Brrrrrrrrr...........

Not much to write about again today. The weather is still the topic of conversations. I can't ever remember having a winter like this. But I've been told we have. Oh, well..... it's still COLD!

We got out of the house for a few minutes this morning to run an errand. This is one of the street on the way home.

When the temperature is this cold, the snow is dry and very light, so it blows everywhere.

Bob got out yesterday and had to clean out our drive again. He had to keep watching which direction the wind was blowing so he knew which way to turn the shoot on the blower.





You may have seen this picture on Facebook. I think they're fascinating. They're called 'snow rollers' and I guess they're common in weather conditions like we've been having. I'd love to see how one gets started.

Someone said "Mother Nature can certainly entertain us with strange phenomena to get our minds off the bad weather."





School is cancelled for tomorrow. Thank goodness. Daughter #1 dropped off our grandson this morning at 6:45 for the 2-hr delay and at 7:00 the school announced a cancellation. I was so hoping they would. When I think of all those little ones out in the cold without being totally covered up, it's scary. Tomorrow is suppose to be even worse. The temperature is forecasted to be around -15 with a wind chill of -45!!!

My 3 daughters, my grand-daughter and I had fun last night with a live chat on Facebook. We all decided that as soon as this weather gets back to normal we're going to have a family dinner so we can all get back together again. I feel like I haven't gotten to hug them in such a long time. :)

That's all I can think of to write for now. I'm going to go crawl under my electric blanket and read for awhile.

You be safe and warm.
Until next time...........

Sat. Jan. 25

I hope you're enjoying your weekend so far. 

There's not much new happening around here. The weather is still the main topic of conversation. The wind picked up to 45 mph last evening, causing 4 ft. drifts and total white-outs on the roads and highways. US 127 and I-75 are still closed in our area. On a good note.... we have a heat wave today! It's 29°!!

This was yesterday morning's temperature. It was horrible.

I thought this was funny......
In the news: "When the International New York Times Edition, that’s published in English in Malaysia, gets printed, the Malaysian publisher can’t check his religion at the door. Hence, a photo accompanying a story on the mistreatment of pigs . . has black boxes over the faces of the pigs."

I did have a couple hours this afternoon that was a treat. I've been cooped up the house for the last 5 days, and since we had a short spell of fairly nice weather for a change, Hubby and I went out to Bob Evans for some supper. While we were eating we watched the next wave of snowfall blow in. I'm thankful we live in a small town and we're never far from home.

I guess that's all I have to report for today. I hope you've had a good day. 

Until next time...... (smile)

Thurs. Jan. 23

Oh, my gosh, is it ever cold out there!!! We're under a wind chill warning. It feels like 18 below zero right now!! That's cold enough to get frost-bite in just a few minutes. A local garbage collector lost 4 fingers this week, because his work gloves weren't heavy enough to protect him. I feel like I live in Alaska..... oh, wait, it's 37° in Anchorage!! They're warmer than we are. :(

Most of the country is suffering with this arctic front and I feel bad for everyone. We're ALL cold.  You know it's cold when 20+/- birds gather around the neighbor's chimney trying to keep warm. I hope this passes soon.

What's wrong with this picture? Los Angeles is spending boo-coo bucks, which they supposedly don't have, making an outdoor ice rink so they can host professional hockey games --- in 80 deg. weather and the whole state is in a drought!! And then back east, in New Jersey, we have Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, being played in an outdoor stadium, where the temperature is currently 4 deg. with snow-covered metal stadium seats!!

It's day #9 on my new medicine for this (pain-less) migraine and I'm doing fairly good, except I have some problems with my concentration which has had an effect on my piano lessons. I'm sure this is only temporary.

My cousin is doing well. He's home from the hospital and his wife says he can't wait to get back into the swing of things. He's on our city council and he has people to see. That's my cousin.... couldn't keep him down.  Then his wife called me today to tell me that John's sister, Sharon, lost her husband this morning. Sharon and her family live in Louisiana. I feel so bad for her. She's been worrying about her brother having cancer and her husband dies from a heart attack.

It's my bedtime and I'm ready. Sorry I'm so late writing this. It's been another busy day. The schools have been on a 2-hour delay every morning this week because of the extreme cold. So, we have our grandson those 2 hours then we drive him to school. Consequently I have to get up at 6:30! I'm not used to that early morning stuff anymore. I'm getting up before the sun!!

