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, February 28, 2019

[21:15 UTC-5]
[+5*F....-1*F w/wind-chill....fair....South/East winds at 3 MPH]
[Now Playing: "Strong Poison" [link]]
   I had determined earlier in the day because we got a fresh snow fall of "powder"....which covered up the ice that still remained on the sidewalk....but it was such a mice sunny winter's day....and I was dealing with a mild case of "cabin fever"....and walked just after 17:00 local time....which gave me about an hour before nightfall....and the footing was for the most part very good....a few bad patches but they were easily avoidable....during the spring through to fall I usually spend at least sometime during the day out of doors....if nothing more  than to sit outside....so when winter forces me to remain indoors....I can get a little antsy.... 

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

[21:30 UTC-5]
[+9*F....-5 w/wind-chill....light snow....winds out of  the North/East at 12 mph]
[Now Playing: another mix off Youtube[link]
   Even though the temperature during the day was much like yesterday when I walked made the decision to put off the walk I had planned until tomorrow or maybe even Friday or the weekend when the temperatures will be warmer....but this time of year warmer is a very relative term....not warm as in 70*F warm....but warmer as in "just not so dang cold".....nothing I planned to pickup was critical....and the walk was much longer, partially because of the snow banks from plowing have rendered my "short cuts" impassible....so today has been a quiet day, a warm, cozy, restful day in my rooms....the weather reports call what we are getting snow....but it's hardly perceptible....I doubt that there are more that 2 dozen tiny flakes in a cubic yard of air....the size of head of a pin....and a small pin at that....and virtually no accumulation....up here we hardly give any accumulation under 12 to 15 inches a second thought....
   Typical quiet day spent on line....keeping up with Facebook....I have a twitter account I haven't used in probably two years....get daily alerts in e-mail which I promptly consign to the trash bin....but haven't cancelled it....may have need of it....but have no idea how or why....G+ is going away....haven't used that in quite awhile....it will not be missed....I used to post occasionally to a poetry site....but as I haven't felt the muse of late....haven't posted to my poetry blog either....but that's more of just a convenient place to "store" my poems....have thought about making it a private site....but it's really not worth the effort....it rarely gets a "hit" anyways....which is okay with me....  

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

[21:15 UTC-5]
[+13*F....+1*F w/wind-chill, partly cloudy....wings out of the North/West at 10 mph]
[Now Playing: Holst...."The Planets" [link]]
   I felt like listening to Gustav Holst's "The Planets" tonight and went looking in  my quite extensive classical music bookmarks and discovered or rather didn't discover it there....had apparently never bookmarked the whole piece....so off to Youtube and it's search function....and I  found a recording of a performance recorded in 1971 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra....a recording that I had years ago first on vinyl and then cassette and finally a CD....always my fav recording of the piece....which I'm listening to as I right this post....and have bookmarked it and "filed it away" so I don't need to go looking for it again....that is if I can remember where in my many bookmarks I put it....
   I walked this AM when the temperature was still in the single digits and the wind-chill was below zero....could  have waited til afternoon when it was marginally warm but it was a bright sunny day when I walked....and somehow it really didn't feel that cold at all....besides....the walk I was making means I have to cross Arsenal Street....not only one of the busiest in the small  city....if not the busiest at time....and the 30 mph city speed limit is basically treated as a suggestion which virtually all of the drivers choose to ignore....add in the distraction of the cellphone....and crossing the street can prove a challenge....I only cross at the designated and mark crosswalk and only when the "walk light" is on and some days I feel like a matador avoiding the onrushing bull....or SUV....
   Still need to walk in the other direction but probably will wait until Thursday or Friday....when the temperature will be in the high 20's F to mid 30's F....and again take my chances crossing the street....which begs the question "Why did the gimpy, grumpy. old Trollie cross the street....because some dummkopf put where I want to go on the wrong side of it"....IMNSHO....    

