DEBORAH CROMBIE: For today I intended to write about first-week-in-2025 appropriate things like intentions and resolutions, but then came the ARCTIC BLAST! As we are spread out from coast to coast and across Canada, I wanted to know how everyone was doing. Not to leave out our friends in Europe and the UK--it snowed in London today!
Here's a photo from my friend in Kansas City, which seems to have gotten the worst of the storm. This was taken through her window as it was too cold to open the door!
It's not that cold here in the DFW area, but it is definitely "put on your long undies" and "bring in the plants" weather--20 F early this morning with a still blasting north wind. We had already brought in the olive tree, the lemon tree, and the gardenia for the winter, but at the last minute we decided we couldn't bear to lose the huge hibiscus that has lived just outside our back door since last March, so we rescued it. Now our sunporch looks like a jungle!
The hibiscus is actually two plants, one orange and one red, but I couldn't get both blooms in one photo. If it looks straggly it's because the poor thing was already wind-damaged by the time we brought it in.
We have significant snow predicted for Wednesday night and Thursday, which for us in north Texas means horrible roads and staying home unless it's absolutely necessary to go out. Rick has requested chili for Thursday night. We don't eat a lot of meat but cold weather seems to make it very appealing. Last night I made pot roast for the first time in I don't know how many years. This was Lidia Bastianich's Italian Pot Roast, on the recommendation of a friend (she of the snow photo, who is a much better cook than I am) and it was delicious!
Dear Reds and Reddies, how is the weather where you are, and are you cooking accordingly?
Cold, cold, cold and snowy . . . we're having soup and chili and bacon and eggs [breakfast for dinner] and lots of hot coffee!
ReplyDeleteI love breakfast for dinner but unfortunately my picky husband does not. Boo.
DeleteKeeping quiet here in SoCal. Sending warm thoughts to everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. We do appreciate it:-)
DeleteLisa in Long Beach, are you safe from the fires in Southern California?
DeleteWell, it was in the 70's here in So Cal today, so no issues with snow for me. However, they are predicting bad winds here the next couple of days, so we'll see how that turns out. And we'll see if my neighbors lose their power again for a public safety shut off. This would be the third time in the last three months if it happens. I got really lucky when I bought my condo 20+ years ago because I'm in the half of my complex that keeps its power, while my neighbors loser theirs. And I'm right on the line.
ReplyDeleteWe are such weather wimps here in southern Ca. But my heart goes out to those in the snow areas. We currently have threats of the Santa Ana winds that often bring fires.
DeleteMARK: just getting ready to batten down the hatches on our balconies. Those winds will whoosh away the cushions and blow over some of the plants up here on the 21st floor. Shortly after we moved here, we heard that someone’s glass tabletop flew off the balcony, luckily not hurting anyone below.
DeleteIt's very windy here in Santa Clarita, CA right now, with some big gusts and fire warnings. They're predicting a drier than usual winter (NorCal, please send some rain our way), which will not only put as back in a drought (were we ever out?) and increases the fire danger. We always have our "to go" kits ready for ourselves and our pets. My kids in Bethesda, MD had several inches of snow with school closures, and two other family members here for New Year's had a 21-hour travel day home to Virginia Beach on Sunday, due to flight cancellations. Wild weather all around!
DeleteHoping you’re not being impacted by the Hurst Fire.
DeleteWe had fog in the north San Francisco Bay Area Monday morning. Weather predictions are mid 60s on Tuesday. I think Mark's winds are staying in So Cal. Hope they aren't as bad as the meteorologist just predicted. I thought about making chicken and dumplings on Sunday but was too lazy.
ReplyDeleteI totally get too lazy, Deana. That is my default!
DeleteWind and rain here in Braga, and cold for us (12°C). We'll probably have leftovers tonight - Mysore rasam, a spicy sauce that can also be a soup, lemon rice and leftover samosas.
ReplyDeleteBut here's a funny thing: early this morning I dreamed I was making chili - ground beef, which I haven't eaten in years! Decades, actually. And as I sampled a spoonful, I could taste it in my dream! Go figure. It's not the first time I've tasted food in a dream. Has anyone else had that experience?
how funny E! I will look for tasting in my dreams. I had very vivid dreams of Paris...
