Is It Really Spring?

I know I said I'd limit the weather posts... but it's finally spring!

At least on the calendar. But the weather hasn't been too horrible. Great, no... but not horrible. We've had some 'warm' days that have given us a hint of what's to come... but it still seems cold for March! And the weatherman agrees - we've had a lot of below average days. And there's still snow in the forecast. We didn't get a lot, but I'm so tired of the snow this year. I think it's because it's been so cold this year. And I had no garage. Still. But I digress.

So yeah... Spring is here and I'm really hoping it warms up quickly and stays there. We even threw some grass seed down today, in hopes of it germinating and taking care of some of the mud the snow left behind. And a few of the tulip are trying to poke through. But it's actually later than in years past... our neighbor's tulip tree is normally in full bloom by now! I'm so tired of looking at all the 'blah' browns/greys and lack of color around here.

Spring Break is the other thing... it seems like everyone but me is taking a true spring break vacation. How is it that the person from FL is the one NOT going to FL soon? Complete bummer... I think I need to plan something. Ha Ha I wish I could... maybe a late spring break? I don't know... nothing can be determined yet. Too many other things happening (mainly with work). But that's a whole other story.

Annual January Deep Freeze

A few months ago, I downloaded an app on my phone called TimeHop that 'looks back' at your previous posts on social media. I did it, initially, just because I saw a lot of people sharing 'memories' from it, and I wanted to check it out. But as I looked at it, I noticed the weather trend that also occurred... I seemed to always have similar weather posts at the same time (ie - complaining). Sure, there were a few obvious 'warmer/colder that average' days... but in general, things seemed to fall around the same time.

I guess this should come as no surprise. Weather trends do tend to follow the same pattern. But the past couple of weeks have been quite interesting... they definitely showed a pattern of some of our worst winter weather, all falling in the same time frame. Last year was when we had the highs that were sub-zero. The year before that was a big winter storm that buried the City. This year, we've had some pretty good winter weather, as well, with snow, ice, and further cold temps (though not as bad as last year).

Everyone knows I don't the cold. This just makes me question my being here, at least during this time of year. Maybe I should convince my girls to change our cruise to one of these first few weeks of January? Or maybe I make it a point to travel with my new job for a couple of weeks straight in January? Or just leave the state for a vacation? Or forever?? I definitely can understand the snowbird perspective now. If you don't have to be in this, then why would you stick around?

Our temps haven't been above freezing for about a week now. I think they were close earlier this week, when we had a mix of rain/sleet/ice/snow... but we already had snow on the ground, so the 'warm' temps did nothing. In fact, it probably made it worse, because those few hours of melting (if there was any) just left behind a sheet of ice when we went back below freezing, which is where we still are. Sadly, I am looking forward tojust having temps above the freezing mark this weekend. I hate that I look forward to 40°F this time of year. I am not a 40°F type of girl.

Here's hoping we've seen the worst of the weather this year. Somehow, I don't think that's the case, though.

First Snow

We got our first snow overnight, last night! And I have very mixed feeling about it...

Technically, it supposedly snowed on Halloween... when Eric and I were in New York. So despite what 'people' might say, I'm calling last night's snow the first snow of the season.

But back to my mixed feelings. On one hand, it's pretty to look at. It's wonderful if you don't have to go anywhere, and you can just sit inside and look at it. But on the other, it's cold. And as much as I wish I could just sit at home with a Rumchata Hot Chocolate, and just look out the window, I can't. And did I mention that it's cold?

Seriously, though... snow. On November 16th/17th. Granted, it was just a couple of inches, unlike some other parts of the country that got upwards of a foot or more. But in true Indianapolis form, everyone freaked out. They forgot how to treat the roads correctly, and/or everyone forgot how to drive, right on cue. There were slide-offs everywhere, this morning. They even had to completely shut one interstate down because there were so many slide-offs in one stretch. Which, technically, that would be INDOT's responsibility, not the City's. It seems it takes a few storms to remind jurisdictions every year that whether it's 2" or 12" of snow, they both cause the roads to be slick, and in both instances, something needs to be put one the roads to allow people the safely drive them. If there's evidence of moisture on the roads and it's below freezing, you've gotta treat. Period. If the pavements is warm and melting everything, and even drying with traffic, then fine - leave them be. But that was not the case with this storm, nor with most storms that fall overnight... we just don't have enough traffic on our roads to

I digress.

