[19:04 UTC-5]
[+39*F/+30*F w/wind chill..cloudy..winds: s/s/e@12 mph..humidity: 78%..barometer: 29.70"/\]..
[overnight Lo:+33*F][Tuesday's Hi/Lo: +37*F/+29*F/rain/snow][Wednesday's Hi/Lo:+34*F/+27*F]
[Now Playing: a Hornblower episode "The Frogs and the Lobster"[watch/listen]..
   Tomorrow's weather is predicted to be a damp cold day with mixed precipitation..not a very good day for walking as was today..there could be some "holes" in the storm but probably won't chance it unless the radar looks clear for  a  few hours..if so..will probably take the opportunity to make my usual walk to Big Lots and probably a stop at Aldi on the way back to my rooms..although snow is predicted for Wednesday we're talking maybe an inch of snow..will walk in that..but not sure is Aldi will be open on New Year's Day..but that's easily learned..I'll just look out of the lobby window about 09:00..the store is right across the street..
  Have spent the day in my rooms except for a couple of trips to the lobby..breakfast and my late afternoon toffee coffee..besides that has been a quiet and very enjoyable day..as there was nothing worth my time on TV I spent the day on-line..
   Did have a problem earlier with my "mouse"..after fiddling around with it for a while figures out that some dust and debris had accumulated in the left side clicker..a few taps on the desk..sum particles were dis-lodged..and it works again..essentially I hit it with a hammer..[hehe]..not really  but it did knock the offending dust and debris out..but I've had the computer and it's associated parts for almost 3 years..so things are bound to happen to a piece of technology that was probably obsolete when I bought it..speaking of which I got a message from Google that as of the middle of next year they will  be discontinuing up dates for my Chrome Base..but if it still works I'll continue use it until it's inevitable demise..but after the first of the year will investigate a backup..maybe a laptop..as long as I can by-pass the mouse pad..which gives me fits..with a "mouse"..
   Still things to wrap up before I take my rest..nite all..   

[18:49 UTC-5]
[+34*F/rain/winds:n/e@10/humidity:86%/barometer:30.04"\//overnight Lo:+33*F]..[Monday's Hi/Lo:+40*F/+34*F/rain]..[Tuesday's Hi/Lo:+33*F/+29*F/rain changing to snow]..
[Now Playing: a Lord Peter Wimsey episode:"Gaudy Night"[watch/listen]..]..
   Was a damp day..temperatures most of the day in  the mid-30s F but just a light wind..so this morning just after 10:00 decided to take the walk to the convenience store..could have waited but it might be my last chance for a walk until maybe as late as Thursday..besides that have spent the day as I often do..in my rooms and online..nothing worth my time on the "old boob tube"..and so online it was
   I'm usually up on side or the other of 05:00..but then I'm usually abed before 21:30..and first thing every morning on log-on to play some poker on a free site..no real money changes hands..just faux game money..I've been on a "quest: as it where to get my hands played total on the game to 50K hands played before 12/12./31..but full tables the last week or so making 100+ hands/day that I generally play to time  consuming..but I finally made my goal this morning..
   Not much else happening..so will cut this short tonight and say to all a goodnight..

[19:43 UTC-5]
[+33*F/+27*F w/wind chill/clear/winds:southwest@8 mph/humidity:81%/barometer:30.25"/\]..
[overnight Lo:+25*F]..[Sunday's Hi/Lo:+38*F/+32*F]..[rain forecast to begin around 16:00 tomorrow and continue thru Tuesday changing to snow thru Wednesday]..
[Now Playing:[watch/listen]..]..
   Looks like the weather for the next couple of days is not going to very pleasant..will take one more look at what I have on hand and make sure I can get through to Thursday..but did walk today a couple of times and I think I pretty well set..on the other hand the predicted total accumulation of snow is predicted to be very light..
   Took one my longer walks just after 09:30..and was out the better part of 2 hours..First stop was The Dollar Tree..just a couple of packages of pre-made meals..light things..like hot pockets and the like..I don't eat them on any regular basis but if I'm hungry and in a hurry [read: just don't feel like spending the time to cook from scratch]..Then T.J. Maxx..a couple of new spices..off to  Price Chopper..shallots, garlic, and some peppers..then Aldi..I hand got some Stilton blue cheese and some Greek peppers yesterday..and decided I'd get some more to store..and also bananas to  get me through to Thursday..
   Have nothing planned for New Years Eve..now I'm not saying that when I was younger that I didn't celebrate on New Years Eve..but truth be told the last time I saw mid-night on New Years Eve and not asleep in my bed was in 1999..stayed up to see if there was any thing to the Y2K scare..which there wasn't..
   As /usual still have a few things to do before I take my rest..so will bid you all a goodnight.. 

[19:26 UTC-5]
[+39*F..cloudy..winds: w/s/w@7 mph..humidity: 83%..barometer: 30.13"/\..overnight Lo:+32*F]..
[Saturday's Hi/Lo:+36*F/+25*F]..[Now Playing: a Hornblower episode:"Duty"[watch/listen]..]..
   The rain that was predicted for overnight was delayed and it rained on and off between 08:00 and 14:00 this afternoon..but there was a "hole" in the storm between 10:30 and 12:00 which I took advantage of and went to Aldi to get just a few things for the weekend..was going tomorrow,,but with the brief break in the weather decided to take advantage of it and get that out of the way today..ergo..freeing up tomorrow for a trip to Price Chopper/Dollar Tree/T J Maxx..if I so chose..no  pressing reason but the forecast for Sunday through Wednesday does not look promising..rain beginning Sunday afternoon..and continuing through Tuesday when it changes to snow through Wednesday..but extended weather forecasts are iffy and best..and in these parts they can change at the drop of the hat..
   But late afternoon although a bit damp and windy..temperature was in the mid-40s so I decided to just take a walk around the grounds..and decided to take the short detour up the hill to the ATM..normally would  have waited a day or two to get some  walking around money..but with the weather forecast decided to get it today..right then..
  For a change the TV programming was decent..an episode of NCIS I like..the first appearance of the re-occurring character Lt.Col.Mann..then the Godfather I & II back to back..
   Didn't sleep well at all last night..was tried but as sometimes happens I had a hard time getting comfortable..and my mind was going 100 mph..so am more tired than /usual..earlier then /usual..ergo..I closed the day on "Trollie's Game Room" earlier than usual..still may take another drop if I can stay awake that long..just a few more things to attend to and then an early night me thinks..nite all..