Until next time..........

Hodgepodge for Jan. 22, 2014

Today's another "Hodgepodge" Wed. If you would like to play along,  CLICK HERE

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it? Do you like to bowl? Are you any good? 

I haven't been bowling for a very long time. I was part of a team years ago and it was so much fun. I was fairly good. I think my average was around 132. 

2. Should sports stars be role models? 

No... the quality of those "stars" is not what it used to be. Today they get into trouble with the law, drugs, etc. 

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?

I love oatmeal. On a cold winter morning, there's nothing like a hot bowl of oatmeal with a dab of brown sugar on it.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?

"The Book Thief" 

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?

Why didn't you stick with your dreams and not give up? 

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?

I can't say there's any one movie that would make me want to do that. I love movies, and I will occasionally watch the same one twice. But I can say that any movie with Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner or Sean Connery, I might will watch again. 

7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?

Guy's plaid, polyester suits (John Travolta style) and women's hats with the big feathers

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today, on the phone, I talked to an old friend I haven't seen in years. Her and I grew up together in the 'old neighborhood' and talking with her tonight was like time stood still. She still has that silly laugh. We reminisced about a few things and some people we had lost track of. It was so good to hear her voice again. 

Sat. Jan. 18

We got quite a bit more snow yesterday... just what we needed. Now we're in for another arctic blast. It's going to be back down into the negative numbers.

Right now it feels like 6° out there. The weatherman said this round of more arctic air will stay until the end of the month. Whoopee!

Too cold for me!!!

I'm ready for flowers, green grass and hummingbirds.


Day 3: I'm feeling kind of "spacey" today. The new medicine I'm on gives me that feeling of euphoria. Everything is ok, no need to worry, it'll be alright. That might sound a little dangerous, but it's not bad. I'm ok. One good thing is my constant desire for food is not like it was. Maybe my cravings will go away and I might lose some weight.

I got some bad news first thing this morning. My sister called to tell me our cousin John was in the hospital. They removed a large mass Thursday from his colon. He has stage 4 colon cancer. The oncologist was very optimistic but said he'll need more surgery. That's all the details I have right now. He's in intensive care so I can't go see him yet. He's my age; we grew up together. If you would, we'd appreciate prayer for him.

I have no plans for today. I got the laundry done so the rest of the day is mine. I've got to get some practice in. I'm not doing very well in that department right now. Shhhh..... don't tell my teacher.

Until next time..............

Another snowy day

Happy Thursday! I heard today is 'Thankful Thursday'. I have so much to be thankful for, but I'll try to narrow this down to just one thing for today and that would be my little house. I tried to find a photo but it's gone. I'll have to take another one --- when the weather warms up.

On days like this, tho', I'm thankful for my little warm, cozy home. We're having another snow storm. We've had a few days of above freezing temperatures, so most of the snow we got with the last storm had almost melted away. Now comes another one. It's very windy, so the new snow is drifting and the wind chill is down to 12°.

You may have heard this, but Directv and the Weather Channel have had a contract dispute, so Directtv took them off their lineup.  It doesn't affect us, but their app on my phone is a constant reminder.


Every winter, besides all the problems it brings, I have one that can be very painful. My hands get so dry, the end of my thumbs will crack open. I've tried all sorts of creams but nothing seems to help.

I have my hands in water so much, I can't wear band-aids during the day, only at night with a dab of Neosporin.

My appointment with the Dr. yesterday went very well. She's trying me on a new prescription. Not sure how this is going to work out. It'll be a slow process since I have to be weaned off the one I've been taking. So, I won't know for a couple weeks what the verdict will be. I do know it's affecting my stomach and my appetite after just 2 pills.

I guess that's all to report today.

Until later............

Hodgepodge Wed. 1-15-2014

1. Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?

I don't think I am, but I'm sure my Hubby thinks I am. I used to have a temper, but now that I'm old(er) I've learned it doesn't get me anywhere.

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter?