DeleteThat is so interesting Elizabeth. I've not experienced that but sounds like a nice dream - hopefully the chili tasted great and no calories!
DeleteMaybe not tasting in my dreams, but even the mention of some smells makes me drool.
DeleteFascinating, Elizabeth! I know I dream in color but I don't think I've ever tasted anything!
DeleteDeborah, I dream in color, too.
DeleteI feel like we really dodged a bullet here in southwestern Pennsylvania. It's currently 22, which is normal for us in January, and we got 3-4 inches of light, powdery, sweepable snow. Good thing it only required a broom because Hubby's quad with the snow plow is on the verge of dying, and he doesn't want to get it fixed until spring. Anyhow, no ice and no wind here, so I'm not complaining.
ReplyDeleteYou might have a lot more snow between now and spring, Annette!
DeleteI have no doubt!
DeleteWe had a few lackluster flakes here north of Boston and that was it. It's fifteen and wicked windy, but the ground is bare.
ReplyDeleteMaking meat chili today!
No fun to be that cold without snow!
DeleteIt's always sad for us here in the Adirondack High Peaks, where we're accustomed to snow, have the resources to deal with it, and actually need it for tourism, to miss out on the big storms. We've had seasonable cold (-6° F yesterday) and high wind, but little snow. I think we have a total of 4-6 inches. This is scanty. We could use another foot.
ReplyDeleteWe lived in No. Va. for three years in the mid-1990s for my husband's work and I remember my amazement at how an inch of snow disrupted life completely there. Of course it was logical. There were few plows, many uninsulated houses and pipes, and worst of all, drivers who'd never seen ice. Every turn in every road saw cars that had skidded off. Up here the state plows work all night and most who are not tourists have all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
I made a big vat of soup yesterday from the frozen Christmas turkey carcass and baked bread. It was perfect for the chilly weather. (Selden)
Here in the Dallas area is like north VA. An inch of snow will shut everything down. Pipes will freeze, and no one can drive on ice. You seriously risk your life if you get out. Crossing fingers you get more snow, though!
DeleteIt's pretty chilly here today and it isn't supposed to get above freezing all day. So I'll be bundled up and I'll probably make some soup (from a can, sorry foodies) to go with my dinner.
ReplyDeleteStay warm, Jay!
DeleteWe've had so much rain and warmer than usual temperatures for the whole month of December. Yesterday was the first clear day in weeks, with a calm wind and sunshine all day, and a temp of about 50 F. Today the east wind is blowing, but it's going to be clear again. We are expecting colder temps later this month, but so far no winter storms in the Willamette Valley. My sister's daphne is blooming and the daffodils are starting to emerge--way too early.
ReplyDeleteMike made chili on Saturday night when he hosted a wonderful pickin' party so our son's girlfriend could hear the band (bluegrass). He and I had the leftovers last night. Yum.
What fun, Gillian!
DeleteCincinnati checking in: a food of snow on the ground and a sparkling eleven degrees outside. My husband is telecommuting for a second day and I assume the schools are still closed. I made a chicken pot pie and have the ingredients for lasagna, followed by pot roast and chicken parmesan. All the winter comfort foods. Take care, everyone!
ReplyDeleteI saw your chicken pot pie on Facebook, Margaret, and now I'm hungry just thinking about it!
DeleteI live a little southeast of Edith Maxwell - we had a little snow in December. Right now it’s just January cold 17F now, high of 26F. Continued cold but no polar vortexes yet.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it's missing New England.
DeleteActually, I would like some snow-for my gardens and the ski resorts, and maybe local cross-country skiing. And hot chocolate which always tastes better when there’s snow outside. Suzette
DeleteHere in south central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg) the actual temperature is 22F but factor in the wind gusts and it feels like 10F. As Annette mentioned above we dodged a big snow accumulation in the southern tier of PA. Definitely a day for soup of some kind!
ReplyDeleteSoup is the best, and normally my choice over something like pot roast.