[19:54 UTC-5]
[+38*F/+31*F w/wind-chill/cloudy/winds:southeast@11 mph/humidity:63%/barometer:30.19"/\]..
[rain predicted from midnight tonight thru 05:00 Friday]..[Friday's Hi/Lo:+46*F/+31*F]..[Saturday's Hi/Lo:+36*F/+26*F]..[I'm well aware that the "in" thing is to refer to what I call "wind-chill" as "feels like"..I'm a gimpy..grumpy..old codger and I'm having none of it who's set in my ways]..
[Now Playing: Beethoven's 9th [2012 performance from the Proms][listen/watch]]
   Have had a very quiet day..slept very well last night which doesn't happen as often as I like..but last night with only two interruptions..when I was younger I was a very sound sleeper..and once I fell asleep would sleep right through till the alarm or my lady at the time or one of my cats that needed to be feed would wake me up..but with age and old sore and damage muscles and bones..and the fact that one of my meds has diuretic properties..I rarely sleep more than two hours at a time..fortunately I usual can fall right back to sleep..I was dead tired last night..went to bed just after 20:30 and the next time I saw the alarm clock [which I use only to tell time..I'm retired..I never set the dang thing]..it was almost 01:00..but then again just after 03:00..
   Walked twice..this morning just to Ollie's, The Thrift Store, and Dollar General..but because of the snow banks blocking my "short-cuts" had to go the long way..a couple of bags of chips at Ollie's..got a shirt at The Thrift Store..I think..not quite sure if it's a V-neck heavy long sleeve shirt or a light V-neck sweat shirt..but in either case it's quite comfortable..I was looking for a top I could wear one cool summer evenings..or as a layer in the winter..and whatever you call it..it fit the bill..and a jug of pink grapefruit cocktail..decided I needed to add a little more fruit to my diet...and usually in the nice weather I walk a loop in the late afternoon/early evening..and come back by way of the lobby for my nightly toffee coffee..in the bad whether I just walk the halls..but it was in the mid-30s and the parking lot was bare..so decided to take my walk around the grounds here and then stop and get my coffee...or as I like to say my version of "Stompin' the Yard"..been a enjoyable day..a couple more things to do before I rest..and my nightly shower id calling..nite all..

[18:25 UTC-5]
[+32*F/+28*F w/wind chill..fair..winds: e/n/e@4 mph..humidity: 71%..barometer: 30.11" /\]..
[overnight low:+27*F]..[Thursday Hi/Lo:+42*F/+36*F]..[rain to beginning tomorrow evening around 21:00 and continue thru 15:00 Friday]..[Friday's Hi/Lo:+46*F/+31*F]..
[Now Playing: Bach's "Christmas Cantata" [listen]..]..
   It's been one of those day's..this morning I was making my /usual posting to "Trollie's Game Room" and the first posting of the day is and was today quite extensive..well I was almost done and really am not sure exactly what I did..but I  apparently hit the wrong key..and deleted the entire post..oy vey..sometimes I can be such a dummkopf..but on the other hand..my reaction was a shake of the head and just re-wrote it..but Murphy's Law definitely applies to me..[link].."Anything that can go wrong will go wrong"..frankly I've always thought that  Murphy was an optimist..
   Besides that I've had a very stress free day..and an enjoyable one as well..and a busy one..most of the other mods on "The Farthest Side" have had family gatherings and celebrations today so I've been basically manning the barricades as it were..not a really busy day..but I was glad to do  it..as I as has become my custom prefer to avoid the drama that quite often is connected with such events..never really has been my scene..but now that I'm a gimpy..grumpy..old codger I can get away with it..
   Although nothing was open today because of the holiday..I needed to have a reason to walk..now my bank statement almost always come before the third Tuesday of the month..which is the day my SSI check is auto-deposited..and since I'll  be writing my rent check for January in the next few days..decided to walk to the ATM and draw some "walking around money" so I could check my balance..a thin excuse to walk..because even if the check didn't come and it always does..I'd have more then enough funds to cover the check..just me being paranoid..you know it's not being paranoid if they're really out to get you..[hehe]..but a very enjoyable walk which I extended..very quiet..almost no traffic..very peaceful..goodnight all

18:20 UTC-5]
[+28*F/+22*F w/wind chill/partly cloudy/winds: n/n/e@5 mph/humidity:70%/barometer:30.25"~]..
[Tonight's low:+21*F]..[Tomorrow's high/low: +41*F/+27*F]..[Now Playing: "The Six Napoleons" a Sherlock Holmes episode [watch/listen]..]..
   Except for a morning walk just after 10:00 to Big Lots..my usual Tuesday trip there to take advantage of the 10% senior discount they have on that day..just a couple of bottles of cherry lemonade sparkling water..a a bottle of zero sugar Powerade..I usually get it at Dollar General..but when I was there yesterday I hadn't checked my pantry had didn't realize I had opened the last bottle..so they also have it a Big Lots..so I got one there..whether summer or winter after my walks I sometimes feel a little dehydrated and nothing "hits the spot" for me in that situation better..I guess I could also use Gatorade..but I like the Powerade zero sugar better..and did I mention it is a better value..I never buy a "name brand" when I can find a store brand or generic that I like as well..there are a few exceptions but not many..as to Aldi..just the usual items except for the piece of Genoa Salami..which they had in there holiday section..I've had the brand before..and it's quite nice..in point of fact I'm enjoying a few thin slices of it now while I'm writing this post..
   I have nothing planned for tomorrow other than my usual on-line activities and hopefully I might be able to find something on the "old boob tube" that is actually worth watching..and if not I can always find something to watch and/or listen to on Youtube..
   Still a few things to button up before I call it a day..good night to you all 

