy a bag of ....for example onions....but at Price Chopper I can buy just one....plus Price Chopper carries more "single served" choices in canned goods....
   

Sunday, January 13, 2019

(19:18 UTC-5)
(+5*F....clear)
(Now Playing" Eagles vs. Saints on FOX)
   Haven't watched that much of the NFL playoffs....as the rural folk I grew up around would have said...."1 dob't have a dog in this hunt".....Bills didn't make the playoffs....
   Didn't intend to walk today but posted on my FB page that I wasn't going to walk because of the cold....but the running gag I've been playing with that I was running out of bananas....got a reply from my sister....they were going to be on my end of town and offered to bring me some bananas....after a few replies....I had an invite to the nearby Chinese Buffet....which I accepted....but as I was getting dressed....I figured that I'd "Kill to birds with one Chinese lunch"....and have them drop me at Aldi....so I dressed for the walk....my warmest winter duds....and did exactly that....had a nice meal with my sister and her hubby....2 of my nieces....a great niece & a great nephew....Sis is moving south next week....the last think she said to me was that I should behave myself....(obviously my older sister)....and I responded as I always do when I'm told to behave...."I always behave....sometimes very badly....but that's still behavior...."
   With all my preparation for shopping....I made my list....and as more often than not....I forget to take the list with me....but I a display of amazing clarity on my part....I got every thing on the list.... 

Saturday, January 12, 2019

(20:00 UTC-5)
(+2*F....clear....wind-chill....-7*F)
(Now Playing:"NCIS" on USA Network)
    When I awoke just before 07:00 it was also +2*F....and no wind-chill....it's been a little warmer during the day but temperature is headed towards a predicted over-night low of -4*F w/ a -15^F wind-chill....Today was the third day in a row that I have stayed indoors....tomorrow high is only predicted to be a +12*F....now if I needed to walk I would....but unless something happens  that I have not foreseen....I don't need to walk....and I wouldn't....because high temperature for Monday are in the mid-20's so that will be the best choice....
   When I was posting to one of my other blogs I thought about a parody of the Dr. Seuss green eggs and ham ditty....and that lead me to making green eggs and ham for my mid-day meal....well green egg whites and ham anyways....I had a jar of pesto....and added that to ham, potatoes, shallots, scallions, bacon, some local sharp cheddar, and a locally made sausage called Crogan Baloney....a nicely spiced sausage....a nice meal....but probably because of the moisture in the pesto took about 2.5 minutes in the microwave before it was done....

Friday, January 11, 2019

(17:44 UTC-5)
(+3*F....-7+F wind-chill....partly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "King Arthur"(2004)(link))
  When I awoke this morning just after 06:00 local time the temperature was 0*F....with a -10*F wind-chill....and the overnight low is predicted to be -3+F....the high temperature Saturday is to be +14*F and the overnight low -6*F....so looks like another day at least in my rooms....took it easy all day....a bunch of online games and spent a fair amount of time modding the one of the FB groups I'm a member of....it can be time consuming but it has it's perks....I've found some interesting sites and memes from reviewing those who wish to join....their timelines, groups and likes....I found a few picks that I'll post below in the footer sometime today....
(20:57 UTC-5)
(+2*F....wind-chill -6*F....clear)
   The hotel I've lived in for the last 8+ years has an outdoor pool....despite the cold it was a sunny day....I asked the manager if they were going to open the pool today....his response was....he would if I promised to do a belly flop dive....now that would bring to meaning to the old term "an ice breaker"....and probably would break me as well...so I declined....nite all....

Thursday, January 10, 2019

(20:13 UTC-5)
(+15*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "NCIS" re-runs on USA Network)
   The snow stopped right around noon local time....and since then the temperature has been dropping like a stone....right now the wind-chill is -1*F and about 8 tomorrow morning the prediction is for a temperature of -1*F....and a -14+F wind-chill....now when I worked sometimes I had to spend time in temperatures and/or wind-chills of -25*F or even colder....but I was younger than and being well paid....the only time in my 50+ years I've lived in this area that everything shutdown one day because of cold weather....the temperature was -55*F....with winds of 50 mph....and a wind-chill in-excess of -100*F....according to the authorities....frostbite and hypothermia could set in in less than a minute....and it was literally unsafe to go outside and I didn't....even now I'll walk if the temperature and/or the wind-chill is in single digits....but below zero I'll wait until it warms up ( if single digit temperatures can ever really be called warm )....but as I right this I have at least 3 weeks of food in the pantry....I always "stock-up" every Fall....since I no longer drive and depend on walking....cold temperatures (as above) and deep snow or icy conditions are just to hazardous for me to consider walking....I walk with a cane and have balance issues....
(Note: have added two pictures in the footer from the Blizzard of '77 that effected our area....see the link to the Blizzard of '77....I live in the section in the article under "Northern New York")