The sun did at least come out a bit, today, and helped with some of the pavement areas (roads) fully melting and even drying. But then is snowed some more. And I'm guessing, as it gets later and colder with no sun beating down, some of those melted areas will ice over nicely if there's still moisture left on them. So it might be a fun drive, again, tomorrow. But at least it's pretty to gawk at.

Fall...

So the change of the seasons is upon us. Weird, since we didn't really get a taste of summer until the last month or so. And the past couple of weeks already started feeling like fall, complete with some leaves starting to change colors.

Fall came too fast this year. I want more summer. Not just because of the year flying by fast, but because I actually want some more hot weather! You know... the type when you breathe, you can feel the hot air as you breathe it in. Just call it a weird quirk I have.

And also, there's now the looming knowledge that winter is much closer than we'd all like to think. And I still don't have a garage. Have a nice big patch of dirt and a hole with utilities stubbed... but no garage yet. This makes me sad. I can't deal with another winter of digging my car out. It sucks.

For some reason, I'm just not into the onset of the cooler weather and really am not looking forward to the changing colors. it's just kind of 'meh' in my mind right now. And I've never been one of those people that associate cooler weather with football because, well, I grew up in FL. So football can play on in warmer weather... if it would just stay that way.

So this feeling of 'blah' does not bode well for the upcoming weeks and months. If I'm already dreading winter, what am I going to be like when it's actually here???

*sigh*

I guess one positive is that I can look forward to my boots and coats that come out in the cooler weather. I also have a few cozy sweaters that I look forward to wearing. But I can't even get hyped about that yet. I just want summer back.

No. Just, No.

It was in the 40's this morning. Said so on my car thermometer (forgot to take a picture - I was in too much shock). And on the news before I left the house. I'm not ready for this. I'm not ready for the cold. It's not even Fall yet!

This just reinforces the fact that I need to go to FL. ASAP. My cruise is still too far off to make that what I'm looking forward to...

Come to think of it... that is the only trip I have to look forward to right now. That's not good. Christmas doesn't count yet... it's a given, and we don't actually have it planned yet, so...

Eric laughs when I say I 'need' to go somewhere. I don't think I could ever be a true nomad... but I do get bored if I somewhere too long without a break from it. Those weekend jaunts up to Chicago for a Cubs games are lifesavers in my book. And Boston was the icing this year... what as awesome trip that turned out to be. But that was two months ago... too long ago. Especially when colder weather shows up on my doorstep.

Don't get me wrong... I'm not one that's on the high maintenance front as far as travel goes... but I've always liked to roam. Growing up, it was on my bike, at the end of Emerson Drive and beyond, where there were no houses, yet lots of paved roads. I could ride for hours out there, by myself, looking for and going nowhere in particular. Unless I saw smoke... then I had to find the source of the smoke. FL brush fires always intrigued me... have you ever watched a palm frond burn? Or the bark of a scrub pine smolder? It's mesmerizing. Okay... I'm starting to sound like a pyro now... I never set them... just liked to watch them.

Anyway... lots of rambling here... point being, I don't want the cold weather yet. And I need a trip to FL soon. That is all.

We Hit 90...

Well, so much for a perfect summer. We hit 90°F today. Finally. And it came with a muggy nastiness that could be compared to inland FL, with no breeze. Just straight up mugly!

I'll be honest... I was rooting against this day's coming. I was hoping to set another record, or at least be able to say we never hit 90°F, again... it happened a few years back and it would've been cool to see again. I'm competitive, in nature, and I saw this as a competition. I know... sad. I have my own issues. Something I had no control over was still a competition in my own mind. Oh well... just another quirk I have.

ANYWAY... there's a good chance today will be the only day that hits this milestone. There's a chance tomorrow, but then another front comes through and the temperatures drop again. And then it's September. Which means Fall is right around the corner. We all see Starbucks is pushing that issue with the early arrival of their Pumpkin Spice Latte, which hit stores today. This year has just gone by way too fast!

Could This Be a Perfect Summer?

So I've been good... I haven't been talking on here much about the weather, one way or another. But I have to say something now... this year has been crazy nice, at least as far as the temps go. We haven't even hit 90 degrees yet!

Not that I mind the high temps... hitting the nineties is okay, so long at it's not overly humid or consistent. Yes... I admit... I've become a bit of a wuss since moving north. I think I could quickly adjust, if need be. And at the end of the day, I would much rather the 90's verses anything below 50.