DeleteHere along the Ohio River we ended up with just over 10". It broke our snowblower, which is a tragedy, since more snow is threatened on Friday. And our driveway is over 250 feet long. It's cold here, 19, but not as cold as they predicted last night (1 above), thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I tapped into a cosmic collective consciousness! Yesterday, I also made a pot of chili, with ground venison. It had been so long since I made it that I overseasoned with the chili, but it was great with shredded Colby and sour cream.
Debs, the pot roast photo is good enough for a cookbook!
Thanks, Karen! That was right at the beginning of the cooking, I think. You had to flip the meat every half hour and while the recipe said it should take about 3 hours, it took four. At least it kept me from sitting more than half an hour at my computer! (I'm not supposed to sit for more than 30 minutes but am always going over...)
Deletehttps://www.npr.org/2025/01/06/nx-s1-5250273/national-zoo-giant-pandas-dc-snow
ReplyDeleteThe Giant Pandas in DC are excited about the snow and are captured on video playing in it.
What fun!! And I think it was the Washington Post yesterday that posted all the fun snow videos, most from DC, Maryland, and Philadelphia.
DeleteIn Quebec, it is presently snowing. The snow is propelled by gusts of 28 m per hour. Those same winds give a 16F a felt temperature of 5F. It is less cold than the last days but cold winds makes it harder walking outside.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I made a split pea soup, very comforting.
Danielle
Oh, I have been craving split pea soup. Do I have any split peas, I wonder? Time to check the pantry!
DeleteBrrrr...I just checked the temperature here on the South Shore in MA and it's a "balmy" 19*F but the wind gusts make it feel like it's 1*F. The wind, in general, loves to hang out in our neck of the woods all four seasons. So I have "bad hair" days on a regular basis. There's zero snow cover right now but that could change this coming weekend. Tonight's dinner will either be chicken tortellini soup or butternut squash and spinach ravioli with popovers. Right now I am enjoying my second cup of morning coffee and grateful to be sitting in front of a warm fireplace.
ReplyDeleteP.S. That pot roast looks delicious and your sunporch is lovely, Deborah. Filled with light and greenery! I'm guessing the Hibiscus is looking much better this morning after its rescue.
DeleteI love the photos Debs posts. I'm sure the plants are nice and warm inside. The photo from Kansas looks postcard perfect, but I'm glad I'm not out in it!
DeleteMy friend had to get out this morning but fortunately they are very well prepared in KC for this kind of weather and the roads were cleared.
DeleteThank you, Evelyn. The sunporch does look lovely but with 10 windows and no insulation under the floor, it is very cold! I should take my laptop upstairs to my "proper" office, which will be much warmer, but I like being able to see out, and being next to the kitchen for hot drinks, etc. And letting the dog out, lol!
DeleteCurrently 40 degrees in Tampa but not for long. It probably will warm to about 56 later today. All our plants except the lemon grass are native to FL so they should survive. No chili for us, just the usual oatmeal for breakfast and meat n eggs for dinner. Yes that pot roast looked wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, though. 40 is downright frigid for your area!
DeleteMy husband's cousin lives near Orlando, and she must be huddled in a heap right now, she hates the cold so much.
Yikes, Coralee! You'll have to get out the warm coats!
DeleteDeborah, love the blooms on your hibiscus--what a wonderful color!! Currently about 26F here near the south shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio--we got about three inches of snow yesterday--a couple more inches predicted from Wednesday through Friday. The winds certainly make it feel colder--enough so that our elderly dog refuses to go outside and has to be carried in and out. I'm thinking beef burgundy would be enticing for supper and am planning to make a pot of Hallie's tomato soup for lunch today, along with grilled cheese sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteTomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, yum! We have the fixings--maybe we will have that on Thursday when it's supposed to snow!
DeleteWe had to let the two prettiest hibiscuses (is that the plural?) freeze. One was a ruffled, double pale orange, and the other a deep orange red with black center. And all the bougainvilleas and ferns and begonias are gone now, too. Oh, well, winter...
It's normal in Ottawa. Clear, cold at -10C/14F feeling like -17C/+1F. It will be like this the rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteGood cold temperatures for the Rideau Canal skateway ice to freeze up for the season.
More normal than last year, right? Seems like it was unusually warm in 2024.
DeleteDo you skate, Grace?