Monday, February 25, 2019

(08:53 UTC-5)
(+20*F....+4*F w/wind-chill....cloudy....winds out of the West at 21 mph)
(Now Playing: "Hornblower" episode 4 (link))
   The forecasts for the storm yesterday and today seems to have been a bit blown out of proportions....we did get winds in the 30 mph + range...but very light snow....but the manager of the establishment were I reside....lives south of here....and was late getting in this morning.....the wind was pretty bad and the visibility was poor....the only remnants of the storm were winds in the 30 mph range most of the day....I wanted to walk....but with the sustained winds and occasional gusts....this gimpy, grumpy old man with balance issues though that his best decision was to wait until the morrow when the winds are a more normal for the area....high teens and low 20's mph....an all to common condition up here....will be colder low teens w/ wind-chills around 0*F....but as I have written before....the cold I can deal with....no I'd rather not deal with it....but I know how to dress for it....and I needed to pickup a few things....but truth be told if I didn't need a few things....I'd probably manufacture an excuse to walk tomorrow anyways....provided that my knees aren't singing the mournful dirge....ergo....another quite day....did watch a little tube....NCIS re-runs on the USA Network....but past that....the usual games and surfing online....and seeing to my responsibilities as a moderator on a Facebook group....  

Sunday, February 24, 2019

(20:27 UTC-5)
(+35*F....+21*F w/wind-chill...snow....winds out of the South/West 30 mph)
(Now Playing: "Gaudy Night" (link))
   Although the above weather report from the Weather Channel is for the city I live it....most of it is pure fantasy....temperature is about right....no snow and the winds are less strong....I have no doubt that it probably does apply to places within the area....but as of right no I haven't seen so much as a flake of snow....it did rain earlier....and I did see some lightning and heard the accompanying thunder....but based on the gap between seeing the lightning and then  hearing the thunder....it was to the south of my location and was at least 3 or 4 miles away....but if he's not  buried in snow....I'll talk to Matt tomorrow and see how bad the weather was were he lives....south and near Tug Hill....
   It was quite windy today....and decided not to walk outdoors....plus the threat of rain was sufficient to keep me in my warm....wind free...rooms....and for a Sunday some decent TV programming and of course there's always the internet....    

Saturday, February 23, 2019

(21:54 UTC-5)
(+36*F....+29* w/wind-chill....cloudy....winds out of the East at 10 MPH)
(Now Playing: "My Mix" of the day off Youtube(link))
   I truly wish that the National Weather Service would make up it's mind....now the warning is for blizzard conditions....still the possibility of high winds....but in all likelihood will be slightly below us up on Tug Hill....but any amount of snow....and according to The Weather Channel  hourly forecast....in the 25 to 30 MPH range is going to mean almost zero visibility....aka: "whiteout" conditions....but if we get the 4 to 8 inches as predicted....up here we won't call that a blizzard....takes more than a foot to even get our attention....
   Really didn't need to walk today....but didn't want to "waste" a "warm" winter's day....of course in this case is a relative term....with wind-chills and actual temperatures being in the single digits and dipping in to the -0's *F....mid-30's feels warm....besides the winds were listed at 2 mph....dang up here in the lee of Lake Ontario....winds have to be over 15 before were call it anything more than a stiff breeze....but to the walk I didn't need to take....actually I did need to take it....not for the purpose of buying anything....but for the sake of just getting out in the fresh air....have been thinking about getting crock-pot....people have been calling me a cracked-pot for years....so I crock-pot makes prefect sense for me....but seriously....which is hard for me to pull off....I love me a boiled dinner....and a crock-pot is just the thing to make one of those delightful meals....checked at Ollie's but they didn't have exactly what I wanted....but as/usual with that place...I check back in a few days and they might get some in....I know exactly what I want....and will wait til I find the right one....

Friday, February 22, 2019

(20:59 UTC-5)
(+29*F....cloudy....a light breeze out of the South at 1 mph)
(Now Playing: my day's mix off Youtube (link))
   Today was a great winter's day for a walk....so I walked....the sidewalks were still icy in spots....but the worst of it was avoidable....went to Aldi and the sidewalks were much better than Wednesday so I took the time to go to Big Lots....they didn't have the canned stuffed grape leaves I was hoping to find....should have bought both cans the last time I was there....but hadn't had that brand before....but as we'd say back in that day...."that'll learn ya"....stores like Big Lots, Ollie's and on some things Aldi's when you see something you think you might like buy it then....because it may be gone never to be seen again....but got a nice piece of Genoa salami....and a bottle of black Himalayan salt....I have regular sea salt (well right now what I have is also kosher)....pink salt....grey salt....and now black salt....not to mention a couple of salts mixed with hot peppers and/or herbs....I may eat quite simply....but I eat well....also got another toy for food prep....to the mortar and pestle, the garlic press, the micro plane....and a host of knives....I now have a knife sharpener.....oops forgot the blender....and the coffee maker....which I never use to make coffee....but tea and bouillon....which I never drink hot....but chilled....and least I forget a set of measuring spoons....and I'm sure I've forgot to mention something.....