I don't 'like' winter. In fact, that's not even an appropriate word.... let's try I 'HATE' winter!! Here in Ohio, USA, we get snow, ice, cold winds, etc. which makes it hard to get out and about. Then when I do, my body doesn't like the cold. I'm literally in pain until I can get warmed up again. 

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried?

I've heard of the health benefits of these foods, but around here they're hard to find. I've only had kiwi once and I wasn't very impressed with the taste. I'll stick with my apples, bananas, oranges and grapefruit.

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?

We should always do the right thing to begin with. I've read a similar quote that said "If all else fails, God doesn't. Take a deep breath and pray."  

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland. Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer.

I don't ski but I do like watching them on TV. It amazes me the control they have when flying down the side of a mountain. If I was just visiting one of these locations, I would love to see Switzerland, not for the skiing, but for my niece living there. I'd love to see the country she now calls home.

6. What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)

My favorite body lotion comes from 'Bed, Bath and Beyond'. Since the nearest store is 40 miles from here, I had to do my shopping online.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I have a doctor appointment this afternoon and I'm a little nervous. We'll be talking about the meds they have me on. She might change them to something I can tolerate better, and I'm afraid the transition will be difficult. 

Sat. Jan. 11, 2014

That's how I feel today. I'm not sure why, but I had a hard time waking up this morning. And I haven't done much yet today.

Yesterday morning I got a call bright and early from #1 daughter. School was put on a 2-hour delay and since there's so much snow laying around, she was asking if I could take the grandson to school so he didn't have to walk in and around it.

I'm glad Hubby went along and drove. We almost got hung-up in their driveway where the snow plows had piled closed their entrance. Plus the streets were in terrible shape.... we did the ole slip and slide. But we got him there on time.

Last evening we went out to Bob Evans for supper. We haven't been there in a long time. Our youngest daughter gave me a gift card for my birthday last month, so we let her pay for our meals. It was a treat.


I found this little DIY on Pinterest the other day. I was thinking I might try to make one.

We have 2 cell phones and an iPod that needs charged quite often and we have to lay them on the kitchen table while they're plugged in.

This would keep them out of the way and not have the cord stretched out where it can get pulled and have the phone land on the floor.


Our weather has improved quite a bit from this past week. We're going to be around 40° this afternoon. That a 52 degrees difference!!! Feels down-right  balmy. :) Now it's more like normal.

With the thawing of the snow and the rain we got last night, there is flooding now to worry about. The river is rising fast and some of the country roads are being closed -- again. The snow plows just got them open.

Tomorrow is suppose to bring us some sunshine and milder temperatures. I'm so looking forward to that.... seeing the sun again.

Well, so much for the Wii. It won't power up. I've enjoyed having it and use it for the exercise and games, of course (Bob and I like to bowl on it), but I also have Netflix through it. Now I have to either figure out another way to get Netflix or cancel my subscription.

That's all I have to talk about today. I hope you're having a good Saturday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Until next time..........

Jan. 8th Hodgepodge

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English. Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen). Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2014-
selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankrupt and Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?

I've heard a few of those mentioned here and there, but I can't say I know what some of them mean. So many new words and phrases are being "invented" it's like our society is creating a whole new language. Thinking about this question, I'm reminded of the inner city kids and their "street talk". At one time I heard that even the schools wanted to teach it as a second language. I think it's ridiculous. 
The words I would love to see banned ---- twerk and twerking. I guess I'm just old-fashioned but I think the whole deal is disgusting. However, my parents thought "Twist and Shout" was vulgar too.

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?

My scrapbooks..... I've been gathering so many pictures and news clippings for my 7 grandchildren, I don't think I'll ever get caught up. 

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What's your favorite soup?

We love soup. We almost had it for tonight's supper. Sometimes I'll make some for us, vegetable soup in a crockpot, but for quick hot meals, for the 2 of us, it's opening a can or 2. We like vegetable beef and my favorite is tomato. 

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job...which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.

No figuratively speaking on that subject for us --- we've been literally "snowed in". Here in Ohio, in the last few days, with winter storm Ion, we have gotten over a foot of snow with high winds that has closed us in with 3-4 foot drifts. I'm hoping to get out before spring.

5. What's the funniest movie you've ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?

I have a few favorites (Real Genius, The Burbs, Groundhog Day, Nine to Five) but if I have to pick just one, it would probably be "Airplane". What can I say? I like Leslie Nielson. 