Both 2023 and 2024 winters were abnormally warm in Ottawa. There were ZERO skating days in 2023 (first time ever) and only 10 days in 2024.
DeleteIt takes several weeks of cold temperatures likebwe are experiencing now for the ice to reach a minimal thickness of 30 cm/ 1 foot to open the Skateway.
Yes, I skate but have not done much since breaking my ankle in 2017. It is wonky at the best of times.
Glad to hear you are having normal winter temps, Grace. The skateway sounds very cool. I just looked it up!
DeleteThe sun is shining gloriously, and as it is coming through the window it is warm, meaning no fires need to be lit for a while. The kitchen window is open, allowing the various cats to come and go – better than me getting up every few minutes to be a butler. Have you heard the song by Garrison Keeler – The In & Out Song? Apparently, the cats think it is to be played on repeat, just for them.
ReplyDeleteThe little bit of snow which landed a few days ago did not require plowing and melted in yesterday’s above zero weather. A few kilometers outside our place might have some snow, but doubt that it is much; on the other hand, the other side of the island has had snow for 2 days, and it is still coming down.
Prue, the kitten, discovered that the bit of snow here has a crust on it, so she takes a step, and falls through. Very annoying! The beautiful 4-bloomed red amaryllis committed hari-kari last night, and broke its neck, so I am off to find a very tall vase to put it in.
Our local weather just said that California is expecting some weather that might bring them more fires. I will say snow seems better to me than fire any day.
As for cooking – still trying to cook my way out of the freezer, which may take forever! It is a game of open freezer, grab something, and then find a recipe. Or my choice, scrambled eggs, beans and toast.
Lucy, our indoor/outdoor cat, took one look through the open door yesterday when the north wind was blowing 35 mph and said, "Nope. No way am I going out there. Are you nuts?"
DeleteSanta Ana winds don't cause fires in January, just create nice warm temperatures. Humidity is high, fire danger is listed as very low.
DeleteAnon, I don’t know where you live or got your information, but the weather people in San Diego are saying it’s extremely low humidity and the last measurable rain we had was in November, I believe. The power company is probably going to be shutting off power to certain wind-prone areas to prevent fires. — Pat S
DeleteIt's cold here. Connecticut winter cold. Nothing special. No snow in our area at all.
ReplyDeleteYesterday, our daughter texted us photos of her ruler indicating 9-1/2 inches of snow in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. It's always amazing when snow falls there but not here. I agree with Selden. Northern NY, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and all the New England states are equipped to handle snow falls and some economies depend upon the snow. In the meantime, Rachel thinks the kids will be out of school all week, especially with below freezing temps in their forecast.
We may get snow this weekend. Other than getting too old to dig ourselves out, it's winter in New England. It's supposed to snow.
You need a neighbor with a snow blower, Judy! It looks like my granddaughter may get snow days Thursday and Friday. Her mom won't be thrilled since she just went back to school today!
DeleteWe have a snow blower, but it is still a lot of work to go out and clean everything off. And, it doesn't do our front walk or our steps!
DeleteIt is currently 20 degrees here just north of Columbus, OH. We got only about three inches of snow yesterday. There is no snow in the forecast now until Wednesday night, yet as I look out our front window I see big fat fluffy flakes falling. I didn't even attempt to leave the house yesterday, but I do need to do so today and tomorrow, so I need for this to stop!
ReplyDeleteI made chili as the storm rolled in, and tonight's menu is a tried-and-true cheesy chicken and spaghetti casserole. (The cheese is Swiss, which gives it a flavor different from most casseroles.) Yum!!
That sounds delish, Susan. Share the recipe?
DeleteIt's pretty normal here in the Laurel Highlands with daily temps in the low to mid 20s and overnights in the teens. We had snow for the last three or so days, resulting in, oh, six inches of powder? I can see more fluffy flakes drifting down now. The Hubby went out skiing.
ReplyDeleteStaying warm with fleece blankets, hot drinks, and the occasional fire - both gas fireplace and wood stove.
Sitting at my desk with my fleece blanket, my hot tea, and my mica panel space heater!