[17:45 UTC-5]
[+42*F..fair..winds: w/s/w@9 mph..humidity: 75%..barometer: 29.95"/\]..[overnight low:+21*F]..
[Tuesday's high/low: +30*F/+22*F]..[Wednesday's high/low: +41*F/+26*F]..[rain on Friday]..
[Now Playing:[a classical mix]..]..
   There hasn't been squat on the "old boob tube" today..but then I'm as sick and tired of the  constant stream of Christmas themed programming as I was with the Halloween/horror/monster flicks the entire month of October..so spent the entire day online..and listen to music off Youtube..now I'm not saying I'm "addicted" to Youtube..but at last count I have 357 subscriptions...channels I follow..and a very eclectic bunch there are..
   Weather for tomorrow although colder then today is forecast to be not bad..no new snow..so the plan is  to walk to Big Lots as is my custom to do on Tuesday..[10% senior discount day[..other the a couple of bottles of cherry lemonade sparkling water..have nothing that I need but will undoubtedly find something I didn't know I needed it until I saw it there..and a stop at Aldi..they are closed on Wednesday..as is Price Chopper..but I can wait on Price Chopper until Thursday..a couple of things at Aldi I'll need before then..
   Did take a short walk to Ollie's and Dollar General..just a few bags of snack food..I do watch what I eat but there are certain snack items I enjoy..but my tactic is that I never take an open bag..and sit down to watch TV or have one on my computer desk..I have some rather small bowels which I fill and take that..and if there's a little left..and I'm satisfied..and put the remainder back in the bag..I have found that my health is better if I eat multiple small meals spread out during the day..rather then the "standard" 3 meal system..
   Hadn't see my friend J since last Monday..he lost a great niece to cancer..she was only 2 years old and wasn't handling it well..we talk and I try to help..but had seen him until this AM..and he seems to be handling it much better..of which I'm quite thankful..he's also a resident here..been through troubled times and frankly didn't handle it very well..took me along time to let it go.so glad he's feeling better..
   Dang, I'm trying to write a novella..still things to deal with before I take my rest..and I sense a sandwich is in my immediate future..so will bid you a goodnight..and hope you have a wonder holiday [which ever one[s] you observe]..

[19:09 UTC-5]

[+39+F-+33*w/wind-chill..winds: s/w@9 mph..humidity: 73%..barometer: 30.13"~]

[Monday's high/low: +42*F/+21*F]..[Now Playing: Handel's Messiah part 1 [Christmas][listen]..]..

   I had the opportunity several years ago to be part of the performance of this piece with the local choral society..with which I sang for a few years..was really an enjoyable experience..

   After being cooped up in my rooms for three straight days by the snow on Wednesday and the cold weather on Thursday and Friday..Played some poker first thing is morning..did some posting to "Trollie's Game Room" and got dressed and took a walk just after 08:30..mid 30s F..but a fairly brisk breeze..a tad nippy but I know how to dress for it..but it was very pleasing to be able to get out and about again..sidewalk conditions were mixed..from clear but wet to packed snow..but  not slippery so presented no problems..just a quick walk to the convenience store and a stop at Dollar General..

   When it comes to glasses which I have worn since I was about 12 years old..I have a well earned reputation for coming up with unique ways to destroy the them..and I do it with out any effort at all..the other day another pair bit the dust..now I have several pairs with different magnifications strategically placed all over my rooms..depending on how I use them..what focal length I want..well the ones that I use when I'm on the computer were the ones that broke and the ones I use the most..not sure how..but the hinge on the bow got bent and and they no longer sat on the end of  my nose as I like..I read the screen looking over the glasses but need the mag to see the keyboard clearly...which I must see..never did learn to type properly..and use the scriptural method of typing.."Seek and Ye Shall Find"..could also be called the Columbus method "Discover and Land" or even the chicken method.."Hunt and Peck"..but have become quite adapt at it but must see the keys clearly..Still have things to do before I call it a day..and a goodnight to you all..  

[17:11 UTC-5]
[+25*F..+21*F w/wind-chill..fair..winds: south@3 mph..humidity: 66%..barometer: 30.40" \/]
[Sunday: high/low: +38*F/32*F..Monday: high/low: +44*F/+27*F]..
   If the extended forecast holds true it looks as if we are heading for a "Green Christmas"..which doesn't make one iota of a difference to me..except of course that my shortcuts will be open for a few more days..other than that if really doesn't  matter to me..quite frankly I dislike what has been done to what should be a religious observance ..not the commercial holiday that i has evolved into..although I do get a "kick" out of one thing that happens this time of year..I'm a 72 year old man with a full white beard..and while shopping I oft over hear little kids asking if that's Santa..if asked I will admit that I'm a retired elf..which is true from one point of view..I was the elf who put the gifts under the tree for my daughter when she was young and believed..now understand I would never be the one who would interfere with a child's belief in Santa..that's not my place..so the grumpy, gimpy , old retired elf will continue to be so..most of the year I occasionally here a child under 12 ask their parent[s] if I'm a pirate..have learned how to say Arg....and it seems that kids under 2 years can resist the temptation or desire to give my beard a yank..
   The is no "Now Playing" listed tonight because since 10:49 this morning  I've been binge watching Star Wars episodes I, II & III..as I right this it's the ending scenes of episode II with III to follow..on the TNT network..
   With that plan in mind..I got almost  all of my online gaming in this morning..and took my along waited walk to Aldi this morning..have dealt with timed drops  on the poker site I play on..and have stopped in from time to time on "The Farthest Side" to attend to my modding duties..but beyond that have just "taken the day off" and enjoyed the flicks..more Star Wars to watch so I'll bid you goodnight..

[19:07 UTC-5]
[+2*F..-6*F w/wind-chill..clear..winds: east@4 mph..humidity: 83%..barometer: 30.72"/\]..
[tomorrow partly cloudy..daytime high: +29*F..low: +22*F]
[Now Playing:"The Hound of the Baskervilles"[watch/listen]..]..
   The film playing tonight is a Hammer Film production..staring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee..I remember watching this flick in the 60s..and has always been one of favs..
   I've spent today as I've spent the last two days..warm and comfortable in my rooms..and as is my custom most of the day on-line..also watched an NCIS re-run, a couple of re-runs of "Bones"..and sad as it might be a couple of shows of "Paw Patrol"..snow on Wednesday..and just to dang cold the last two days..could have walked today if need be..but there was no pressing need so I didn't..high in the 20s F tomorrow..and compared to the last two days that's warm..relatively speaking..so plan to walk tomorrow..and mid 30s both Sunday and Monday..so will probably find some excuse to walk then as well..
   As I have spent the last three days quietly in my rooms there really isn't that much new to relate..still have things to do before I sleep so I will take my leave and wish you a goodnight..