Thursday, February 21, 2019

[20:49 UTC-5]
[+34*F...."feels like" 25*F....cloudy....winds out of the West 13 mph)
[Now Playing: "The Navel Treaty" a Holmes mystery (link))
   It was a very nice winter's day and I walked early....just after 08:30....a bit windy and damp....but not as clod as it has been....did make stops at Ollie's and Dollar General....and did pick up some miscellaneous items....nothing  of any great consequence....it was more about the walk....and the talk.... the clerk who checked out my purchases at Ollie's....than the manager at Dollar General....and finally the manger where I live....I got back to my rooms, changed from my outdoor attire, put things away....looked at the clock and realized I had been gone for the better part of 2 hours....usually a similar outing would be about an hour at most....but a very enjoyable start to the day....
   Have spent the rest of the day as/usual....some TV....USA Network has re-runs of NCIS on Thursdays but really didn't watch that much....just wasn't into it as it were....just spent most of the day online....so what's new....
   Not looking forward to Sunday through Monday morning the National Weather Service has  issued a High Wind Watch that time....winds of 35 to 45 mph....and gusts up to 75 mph....and the possibility of extended power outages....oy vey....this has been a wild winter....and seems like it still has some tricks in-store for us....(will post the warning in the footer) 

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

(20:35 UTC-5)
(+28*F....+19*F w/wind-chill....cloudy....winds out of the South/South/East at 9 mph)
(Now Playing: "1776" (link))
   We have light snow and/or rain predicted overnight....according to the forecast temperatures should be in the mid 30's F tomorrow....it's about time....
   If I had waited until after noon it would have been warmer....but I walked just after 10:00 when the  wind-chill was still in the single digits....I needed some things at Aldi....but decided to keep a couple options depending on the conditions of the sidewalks....varied from clear to packed snow....and  in places icy patches....some under the snow....can be very tricky to traverse....got to the point were I could turn up to the bank....wanted to "hit" the ATM for some pocket money....also needed to move some money between accounts....and the side walk up that way was mostly dry and clear of ice/snow....so took the opportunity and got the cash and took care of of my accounts....and across the street toward Aldi's....where I could take the sidewalk to Big Lots....but it was hard packed snow over ice....now if I really needed what I was looking for....I would have gone....but I merely wanted it....as a back up....and for  once....I chose to abort....and headed into Aldi....Now I always prepare a detailed list of what I need....and more often than not I leave it on my work table....and did again today....but was only maybe 30 feet from my rooms....and remembered and went back and got it....and for once actually got everything on the list....of course a few other things ended up in my cart....but a successful trip....

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

(19:11 UTC-5)
(+16*F....+9*F w/wind-chill....clear....wind out of the South/West at 4 mph)
(Now Playing: "A Scandal in Bohemia" (link))
   The current temperature right now is the warmest it's been in the last couple of days....warmer still tomorrow and in the 40's* F....and some rain....and warmer for the next few days....but I've lived in the Northcountry far to long to be deceived by the warmer weather....I'm quite sure that old man winter still has a few tricks to throw at us....
   Therefore....I made the decision not to walk today....not that I  won't have bundled up and walk  if I had some need or errand that needed my attention but as I didn't....I decided not to walk....
   Have spent a quiet day....except for the weekly visit from housekeeping....has been Monday of late....but with the water problems yesterday....it was decided by mutual agreement to have it done today....and have spent the day mostly online....

