Happy Valentines Day to all of you who have one, as well as those of us who do not.
More later.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Blizzards (so far) of 2010 - Part 1
I may edit this later, but just grateful to be back in my own space, with my own bed, and just too tired right now.
Feb. 05. 2010 - See previous post below.
Feb. 06. 2010 - Lost electric power at 3:20 am meaning no heat or water - hot or cold - so I hunkered down. By daybreak, such as it was, there was that dreaded "winter mix" of precipitation which changed to all snow as the day wore on. By Evening the gusting winds sounded like freight trains rumbling through. Snowed in, nowhere to go, and listening to a small radio for updates - - there are 36,000 homes without power with more expected as the heavy mix brings down power lines. Flying snow and ice clumps crash into the outer walls of the building, scaring the crap out of me.
Living with beaucoup lighted candles (thanks Martha Stewart, I think!) and closing off the other rooms kept the main room above freezing, at least.
Constructed a festive single burner cook top that only a gay man could conceive. I' ll add pictures later. Heated soup and stew. You had to be here. Well, no actually, glad you were not here.
Feb. 07.2010 - Slept under layers of blankets and comforters and woke to sunshine, less wind; thereby expecting the apartment to warm up as the sun always does. It did, but not enough. I was unable to dig out and work that day so I dug as much as I could - careful not to damage my back anymore than it already is and waited for a plow out which, when it came was not from the state or county, but from a neighbor with a frontloader.
Tired, sore, cold, hungry, and feeling very alone I heated an evening meal, grabbed more covers and went to sleep.
Feb.08. 2010 - The apartment is literally freezing. The snow I scooped into a pitcher last evening to use for washing and toothbrushing remains snow and ice. I am in trouble!
I telephone the boss explaining my situation - that I can work my shift but need a place to warm up and sleep until the power is restored. He tells me to get the hell out of there, and meet him for breakfast at the other restaurant and we'll figure it out from there.
The hot coffee, eggs, bacon, and toast were like manna. To suddenly be warm was a shock for my body. It took hours to stop shaking, to take deep breaths, to feel my toes again.
During my shift it was determined that I would be staying at the home of another employee and that there would be 3 of us rooming together. The house mother is another host at the restaurant and the other roomie is a server, who just as I, had no utilities or water. Though we don't know one another well, we got along as old friends. Thanks be to G*d for that!
Feb. 09.2010 - Covered for the other host who couldn't get dug out to work the shift. Bracing for a duplicate of last weekend. And, sure enough it comes. Snow falls heavily all evening as the winds shift into high gear. Almost white-out conditions finally force the issue state-wide.
Feb 10. 2010 - State of Emergency in place making travel by anyone other than emergency personnel subject to a heavy fine. Many unsure whether to believe the histrionics from the weather casters. Still, the decision was made to open the restaurant and so there we were. Two hours later, the city decided (thanks to someone wise rather than someone greedy) to close down in order to clear as much snow off the Avenue as possible - - preparing for the big 3-holiday weekend.
Meanwhile back at the apartment, we celebrated with Bombay Sapphire Gin, roasted chicken breasts in a creamy mushroom sauce, salad, and garlic bread. Not bad.
This was followed by copious amounts of wine as we giggled and laughed as the weather morons continued to tap dance they're way through the mess as the snow mounted and roads were impassible.
That will do for now. Part two will follow soon. It's great to be on my own space, my own bed, enjoying my own crazy. Can I get an Amen.
Thanks to all who have been concerned, commented, and offered prayers. I am very blessed.
And so it goes.
Feb. 05. 2010 - See previous post below.
Feb. 06. 2010 - Lost electric power at 3:20 am meaning no heat or water - hot or cold - so I hunkered down. By daybreak, such as it was, there was that dreaded "winter mix" of precipitation which changed to all snow as the day wore on. By Evening the gusting winds sounded like freight trains rumbling through. Snowed in, nowhere to go, and listening to a small radio for updates - - there are 36,000 homes without power with more expected as the heavy mix brings down power lines. Flying snow and ice clumps crash into the outer walls of the building, scaring the crap out of me.
Living with beaucoup lighted candles (thanks Martha Stewart, I think!) and closing off the other rooms kept the main room above freezing, at least.
Constructed a festive single burner cook top that only a gay man could conceive. I' ll add pictures later. Heated soup and stew. You had to be here. Well, no actually, glad you were not here.
Feb. 07.2010 - Slept under layers of blankets and comforters and woke to sunshine, less wind; thereby expecting the apartment to warm up as the sun always does. It did, but not enough. I was unable to dig out and work that day so I dug as much as I could - careful not to damage my back anymore than it already is and waited for a plow out which, when it came was not from the state or county, but from a neighbor with a frontloader.