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

(18:24 UTC-5)
(+29*F....snow showers)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube(link))
   We got every little snow overnight....maybe 2 to 3 inches of snow at most....plus with the temperature in the mid-30's F....what was there quickly turned to slush....but went out on my every few day quest for the wild banana....they lurk in food markets....fortunately there's one of the hiding places just across the street from were I live....but I'm too gimpy to try to J-walk across what is one of the busiest streets in the small city I live in....so it's out the front door....a short walk in front of a bank next door...across a side street....using the crosswalk and the walk light....and then following thee same process cross the busy street....but today....the bank hadn't cleared their sidewalk yet....so I had to make my way through the packed snow which was turning to slush....oy vey....and the worst of it it's a branch of the bank that all my accounts are in....I'll have to tease the manager about that the next time I'm in the bank....so I got my bananas and a few other items....and should be fine through Monday....still predicting up to 12" of snow overnight and Thursday....and then Thursday night temperatures dropping to 0*F and wind chills in the minuses....until mid-day Sunday....but except for the bananas....I have my Winter pantry full....and there's always delivery....I eat a banana a day....and I really I'm not fond of bananas....but I'm as a former soccer player and runner (track, cross-country, 20Ks and a couple of marathons)....I'm prone to leg cramps....the dread "Charley Horse"....and the banana contains trace minerals (which the body can't store) that help alleviate or at lest lessen the severity of the problem....or at least that's the idea behind it....and it helps me....       

Tuesday, January 8, 2019

(22:07 UTC-5)
(+38*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: one of my mixes off Youtube(text))
   I realize that living in the lee of one of the Great Lakes....to be exact....Lake Ontario....makes accurate weather forecasting hit and miss....we got none of the winter mix predicted overnight....and rain and snow showers are predicted for tomorrow....but that been downgraded from heavy snow....12 to 14 inches....but like I always know predicting the weather up here is a "crap shoot"....you just roll the dice and hope you don't crap out....It's predicted to be in the low teens and single digit temperatures Friday through Sunday....with wind-chills below 0*F....and I don't walk in that kind of weather....and moderate on Monday to the mid 20s F.....but then....it's just a row of the dice....but have checked my winter stores and I've got plenty of food on hand....may run out of fresh food....but I've got plenty of everything else....besides....I might catch a brief lull and be able to get out....Aldi....were I get most of my food is just across the street....and I know how to dress for the cold....I hate the cold weather....more and more as I get older....but if I must....then I must....now where did I put my Carhart jacket....

Monday, January 7, 2019

(20:58 UTC-5)
(+29*F....mostly cloudy)
(Now Playing: "S.W.A.T." on BBC America"
   At +29*F it's the warmest it's been all day....was single digit temperatures over night and wind chills below 0*F....but overnight tonight starting about 23:00 local time there is "winter mix" predicted....snow/freezing rain/rain....and winds at about 25 mph....and warming up to the low 40's by tomorrow afternoon....and then snow Wednesday and Thursday Morning....so looks like I'll be in until than....but if I get a brake in the weather....who knows....but I've all stocked up....so I can "weather the weather"....
   Didn't walk today....was a little more gimpy than I have been of late....and it was just to dang cold for these old bones....besides....I walked past the laundry room on the way to the lobby to get a coffee and B said they weren't busy today....now normally Tuesday is the day housekeeping come in to clean my rooms and change the linen....but because Christmas and New Years fell on a Tuesday this year....they did my rooms on Monday the last couple of week....so I said "Why not"....so they did....

Sunday, January 6, 2019

(17:56 UTC-5)
(+22*F....cloudy....wind-chill +11*F)
(Now Playing: "Goldfinger"(1964)....on BBC America)
   According to the forecast the temperature might get as low as +8*F....with a wind-chill of -2*F....the snow that was predicted for last over-night....end up just a trace....the forecast might miss on the snow....but unfortunately never seems to be wrong when it comes to the temperature....rats....
   It's going to be much colder tomorrow....so I changed my plans and walked today....partially because of the cold snap predicted for tomorrow and because the snow that predicted didn't materialize....
   Have spent the rest of the day.....as/usual....with the exception that BBC America has been airing 3 of the early Bond films....but I for the most part just swivel the TV screen so I can see it from my computer table.... 

Saturday, January 5, 2019

(20:30 UTC-5)
(+35*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: Seahawks vs. Cowboys)
   According to the weather forecast it will start snowing around midnight tonight and snow through tomorrow morning....but according to the prediction maybe a couple of inches at most....but then as an old friend used to say...."The weatherman is the only person I know that gets paid for being right only 25% of the time".....but needed to walk within the next 3 days....wasn't sure if my one short cut would be passable....didn't feel like taking the long way around....so got dressed....can't see it from the back-door and to my great relief it was more or less clear....first stop was Ollie's....an outlet store....try to get there at least once a week because you never know what you might find....a quick walk through the thrift store and then to Dollar General....got a few things at Ollie's that looked interesting....a can of soup....and some bottled pears....nothing at the thrift store....and got the only thing I actually intended to get at Dollar General....now with 1 exception I drink only juice or water....but to explain....much of the water is flavored....I brew my own green tea, and some bouillon to drink cold and buy some sparkling fruit flavored water....but from time to time....not everyday....will have a Dr. Pepper....Dollar General carries 6 packs of 7.5 oz cans....which is just the right size for me....okay....and  4 snack size bags of chips....and of course the normal conversation with with the store manager....nice lady....   