[19:59 UTC-5]
[+2*F..party cloudy..calm..humidity: 76%..barometer: 30.46"/\..overnight low: -2*F..tomorrow high: +29*F overnight +1*F..a sunny day..Saturday: highs in the upper  20s F..lows lower 20s F]
[Now Playing: [an eclectic mix]..]..
   When I check the weather this morning just after 05:00 the temperature outside was -7*F..and the temperature in my rooms was a quite pleasant +72*F..I'll give you three guesses where I spent my day..and the first two don't count..although I haven't worked in many years..my internal clock is apparently permanently stuck on "work-time" and most mornings I wake by between 04:30 and 05:30..35 hours in a factory..the majority on the day-shift..usually around 06:00 +/- but there are other factors now that have contributed to the even earlier wake up time..besides I rarely see 22:00 on the bedside clock..
   With the snows of yesterday..you got maybe 5" total accumulation..but it usually takes a day for the sidewalks on this end of town to  become passable..well  that is for a gimpy, grumpy, old codger like me..and unless I fall prey to early onset cabin fever..I have no intention at this point of venturing out until Saturday..now I would walk if I really needed to..except for 9 semesters of college I've spent my whole life in areas that get both heavy snowfalls and cold weather [sub-zero temperatures F]..and have both the clothing and knowledge to deal with the cold..but at my age..[just turned 72]..I no longer chose to do so..unless I absolutely have to..so its my firm intent to spend tomorrow as I have the previous two days..warm and comfortable in my rooms..
   Spent some of the morning watching "The Wrath of Khan" on BBC America..really the only of the Star Trek movies I'd watch again..I was a fan of the original TV series..and had a set of books of short stories based on the series..
   Still things to do before I call it a day..nite all..  

[19:24 UTC-5]
[+13*/.-2*F w/wind-chill/mostly cloudy/winds: w/n/w@ 55%/humidity: 55%/barometer: 220.20"/\]
   We didn't get anywhere near the predicted snowfall..turning colder for the next two days with overnight lows below 0*F..mid 20's on Saturday..and mid 30s on Sunday and Monday..didn't walk today..and with the colder weather have no plans to walk until Saturday..have nothing that I need..stocked up Monday and Tuesday..so really have no need to walk..and less desire to brave the cold..It's not that i don't have the proper clothes and/or the knowledge on how to dress for the cold..but if I don't have a pressing need to venture out in the cold..I don't..besides if I do feel the need to "stretch my legs" there are long hallways in the facility I live in..there are peeps that "mall-walk"..I "hall walk"..there are also a treadmill and an exercise bike available..but with my balance issues the treadmill probably is not a wise idea..and I've tried the exercise bike..but it seems that the bike seat and my tuckus are definitely not compatible..so it's walking the halls for me..
   Have spent the day as is my custom..the usual hour or so first thing in the morning playing poker on a "free site" on line..and the rest of the day playing solitaire and attending to my mod duties on the FB group "The Farthest Side"..very busy day there..have had more new member requests than we've had in quite awhile..we have a very strictly enforced "no politics" rule on the site..the site is for enjoyment of the Larson cartoons and similar panels..what we like to call Larsonesque..so we "vet" new member requests very carefully..and when there are so many it can be time consuming..and some of the day watching NCIS re-runs on the USA network..still a few things to attend to so I'll wish all a good night..
   

[18:58 UTC-5]
[+26*F..+19*F w/wind chill..light snow..winds: n/n/w@5 mph..humidity: 92%..barometer: 29.81" /\]
[we are under another "lake effect snow" warning thru 15:00 on Wednesday..but the bulk of the snow is expected to the south and east of us on the Tug Hill plateau..here the prediction is 4 to 6" of new snow]..[Now Playing:[a classical mix]..]..
   It's been snowing on and off most of the day..but so far not much accumulation..it was snowing lightly when I took my /usual Tuesday morning walk to Big Lots..senior discount day..just a couple of bottles of cherry-lemonade..and a backup grinder of white peppercorns..a stop at Aldi..bananas..and Iberian pork..a cured product from the small cut of the pig that bacon is made..haven't opened it as of yet..waiting for a special occasion..and a quick stop at  the ATM to get some walking around money..
   Have spent the rest of the day as is my custom..online..except that this being a Tuesday I had my weekly visit from housekeeping..
   Just not much happening today other than the usual round of games online..modding the group "The Farthest Side" on Facebook and looking after my 3 blogs..still have things to do before I take my rest tonight..and so will say to you..nite all..

[19:10 UTC-4]
[+24*F..+19*F w/wind-chill..winds: southeast@4..humidity: 73%..barometer 30.20" \/]
[snow forecast to begin Tuesday@08:00 continuing thru 20:00..1 to 3" expected..high temp 30*F]
   Not a bad day weather wise..temperature in the lower 30s..and from time to time the sun peaked through the clouds..decided to take a walk mid-morning..Ollie's and Dollar General..wanted to pickup a few things at Dollar General but went to Ollie's just to see if they had got anything new in that would pique my interest..and although it rarely happens..I bought nothing..got a couple packages of cookies, a microwavable cheeseburger and a bottle of Powerade zero sugar..and didn't even look at the small cup of ice cream..that's just a warm weather thing with me..
   Now if the snow isn't to bad tomorrow will take my /usual Tuesday walk to Big Lots [10% senior discount day]..and probably on the way back a quick stop at Aldi..and maybe the bank as well..but while preparing my mid-day meal realized I needed..a couple of different peppers..and I had recently opened the last bottle of mayo and pepperoncini..things I usual get at Price Chopper..so took a walk around 15:00 there got what I wanted..a quick stop At T J Maxx..and in another rare event..bought nothing..
   With the winter solstice fast approaching the daylight hours are getting short..tomorrow sunrise at 07:32 and sunset at 16:26..and because of my balance issues I won't walk during the nighttime hours..especially now with the snow/ice making the footing dicey..just not worth the risk..
   Still things that need doing before I take my rest..and there very possibly a cheeseburger in my future..nite all..

