Winter finally hit about mid December. To me that meant significant enough snowfall that it didn't go away the next day. What we have observed now is this.
Christmas eve brought cold temperatures (in the teens) but mild winds so we were able to set out the luminaries. Christmas Day started with just a skiff of new snow that fell so straight it landed in the luminaries so all the cat litter we used for weight was just tossed. Somehow wet cat littler just isn't worth much for anything. This was to be used for traction on the icy sidewalk.
As the day progressed the wind picked up to where it was blowing so hard it was shaking the house, and the temps rose to in the 40 degree range. Off and on we had rain with the wind as well. Truly a day not fit for man or beast outside. We caught just enough window of a break in the rain to barbeque the steaks we chose for our Christmas dinner.
Saturday it dawned bright and sunny so we went for a drive to Price. Temps were back into the teens and the sun is high in the sky and hot so anywhere there is direct contact with the sun it is melting the snow.
This next week is projected for highs above freezing and partly cloudy skies. I see no new storms coming in but that changes daily. Even here, they say it's the most difficult place to forecast the weather. ; - ) seems to be a standard no matter where you live.
Oh there's no place like home for the holidays! (no matter where that might be)
ME
Monday, December 29, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Points to ponder
We live in an agricultural area. Full of fields, crops, orchards etc. Along one side of the highway is a fair sized herd of mostly black cows. Now we have observed these cows for some time before we finally noticed there is ONE little mostly black goat out with the herd. It's pretty cute out there running with the big cows. So we named him Waldo. The goal now when we drive by is Where is Waldo?
On the other side of the highway is a particular field of tall grass. There are horses out there and the grass comes up to the backsides of these horses. Now we are trying to figure out just how big (or little) these horses must be. Terry is convinced they are the Corgi sized horses. HAHAHAHAHA But the cows that are out there appear to be normal sized cows.
By next year the grass will be thick again and we never see the horses elsewhere in the field. Not sure how we are going to settle this one. ; - )
ME
On the other side of the highway is a particular field of tall grass. There are horses out there and the grass comes up to the backsides of these horses. Now we are trying to figure out just how big (or little) these horses must be. Terry is convinced they are the Corgi sized horses. HAHAHAHAHA But the cows that are out there appear to be normal sized cows.
By next year the grass will be thick again and we never see the horses elsewhere in the field. Not sure how we are going to settle this one. ; - )
ME
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Differences
Winter differences. You think winter is winter and you deal with the snow and cold. But there is a difference in that snow and cold you don't see till you experience it.
In AK winter comes and stays for months. The snow piles up and you shovel down to a snow pack and you go on. It's not messy, it doesn't track in to the house or usually cause a wet muddy mess. The mess really doesn't start till break up when the time comes and every thing has to thaw and you have nothing but water every where for a couple of weeks 24 hours a day 7 days a week till all the snow is gone.
In UT, winter comes in little snow 'storms'. So far what we have seen is they call a storm here a system that comes in with a wind and maybe 1 - 2 inches of accumulation. AND the drivers drive about 20 mph. No reason to not drive the SPEED LIMIT. but no, they drive 20. Even on the highway. Apparently according to my co workers, it will be about a month when they start driving better. (not quick learners) And so far the snow pretty much is melted off the drive and the roads in between so there is not any snow pack, and the yard snow will melt into the yard which is great since water is so precious here.
Right now we have about 8 inches in the yard. Our road is snow packed cause apparently we do not pay the right taxes to have our road plowed but we aren't worried about that. AND the neighbor already had his snowmachine out on the road. There is really only about an inch of pack out there. Hardly enough for the snow machine.
Also in AK where we had wooden decks we had plastic shovels. Heaven forbid you take a metal shovel to your wooden deck. So being winter minded, we of course packed our plastic shovels. In UT we have cement walks and driveway. NO wooden anything that needs shoveled. Still it only takes about 10 minutes to whisk off the little bit of snow we get with our plastic shovels ( metal edged ones would be nicer) so the snow blower at the moment looks pretty much like OVERKILL in the garage.
At least it's supposed to get down to the single digits here over the weekend which has everyone in a panic. Us? we just look at our well stocked coat closet and know we do not have to worry bout that.
Oh the weather outside is frightful . . . ; - )
ME
In AK winter comes and stays for months. The snow piles up and you shovel down to a snow pack and you go on. It's not messy, it doesn't track in to the house or usually cause a wet muddy mess. The mess really doesn't start till break up when the time comes and every thing has to thaw and you have nothing but water every where for a couple of weeks 24 hours a day 7 days a week till all the snow is gone.