Tired, sore, cold, hungry, and feeling very alone I heated an evening meal, grabbed more covers and went to sleep.
Feb.08. 2010 - The apartment is literally freezing. The snow I scooped into a pitcher last evening to use for washing and toothbrushing remains snow and ice. I am in trouble!
I telephone the boss explaining my situation - that I can work my shift but need a place to warm up and sleep until the power is restored. He tells me to get the hell out of there, and meet him for breakfast at the other restaurant and we'll figure it out from there.
The hot coffee, eggs, bacon, and toast were like manna. To suddenly be warm was a shock for my body. It took hours to stop shaking, to take deep breaths, to feel my toes again.
During my shift it was determined that I would be staying at the home of another employee and that there would be 3 of us rooming together. The house mother is another host at the restaurant and the other roomie is a server, who just as I, had no utilities or water. Though we don't know one another well, we got along as old friends. Thanks be to G*d for that!
Feb. 09.2010 - Covered for the other host who couldn't get dug out to work the shift. Bracing for a duplicate of last weekend. And, sure enough it comes. Snow falls heavily all evening as the winds shift into high gear. Almost white-out conditions finally force the issue state-wide.
Feb 10. 2010 - State of Emergency in place making travel by anyone other than emergency personnel subject to a heavy fine. Many unsure whether to believe the histrionics from the weather casters. Still, the decision was made to open the restaurant and so there we were. Two hours later, the city decided (thanks to someone wise rather than someone greedy) to close down in order to clear as much snow off the Avenue as possible - - preparing for the big 3-holiday weekend.
Meanwhile back at the apartment, we celebrated with Bombay Sapphire Gin, roasted chicken breasts in a creamy mushroom sauce, salad, and garlic bread. Not bad.
This was followed by copious amounts of wine as we giggled and laughed as the weather morons continued to tap dance they're way through the mess as the snow mounted and roads were impassible.
That will do for now. Part two will follow soon. It's great to be on my own space, my own bed, enjoying my own crazy. Can I get an Amen.
Thanks to all who have been concerned, commented, and offered prayers. I am very blessed.
And so it goes.
Friday, February 5, 2010
State of Emergency Declared
February 5, 2010Markell Declares Statewide State of Emergency Effective at 8:00 PM
Motor Vehicles Are Restricted On Roads Starting At 10 pmWilmington, DE - Governor Jack Markell declared a State of Emergency covering the entire state of Delaware effective at 8:00 pm today, with vehicles ordered off the roads as of 10 p.m.Conditions are expected to intensify with heavy snowfall and strong winds that will make driving exceptionally dangerous. Given the anticipated strength of this storm, DelDOT crews are expected to concentrate on major arteries for plowing, initially leaving many secondary roads unattended.As of 10 p.m. tonight and until further notice, the emergency declaration allows only emergency vehicles and essential personnel on the roads until further notice. The Governor will evaluate the conditions of the roads after the storm passes on Saturday morning to determine how long this restriction will remain in place. Private sector businesses are strongly urged to consider the safety of their employees and the restriction of travel during the storm when deciding whether to remain operating. Abandoned vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.“For your safety, the safety of our emergency personnel, and the safety of all Delawareans, drivers should stay off the roads once this storm begins and intensifies,” Markell said. “Our state agencies have been working together to prepare for and combat the effects of this storm. Remaining off the roads helps them in this effort and is important to public safety.”Well, that's out of the way... No work tomorrow.
Read the official document HERE.
And so it goes.
*
Calm and now, the Storm
All was eerily calm as I made my way to work this morning. Little traffic, a pale sun behind gray clouds straining to make its presence known, an uneasy quiet, not even a breeze. Most odd, being on the ocean there is always at least a light breeze.
Very little in the way of human activity in town today. The lunch customers were few and subdued; everyone anxious for the shoe to drop, for this monster to arrive, already. The snow began to fall at the end of my work day, accompanied by a 10 mph wind. The severe weather warning went into gear at 4 pm, the Blizzard warning went into effect at 7 tonight and continues until 6 tomorrow evening, so batten down the hatches.
Everyone at work was joking that "wouldn't it be funny if this whole thing fizzled out in the end?" and I said YES, I'll take that instead of what is coming our way.
To top things off, unless a State of Emergency is declared, I will be expected at work tomorrow morning. A telephone chain has been implemented, so I will not know until the morning.
I have food, coffee, tea, wine, gin, and Sazerac ingredients, of course.