But on top of not even hitting the 90's, as we wrap up the month of July today (one of the hottest months, typically), we've even set a record for coolest July on record.

I know... it sounds kind of... well... "meh!" But regardless what the weatherman says about breaking records, it's been nice just being able to be outside and not start dripping in sweat just by breathing. I think we earned this pleasant summer after the horrendous winter we had.

Of course, we still need to get through August. Fingers Crossed.

Tax Day = Snow Day?

Typically, with Tax Day being in mid-April, you don't associate it with snow or really cold weather. There's usually hope involved with Tax Day, in that you have the sunshine and warm spring breezes to cheer you up outside.

Not this year. Woke up to snow/ice on the car, with snowflakes whipping around in the wind most of the day. Nothing you want to look out the window and see this time of the year. Cold, blustery winds that make you dig out the winter coat you just put away, along with gloves and your ice scraper for your car.

Oh, and of course everyone already forgot how to drive in this weather, which made for a fun rush hour.

The good news with all of this, aside from the fact that Eric and I did our taxes a long time ago, is the fact that this IS just a one day thing. The weekend is supposed to be spectacular, again. But that actually makes today that much more annoying... why can't we just get to spring weather and stay there??

Once again, I digress. I'm tired of rambling about the cold weather. Here's hoping this really is the last time until next winter.

Spring!!

Today was the first day of spring! But only on the calendar.

Interestingly enough, it's supposed to go below freezing again this weekend. but today, at least it's in the 50's... almost normal. Remember when I said Mother nature was a tease? Well, it continues.

I will say this... it's getting better. So much, in fact, that I might even stop blogging about the weather for awhile. Maybe.

I am actually pretty excited to finally see the warm weather creep back in. This winter reminded me just how much I am NOT a cold weather girl. Not only am I not a fan of the cold temperature, I really can't handle being in them too long. Not even if they're artificially created (ie - super cold a/c). It's just not natural to be in temperature that cold!

Alas, with the first day of spring kind of here, I think I'm going to survive winter of 2014. It was a brutal one, but I made it.

Mother Nature's a Tease

She's toying with us. In all possible ways, Mother Nature is completely teasing us. And it is so not cool!

Yesterday, we had 60 some odd degree weather. It was actually pretty nice. It actually felt like spring. That glimmer of hope was in everyone's eyes... the hope that winter was really over.

But that hope quickly faded this morning, as we woke up to... you guessed it... snow. Not just frigid temperatures, but actual snow. Made for a fun commute... how quickly people forget how to drive when the roads get a little slick.

And it wasn't just during the morning commute. No... it snowed most of the day. The plus side, if there was one, was that the ground was still warm enough from yesterday that most of it melted rather quickly. But on other surfaces, it stuck around a little longer. I even walked out to my car after work to fine my door handle icy.

So Mother Nature is totally teasing us. Like, in a very mean way. She better make up for it with an absolutely awesome spring. And summer!

Spring on the Horizon

I can see it... the light at the end of this miserable winter.

This has been one of the snowiest, coldest winters on record for Indianapolis. And DEFINITELY the coldest and snowiest since I've lived up here. Multiple daily low temps have been broken, not too mention daily snow totals. Even more, to date, it's the second snowiest winter on record. Period.

And I say 'to date' because, technically, winter is not over. Still got a few weeks. And after this crazy winter, I wouldn't be surprised if we got snow in May. Which would really suck. I guess there would at least be color around us at that point...

The melting has begun, the ugly snow is everywhere. I'm not ready to bust out the shorts just yet... but here's hoping I can do so soon. At least by the end of the month. Which also means sandals... which means it's time to spice up my toenails!

Which brings me to one of the worst parts about this winter. I couldn't wear any of my cute shoes!! Seriously! I have so many cute booties and such, but because of either (a) the snowy conditions messing with the material or (b) trying to walk in heels on ice, they just couldn't be worn. Which really bummed me out. I love my shoes. Maybe I can squeeze some of them in these last few weeks, when the snow's gone but the weather is still cold... fingers crossed.