6. In general, would you say you're clumsy?

I'm getting that way. Some days are worse than others, but I'm trying to change. I think I'm getting old. I KNOW I'm getting old!

7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935. Are you an Elvis fan? What's your favorite Elvis tune? If that's too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least? Click here for a list of his songs.

I was an Elvis fan for years. I loved some his movies and records during my younger years, but now? I'm not sure you could still call me a fan. I loved his voice more than anything and I can still get goosebumps when I hear him. One of my favorite songs is "Always on My Mind". 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I am SO sick of this winter weather -- the below zero temperatures, the ice, and all the snow! 

Tues. Jan. 7, 2014

AN OHIO POEM

It's winter in Ohio,

And the gentle breezes blow,

Seventy miles an hour,

At thirty-five below.

Oh, how I love Ohio,

When the snow's up to your butt,

You take a breath of winter air,

And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is wonderful,

So I guess I'll hang around,

I could never leave Ohio

"Because I'm frozen to the ground!"

So far we're doing ok. We haven't ventured outside. I don't want to see how -35° would feel on my skin. The forecast says it's going to start warming up tomorrow. I'll be glad to get out of here! I'm getting cabin fever. I'm surprised Bob and I have dealt with it so well. We haven't had one fight! (I'm joking)

Our hired plow driver had truck problems this morning, but he said he's got it running and will be here. He's been very busy. My hubby just had to get out and clear out the front walk. I didn't want him to, with the wind chill still at 41 below, so I had to keep an eye on him. 

A friend posted this picture this morning of one of the highways coming into town. The plows can't keep the highways open. All county roads are still closed. 

They're still working on getting Main Street cleared off. 

I forgot to mention yesterday that I posted the recipe here for our crockpot sesame chicken we had the other night. It's on my Recipe page. 

Thank you to my friends for your words of concern and prayers for our safety during this horrible winter storm. 

You be safe and warm. 

Until next time.............. 

Monday, Jan. 6, 2014

A new day and not much has changed here. It's still VERY, VERY COLD!! At least the snow has stopped. It's just blowing around and making huge drifts. This is so much fun. Not! At 1:30 this afternoon, this was our temperature, and the wind chill was minus 37°!!! Needless to say, we have not ventured out at all.

Remember those little wind-up toys from the 50's that we'd have jump across the table and onto the floor? I told Bob the way I shiver when I get outside, in this weather I'd be like that and bounce my way off the step, if I didn't freeze solid first.

Bob called around this afternoon and found a guy with a plow that is coming over tomorrow to get our driveway cleared out. 

It's now 6:15pm and a new look at the current conditions are: 

The wind has been picking up all afternoon so our wind chill is minus -41°!!! I wish Al Gore was here, on my front steps in his expensive clothes. I'd leave him out there for a few minutes. 

On a brighter note, I made beef and noodles and mashed potatoes for supper. Some good ole' comfort food.

When we moved into this house 21 years ago, our granddaughter was born the same week. When she was old enough to stand up and walk around on her own, we took the door frame to my office and started measuring her height. The next year our first grandson was born and we started doing the same with him. Now, 7 grandskids later, the door frame needs to be enlarged...........

I often stop to look at this remember each one of them from the start and how they've grown up so fast. It's gotten a little hard to read now. The boys have gotten to where they like to measure their own height to see how they compare. No. 3 grandson has passed the other 2. It won't be long and we won't be able to do his anymore. The door frame is 6 ft. 5". Dylan's only 16 yrs. old and still growing!

Now that I'm old(er), I've discovered a few things:
ONE- I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.
TWO- My wild oats have turned into prunes and All Bran.
THREE- I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.
FOUR- Funny, I don't remember being absent minded...
FIVE- All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.
SIX- If all is not lost, where is it?
SEVEN- It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.
EIGHT- Some days you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.
NINE- I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few...
TEN- Kids in the back seat cause accidents.
ELEVEN- Accidents in the back seat cause...kids.
TWELVE- It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
THIRTEEN- Only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in the bathroom.
FOURTEEN- If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees.
FIFTEEN- When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to play chess?
SIXTEEN- It's not hard to meet expenses... they're everywhere.
SEVENTEEN- The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.
EIGHTEEN- These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter...I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm here after.