Monday, February 18, 2019

(20:50 UTC-5)
(+8*F....-3*F w/wind-chill....clear....winds out of the west at 2 mph)
(Now Playing: "Ender's Game on HBO2)
   Well the repair of the leak in the boiler room took far less than feared....water was off for maybe 5 hours....and I didn't even use more then a little of what I had set aside....and despite the cold....wind-chills in the single digits and winds in the 15 mph range, the walk....well as far as the weather went was not unpleasant, but the sidewalks were a mess....we had gotten about 6" of snow over night....and none of the sidewalks on the way I had to walk were shoveled/blown/plowed or other wise cleared....but there had been people walking on  them and there were badly rutted....so the trip was physically demanding on this gimpy, grumpy, old codger....but it was worth the aggression....Aldi does not carry the root veggies that have come to be an  important part of my diet....when I was a kid....we lived in a rural area and had a large garden....and kept chickens....so fresh food in the summer time and my mom  both canned or froze a lot of what we grew for the winter....root veg and cabbage were common fare at  the table....
   The weather will warm up mid-week through the weekend with temperatures in the mid 40's....but I've lived up here long enough to be cautious....I won't be surprised if old  man winter still doesn't have a few tricks in his bad to throw at us....  

Sunday, February 17, 2019

(19:32 UTC-5)
(+18*F....+6*F w/wind-chill....cloudy....wind from the northeast at 10 mph)
(Now Playing: Brahms "A German Requiem" (link))
   Was a pleasant winter's day....and continue so for the next couple of days, some light snow is probable....and turn warm mid-week and beyond....march is approaching ....and with it most years warmer weather....but in these parts you can never really....I've seen significant snowfall as late as early may....and years ago when I played golf...there were years that I was able to play as early as the last week of March...but the long term predictions look promising (knock wood)....
   Had a nice lunch with my brother and his wife....they're leaving Wednesday to spend about a month on the gulf coast of Florida....they've been doing that for the last few years....both are retired school teachers....and although none of their three kids still live in the area....they do have ties to the area....and from what they have no plans to move there....my sis and her husband just moved to a retirement community in Florida....but do have plans to get a small place in the area....
   As for me....I've spent my whole life....save for 9 semesters in college....either in the "lake effect snow area" off Lake Erie or Lake Ontario....and have no plans to move south....I'd miss the seasons....but as my brother pointed out....as I live in a hotel....dealing with the snow....that is the removal of the snow....is no longer my problem....if my living situation was different and I was responsible for that job....I might have a different opinion on changing locations.... 

Saturday, February 16, 2019

(21:31 UTC-5)
(+17*F....partly cloudy....winds out of the n/n/e at 3 mph)
(Now Playing: "The Six Napoleons" a Sherlock Holmes adventure (link))
   The weather seems to have calmed down for awhile and the next few days are predicted to be in the mid-20's F during the day....and maybe just some light snow....basically a very normal Northcountry winter....
   Decided to go to Aldi this morning just needed a few things....but got looking at some of there cheeses and saw a wedge of fontina cheese....never had it before but from watching the Food Network I know that it is a semi-soft cheese that melts well....and since I usually put one or more types of cheese in my microwave egg white dishes....and I like to use at least one cheese that melts well....I thought that it might be a welcome addition to what is becoming a rather large selection of different cheeses....and after the first usage of it for my 2nd meal dish....it definitely is a "keeper"....about the 2nd meal egg dish....made a little more than I wanted at the time....so decided to have it later....now a while back I had bought a bottle of onion gravy for use with potatoes....and thought maybe it would go with the warmed up egg dish....and it was quite enjoyable....another idea to file away for further use....
   Had a call from my brother earlier and he and his wife are headed to sunny Florida for about a month....we chatted for awhile and will get together for lunch tomorrow....   

Friday, February 15, 2019

(19:53 UTC-5)
(+31*F....+19*F w/wind-chill 19*F....light snow....winds from the w/s/w at 18 mph....)
(Now Playing" "Classical Baroque Music" off Youtube)
   The wing has calmed down considerably since earlier in the day...gusts where 35 mph+.....and light snow....visibility was limited....ergo....I stayed in my warm, comfortable rooms all day....except for a couple of brief walks up to the lobby to get some coffee....but tomorrow looks like a very nice day....well relatively speaking....the month of February, in the Northcountry of New York State and in the lee of Lake Ontario....mid-20s* F....and little chance of snow....besides all I contemplate doing is a short walk over to Aldi....just needed a few things....truth is I really could wait a couple of days....and the full truth is I really don't needed anything....want would be closer to the truth....the plain truth is I want to get out and about....I need the exercise....and get some fresh air....I may even extend the walk and get a burger and fries at Burger King....been quite some time since I've done that....
    