DeleteIn the Atlanta area we're running about 10 degrees below normal. We're lucky today that the sun is shining so our feels like temps are no longer in the single digits. When the front blew through last night it left us with a feels like temp of 2 degrees. Makes 30 feel like spring! -- Victoria
ReplyDeleteI hope you are staying warm, Victoria.
DeleteI'm tucked away in a Motel6 as long as funds allow. Should be fine. Thanks for caring! - Victoria
DeleteSo glad to hear it. You are in our thoughts.
DeleteBeautiful flowers. I keep the majority of my plants in the family room which has good light and is on a separate heating zone. If we are watching tv or just reading by the fire, this is a great retreat for us. We can also watch the weather from here although right now we have just been hit by the arctic cold. So far, the weather models are inconsistent as to whether we will have snow this weekend. I think that I will roast a chicken today! I love Lydia's cookbooks! Be warm and keep safe!
ReplyDeleteThese plants are right next to my desk so I do feel like I'm in the jungle! But it's very sad looking out at all the plants that did freeze. I'll be pulling them out of their pots when the weather warms up enough to work outside.
DeleteSending warming thoughts to our Reddies in the cold. It’s sunny and mild here in Northern California this week and I may drive to my favorite beach today to enjoy watching the waves
ReplyDeleteHow lovely, Rhys!
DeleteSending warm thoughts to our JRW community in the cold. It is beautiful outside with the sun starting to show through the green trees. Love the photos this morning, Debs!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana!
DeleteHard for me to imagine anywhere in Texas being 20 degrees F, Debs, which goes to show that I need to reject my stereotypes! Here in Bern it was sleeting this morning, but now it's overcast and 48 degrees F. The capital of Switzerland is 28 degrees warmer than a town in Texas--how's that for turning clichés on their head? We had a lot of snow last week--but it has all melted away. Meanwhile, up in the Alpine ski resort, there is plenty of snow for the skiers.
ReplyDeleteTexas is so big that it's hard to fit in a mental mind map, Kim. But we are north of Dallas and only about 50 miles from the Oklahoma border, so it's not unusual for arctic fronts to dip down this far. Crossing fingers that it doesn't get cold enough this winter to damage the peach orchards, or heaven forbid, dip down into south Texas and damage the citrus crops!
DeleteWow! I didn't realize you were so close to Oklahoma. Thanks for helping us visualize where you are. Stay safe! -- Victoria
DeleteWe seem to have dodged the bullet there in the Boston area... 22 degrees out which is cold but not unusual for January. No snow. The wind is what makes it uncomfortable. Wondering if anyone else has been admiring the moon and the planets which I gather are somehow aligned and in the really cold weather the sky can be clear enough to see them even in the light polluted suburbs. Anyone try to see the meteor showers??
ReplyDeleteI was astounded at the moon and stars a couple of days ago! I would have stayed out later if it hadn’t been so cold!
DeleteDebRo
I think the cloud cover is coming in today, with snow predicted tomorrow and Thursday. But I love looking at a clear winter sky!
DeleteOh, Hallie, I was outside last night for about four seconds, but the stars were so gorgeous! I actually gasped. I instantly saw Orion, and it was really magical.
ReplyDeleteBut so cold!
I made a gorgeous beef stew, which started out tasting delicious, but looking sort of thin and then my Facebook pal Andrew Ball suggested beurre manié which I added a tiny bit at a time, and it was absolutely glorious. I mean— Best ever. And we got to have it for two nights! Debs, I am now thinking about chili, brilliant idea.
I wish I had tried that for the pot roast last night, Hank! You were supposed to reduce it until it coated the back of a spoon. I reduced it by more than half and it never did. I finally gave up--it was late and we were starving!
DeleteI’m in southern Connecticut, on Long Island Sound. Yesterday afternoon I was at the movies with friends. When we left the theater it was snowing, and there was a dusting on most surfaces. It stopped snowing as we drove home, just a few minutes away. I’m not sure we had enough snow to even measure. That’s fine with me! Because the temperature is in the low twenties, the little bit of snow we had has not melted. We’re expecting high winds for the next few days. There’s nothing in the forecast so far about snow. I’m all in favor of ski resorts getting snow, but I don’t want it here!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
I second that, DebRo!