Time for a cocktail and supper. Cheers!
More later.
*
Very little in the way of human activity in town today. The lunch customers were few and subdued; everyone anxious for the shoe to drop, for this monster to arrive, already. The snow began to fall at the end of my work day, accompanied by a 10 mph wind. The severe weather warning went into gear at 4 pm, the Blizzard warning went into effect at 7 tonight and continues until 6 tomorrow evening, so batten down the hatches.
Everyone at work was joking that "wouldn't it be funny if this whole thing fizzled out in the end?" and I said YES, I'll take that instead of what is coming our way.
To top things off, unless a State of Emergency is declared, I will be expected at work tomorrow morning. A telephone chain has been implemented, so I will not know until the morning.
I have food, coffee, tea, wine, gin, and Sazerac ingredients, of course.
Time for a cocktail and supper. Cheers!
More later.
*
Raging Grannies to CBS for Tebow Ad
Go, grannies, go!
There are allegations that CBS had a hand in scripting the offensive ad. Not good form.
More later.
*
There are allegations that CBS had a hand in scripting the offensive ad. Not good form.
More later.
*
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Blizzard in Coastal Delaware?
Afraid so...That's what the forecasters are predicting. Anyone who has been to DE during or following a "snow event" of any kind knows that the state sucks at anything snow-related. Main highways are kinda-sorta cleared, but forget side roads and those in the beach towns and surrounding communities.
When I got to work this morning the forecasters were calling for up to 12" of snow beginning tomorrow and through Saturday night. As I left this evening it's now up to 24" and blizzard conditions with 40 mph winds. Not looking good. As I made my way back to the apartment I noticed that supermarket parking lots were pretty full, as were the gas stations.
Mind you we've already seen 10" last weekend, another 3" yesterday, and plenty of that is still on the ground, which is saturated from all the recent rains.
Virginia is already under a state of emergency with first-responders already getting into place.
I'm sure I'll be able to get to work tomorrow, but all bets are off for Saturday. The only fear is that we lose electric power. Everything in the apartment runs on electricity. EVERYTHING!
Well, at least I have plenty of food, filled a container of water (we're on a well) and all ingredients for a Sazerac, so I'm good.
And so it goes.
*
When I got to work this morning the forecasters were calling for up to 12" of snow beginning tomorrow and through Saturday night. As I left this evening it's now up to 24" and blizzard conditions with 40 mph winds. Not looking good. As I made my way back to the apartment I noticed that supermarket parking lots were pretty full, as were the gas stations.
Mind you we've already seen 10" last weekend, another 3" yesterday, and plenty of that is still on the ground, which is saturated from all the recent rains.
Virginia is already under a state of emergency with first-responders already getting into place.
I'm sure I'll be able to get to work tomorrow, but all bets are off for Saturday. The only fear is that we lose electric power. Everything in the apartment runs on electricity. EVERYTHING!
Well, at least I have plenty of food, filled a container of water (we're on a well) and all ingredients for a Sazerac, so I'm good.
And so it goes.
*
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Is It Spring, Yet?
It snowed yet again overnight, only about 3 inches, but a heavy snow compared to last weekend's dump of 9 inches of powder that was easy to remove.
OK I cleaned off the car - more difficult this time thanks to the heavier, wetter snow - and my back was killing me afterward. Seems I can't do anything without causing excruciating pain since fracturing 3 vertabrae last year. Took a couple of Ibuprofen and rested til it kicked in.
Was going to do a bit of grocery shopping, but decided not to drive anywhere today after all. I have plenty of food in the freezer and a few leftovers as well.
Visited a few blogs, read the NYT, WaPo, and the Guardian while listening to Eva Cassidy. Usually I have trouble listening to her because she died so young. What a great talent lost to us all. I was in the right mood for her today. No tears.
I broke out the BIG Dutch oven and settled on a big stew because it freezes better and will be good supper on cold nights after work.
Began working on my taxes, but without the W2 from the previous job there's not much to do. Besides, it was depressing to see the numbers - and this year may be even leaner than last.
Thinking about selling my Nikon D70 since it hardly gets used anymore. I mean, where do I go to shoot? Nowhere. A friend sent a 4 question meme to me yesterday and one question was "Name 4 places you go regularly" - my answers were Work, Rehoboth, Lewes, Supermarket. Sad, ain't it?
Tomorrow it's back to work to gear up for the Super Bowl weekend. It should be a lot of fun. The place will be pure insanity on Sunday and I will enjoy the excitement - if not the game - with everyone else. I will be wearing festive Carnival beads in honour of the Saints.