[18:40 UTC-5]
[+25*F..+12*F w/wind-chill..partly cloudy..winds: west@14..humidity: 63%..barometer: 30.03" /\]..
[forecast form the next two day's..no precipitation..daytime highs in the lower 30s F..nighttime lows in the mid-20s F..Am snow on Wednesday]..[Now Playing: Brahms:"A German Requiem"]..
   It had been my firm intent to not walk today..even though it had only snow a trace of snow last night..the winds were predicted to be as high as 20 mph..[32+ kph]..and winds of that speed or higher have effected my balance in the past..because of my essential tremors my balance is iffy..so I usually I avoid walking in those conditions..but when preparing my first meal I realized that after the meal I would be down to my last two bananas..there are an very important part of my diet..as a former distance runner [cross-country..20Ks..and 2 marathons] I am prone to leg cramps..aka"  Charley Horses"..and the potassium in bananas helps lessen the problem..and I have one every morning..checked the weather again and winds were not quite as bad as predicted..so took a quick walk over to Aldi..and got my bananas and a couple other things I needed..
   I have added a cartoon to the bottom of the sidebar..I live in the "lake effect snow belt" off Lake Ontario..and the scene depicted has happened to me in the past more than once..fortunately now I live in a facility where dealing with the removal of snow is no longer my concern..building maintenance takes care of that..besides at my age [just turned 72 yrs. old]..really I'm not physically able to do that kind of job any longer..and truth be told..won't do it even if I was..
   Have other than the morning walk spent the day in my rooms..were it's warm, dry, and no wind..only a few more things to attend to so I will sign off for today..nite all..

[19:06 UTC-5]
[+36*F..rain..winds: w/s/w@6 mph..humidity: 96%..barometer 29.16" \/]..
[rain changing to snow with in an hour or two through 12:00 noon tomorrow]
[Now Playing: a collection of Neil Diamond hits [[listen]]..]..
   The rain didn't start as early as first predicted so I took the chance to go to both Ollie's and Dollar General..I always try to have a backup for things I use all the time..so if I open the backup at my first opportunity I replace it..needed dish washing detergent, mouthwash..and a jug of veggie juice..had just opened the last bottle of each that I had..when the backup becomes the one being used I buy a backup..of course sometimes I forget that I bought the backup and I end up with a  backup for the backup..dummkopf..oy vey..and as/usual ended up with a couple other things I didn't know I needed until I saw them..
   Have spent the rest of the day and watching parts of episodes I,II,III of Star Wars..had started watching episode I last night..and almost fell asleep in my recliner..gave up and went to bed..
   Nothing more comes to mind..have a wonder day..nite all..

[18:39 UTC-5]
[+38*F..rain..winds: s/s/e@8 mph..humidity: 88%..barometer: 30.11" \/ ]
[Now Playing: Hornblower:"Duty" [watch/listen]..]..
   When I got up this morning the plan as to complete all my games play online this morning and get all but my "Day's End" posting to "Trollie's Game Room"..and although I did get all my posting down [except for  this one]..I didn't play as many games as I had planned..it had been my intention not to walk today..bad weather tomorrow but clearing Sunday..but this mornings prediction was for rain to begin today about 18:00..[and  it has]..through early Sunday and then change to snow..so decided to walk this more which I did..and to that  a friend stopped by and we had an extended chat..but did get the posting down although with less play than I had intended..
   Had a nice lunch and visit with my brother and his wife..they're both retired as well..but won't be in town for Christmas..in Vermont with their oldest daughter and her husband..and back a lot sooner then I had anticipated..so I would have had time for everything this afternoon..however..watched some TV..the TNT network shows re-runs of "Bones"..and lately have been show the last ones in thee series..which I don't particularly care for..but starting yesterday they gone back to the beginning episodes and those are the ones I really enjoy..and..although I probably won't watch the entire movie because it ends way past my bedtime..will start to watch Star Wars episode I..tonight also on TNT..[starting @20:00]..have a few things to do off/on line..nite all..

[20:20 UTC-5]
[+22*F/+14*F w/wind-chill/partly cloudy/winds: e/s/e@6 mph/humidity: 62%..barometer: 30.53"\/]
{Now Playing: an eclectic mix of Youtube [listen]..]..
   Although I didn't walk today it's been a fairly busy day..today is my 26,632nd day on earth..[my 72nd birthday[and no I didn't do the math found a calculator on line]..and my FB timeline has been quite busy with many birthday wishes..from many friends and family..some of which [friends that is] I have not see since the last Saturday in June..1966..the day a graduated from high school..my dad had changed jobs during my senior year from the Buffalo area to up here in the Northcountry of NYS..I graduated on Saturday..the next day dad and I left for Watertown..and I started my summer job in the core-room of a factory my dad worked at at 23:00 on that Monday evening..[ye old 11-7 grave yard shift..now be four years ago this winter I joined FB..because there was a group for a game I was playing at the time and decided to look for some of the kids [now senior citizens] that I had graduated high school with..found one..and now am FB friends with more that 20 of them..[class had 125 members..some aren't on FB..and some have passed on]..but it's been fun over the last few years to re-connect with them..
   Besides that it been a fairly typical day for me..will be having lunch with my bro and his wife tomorrow..so will have a somewhat truncated day online..only one last thing I'd like to do tonight online but if I get too tired will probably skip it..nite all..