Thursday, February 14, 2019

(19:34 UTC-5)
(+28*F....+20*F w/wind-chill....cloudy....winds from the East at 10 mph)
(Now Playing: J.S Bach...."Magnificat" (link)) 
   According to the forecast it will start raining soon after mid-night and continue in to the early afternoon....temperatures in the mid to high 30's F....then turning colder and changing to snow for a few hours....although the weekend looks good....mid 20's F....
   I had planned to walk today....Ollie's and Dollar General....really did need to much if any thing....more an excuse to walk than the need of anything special....but I try to get to Ollie's at least once a week....being a "bargain" outlet....you have no idea what you might find....and if it strikes your fancy....buy it....because you could go back the next day....and it would be gone forever....did pick up a few things....another glass bowl for cooking in the microwave....and a grinder of nutmeg....and then off to Dollar General....now in the summer time I always plan to stop at Dollar General last....and buy among other items a small cup of ice cream....but despite the winter weather bought a cup....and some icy hot rub for my back....a small bag of candy....and some mechanical pencils....and the usual conversation with the manager....a nice lady and a good sport....and the obligatory teasing of the check out clerk....all-in good fun....and they give it right back to  me....also have the same relationship with the staff at Aldi....and because my diet is centered around fresh fruit and veg....and I have limited storage....and live alone....I'm in Aldi at 2 or 3 times a week....but it's a quick trip....just across the  street....  

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

(20:37 UTC-5)
(+24*F....-10 w/wind-chill....cloudy....winds out of the west at 18 mph)
(Now Playing: "The Birth of S.H.A.D.O." (link))
   We did get a little snow overnight and briefly a drizzle of freezing rain....but not of any real significance...and tomorrow is predicted to be a very nice, typical winter day in the Northcountry of New York State....but rain is predicted for Friday....this has been the craziest winter I've every seen in my 71+ years...seems that "old man Winter" just can't make up his mind....
   Could have waited for tomorrow to walk....but decided to walk today....and it turned into a very typical shopping trip for me....only really needed bananas....but by the time I left Aldi had a overflowing sling bag....and an item or two in my backup cloth bag....but it is quite common for me to go out for a few things and end up seeing some things I may not necessarily need....but....they end up in my bag anyways....but with the weather being so changeable, I like to keep stocked up this time of year....

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

(19:34 UTC-5)
(+23*F....+10*F w/wind-chill....winter/mix (snow/sleet)....east winds at 16 mph)
(Now Playing: a mix off Youtube (among other pieces several classical "flash mobs"(link)
   The winter mix which could be any combination of snow/sleet/rain/freezing rain is to continue through 23:00 local time and then change to all snow through out most of Wednesday....Thursday looks clear....but Friday is forecast for rain changing to snow....and since it's doubtful that the clean up will be complete Thursday....looks like it'd just me....my warm cozy rooms and the internet and/or the "old boob tube" until at least the weekend....but I am well supplied for longer then that....except for bananas....but have other fresh & dried fruit....so at least I'll eat well....and there always is delivery....and yes I am heartless....I won't venture out....but I'll order delivery....and I tip well....
   I am very thankful that being retired....I no longer have to deal with the snow and the cold on a daily basis....that is someone else's problem....not mine....but for many years (when still working) it was my problem....I ran a very busy shipping/receiving/warehousing department in a local factory....which included 40,000 square feet of un-heated warehouse....and at times in the winter the "indoor" temperature was as low as -25*F....but I learned very quickly how to dress for the conditions....but I'm very glad I no longer have to deal with the weather....except on my own terms....