In UT, winter comes in little snow 'storms'. So far what we have seen is they call a storm here a system that comes in with a wind and maybe 1 - 2 inches of accumulation. AND the drivers drive about 20 mph. No reason to not drive the SPEED LIMIT. but no, they drive 20. Even on the highway. Apparently according to my co workers, it will be about a month when they start driving better. (not quick learners) And so far the snow pretty much is melted off the drive and the roads in between so there is not any snow pack, and the yard snow will melt into the yard which is great since water is so precious here.
Right now we have about 8 inches in the yard. Our road is snow packed cause apparently we do not pay the right taxes to have our road plowed but we aren't worried about that. AND the neighbor already had his snowmachine out on the road. There is really only about an inch of pack out there. Hardly enough for the snow machine.
Also in AK where we had wooden decks we had plastic shovels. Heaven forbid you take a metal shovel to your wooden deck. So being winter minded, we of course packed our plastic shovels. In UT we have cement walks and driveway. NO wooden anything that needs shoveled. Still it only takes about 10 minutes to whisk off the little bit of snow we get with our plastic shovels ( metal edged ones would be nicer) so the snow blower at the moment looks pretty much like OVERKILL in the garage.
At least it's supposed to get down to the single digits here over the weekend which has everyone in a panic. Us? we just look at our well stocked coat closet and know we do not have to worry bout that.
Oh the weather outside is frightful . . . ; - )
ME
Monday, December 15, 2008
It is finally winter here is Payson
Over the weekend we finally got our snow. Finally. I mean after all it's mid December for goodness sakes. The storm blew in like I remember snow storms which was great! In fact had to bring the flag in so it didn't blow away. Unfortunate on the people driving who had trouble on the roads but again, it's winter one should expect some sort of winter driving eventually and while there were lots of accidents, no serious injuries between here and Salt Lake City.
The timing of our snow coincided with our getting time and healthy feet to build the shelves in the shed and unload the garage to get my car in and organize what we have so we can move forward with the stuff. All in all that went well with no injuries. Always a good thing.
We had to haul sections of high density particle board that were 23 1/2" by 12 feet out of the basement up the stairs, past the Christmas tree, and out the sliding doors to the waiting saw horses. All while the snow was blowing in. Fun. Plus we had to cut to size and cut and blow the snow off the boards as we went. In fact the snow was blowing so hard by the last cut we marked it in the basement before hauling it out. LOL The wood for this little project came from some shelving the previous owner had built in the basement. We had taken them apart already and now got the final stage worked out.
The neighborhood kids have gone from playing war or what ever they play to sledding in the soccer field behind the house. These kids have so much fun here it's great to see. In the warmer weather when they are stalking around the neighborhood including the school property with their toy guns no one cares and not a single kid is expelled. They run, hide, gather around yell bang and "you are so dead" and get up and play some more. So reminds me of my childhood!
So back to the shed, we actually have an empty shelf in the shed. Cool, we didn't just fill the darn thing up to the hilt and slam the door shut. We also have a contact we hope pans out for the same style of shelving we had in AK that worked so well in the garage. This stuff is better than anything we have seen and really liked it up there. It's easily modular, no bolts required, extremely sturdy etc. We look forward to getting some here so we can finish the garage organizing get a work bench built and get on with things here.
Our neighbors to the east got a plow attachment for his lawn tractor so he merrily was out plowing his neighbors sidewalk and paths from the driveways. Apparently our neighborhood is one of the last on the list for clearing. Some things never change no matter what state you live in. With our newly found room in the garage and all we can pull Terry's car into the driveway now freeing up the road for the plows.
Also the across the street neighbor who had a 5th wheel camper parked on the road since before we moved in got that hauled out as the snow was falling. Don't know where it landed but it's now gone and the road will be all the better for it. That is if they ever come out and plow.
We are expecting a series of storms to come through the state with a few days in between so we should be seeing more snow. Right now we have about 6 inches is all. Good enough for a start! After all, we didn't leave AK for the snow, we figured we would be getting snow here, just didn't think it would take so long.
Happy trails all!
ME
The timing of our snow coincided with our getting time and healthy feet to build the shelves in the shed and unload the garage to get my car in and organize what we have so we can move forward with the stuff. All in all that went well with no injuries. Always a good thing.