[19:40 UTC-5]
[+23*F..+9*F..partly cloudy..winds: west@17 mph..humidity: 63%..barometer: 30.31"/\]..
[Now Playing: "Gaudy Night"[watch/listen]..]..
   I spent the morning as I always do..play some poker on as live..free sire..only faux game money changes hands..now I hadn't planned to walk today..because of the predicted snow storm..but just before 11:00 it hadn't started to snow yet..and decided that I was in need of some fresh air and decided to head for Aldi..I'd no sooner stepped out the door and it started to snow..very lightly but the winds were around 15 mph +/-..so it was blowing around and the visibility was reduced..but I was out so I soldiered on..got what I needed and headed back to my rooms..[we got maybe an inch or snow total..barely a dusting..no where near the 3 to 6" predicted]..as I entered the lobby I passed by the computer which is there for guests/residents [I never use it..I have a Chrome Base in my rooms..basically the guts of a Chrome Book in desktop form..because of my essential tremors..I find a mouse pad difficult to use..and have developed a two handed approach to handling the mouse that works pretty well..]..and there sat an old friend..he had been a resident for awhile but left in May for Florida..but in the reverse of most from up here to go south for the winter..he's come north for the winter [has family in the area]..and has moved in to rooms just a few doors down from me in the same building..be nice to see a familiar face around here from time to time..
   Spent the rest of the day online or watching NCIS re-runs on the USA network..my plans for tomorrow..which just happens to be my 72nd birthday..are basically my plans for the other 364 days of the year..I have long since ceased to make a big deal about the day..but will have lunch with my bro and his lady tomorrow..but not to celebrate my birthday..just to get together..well that's my story and I'm sticking to it..still things to do be for I take my rest..goodnight to you all..

[20:02 UTC-5]
[+29*F..+18^F..cloudy..winds: west@15 mph..humidity: 61%..barometer: 30.07" /\ ]
[snow is predicted to begin to fall around 08:00 tomorrow..and continue through 18:00 that evening]
[Now Playing: an eclectic mix..[listen]..]
   By the time I awoke this morning the bulk of the the ground snow was gone..all that remained were the banks of snow where someone had plowed..and with that result..at least for today..all my "short cuts" were available..and being Tuesday..senior discount day at both Big Lots..and The Thrift Store..two walks were on the schedule..different directions...when I walked to Big Lots this morning the temperature was 48*F..windy and overcast but compared to the cold weather of the last couple of weeks quite pleasant..I went to get 2 or 3 bottle of cherry lemonade..and what every jumped into my basket..and for the first time in several visits..only got 3 bottles of the sparkling water..did see any thing else that I'd didn't know I needed it until I saw it there..
  Just after I returned to my rooms..housekeeping arrived..and after they left I had my mid-day meal..and decided to go to Ollie's..The Thrift Store..and Dollar General..I went to Ollie's to get another jar of cardamom..back up..and ended up with a couple of bags of chips..saw nothing at the other two stops that needed a good home..
   With the snow tomorrow have planned no outside activities..besides USA shows NCIS reruns on Wednesday..besides don't need anything before the weekend..
   Got a pm from my bro yesterday..lunch with him and his Mrs..and I said we should celebrate triskaidekaphobia..[Friday the 13th}..the day before 12/12 [Thursday] is a day I no longer  celebrate..or give much notice..after all I'll only be 18 Thursday [for the 4th time]..if I make it to 2021 I'll have lived in 9 decades..still things to do before I sleep..nite all..

[20:19 UTC-5]
[+46*F..rain..winds: south@16 mph..humidity: 87%..barometer: 29.54" \/]
[it's raining now and predicted to continue through 10:00 tomorrow..]
[Now Playing: an eclectic mix [listen]]..
   One of the pieces in the mix playing tonight is a transcription of Holst's Jupiter from the Planets for woodwind quintet..for my four years in  high school I played in one [I was a French horn player]..one of my all time fav groups to both play in and listen to..all though I have been in large bands/choirs..I've always preferred the small group/ensembles..with only one or two players/singers on a particular part..although because of age and my essential tremors I am no longer able to play/sing..I still enjoy listening..and I still can here the parts in my head..music has always been an important part of my life..a part of what makes me..me..
I wrote the below a few years ago:

Music how oft' to you I have run

you have been many times my safe place my solace

I embrace you I cover myself within your warm embrace

Regardless of what the world....life

may throw my way in your arms

how often have I found refuge

and also the answers I seek

To you have I so oft' run

and you always seem to know what I seek

whether classical, liturgical, or even rock and roll

and if I don't find the answers I seek

I always return relaxed, and with a new perspective

and can return to my world, my life, renewed

  Because of the rain have spent the day in my rooms..still things to do..so good night to you all

[18:34 UTC-5]
[+36*F..+26*F w/wind-chill..fair..winds: south@19..humidity: 61%..barometer: 30.08" \/ ]..
[Rain to begin around 24:00 tonight..and with one brief interruption continue through 09:00 on Tuesday..during that period temperatures are expected to be one side or the other of 45*F.. except for some of the larger piles were peeps have plowed..the snow should be gone..well that is..until Wednesday..when snow is in the forecast..]..Now Playing:"Hec Ramsey"[pilot]..[listen/watch]..]..
   Decided to walkover to the Price Chopper Plaza..Staples/T J Maxx/Price Chopper..and discovered that Staples doesn't open on Sundays until 11:00 AM..and after some thought I decided to use a differnt tablet for my stat keeping..a bottle of spice at T J Maxx..some parsnips, shallots, and a pepper, and a  couple of bottles of squirt bottles of fruit flavoring for water..what I like to call "21st century Koolade" ..and than decided to stop at Dollar General for a different tablet and a package of mechanical pencils..and a bottle of Powerade zero sugar..
   Got a call from one of my nieces with an invite for Christmas dinner..the past few years I've decided to spend that day alone and in my rooms..Christmas is a day for immediate family and mine is to say the least extremely complicate..enough said..
   BBC American is showing the 2nd and 3rd movies in the LOTR series and I've watched both on and off most of the day..and as is my habit avoided watching any American Football..I prefer what the rest of the world calls football..played in college..
   Except for the walk have spent my day as I always do..online..playing games..and modding on "The Farthest Side"..just a quiet, stress free, life..nite all..