An Open Letter to Mother Nature

Dear Mother Nature,

I am concerned about your love affair with this Polar Vortex guy you've been seeing the past few months. I get that he's the cool guy on the block, but I think he's just using you to get closer to us. We've made it clear to him that we don't like him, nor do we want him hanging around our homes. He vandalizes the area, leaving behind slick walks and just howls when he sees us slip on them. And don't get me started on the cold shoulder he likes to give when don't pay attention to his antics.

I think you need to move on. I've heard Polar has a twin brother that he doesn't talk to anymore. I've been told he's way hotter that Polar, too, if you can believe that. I think his name is Tropical, though I could be making that up in my own head from things I've heard about him. He's a bright guy that's just a ray of sunshine to everyone he's met. Everyone is greeted with a warm welcome and he makes sure the days are full of fun and last as long as possible.

I've had a few friends sneak off to meet this guy over the past few months. They come back so happy, but Polar seems quick to kill the happiness. He does not like the smiles that Tropical can bring. Is that the kind of guy you really want to hang around? Is that really the kind of guy you want to expose all of us to??

I think Tropical Vortex is really a guy you could warm up to. But you have to leave Polar Vortex behind, first. They don't coexist well. Think about it. I can tell you that we'd love to see you with that golden glow only Tropical can bring... it's way better than the red nose that Polar laughs at.

Sincerely,
Kara

The Ugly Side of Winter

I don't think I need to reiterate how brutal this winter has been. So the past couple of days, when we broke through the freezing mark and started to see the snow melt, I was ecstatic! But after the first day, the ugliness of winter really started to show.

All the plowed piles of snow started to turn a sickly shade of grayish slush as the snow melted, leaving behind the dirt that had been plowed up with it. Sidewalks began to turn black from the same, plus the added road grime. Even with the sun shining, the world looks dark. Driving down the road just becomes downright depressing.

At home, the front of the house hasn't changed much. As we face north, no sunlight is hitting the front yard, so what melting has occurred is solely because of the rising temperatures. There is melting, at least... the lights that were once buried can be seen again. Our backyard, on the other hand, has nearly completely melted, causing it to become a huge mud pit. But at least we can see grass again... I'd forgotten what grass looked like.

Of course, the mud pit was emphasized by the thunderstorms that rolled through today. Not a ton of rain, but when the ground is still partially frozen and saturated with snowmelt, even a little rain has nowhere to go. On the plus side, maybe it washed away some of the black nastiness... we'll see in the morning.

While I'm thrilled to see all this snow that had us buried for over a month go away, I hate the dirty process it takes to get there. And for as much as I'd like to say, "this is it for winter," I can't. No... because we're supposed to get more snow this weekend. But I'll take what I can get, for now.

Valentine's Day (almost) FAIL

Let me preface that while weather is talked about and played a big role in the outcome of this day, this is NOT a full-on weather blog.

That said, today quickly took a turn for the worse in the weather department when is started snowing... a little before noon where I was (north side)... but I heard it was even earlier elsewhere in the metro area. Once again 'they' said we would get about one to two inches (as of last night... but they seems to continually change their forecast today the snow accumulated at greater amount. We ended up with 6" when all was said and done. Six inched of very while, fluffy, snow. Of course, a majority of this fell )heavily) during the afternoon rush hour. Why not, right??

I did make it home, though, and once again, it paid to have the reverse commute that I have. I had to make sure I have time to get ready and bake Eric his Valentine's gift (a heart shaped pan of brownies). Eric and I had made plan to attend the Indiana State Museum's Art Fair opening, which included dinner in the Tea Room. We were looking forward to it, as we typically don't do the 'get dressed up and do Valentine's Day dinner out' - we've always stayed in and cooked a special meal together. Which has always been nice.

Well, the slight delay in getting did cause a bit of a rush on my end. But then, to boot, Eric was running a little late getting home from work, himself (not because of weather... just typical work pile up for him). So I had that stress going for me. But he did finally make it home, with beautiful flowers, I might add, and, since he's a guy, was able to quickly get ready. But this was the last of the positives for awhile.

As we were getting ready to walk out the door, we wondered if we were supposed to have tickets for this event. We did some searching, and as we could find nothing of the sort, we headed over, assuming they had a list they just checked off.

Some foreshadowing for you... as I mentioned, we were dressed up. Which meant some nice heels for me. I did wear some snow boots to get to the car, but they came off once in the car, because we were parking in a parking garage and going directly into a building.