We had to haul sections of high density particle board that were 23 1/2" by 12 feet out of the basement up the stairs, past the Christmas tree, and out the sliding doors to the waiting saw horses. All while the snow was blowing in. Fun. Plus we had to cut to size and cut and blow the snow off the boards as we went. In fact the snow was blowing so hard by the last cut we marked it in the basement before hauling it out. LOL The wood for this little project came from some shelving the previous owner had built in the basement. We had taken them apart already and now got the final stage worked out.
The neighborhood kids have gone from playing war or what ever they play to sledding in the soccer field behind the house. These kids have so much fun here it's great to see. In the warmer weather when they are stalking around the neighborhood including the school property with their toy guns no one cares and not a single kid is expelled. They run, hide, gather around yell bang and "you are so dead" and get up and play some more. So reminds me of my childhood!
So back to the shed, we actually have an empty shelf in the shed. Cool, we didn't just fill the darn thing up to the hilt and slam the door shut. We also have a contact we hope pans out for the same style of shelving we had in AK that worked so well in the garage. This stuff is better than anything we have seen and really liked it up there. It's easily modular, no bolts required, extremely sturdy etc. We look forward to getting some here so we can finish the garage organizing get a work bench built and get on with things here.
Our neighbors to the east got a plow attachment for his lawn tractor so he merrily was out plowing his neighbors sidewalk and paths from the driveways. Apparently our neighborhood is one of the last on the list for clearing. Some things never change no matter what state you live in. With our newly found room in the garage and all we can pull Terry's car into the driveway now freeing up the road for the plows.
Also the across the street neighbor who had a 5th wheel camper parked on the road since before we moved in got that hauled out as the snow was falling. Don't know where it landed but it's now gone and the road will be all the better for it. That is if they ever come out and plow.
We are expecting a series of storms to come through the state with a few days in between so we should be seeing more snow. Right now we have about 6 inches is all. Good enough for a start! After all, we didn't leave AK for the snow, we figured we would be getting snow here, just didn't think it would take so long.
Happy trails all!
ME
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Revisiting smoke alarms
So, back in early November when we first used our new stove and set off the smoke alarms we had a little hiccup on one of them continuing to beep even after we changed the battery. It took a bit but it finally quit beeping but I had gone out to buy batteries for the "just in case".
Now, the smoke alarm in the guest bedroom is beeping. I've changed the battery, we've reset the darn thing twice now and it continues to beep. Lucky for us it's in a room we can close the door on and it's almost not noticeable.
So, we go to the trusty Internet to see what the heck is the deal since there is obviously no fire. The beeping is insistent even from the other room, and its about time to tear all the stupid alarms off the walls and go without.
We have learned that all alarms have about a 10 year life span regardless of the battery being changed regularly etc. They just last that long period. Ours are 7 - 8 years old and plain and simply a effin pain in the pitoot to deal with at all as far as changing batteries and having them wired together. Also your smoke alarms should be vacuumed at least once a year. We also saw plenty of discussion where people used the compressed air like you use on the computer to just blow the dust out of them. (now everyone reading this should clean their smoke alarms!)
What we didn't learn is whether or not you can remove only one and change brands without causing all the rest to sound off.
So, we are contemplating changing all of them, changing one of them, shooting the little bastard with a shotgun, or more research. Again, if I ever get to speak to the person who not only thought this was a good idea to make ones that are wired together I'll treat him like the one that's beeping and next in line is the person who managed to make it code for all new dwellings to be wired with these. The industry has many many models at affordable prices for home owners to obtain. Ok maybe I'll cave on rentals or specialty housing but for your basic homeowner you should have a choice of brands and methodology.
grrrrrrr.
me
Now, the smoke alarm in the guest bedroom is beeping. I've changed the battery, we've reset the darn thing twice now and it continues to beep. Lucky for us it's in a room we can close the door on and it's almost not noticeable.
So, we go to the trusty Internet to see what the heck is the deal since there is obviously no fire. The beeping is insistent even from the other room, and its about time to tear all the stupid alarms off the walls and go without.
We have learned that all alarms have about a 10 year life span regardless of the battery being changed regularly etc. They just last that long period. Ours are 7 - 8 years old and plain and simply a effin pain in the pitoot to deal with at all as far as changing batteries and having them wired together. Also your smoke alarms should be vacuumed at least once a year. We also saw plenty of discussion where people used the compressed air like you use on the computer to just blow the dust out of them. (now everyone reading this should clean their smoke alarms!)