At this moment there is a beautiful red fox walking through the new snow in the back.
And so it goes.
*
OK I cleaned off the car - more difficult this time thanks to the heavier, wetter snow - and my back was killing me afterward. Seems I can't do anything without causing excruciating pain since fracturing 3 vertabrae last year. Took a couple of Ibuprofen and rested til it kicked in.
Was going to do a bit of grocery shopping, but decided not to drive anywhere today after all. I have plenty of food in the freezer and a few leftovers as well.
Visited a few blogs, read the NYT, WaPo, and the Guardian while listening to Eva Cassidy. Usually I have trouble listening to her because she died so young. What a great talent lost to us all. I was in the right mood for her today. No tears.
I broke out the BIG Dutch oven and settled on a big stew because it freezes better and will be good supper on cold nights after work.
Began working on my taxes, but without the W2 from the previous job there's not much to do. Besides, it was depressing to see the numbers - and this year may be even leaner than last.
Thinking about selling my Nikon D70 since it hardly gets used anymore. I mean, where do I go to shoot? Nowhere. A friend sent a 4 question meme to me yesterday and one question was "Name 4 places you go regularly" - my answers were Work, Rehoboth, Lewes, Supermarket. Sad, ain't it?
Tomorrow it's back to work to gear up for the Super Bowl weekend. It should be a lot of fun. The place will be pure insanity on Sunday and I will enjoy the excitement - if not the game - with everyone else. I will be wearing festive Carnival beads in honour of the Saints.
At this moment there is a beautiful red fox walking through the new snow in the back.
And so it goes.
*
Snow? More?
Aaack! Three more inches - thick, wet stuff this time. Go away, I'm tired of this, already. Damn that groundhog!
Just visited Lemuel at his place. Seems he got the same out his way.
More later.
*
Just visited Lemuel at his place. Seems he got the same out his way.
More later.
*
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
MADPRIEST'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
It is always those who have a lot who call for sacrifices to be made. And when they do, they are usually talking to those who they have made sure have nothing to sacrifice in the first place.
Visit OCICBW - if you dare. He can be great fun, for a madpriest.
More later.
*
Best Picture Oscar Nominations
"Avatar"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"An Education"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglorious Bastards"
"Precious"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
"Up in the Air"
This is depressing. I have not seen ANY of them, and not even heard of three. Do I live in a "dead zone" - of what? Slim pickings at the multiplex in these here parts. I'm surprised that Avatar is still playing, though doubt I'll get to see it.
More later, maybe.
*
Who Dat Nation Writes to Miami
Dear Miami,
The Saints are coming. And so are we, their loyal, long-suffering and slightly discombobulated Super Bowl-bound fans.
While there's still time to prepare -- although a few hard-core Who Dats will begin trickling in Monday, most of us won't arrive until Thursday or Friday -- we thought we'd give you a heads-up about what you should expect.
First things first: You need more beer.
Yeah, we know. You ordered extra. You think you have more than any group of humans could possibly consume in one week. Trust us. You don't.
New Orleans was a drinking town long before the Saints drove us to drink. But it turns out beer tastes better when you're winning. (Who knew?) So let's just say we're thirsty for more than a championship; adjust your stockpiles accordingly.
And look. When we ask you for a go-cup, be nice to us. We don't even know what "open container law" means. Is that anything like "last call"?
It's Carnival season in New Orleans (that's Mardi Gras to you), and we'll be taking the celebration on the road. So don't be startled if you walk past us and we throw stuff at you; that's just our way of saying hello.
Oh, and sorry in advance about those beads we leave dangling from your palm trees. We just can't help ourselves.
February is also crawfish season, and you can be sure that more than one enterprising tailgater will figure out a way to transport a couple sacks of live mudbugs and a boiling pot to Miami.
When the dude in the 'Who Dat' T-shirt asks if you want to suck da head and pinch da tail, resist the urge to punch him. He's not propositioning you. He's inviting you to dinner.
And if you see a big Cajun guy who looks exactly like an old Saints quarterback walking around town in a dress ... don't ask. It's a long story.
We know that crowd control is a major concern for any Super Bowl host city. Our advice? Put away the riot gear.
Reason No. 1: Indianapolis is going to lose, and their fans are way too dull to start a riot.
Reason No. 2: New Orleans showed the world on Sunday that we know how to throw a victory party. We don't burn cars. We dance on them.
Reason No. 3: Even if we did lose, which we won't, leaving the stadium would be like leaving a funeral, and our typical response to that is to have a parade.
Read it all HERE.
More later.
*
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