Monday, February 11, 2019

(21:01 UTC-5)
(+13*F....0*F w/wind-chill....winds out of the North/East at 11 mph)
(Now Playing: a mix of Youtube(link))
   Starting sometime tomorrow morning we are predicted to get a two day storm and maybe up to 18" of new snow....Thursday is predicted relatively snow free....but might not be a day I can walk as the snow removal might not be complete....and then winter mix for Friday....so I might be in my rooms until the weekend....just a few more things I needed if I was unable to take my walks until the weekend so walked earlier....today was the day for housekeeping to clean my rooms....and I let them know I'd be out....and by the time I got back they were done except for vacuuming the carpet....after 8+ of living here....and knowing the head housekeeper....nice lady and  trust her to do her "thing" without having to work around me....
   My walk was a bit dicey....we had gotten about an inch of snow overnight....which hide the ice left over from the bout of freezing rain we had....so I was very careful....never slipped once....but from the tracks in the snow others had....but didn't look like anybody fell....
    

Sunday, February 10, 2019

(20:31 UTC-5)
(+21*F....winds out of the south at 2 mph)
(Now Playing: "Gaudy Night" (link))
   It was quite a pleasant winter's day....but winter is coming back with more snow starting Tuesday morning, through Wednesday....maybe as much as 17" of new snow....(Have put a copy of the alert in the footer....
   But today, was a great day for a walk....had made a shopping list before I left for my shopping at Aldi yesterday....as usual made a list of what I needed....and also as is far to often....left the  list in my rooms....got everything else but forgot the mushrooms....and besides wanted to pickup another piece of the goat's milk cheddar, which was in the "went it's gone it's gone" section....needed to go to the bank and get some money from my checking account....via the ATM and my debit card ( do not, and will not have another credit card....a sad tale which I will  say no more about)....then to Aldi....got my cheese and my Baby Bella mushrooms (Crimini)....now I had been given last month a "Christmas Tree"....actually a 12" cedar in a pot....which I have watered daily....so then went to Farm Tractor....looking for fertilize sticks....but they don't have them out yet....on the way back had to walk practically right by Big Lots....I had bought some celery salt spice and could remember where I got it....but took a look and there it was....the bottle I have is getting low....also got some dill and sage....and a tin of stuffed grape leaves....and honestly was pretty much all-in physically when I got back to my rooms....with the weather being as it has been....I fear I'm a little out of condition....being cooped up in my rooms....tried the stationary bike that is available but the seat and my tuckus are not compatible....oh well....  

Saturday, February 9, 2019

(19:47 UTC-5)
(+19*F....+9*F w/wind-chill....clear....south west winds....7 mph)
(Now Playing: today's "My Mix" off Youtube(link))
   The weather is finally getting back to a typical winter....temperature tomorrow is expected to be in the mid-20's....and snow forecast for mid week....and some rain later in the week and on the week end....although it was much colder this morning....(+17*F....+2*F w/ wind chill)....decided to walk than....the temperature didn't start to rise until near dark....and with the  chance there would still be some slippery spots left over from the ice storm just past....plus far less traffic to be concerned with....walked just after 09:00....besides Aldi was on the addendum....and they open at 09:00.....
   Now if you've read this blog before you might thing I'm a bit crazy when it comes to cheese....and  you'd be wrong....I'm absolutely bonkers when it comes to cheese....I really like the "funky" taste of goat cheese....but most goat cheese is a "soft" cheese....and I really don't care for the "mouth feel" and working with it can be quite messy....so  was digging around the cheese section at Aldi....and saw a package of goat's milk cheddar....it's got a milder but still funky taste....and is halfway between a soft and a hard cheese....used some with my egg white dish for 2nd meal....very nice....but since it's in the seasonal section....will check back next time I'm there....and if they still have it....buy another....for "backup".....
   Besides I had been in my rooms for three straight days....because of first about 4 feet of snow, and then the ice storm.....now I really love and enjoy my rooms....but in good weather I walk outside most days....if not on errands....just around the lawns....or to one of the 3 ponds in the area....we are visited every spring and summer with several kinds of migratory birds....and many Canada Geese....hatch and raise their goslings in the area....one of the "nurseries" is about 25 yds from my backdoor and I spend time watching them grow....