[20:43 UTC-5]
[+10*F..+4*F w/wind-chill..clear..winds: s/s/e 3 mph..humidity: 69%..barometer: 30.48"/\]..
[High temperature Sunday in the mid-30s F..raining beginning early Monday..and rain or snow predicted through Wednesday]..[Now Playing: A Mix off Youtube..mostly vocal..[listen]..]..
   Although the temperatures were in the upper 20s F the weather was quite pleasant..bright sunny day..and the sidewalks were packed snow in spots but not icy..well as I made reference to yesterday I did get..well a little antsy..and decided to walk today instead of tomorrow..which doesn't mean I won't walk tomorrow as well..being that the weather for Monday through Wednesday doesn't look to promising..so walked to Aldi..just a few things I needed before Thursday..and ended up as I always do with a couple of things that just caught my eye..and on my way back took a look at the sidewalk up to the bank and the ATM..was packed snow but not slippery..and although I was a couple  of days early..decided to get some "walking" around money..I usually take an "off-sidewalk" short cut to the bank but the snow has made that impassable..so..was passing by and decided to get it then..later decided to take a walk to Ollie's another tin of Danish butter cookies..and as I always do checked the spices..found some Cardamom..now I have had spice blends before which contained it..but never have had the pure spice..has an interesting taste..and it will be used..with the loss of another short cut..the walk to Ollie's id quite a bit longer..so will probably not get that way as often as in the better weather..or The Thrift Store or Dollar General which are in the same plaza..if the weather is as nice tomorrow as forecast may take a walk to the Price Chopper plaza..there's a Staples there..and at some point need to get some 8" x 5" legal pads that I use for recording my online gaming..actually have a week or so before I need them but with the weather being unpredictable..might as well get them the next time I get that way..
   Still a few things to accomplish before I take my rest..goodnight [or whatever time of day you read this] to you..

[19:41 UTC-5]
[+23*F..+15*F w/wind-chill..cloudy..winds: n/n/w@6 mph..humidity: 79%.. barometer: 30:14"/\]..
[Lower 20s F tomorrow and upper 30s F on Sunday..40s F Monday/Tuesday but rain/snow..]
[Now Playing: a 40s Jazz Mix[listen]..]..
   I really get annoyed with the ads. on Youtube..but then I'm too frugal [aka:cheap] to pay for the membership up-grade to get the music/movies/old TV shows commercial free..and while I'm on a rant I also dislike the re-do Youtube did to the home page..it's probably okay..and will get used to it eventually..but I've always gone by the adage "If it ain't broke..don't fix it"..[rant over]..
   We didn't get much snow in the last "storm"..maybe another 3" tops..which is mote..because with rain and temperatures in the mid-40s F on Monday..except for the piles where plowing has occurred the snow will be mostly gone any ways..didn't walk today and probably won't tomorrow..but with weather forecast for Monday thru Wednesday will definitely check the pantry and frig..and do some shopping Sunday..well that is if I don't get that old cooped up feeling and venture out tomorrow..
   Had one of the best night's sleep I've had in quite awhile last night..crashed out just before 21:00..and the next time I saw the clock it was just before 05:00 this morning..which must mean I was really out like a light..one of  my meds is a diuretic and I'm usually up every 2 hours or so dealing with the intended effects..oy vey..
   Actually some decent TV today..ate 1st meal while watching one of my fav NCIS episodes..and later watch a little of "The Silence of the Lambs"..didn't watch it all..had a few things that needed doing both on and off line..still a few things to do both on/off line..made a tuna and pasta salad a couple of hours ago..which is now in the frig..cooling..I use a brand of microwavable pasta that actually is quite good..use olive oil mayo..not oil/vinegar..well things to do and a pasta salad that is in need of eating..ergo..nite all..

[18:57 UTC-5]
[+26*F..+17*F w/wind chill..mostly cloudy..winds: west@9 mph..humidity: 69%..barometer: 27.97"/\]..[snow predicted to begin around 06:00 tomorrow  and continue through 20:00..1 to 3" is expected]..Now Playing: a mix of tradition music [listen]..]..
   We didn't get nearly the amount of snow predicted..and with warmer temperature and rain expect Monday..most will be gone by early next week..not unusually for late Autumn  snows..but needed things for the next few days both from Aldi and Price Chopper..and although we didn't get a lot of snow..the sidewalks while not icy were no the less a little slushy and the idea of going both places either in one long walk or two short ones was not pleasant for me to consider..all I needed from Price Chopper were peppers..now I can get peppers at Aldi..not the same varieties..but peppers none the less..so just made the walk to Aldi..but when I got back and was thinking of preparing my second meal..decided to use up the last of the peppers from Price Chopper..so just chopped them up..added some pork sausage I had..some red onion and the usual spices..cheddar cheese and of course liquid egg white..turned out quite nice..and will add that dish to the rotation..
   Other than the walk have spent the day online..after yesterday when the were several shows on that I enjoy..today there was ziltch..nadda..zero..oy vey..
   Still things to do and nothing more to sat other than..nite all..

[17:49 UTC-5]
[+33*F..+27*F w/wind-chill..snow showers..winds: s/s/w@6 mph..humidity: 90%..barometer: 29.42" /\]..[Now Playing: "Have His Carcase" [watch/listen]..
   I have put the latest Winter Storm Advisory in the footer..we are under a "lake effect  snow"[link]..the snow started just before 16:00 today..through 08:00 tomorrow..total accumulation expect is about 6"..which really isn't that much for a "lake effect storm"..but the wind is in the wrong direction for us to really get clobbered..now if a storm is predicted and the wind is out of the w/s/w then we could be in real trouble..
   We had gotten a little more snow overnight..so I had not planned to walk today anyways..plus there was some good TV on for a change..so I started my day as I usually do by playing about an hour of online poker..a free site..no real money changes hands..just faux game money..and made my first postings of the day to "Trollie's Game Room"..and normally I eat my first meal while playing games..I play 11 different solitaire games online at two sites..but today..ate while watching NCIS re-runs on the USA network..in fact basically took most of the day off..just watched some TV..
   As of 10:00 today I have lived in the facility my lodgings are in for 9 years..3 different rooms same address..but it's perfect for me..it's affordable..and very convenient..I don't drive anymore..my eyesight at night and in "off weather" is not very good..and add to that because of the essential tremors of which I am affected in a high stress situation I can shake quite uncontrollably..no a place I what to be behind the wheel of a car in a emergency situation..and where I live everything I need is within a 10 to 15 minute radius walk..maybe a little longer this time of the year because the snow blocks me from using my "shortcuts"..besides both of the food markets I frequent deliver..and there's always some of the local restaurants deliver as well..and then there is my knowledge from many years of dealing with the weather up here..and my full winter pantry..
   Off to button up my online day..nite all..