DeleteI am current sitting in my sunny warm kitchen, all the windows are open in the house. It is a beautiful bright sunny day with crystal blue skies. Current temp is 64, heading to mid seventies today.
ReplyDeleteGetting ready for a tun before seeing clients today. I am located at the very southern edge of the Bay Area in California.
Stay warm those of you with snow and ice!
How idyllic, Susan. I'm sure we all envy you!
DeleteWe are having a good weather week in the Bay Area. It could just as well be reining with temps in the low sixties. The snow you are going to get sounds like a lot. Maybe the wind will shift and you will get nice warm breezes from the south 😎
DeleteVery cold, it was 6 degrees (!) in York County Maine this morning! Right now I'm in Hampton NH, and it's a balmy 24 degrees with a windchill of 2 degrees! I'm babysitting my younger granddaughter (she's 4, oh so much fun!!) and tonight I'm making my son's favorite meal: breaded chicken cutlets, gravy, mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Parenting is hard enough, I try to make life easier for them as much as I can, and it at least warms my heart!
ReplyDeleteYou're a good grandma!
DeleteIt's sunny and 30 degrees but our snow is not melting. We got several inches a couple of days ago. The wind makes it feel much colder. Our low will be 12 degrees later on tonight. More snow expected Saturday, but sometimes it surprises you and shows up when least expected. Or not at all. I'm in Lexington, Virginia in the Shenandoah Valley. Just look west from Richmond between the mountain ranges and you'll find us. Debs, what is the forecast for the Cotton Bowl Friday? My Longhorns have to keep winning and poor neglected Bevo gets to attend this game. That steer needs all the handlers available!
ReplyDeleteI would not want to go to that game, Pat!! High of 38, low of 23, and who knows what state the roads will be in if we do get snow and ice on Thursday. I think we will start to warm up from Saturday.
DeleteDebs, my old house is like yours, and I can feel the drafts, especially in the downstairs! We've been almost snowless so far this winter in southern Maine, and even the rains we've had won't make up for a potential drought condition, I fear. It's wicked cold here, as we like to say, daytime temps in the mid 20s/-4c and nighttime well below 15/-9, the point where I know I have to keep the water trickling in the downstairs sinks.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it's not nearly as wretched as the "arctic vortex" Januaries we've had, when the daytime temperatures didn't go above 20/-7 for WEEKS at a time. So I'm not complaining! The animals and I are staying close to my cozy woodstove in the kitchen, and when it gets too drafty, I wrap a woolen blanket around my feet. Keeps me tough!
Do you have these slipper socks, Julia? They are the only thing that enables me to keep working at my desk in the sunporch. And that keeps my feet from getting frostbite in general!
Deletehttps://www.amazon.com/LINEMIN-Womens-Slipper-Christmas-Rhombic/dp/B09B6YM96G/ref=sr_1_7?sr=8-7
A friend gave me his deceased wife's unworn Uggs after she passed away, since I wear the same size shoe she did, a 6. They are amazing, so warm, with soles thick enough even for your sunroom floor, Debs.
DeleteI’m in sunny San Diego where we wish we could have some of Northern California’s rain. It’s a La Niña year which means the precipitation stays to the north so the Pacific Northwest and Northern California are getting inundated this year and we are dry. (As opposed to an El Niño year where it’s reversed.) And, as mentioned above, we are supposed to have Santa Ana winds this afternoon through tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI spoke to my sister yesterday who lives in Southern Connecticut. She said they weren’t supposed to get any of the snow that was hitting so many other places. She had an appointment in the morning and a few flakes were falling but melting immediately. She walked out of her appointment and it was coming down and sticking. She said it wasn’t much - just enough to make getting around dangerous. — Pat S
I just had to cancel a much needed doctor's appointment for Thursday because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get there. Now watch it not snow!
DeleteI am in the Bay Area, very little rain here so far too.
DeleteBitter cold and no snow Kittery, Maine.
ReplyDeleteWell, I’m in Tucson and we’re bracing for it to drop below 40 for the low. I was out in the mountains and it honestly still looks like it’s fall here. This warm weather doesn’t bode well for the summer temps. But, I actually still make comfort food - stews, soups, chili…
ReplyDeleteI say below 40 is a perfectly good excuse for comfort food!!