You stay safe and warm.

Until later.............

Winter storm Ion

I'm sorry.... I've been on this subject the last couple days, but I'm keeping a record of what is happening here with this winter storm.

4:00 pm.... The storm has arrived. Light snow started falling early this morning and has picked up intensity all day. Our local Emergency Management reports the status may be revised this evening to a blizzard warning.

The streets in town are very slippery and people are being told to stay home and off the roads. Snowfall so far was measured at 5.4" of new snow so far.

<< This is not my picture. We aren't leaving the house. I took this from one of our local TV station's FB posts.


The temperature hasn't been bad yet, but it's made some very wet, heavy snow.

Bob was just out front knocking some snow from the branches of our pine tree. They're getting so heavy, they're touching the ground and putting tension on the phone line. He doesn't want to see the line ripped from the house or breaking off the limbs.

9:30 pm... the storm continues. We've gotten another 6" of snow (+/-), making the total around 12", and the temperature is dropping fast. The wind is picking up. It's up to 22 mph and the wind chill is now 7°.

Our sheriff and local EMA has issued a snow emergency. That means NO vehicles on the roads or be arrested. City streets are to be clear so all emergency vehicles and plows can get through. To our west, a blizzard warning has been issued. Dominion Gas called all customers, including us, this afternoon to tell us to keep our gas thermostats down to just a comfortable level and lower the water heater temp, so they can maintain flow to residential customers. I've never known them to ever do that.

Bob and I kept busy this afternoon before the snow got heavy. We took down the Christmas tree and the decorations. Not because we wanted something to do, but because the tree was sitting near the fireplace.

Our neighbor  up the street came by earlier with his snow blower and cleaned our front walks. He said he was trying to keep ahead of it. He has a large blower so one pass is enough. Bob has found phone numbers of a couple guys that hire out their plow. When this blows over, he can try to get one down here to plow out our big driveway. Bob can't do it with his small blower, especially when the temperature drops down to -35!!

All evening there's been updates of the closings, schools, factories and offices, for tomorrow running across the bottom of the TV screen.

I checked with our daughters and they're stocked up and hunkered down to ride out the storm.

Bob filled the kerosene lamps and I made sure the flashlights were working and put in handy places.

That's all to report now.
Sorry, I know I'm boring you.
If this storm is reaching your area, I hope you stay warm and safe. The next couple days are going to be horribly cold. The good news... by Friday the temperature is going to be up around 50°!!!!

Until later...........

Preparing for the Big One

For all my friends in the south, you'll love this.... When you live in Ohio and the weather reports are as bad as we've been seeing the last few days, we have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. And everyone has been doing just that.

The weatherman updated his forecast this evening:

"5:00 pm update: WINTER STORM WARNING continues tonight through Sunday night .This is a Historic Life Threatening situation for the cold and wind chills. People should NOT be outside or driving during this event. Stay inside and stay safe. Also protect pets and animals and be sure to check on elderly and neighbors. National Weather Service has now increased our snowfall totals from this event to possibly 10 to 14 inches!. Overnight a low of 25 with 1 inch of snow. On Sunday the heaviest snow will fall between 1:00pm and 8:00pm with blowing & drifting snow with white-out conditions and possibly approaching Blizzard Conditions with rapidly falling temps all day. Sunday night minus -8 with winds of 30mph creating windchills of -20. Monday -4 with winds to 35mph creating white-out conditions and wind chills of minus -45."

We had to run out to CVS to get some med refills (just in case we can't get out for a few days) and then we went over to the grocery to get another loaf of bread and other miscellaneous items.  This is what we saw.

I wanted a pound of hamburger but they didn't have any. The girl that's head of the meat department told us they had a run on meat. She stayed over late last night but couldn't keep up.

Other folks around here are laughing and saying we're freaking out when nothing will probably happen. Those folks weren't even around when we got hit with the blizzard of 1978. They have no idea what can happen.

Back then the weather forecasting was not what it is today, so we weren't prepared. Power went out, we had no heat, no way to cook, my cupboard was beginning to look empty and no way to get any. All roads were closed. It was horrible.