What we didn't learn is whether or not you can remove only one and change brands without causing all the rest to sound off.
So, we are contemplating changing all of them, changing one of them, shooting the little bastard with a shotgun, or more research. Again, if I ever get to speak to the person who not only thought this was a good idea to make ones that are wired together I'll treat him like the one that's beeping and next in line is the person who managed to make it code for all new dwellings to be wired with these. The industry has many many models at affordable prices for home owners to obtain. Ok maybe I'll cave on rentals or specialty housing but for your basic homeowner you should have a choice of brands and methodology.
grrrrrrr.
me
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The difference a few thousand miles makes
Payson, UT
December 6, 2008
Actual Time
sunrise: 7:34 AM MST
sunset: 5:01 PM MST
Civil Twilight
7:04 AM MST
5:31 PM MST
Nautical Twilight
6:30 AM MST
6:05 PM MST
Astronomical Twilight
5:57 AM MST
6:38 PM MST
Moon
12:57 PM MST
12:36 AM MST
Length Of Visible Light:
10h 26m
Length of Day
9h 26m
Tomorrow will be 0m 54s shorter.
Chugiak AK
December 6, 2008
Actual Time
sunrise: 9:56 AM AKST
sunset: 3:41 PM AKST
Civil Twilight
8:56 AM AKST
4:41 PM AKST
Nautical Twilight
7:57 AM AKST
5:40 PM AKST
Astronomical Twilight
7:03 AM AKST
6:34 PM AKST
Moon
1:21 PM AKST
1:11 AM AKST
Length Of Visible Light:
7h 45m
Length of Day
5h 44m
Tomorrow will be 2m 44s shorter.
Considering Solstice is December 21st we won't appreciate much difference in our days and nights for the next month. We have sunlight on the mountains before I go to work in the morning and I leave work usually between 4:30 and 5pm and the sun is still shining on the mountains. Never was bothered by the "dark period" of AK but now that we have moved we certainly do not miss it either.
If I had to name one thing I miss about AK it would be the length of twilight. Here when the sun sets it goes down behind mountains so our twilight is shorter and of course it sets not circles like the sun does in AK. If I had to name other things we miss about AK, it would start with Jared, Azure, Mel, Denise, Aspen, Willow, Savanna, Tom, Chris, Erin, Debra, and a host of others that made our family complete!
So, while we are a few thousand miles apart, enjoying sunshine and some beautiful country, they are enjoying winter snow and each other.
Remember we are counting on visits!!
Love you all,
ME
December 6, 2008
Actual Time
sunrise: 7:34 AM MST
sunset: 5:01 PM MST
Civil Twilight
7:04 AM MST
5:31 PM MST
Nautical Twilight
6:30 AM MST
6:05 PM MST
Astronomical Twilight
5:57 AM MST
6:38 PM MST
Moon
12:57 PM MST
12:36 AM MST
Length Of Visible Light:
10h 26m
Length of Day
9h 26m
Tomorrow will be 0m 54s shorter.
Chugiak AK
December 6, 2008
Actual Time
sunrise: 9:56 AM AKST
sunset: 3:41 PM AKST
Civil Twilight
8:56 AM AKST
4:41 PM AKST
Nautical Twilight
7:57 AM AKST
5:40 PM AKST
Astronomical Twilight
7:03 AM AKST
6:34 PM AKST
Moon
1:21 PM AKST
1:11 AM AKST
Length Of Visible Light:
7h 45m
Length of Day
5h 44m
Tomorrow will be 2m 44s shorter.
Considering Solstice is December 21st we won't appreciate much difference in our days and nights for the next month. We have sunlight on the mountains before I go to work in the morning and I leave work usually between 4:30 and 5pm and the sun is still shining on the mountains. Never was bothered by the "dark period" of AK but now that we have moved we certainly do not miss it either.
If I had to name one thing I miss about AK it would be the length of twilight. Here when the sun sets it goes down behind mountains so our twilight is shorter and of course it sets not circles like the sun does in AK. If I had to name other things we miss about AK, it would start with Jared, Azure, Mel, Denise, Aspen, Willow, Savanna, Tom, Chris, Erin, Debra, and a host of others that made our family complete!
So, while we are a few thousand miles apart, enjoying sunshine and some beautiful country, they are enjoying winter snow and each other.
Remember we are counting on visits!!
Love you all,
ME
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