Friday, February 8, 2019

(19:24 UTC-5)
(+22*F....+6*F w/ wind-chill....cloudy....winds from the west at 226 mph)
(Now Placing: "Julius Caesar" Shakespeare play (link))
   Has been a very windy day....we got a little snow....and with the wind the visibility was restricted....but I had chosen not to go out today because of the wind....besides the weather for the next 3 days will be mild by comparison to the weather over the last several days....just average winter days....and actually I could do what errands/shopping any of the 3 days....but Saturday or Sunday would suit me better....I'll just keep an eye on the hourly forecast and pick my spot....or perhaps 2 or three spots....we'll have to see how things work out....
   I was talking to one of the handymen here....and he mentioned that they had had an inspector go through....and it reminded me of a conversation I had several years ago with the Major that was the commander of the Air Force detachment at Fort Drum....( he later was the commander of the Air National Guard squadron out of Syracuse....F-16's....the "Boy's from Syracuse" but that's another story for another day)....Both he as the unit commander and I as the material supervisor at the plant I worked in had to endure inspections....my by the building, safety, and OSHA inspectors....but we both used the same tactic....you knew that try as you might....the inspector would find somethings wrong....if they didn't then in the eyes of there bosses they weren't doing their job....so both of us would always deliberately leave a few things...easy to find....and even easier to put right....because if you didn't....they would "split hairs" and write you up for something that would be difficult and/or time consuming to put right....I often wondered whether or not they knew what we were doing....????....   
      

Thursday, February 7, 2019

(20:43 UTC-5)
(+39*F...."feels like" +33*F....light rain....winds out of the S/S/E at 9 mph)
(Now Playing:"The 99 most essential Gregorian Chants (link))
   What  a change from last  night....which we survived with out a power outage....but more "fun" is in-store for us....overnight the temperature is to raise into the mid-40s F and the winds increase to +/- 25 mph....and mid morning as the temperature down below freezing....snow but the high winds will continue....even if it's light snow...."white-out" conditions will probably occur....zero or near zero visibility....and the Winter wonderland just keeps coming....good grief....looks like an outdoor walk will  not be made for the 3rd day in a row....but I am prepared....so will weather the storm....
   Have as is my custom spent the day online....and a bit of TV....but actually it's what I enjoy....but I never allow myself to engage in any of the political/religious/social/debate/arguments/flame wars....there is no point in it....if someone has made up their minds they are right....and have the whole truth....it's a waste of time to confuse them with the facts from your point of view....
  

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

(20:06 UTC-5)
(+31*F....+27*F w/ wind-chill....freezing drizzle....winds out of the N/N/E at 3 mph)
(Now Playing: today's "My Mix" off Youtube (link))
   The last of the major front w/ rain/freezing rain/drizzle.....just about past us....although a second band is predicted to come through in the wee hours tomorrow morning....so far....knock wood....we have had no power outages....and hopefully we get through this without any....
   Now as to driving/walking conditions....all I can see from my windows is a little glaze of ice on the ground and parking lot....now I might not be the brightest bulb in the marquee....but if you think I'm going to venture outdoors to find out....you should think again....ain't going to happen....
   Have therefore spent a very quiet day....how be it a bit pensive over the possibility of a power outage because of the freezing rain....but other than that....just a nice day over all....nothing on the "Old Boob Tube" worth watching so have spent the day online....but than except for my walks....and some TV....that is a pretty typical day for me....and that at least for the foreseeable future is just the way I like it....

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

(20:40 UTC-5)
(+24*F....+12*F w/ wind-chill....winds out of the N/N/E at 14 mph)
(Now Playing: "Hec Ramsey" pilot (link))
   Despite the rather benign weather right now....when I opened my e-mail this afternoon....there was a Winter weather advisory....(you can find it below in the footer) but the gist of it is were have freezing rain in the forecast....it's been push back to mid-morning tomorrow....but there is the potential of up to a quarter of an inch of ice....which could result in power outages....and the possibility of for an extended period of time....so it's with in the realm of possibility that this will be my last post for.....no  idea....on the other hand....we may not lose power at all
    Anyways....I had already walked earlier this morning....to the convenience store....but decided rather than extend the walk I'd go to Aldi (the other direction) tomorrow....but once I read the advisory....and walked a second time....the last time we had a bad  ice storm (about 40 years ago)....we were without power for a couple of day....hopefully that will not be the case this time....