[19:48 UTC-5]
[+25+F..+19*F w/wind-chill..winds: s/s/w@6 mph..humidity: 69%..barometer: 29:61" \/ ]
[light snow to start falling around mid-night tonight and continue through 06:00 Thursday morning..but accumulation is predicted to be only 3" of new snow..Wednesday high temperatures predicted in the lower 30s*F..]..[Now Playing: Schubert:"Octet in F major..D:803[watch/listen]]..[The Schubert Octet is a recording of a live performance..and as a musician who play/sang in many small groups..watching the interplay between the 8 performers is as enjoyable as the music itself..]
   The low temperature overnight was +9*F..but with very little wind there was no wind-chill..but a  bright sunny day..when I walked just after 10:00..the temperature was 17*F..but with the bright sun it was actually quite pleasant..the footing was a tad tricky in spots but I got to Big Lots and back without incident..got the three bottles of Cherry-Lemonade sparkling water which was the main reason for the trip..now I had found a bag of a cross between a pretzel and a cracker..thin like a cracker but shaped like a traditional pretzel knot..with everything babel topping..great for the eating of hummus..and I thought I had got them at Ollie's..had looked there and found none..but found them at Big Lots..so they ended up in the basket..and if you've read this blog before you know I'm a spice-aholic..I have black pepper corns..mixed pepper corns..and green pepper corns..but now while checking out the spice selection at Big Lots..now have added a grinder of white pepper corns to my collection..except for the aforementioned cherry lemonade I never go to Big Lots looking for anything..but things just keep finding their way into my basket..
   Have spent the rest of the day as I often do on-line..Now I don't know which is worst on TV..be subjected to entire month of October with Halloween/Zombie/Horror flicks..or the entire month of December being subjected to an entire month of Christmas movies..which started the day after Thanksgiving..oy vey..and so just posting tonight checked tomorrow's TV programming in fear and trembling..knowing that with the snow predicted I'd be in all day..and to both my surprise and great relief discovered that someone had made a dreadful error..and there were actually some decent shows on tomorrow for me to enjoy..still  things to deal with..I wish you a good night and a better tomorrow..

[19:05 UTC-5]
[+23*F..[+13*F..w/wind-chill]..cloudy..winds: n/n/e@9 mph..humidity: 72%..barometer: 29.82" /\]
[Now Playing:"The Play Bach Trio" [listen/watch]..]
   Those of you who are not familiar with The Play Back Trio..it's a piano jazz trio that plays the works of J S Bach in a jazz style..I really enjoy it because it take two of the styles I most love..classical/Baroque music and jazz and blends them together..
   We didn't get near the amount of snow here in the small city I live in as was predicted..maybe 4" total accumulation..now my original intend was to wait until the morrow to do my shopping..and to stop as I usually do at both Aldi and Big Lots..both in the same direction..with the snow would be a longer walk because I couldn't use my short cuts..but once I did my shopping list for Aldi realized that what I need would pretty much fill the sling bag I carry while shopping..now I do keep a cloth bag in  the sling back for over flow..but with the less then perfect walking conditions was concerned that walking bag in one hand..cane in the other and the sling bag in the middle of my bag might present some balance issues to someone who has balance issues to begin with..ergo..went to Aldi this afternoon..and did pretty much fill up my bag..so assuming that the forecast for tomorrow is correct..and my knees and feet co-operate with me..I'll take my /usual walk to Big Lots mid morning tomorrow..I rarely go there looking for a specific item[s] but usually come back with several items I didn't know I needed until I saw them on one of the shelves..well except for cherry-lemonade sparkling water..almost always get a couple of bottles..which Aldi doesn't carry..
   Have joined a new private group [well new to me] on FB..peeps who grew up in Watertown NY..and although I didn't more here until I was 18..I can honestly say I did continue to grow up here [I'm also in a similar group for the Buffalo NY area where I lived before the family moved here..was in college at the time..and after collage just never left]..
   Still as/usual things to wrap up online..and a snack and maybe some Monday Night Football is in my future as well..goodnight to you all.. 

[19:50 UTC-5]
[+26*F..+15*F w/wind-chill..snow..winds: e/n/e@13 mph..humidity: 85%..barometer: 29.75" \/]
[It has been snowing starting around 12:00 today and predicted to continue through mid-afternoon tomorrow..up to 10" expected..[have place the winter storm warning alert from the National Weather Service in the footer]..[Now Playing: Handel "12 Concerti Grossi op:6" [listen]..]..
   Not sure how much snow we've gotten so far..just took a look out the backdoor..they've plowed the parking lot already..best guess would be 3 inches or so..but I have no intention of going out with my 6" rule and taking an accurate measurement..
   I originally had no intentions of walking today..that is before I saw the weather forecast..there were a few things that I needed to pickup at Ollie's and Dollar General with-in the next few days..nothing urgent..but just back-ups for things I use for my meals..olive oil for one and had just put the last of the bottle I've been using into the squeeze bottles that I put all my cooking liquids in..so I had time to get more..because of my essential tremors I have problems pouring liquids out of a bottle..if my hands shake I get way more of the product than what I want..ergo..squeeze bottles..I have all my oils, vinegars, and other cooking liquids in squeeze bottles..except the multiple of hot sauces I have but they are all in shaker bottles..but the problem was with the snow coming..the plaza that the two aforementioned stores are in will plow..and in the process plug my short cuts..so my usual short drop down the hill to the plaza becomes a long about journey..ergo..went today to avoid the long walk..so I'm set there for the next few weeks..
  More snow is predicted for Wednesday as well..but should be able to get out Tuesday to pick up just a few things..but if I can't I have plenty of food for even a few weeks..but since I like adding fresh veggies to my meals will walk if possible..but if not that..then Aldi does deliver..actually so does Price Chopper..I'd rather pick out my produce myself..but that option beats going without..
   A few things to button up before I take my rest..so will wish you all a pleasant evening or depending on where you're reading this a pleasant part of the day where you are now..