So continuing on... we get to the museum and go in, and when we told them we signed up online, they sent us over to the will call desk. No big deal, right? Yeah... that's what we thought. They could find no sign of our reservation. They continued to tell us that they have had some problems with this online service they had used. This is about when Eric's temper started to kick in. If you've never seen it, be happy. I did my best to keep him in check - he finally just walked away and I talked to the guy at the desk. I could tell he felt bad and he was searching and calling people to attempt to resolve this issue. He finally finds the manager or someone who can actually make things right... but by this point, when I tried to tell Eric what I thought was good news, he decided he was done and insisted on leaving.

And not quietly, unfortunately. The poor coat check guy thought he did something wrong. I was just thankful nothing got broken along the way. Including the parking gate in the garage. I was ready to just go home, at this point. Eric was clearly upset, and I wasn't dressed to walk around anywhere that wasn't enclosed... which was the rest of the City. But he seemed determined to find a place to eat... on Valentine's night. He finally called one of our favorite restaurants, and while they had nothing immediately available, things started to clear up on their reservation list around 8:45pm. He seemed content with that, but I hate eating that late. So I find another place using the app, Open Table, that had something available within the next half hour.

He tried to make it easy for me by dropping me off as close to the front door as possible... which isn't really possible along a street with parking. There was ice along the walks, too, that made it a tedious process, regardless. But I got inside while he went to park the car. Then I got a phone call. He got stuck on a side street and had to shovel out his car. Great. This'll help his mood. But he finally made it and we sat down to eat.

Ultimately, he calmed down and we actually had a nice dinner. The food was good, the server was excellent (one of the best I've had in Indy), and we even had dessert. So Valentine's Day dinner was salvaged. For the most part. I guess the night wasn't over yet.

As we left, Eric went to get the car since he was parked so far away. I hate doing anything on Mass Ave for this reason... the parking sucks, both in layout (function) and in number of spaces. I, personally, avoid doing much of anything on Mass Ave, if I can help it. Especially with my larger vehicle. But I digress.

Initially, he said he'd pick me up where he dropped me off, which would've been fine. Except that the valet was now using that area to stage peoples' cars as they left. Do I had to cross the snowy, icy, slushy road to get to where he could pick me up. Did I mention I was wearing 4"-ish heels? Ironically, I was fine in the slushy shoulder area... but the drive lanes... they were sheets of ice. About two steps, and I lost it. Down on my knee, hard! I tried to regain balance, but I think that just made it more awkward going down. It was more of a struggle standing back up. I was within moments of taking my shoes off and just walking through it all with no shoes. But I stabilized myself and got to the side of the road, just as he pulled up. Oy, vey...

So that was probably the one and only Valentine's Day we'll try going out. It sucked. We never had issues doing our own thing... but it was just one thing after another tonight. But, at least the dinner was good, the flowers we pretty, and the brownies turned out perfect. If we could've skipped the museum fiasco, the winter weather, and the bruised knee, it would've been a great night. But I still love my Valentine, regardless. Y

Too. Cold. Can't. Handle. Any. More!

I've been in Indiana since 2001. Summer of 2001. I was lucky enough to have a mild winter that year, so I stayed. But this winter... this winter is seriously having me think about up and moving back to FL!

Normally, when we get snow, even if it's a few inches, it's gone within a week. This year, we've had snow on the ground since December. I've forgotten what grass looks like. Some of the piles in parking lots will last well into the spring they're so big! The roads are finally clear, after we had bout after bout of snow... and the sun's even been out for a few days now. But the temperatures...

We've had twelve days, so far, that took our lows to the sub-zero mark. And a couple of those days didn't even have highs above that point! And just from my recollection, I think we've only had two or three days where we even broke the freezing mark! Hence, the snowpack on the ground, covering everything that hasn't been shoveled or plowed since Christmas.

But I *think* we're about to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They are showing 40's in the forecast for early next week. Of course, that's nearly a week out... but that could mean I get to see my grass again soon, even if it is dormant! Or maybe dead?

But the bad news is, with this ultimate thaw comes some ultimate potholes. They've already starting popping up on the roads, and some of the ones I've already seen are craters! It's going to be a rough spring on the roads... and public works has already spent part of the pothole budget on additional salt, so that'll get interesting, real quick!

Need to plan a vacation... SOON!

Polar Vortex - Round #2

"Well... at least the sun is out!"