Monday, February 4, 2019

(20:44 UTC-5)
(+51*F...."feels like" +47*F....winds out of the south at 13 mph....clear skies)
(Now Playing: my daily mix off Youtube(text))
   I am very fortunate to be writing this night....I was heading back to my lodgings at the end of my second walk....had crossed the street to go to Aldi....and on the way back to the north side of the street waited for the "walk light" and started to cross....now I always keep an eye out on the side street because a second after the walk light comes on....their left turn arrow comes on....anyways I'm maybe a third of the way across the street and this car zooms by me....missed me by maybe 2 feet if that....never saw it coming....my best guess he was distracted and ran the stop light....oy gavalt....
   But before that....we are definitely having a thaw....walked early this morning of to Ollie's and Dollar General....wanted a few things....and had originally planned to walk to Aldi's tomorrow....and the bank....but the weather is pretty unstable for the next two or three days....and the weather was so pleasant....I walked for the second time....leading to my close encounter of the vehicular kind....I think my guardian angel needs hazardous duty pay....

Sunday, February 3, 2019

(20:16 UTC-5)
(+42+F....+37*F w/ wind-chill....cloudy)
(Now Playing: Wagner: Overtures & Preludes (link))
   It's been raining on and off for the last few hours and will continue to be intermittent over the next couple of days....and maybe some freezing rain throw in....oy vey....in all of my 71+ years....I can't remember a stranger Winter....of course I don't remember much about the first 5 or so years...
   You will notice that I'm listen to Wagner....not watching the "Super Bowl"....it's not a boycott or anything like that....I just don't have the least bit of interest in the goings on....I was born and raised in the USA....but really never got into the sport....now what wee call soccer is a differnt story....played at the small college level....and if I had the choice that I had to watch either American Football....or Rugby....I'd watch Rugby every time....never got the chance to play....and wish I had....don't watch NBA basketball either.....I loved to play sports....but never was much of a one for  watching it being played....

Saturday, February 2, 2019

(20:34 UTC-5)
(+28*F...."feels like" +21*F....cloudy....winds out of the west at 6 mph)
(Now Playing: another mix off Youtube(link))
   It has warmed up considerably....forecast is for rain late Sunday through Tuesday with high temperatures in the mid-40's F....the weather this winter has been just plum crazy....
   But really wanted to walk today but was on the horns of a dilemma....did I walk early when it was single digits with the wind-chill below zero....or wait til mid-afternoon when the temperature would be much as it is now....I knew the route I would take to Price Chopper and also knew that parts of the sidewalk would not be sufficiently cleared for me to pass....and I'd have to walk in the very busy street....but if I walk just after 08:00....it would be cold....but far less traffic....I know how to dress for the cold....been doing that for years....but as I get older, and less mobile....I don't dodge SUVs well at all....ergo....I bundled up....and walked early.....Price Chopper has a much better select of root veggies....than Aldi....intended to get parsnips and purple top turnips....but also got a head of garlic....spotted some golden beets, decided to try one....and next to them a a head of sweet baby cabbage....now I grew up in a german/polish community....and we love our cabbage....but since I cook for one and have limited storage....a normal size head of cabbage is way to much....but this is just the right size....also in the meat cooler spotted some pure pork, pre-cooked Italian sausage....they don't always carry it....and I always grab it when they do....also picked up a couple single serving packs of tuna....in olive oil....and know the trend now is to package tuna in water....but I grew up on the oil packed variety...and prefer it....besides this is packed in olive oil....my oil of choice....a very successful trip....and didn't even have to play matador with an SUV....good thing because I left my cape and sword at home....and a sling bag and a cane just aren't the same....

Friday, February 1, 2019

(17:29 UTC-5)
(+10*F...."feels like" 0*F....fair....winds out of the south/south/west at 6 mph)
(Now Playing: "Sink the Bismarck" (link))
   When all the snowing and blowing stopped early this morning we had an estimated 2-1/2 feet of new snow....which brought the total for thee 3 days in excess of 4 feet....snow tomorrow is possible but predicted to be light...up here that's less than a foot....but turning warmer Sunday until Wednesday....with highest in the mid-40s F....and rain is expected....I wish that "Old Man Winter" would make up his mind....
   Although the temperature earlier was still in the single digits w/ wind-chills below 0*F....it was sunny and I needed to walk....got all the necessary food items I needed at Aldi.....but if I "catch" some walk-able weather tomorrow will take a trip to Price Chopper for a few items Aldi doesn't carry....but I could get by without them....but I simply don't want to....