DeleteIt was 45 degrees when I walked my dogs this morning. Cold for us (AZ spends many months over 100) so I'm trying to enjoy it but ------ brrrrrrr.
ReplyDeleteOooh I am a winter freak! I live in Maine where it is cold as heck but we have no snow at our house :( thankful the mountains nearby are getting by this ski season with snowmaking. I lived in San Diego for a few years for my husband’s job. I just could not adjust to warm and sunny winters and ultimately had to move back to my home state where I can enjoy the four seasons. I love the change la that come along with the seasons. We eat different in the winter and make lots of baked fish dishes, spicy chili, and veggie casseroles or risotto. And I keep apple pie going all winter long. I love the cozy winter seasons because it is so much easier to read books for hours on end without the guilt of feeling I should be outside doing the yard work.
ReplyDeleteHa, I totally get that! With everything freezing yesterday, it's kind of nice not to have to worry about garden upkeep!
DeleteCold, check (-4 yesterday AM, but 16 today) - windy, check - gusting 30- 40. Snow - not really - we have about two inches on the ground and we are not expecting anything significant until February. Geographic information - I'm in the Crown of Maine - Julia, who is well south of me - probably has more snow on the ground! Go figure. Some years are like this.
ReplyDeleteAll the Reds and Readers who are in the path of this winter mess, please stay safe and warm.
I know Maine houses are much warmer than ours, Kait. For us that weather is absolutely miserable.
DeleteWell, it has finally warmed up from Jenn's 45 degrees to the mid-60s, but that feels kind of chilly to we desert dwellers who have had above normal temperatures for months and months now. This normal feels odd. That being said, if any of you are feeling generous with your moisture, in whatever form it takes, we would be happy to take it off your hands. It has now been over 130 some days without any moisture in the Phoenix area and we could definitely use it! Sending you all warm and sunny thoughts!
ReplyDeleteKnowing with a great deal of certainty on Saturday that we would be getting snow on Sunday and possibly ice, I fixed a meatloaf on Saturday night. We did get snow, only about two inches and some ice, but not an ice storm as I feared. We have since gotten more snow, and we are supposed to get more on Friday. So, the meatloaf lasted Sunday and Monday. Tonight we're having either chicken pot pie (not homemade) or the turkey sandwiches they fix in the oven from a place right behind Kroger's. Philip was going to Kroger's anyway, so I'm having him stop and pick up the sandwiches, too. I have some more ground beef in the freezer that I will thaw out for chili tomorrow, I think. We have a court status hearing in Lexington on Friday (Lexington got it worse than we did) at 8:30 in the morning. The courts and state offices have been closed yesterday and today, but we have no word on our date yet. It's supposed to snow again here and in Lexington on Friday, so I'm hoping they will reschedule the hearing. We are three hours from Lexington, but everyone else, including the murderer's family, is in Lexington, so I'm afraid they will go ahead and have it. I made a promise to Kevin to be at court every time his murderer appeared, and I don't want to do a Zoom and break that promise.
ReplyDeleteMy niece drove home to Maysville, KY from Chicago on Sunday, and I was really concerned. She should not have been on the road, but she said she had to get back for work. She had been in Las Vegas on a fun trip. Scheduling a trip in January is really risky. She got home safely though, and I'm grateful for that.
Oh, the temps here are in the 20s and should warm up to freezing for the snow on Friday.
Kathy, I hope you can get to the hearing in person, but if the weather is bad, please take care of yourself!
DeleteMonday we had snow in Harrisburg, but I was able to go to the store and library today. I only like snow in the back yard where I don't have to shovel it. It's cold and windy now.
ReplyDeleteHere in our 55+ community in Ocala, Florida morning outdoor things like pickleball and softball are getting pushed to later in the day or canceled all together. Even if the players are willing, temps in the 30's are believed to be too cold for the equipment. I did break out a fleece today, mostly to validate having moved so many warmer clothing items from Minnesota. I ate some leftover ham and potato soup which was made from leftover Christmas ham for lunch.
ReplyDelete