I find myself saying that way more than I'd like. And the sun isn't even out all the time, which makes it even more depressing. I do not like winter. I do not like the cold. But I HATE not seeing the sun. I am definitely one of those people that can go into a deep seasonal depression if I do not see the sun for days at a time.

But back to the Polar Vortex - Round #2!! We woke up this morning to more sub-zero temperatures with even more frigid windchills. Luckily it wasn't quite as cold as they were initially predicting. Last night, they were saying the morning temp would be in the negative teens and the windchills would be near the negative thirties. Brutal! I'll take my -6°F with a windchill of only -11°F.

Never thought I'd say that!

So, unlike last time, we didn't have over a foot of snow to deal with before this nasty cold streak hit. Which means we don't have frozen-over snowpack on the roads. Yay! So we have clear roads, with lots of ugly, dirty snow along the edge... but no issues with it, other than it being depressing to look at. Yet, the City still 'closed down' today, meaning all the City offices were closed, and just about every school district, as well. Yet, private industry (me) still bundled up and headed to work.

But this lead to an interesting, and sad, conversation Eric and I had this morning... a lot of people are complaining that the mayor had this directive, where he suggested businesses and schools all close today, to allow people to avoid the frigid outdoor temperatures. Sadly, he had to do this, because we now live in a society where no one takes responsibility for what happens to them or their loved ones, and immediately look for someone else to blame. So if he DIDN'T send out this directive, leaving people on their own to make the decision, and if something dreadful would've happened, somehow, he would've been at fault.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

This goes back to the weak generation we're raising now. Sadly, this is what they see, and this is how they will act. They will never take responsibility for anything and always look anywhere but the mirror for who to blame. Not every kid out there is like that. But unfortunately, the ones who have been raised to take responsibility for your own actions and make your own life happen aren't in the majority, and won't be able to carry their entire generation.

Okay... that was a off-subject ramble. Back to the weather. It's cold. That's all I can say. Even today's high temperature was way too cold for me. This winter is just sucking the life out of me.

Polar Vortex

Winterstorm Ion. He shall be one that those of us who were in the Midwest will never forget. Especially here in Indianapolis, where we were the apparent bullseye for Mother nature on this one.

I can't say this one caught us off guard at all. We had all sorts of notice, and the barren shelves of milk, break, and eggs proved that. Either a storm was coming, or there was a hell of a French Toast Brunch happening somewhere in the City. And it was coming on the heals of the more than half-foot of snow we received late last week.

So Sunday morning, just as predicted, the snow starts coming down at about an inch an hour. And it did, indeed, come down all day like that, just as they had predicted. It was actually pretty to watch. Eric and I even got out in the Armada and drove around a bit before it got dark to check on some of Riley's properties (to make sure they had power, etc.). It was kind of fun driving around downtown in the snow with very little traffic out. We learned the true benefit of have a 4x4, too. There were actually quite a few people out and about, building snowmen and just enjoying the winter wonderland scenery. It was still snowing during this time, but we were already approaching a foot of snow, which is a lot of one snowfall for Indy. And the temps we right around freezing, which sounds cold, but really wasn't... compared to what was coming.

Not sure if I just wasn't paying attention or if the term came to the frontline after it actually happened... I know I saw this described on the weather forecast, with the jet stream dipping way down into the southern states, and pulling down the artic air with it... but I didn't see the term, 'Polar Vortex' until sometime Monday afternoon. It was part of the overall forecast, after they told un our total snowfall was about 13" (now the record for a one day snowfall in Indy) and then talked about the weather we were dealing with now... sub-zero temps and no chance of being above zero until sometime on Tuesday.

And it was brutal! We woke up on Monday to -13°F, with a windchill that made it feel like -41°F. And that was just what I saw... it may have been colder at some point. Eric and I didn't leave the house at all. I ventured out back at one point to try to make frozen bubbles - it's amazing the things you learn about 'experimenting with' when it gets to these temps. Kind of like frying an egg on the road in FL, I guess. But it was too windy and they kept popping. I got one small, unspectacular one, but that's it. I didn't do the boiling water into snow experiment - saw enough of those on Facebook. It eventually 'warmed up' to around -9°F, but then dropped back down overnight. Again, not sure how cold it really got to, but when I looked this morning, the temp was -13°F, but the windchill was only about -30°F. And it actually did feel warmer. Amazing what the wind can do to you.

