Monday, January 6, 2014

Scary weather.....

This is a small excerpt from the weather bulletin issued this morning.
.WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING... ...WIND CHILL WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY... ...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN DETROIT HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM EST THIS EVENING. THE WIND CHILL WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 AM EST WEDNESDAY.
HAZARDOUS WEATHER...
* WIND CHILLS WILL DROP TO BETWEEN 20 AND 30 BELOW ZERO TODAY AND THEN BOTTOM OUT NEAR 35 BELOW ZERO TONIGHT INTO TUESDAY MORNING.
* WESTERLY WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 30 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS BY MIDDAY...LEADING TO EXTENSIVE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW INTO THIS EVENING.
* LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS WILL ALSO DEVELOP AND BRING ACCUMULATIONS UP TO 2 INCHES.

We have over 12 inches of snow on the ground and more is expected. I work for a municipality and I was called Sunday evening and advised that the building was going to be closed except for emergency services (police and fire) and not to report for work Monday. Needless to say, I was happy I did not have to venture out but also concerned about the drastic weather we've been having nationwide. Of course there is nothing I can do about it except worry and wonder. I am an old bird and honestly cannot remember having weather as extreme as this for such a long period of time.  It really makes you stop and consider just how many blessings we really do have because we are warm and dry. As usual in severe weather, I always think about the homeless and then think about the outside pets of people who often get too busy to think about bringing them inside or making sure their shelters have been upgraded to provide sufficient and lifesaving protection.

My dog is definitely puzzled by the depth of all this snow. She loves it to a point, jumping around in it like a little deer, but when it comes to doing her potty thing, she's having a hard time figuring out just where to go. In between times she lounges on my Laura Ashley comforter and at night sleeps with me UNDER the covers. She sure has it better than some of her cousins, that's for sure.When I woke up this morning, my yard guy (who also does snow) had already been to my house and cleared out the driveway and front walk.

This year is not starting out too good in ways other than the weather; I heard from a relative that my half-sister is in dire condition and has been since before Thanksgiving. She is now residing in a hospice after she contracted MRSA while admitted to a hospital for tests and possible brain surgery. I don't have all the details as yet but will be talking to my niece in a day or so and find out more. Then my daughter called this morning and advised that our beloved Pastor passed away from a heart attack after shoveling snow. We are all still numb over that news. What a well-loved, special man he was! 

So, all of you, please use caution when shoveling snow. If you absolutely have to do it, then do just a little bit at a time and rest in between. Stay safe out there and I hope you all are warm and dry. I have friends in Florida who are drinking iced tea by the pool in 78 degree weather and sending me funny pictures about being snowed in. Yep.....I'm really laughing!!! Wow, it only seems like a couple months ago I was complaining about near 100 degree heat during the summer. I think I would love to complain about that again right about now.  Stay well!

5 comments:

Forsythia said...

It is very cold here, but we don't have much snow. Our church hosted WinterShelter this past week. We had an average of 24 men and 2 women throughout the week. This week they will be at a different church. I'm proud of the effort our community puts into the WinterShelter. It's more than just a warm bed and a home-cooked meal, but there's also an effort to get these folks connected with the mental health or medical services they need.

Sorry about your half-sister's illness and the death of your pastor. Thank you for reminding us all to be careful not to over-do it.

Mary said...

I really can't imagine how cold it is there. We had a snow event a few years ago (6 inches or so) it lasted through Christmas, and it was cold, but not even close to that cold. During that snow Fred was so confused he just did his "business" on the snow covered deck. Then when the snow melted and he noticed his leavings, he looked at me in disgust as if I did it! Sheesh!
I hope all the little creatures make it through this.
Take care

Anonymous said...

I recall a couple of winters where we actually had to shovel pathways through the snow so our pups could have a place to relieve themselves. The snow was simply too deep for them. Your poor pup... :(

Coffeypot said...

I was out trying to drain the water off the pool cover and the hose froze up and the water was freezing. I had to get the pump out of the ice and had my bare hands in the water. PAIN! It was around 40 when I started. Freezing now.

Linda@VS said...

I can't even imagine that kind of cold. It's 20 degrees above zero here in Southeast Louisiana, wind chill of 16, and we can hardly stand it. The dogs don't seem to mind the cold so far. We have coats for three of them and used stretchy headbands to secure a folded towel around the belly of the fourth. Would hate to have to do that every time we let them out.

So sorry to hear about your pastor and your half-sister. Take care of yourself.