Friday, January 4, 2019

(19:08 UTC-5)
(+33*F....clear)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube(link))
   After re-checking the forecast for the next few days....with snow predicted for Sunday and rain on Tuesday....I decided to split my walks, Aldi's today....and Ollie's & Dollar general tomorrow....and maybe the inconvenience store and Price Chopper Monday....with the snow and particularly the snow banks from plowing....most of my shortcuts are impassable......and the temperature for the today and tomorrow during the daylight hours is to be above freezing....walked after 11:00 local time....didn't need much....but needed to be stocked up until Wednesday....
   Have had after that a very typical day for me....did see a couple at Aldi I haven't seen in years....went to the same church some 30 years ago....and probably haven't seen them for the better part of 25 years....
   Nothing on the TV to watch today....so have set a special bookmark on my bookmark bar with links to some of my mixes....and have been  listening most of the day to them when I'm online....which has been most of the day....when composing an entry to one of my other blogs used the word "shmattah" (yes it's Yiddish)....and realized I hadn't added to the listing of Yiddish terms I use....so added it there....and here as well....I guess I could make you look....but....(shamattah....rags....worthless)....

Thursday, January 3, 2019

(20:21 UTC-5)
(+32*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: a classical mix off Youtube(link))
   Yesterday all that was left of the snow on the ground were the remnants of the piles left by plowing and/or snowblowers....and the odd shovel....but we got a few inches of snow overnight so it's white again....for how long is anybodies guess....it is predicted to above freezing for 4 out of the next 5 days and rain on Tuesday....the start of this Winter has been very strange indeed....as we would have said back in the day it keeps taking 3 steps forward and then to back....
   Had no plans to walk today....and didn't need to walk in the next couple of days....because I made some diet choices that require fresh veg....I need to go to the grocery store 3 times a week....not a big deal because it's right across the street....but I try to avoid extreme cold and rain....so will pick a reasonably decent day to make the trip....but at this point not Tuesday....
   Have had a reasonably quiet day....watched some NCIS re-runs on the USA Network....but spent most of the day online.... 

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

(17:43 UTC-5)
(+23*F....cloudy)
(Now Playing: "Pawn Stars" re-runs on the History channel)
   Temperature was down in the teens overnight with wind chills in the single digits....but needed to walk....and walked about 11:00 local time....temperature was +18*F with a wind-chill of +12*F....so I decided to dig out my heavy duty Carhart coat....and was nice and warm....except for the face....but was a beautiful, sunny day, and I had a nice walk....
   Now I've been brewing my own green tea for bottle iced tea....I use a coffee maker....but the spout is a little wide....and pouring it into the water bottle I'm using is a challenge....so walked a second time when it was a balmy +24*F....&....a wind-chill of +18*F....and really was comfortable....to the Dollar General....and bought a funnel....actually a set of three funnels....2 of which I have absolutely no use for....but for less that 2$....not a big deal....
   Other than that have had just a very typical day....and have no reason or inclination to walk tomorrow....the USA network is playing the first episodes of NCIS tomorrow....and although I prefer those episodes with Ziva, but like those with Kate....better that the new ones.... 

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

(19:17 UTC-5)
(+21*F....fair)
(Now Playing: one of my mixes off Youtube (link))
   My typical observance of the dawning of the New Year....or rather my typical non-observance of it started last night....I went to bed at 23:00 local time....and was fast asleep by the time the ball dropped in Time Square....( I live in the same time zone ).....and to day I failed to watch any of the parades or the College football bowl games that I assume were on but since I not only didn't watch any of it...I didn't even check the TV schedule to see when or if they were on....the last time I was purposely up at the stroke of midnight to usher in the New Year....and see if the Y2K bug was going to play hob with my desktop....I don't know how many times I heard people refer to the year 2000 as the start of the new....millennium....now I'm a pretty good historian....and I don't remember ever reading about the year 0 AD....( and thus and therefore ends my rant )
   Have had the quiet day that I not only had hoped for....but actually achieved....although I did awake with a case of the sniffles....and had one of my sneezing fits....I never sneeze once....this morning it was three in quick secession....and I'm not talking a polite achoo....my are  of the major rattler you bones variety....my record is 9 in a row....but I feel much better now....the incident was probably brought on by the crazy weather....I always seem to catch a cold during the transition between seasons....
   Have spent the day in my usual pursuits....mostly online gaming, surfing and posting to my blogs....and a bit of fiddling with the layout on my poetry blog....I don't know whether it's the muses or the simple fact that I forget that I can write poetry....but I don't write poetry....and therefore don'y post to that blog on a regular basis....only when the muse speaks....check that....when the whim strikes me....hey....write some poetry dumbbell....or more probably you dummkopf.....