Around lunchtime or so, we finally made it 'up' to 0°F, and depending on where in the Metro Area you were, it even made it a few degrees above as the high for the day. But obviously, with these temps, the snow isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And tonight it even goes back below 0°F, according to the weather forecasters. Who I'll believe through the rest of this winter blast. This one is definitely one for the memory banks. And I'd be just fine not having to deal with another storm like this again. Ever! Never thought I'd say I'm looking forward to the 30°F temps we're expecting tomorrow!! It's like a heatwave will be hitting us!

Snow Day?

We've been getting warnings since Eric and I got back from FL last weekend. A BIG snow was coming on Thursday. The forecasted totals varied, and as of last night, they were saying 3"-5" by mid morning. So the public was well warned.

But did someone tell the City? Because the roads sure weren't touched this morning when I headed out at 7:30am. Maybe it will get better this afternoon.

So it continued to snow. All day. It was supposed to stop at noonish. 'They' said. It didn't stop. I left at 5pm to head home, and it was still snowing.

Huh. The roads were still crappy. Come to think of it, I saw a total of two City plow/salt trucks all day and actually saw private contractors clearing the PUBLIC road in front of my office. Well... that could mean only one thing... we got more than 6" of snow officially - the city only engages private contractors for public roads if it's over 6", right? But 'they' said we were just getting 3"-5" of snow....

Got home pretty easily - I love having a reverse commute on days like this. Looks like a lot of snow... we had a small drift forming on our front porch. So how much have we gotten? Go out back to measure (where there AREN'T drifts since the winds are blowing from the north) and whadaya know... 6.5". And it was still coming down.

But my road out front still looks like crap. Are they going to catch up overnight? What if it keeps snowing? Whatever will they do then?? Did they just not care today since most schools are still on break? Do us 'big people' not matter? Did they just not get enough warning for this one?

Uh... no. There was plenty on warning. In my opinion, there is no excuse. I don't care how fast it was coming down at some point in time... you sure wouldn't see such a crappy job done in the likes of Chicago or NYC. They'd have the main routes definitely clear for rush hour, even if it meant putting more than one truck on it.

Even better?? We're supposed to get even MORE on Sunday... supposedly a storm that will dump up to a foot of snow on us! Even better? The HIGH temperature on Monday isn't supposed to even reach 0 degrees... it's a high of like -6 degrees!!

I should've stayed in FL!!

White Stuff

I just gotta say... I'm already so done with snow this year!  And it's barely the middle of December!

I'm sure part of it was the fact that I was in the Caribbean last week. We left here, it was freezing and snow was still on the ground. We came back to Indy, snow was still on the ground. And then today... yuck!

Not a lot of it (relatively), but it hit at the wrong times and just seemed to keep coming! The roads completely sucked this morning, and even though I have a large 4WD vehicle, there are still those who don't, and you have to watch for them. And the rockstars who feel invincible in their 4WD's... no... I am not one of them.

And no amount of coffee or warm food can warm you up on a day like this. Believe me - I try! Again...maybe a side effect from last week... but it still sucks! Maybe because I didn't grow up with it? Maybe because I still don't have a garage?

Nah... I just don't like the cold. I am, and will always be, a FL girl at heart. Snow's a novelty and great for skiing... but I could do without seeing it every year. I think I'd be just fine with that.

Time to Make French Toast

It happens every year. That first big winter storm 'freak out' that causes everyone to panic and do the standard run to the store to get stuff to make French Toast. Because that's the best way to survive a storm, after all...

This one comes right on schedule... early December after an even more freakishly warm spell. They've been talking about 'Winter Storm Cleon' since the weekend. Forecasters watch as it pounds Colorado and other states known for high amounts of snowfall, and always predict we'll get much of the same.

But we usually don't.

In fact, I've watched as the predictions of snowfall amount go down since the early rumors of this great storm. At one point, I heard we might get up to 12". Now we're don't to half of that. And we'll likely get half of that prediction. They always over hype snowfall amounts, especially for the first 'big one' of the season.

In the meantime, everyone's panicking. I don't even want to go near any store that sells 'the big three' items that you must have for a snowstorm. Why must we get milk, bread, and eggs? What do those items really do for us? And can we really not survive without them? And do we really think we won't be able to get to the store for another week??

Oh, well. Maybe I'm wrong. It just better not impact my plans for getting on a plane Saturday morning, or I will be very upset!