We didn't have a snowblower. Bob had to shovel a LOT of snow so he could get to the street. Bob was on the fire department at that time. One of the guys on the department managed to get to our house and picked him up. They were then able to plow out our drive. This is the view I had of our neighborhood. You can just barely see the rooftops of the houses up the road.

The guys were making emergency runs in snow plows. They also delivered baby formula, kerosene and prescription refills to people in the country by snowmobiles. They also went out on the highway, picked up stranded motorists and brought them into the fire station. They were there for days.

We're praying we don't see a repeat of that storm, but this time we're all prepared. Our youngest daughter came in this afternoon to pick up our extra kerosene heater and got some groceries. In 1978, the twins were 8 and remember what it was like. Teresa was only 4 but we've taught her what she needs to know.  The only part that worries me is that -45° wind chill. But we'll all be ok. I hope the electric doesn't go out because I won't be able to get online. As long as we have that, I'll be checking in.

I hope everyone south of me doesn't get too cold in your area. I know this arctic front is moving toward you too. So you be safe and warm.

Until next time.....

Friday, Jan. 3, 2014

I think I have my brain and body in line with the calendar now. I've been so messed up, I even dated yesterday's blog wrong. I felt like I'd lost a day or two somewhere.

I have 2 photos to share today. Photo Journal picture #2014-2a
Our Main Street after yesterday's snow storm:

Photo Journal picture #2014-2b .....  our supper! Crockpot Sesame Chicken:

It was a new recipe I tried. Our combined rating =  4 stars out of 5. We only eat white meat chicken and since it cooks rather fast, it has a tendency to get dry. But it's a keeper. However, next time I will shorten the cooking time from 4 hrs. to 3 or less. Overall, it was quite delicious. Hubby liked it.

Our local weatherman is giving us some awful forecasts.

"Sunday the storm should be hitting all day with 8 inches possible around Van Wert and some areas in region seeing a foot of snow. Strong winds causing blowing & drifting and white-out, blizzard conditions. Temps dropping all day to a low of minus -9 Sunday night with wind chills of minus -35. Monday a high of only minus -7 and windy with wind chills of minus -40."

That snow amount is additional accumulation, on top of the 5" we got yesterday! He said last night this is a very rare storm coming our way and it will be the coldest for us in over 20 yrs. He also said it "should be taken very seriously and prepare for the possible effects". Note to self: get med refills tomorrow in case we can't get out for several days.

This is what we had at 2:00 this afternoon ......

Right about now my neighbors and family are wishing for some of Al Gore's global warming.

Well, Colorado is now going up in smoke.... pot, this time. I have so many mixed feelings about this. I have a grandson (age 20) who agrees with them and can't understand why his grandparents, who grew up in the 60's would be so against it. What do you think of that state's ruling?

Until next time..........

Jan. 2, 2014

We're in the 3rd day of the new year already! If this is any indication, the year is going to fly by too fast. How can we grab onto each day and try to preserve a bit of it to slow things down? That's been on my mind the last couple days. The only thing I can think of is doing a journal. It won't slow down the clock (there's still 24 hrs. in a day as far as I know, unless someone stole some from us), but it may help to hold onto something from each day.

Another thing I thought I'd try ... AGAIN .... is the photo journal. You know what they say... a photo makes time stand still.  If you remember, I said I was going to do this last year, but I "dropped the ball" on that one after a few days. I've been wondering how far I can keep it up this year. The one thing in my life now is the lack of self-discipline (I need to do something about that too). So, I'm going to try this again. I'll post a photo from each day, 365 total, but if I'm having a busy day, it might be just a photo with no explanation, or maybe a surprise idea I've thought about doing.

Photo Journal picture #2014-1....

This will soon be packed away for another year. 

The big news story here today is Hercules, the recent winter storm. They predicted 6" of snow possible here and it looks like that's what we've gotten.  It's so cold the snow is like powered sugar, blowing all over. We've cleaned off the front steps for the mailman 3 times already, but the snow blows back in drifts. If you look closely at my picture, you can see the wind chill factor (-4) and the low temperature for tonight (-3)! I think it's warmer than this in Alaska. Yep! It's 37°F in Juneau right now!! :( 

Well, I've got things I should be doing, so I better get up from this chair and get busy. I've got to get my sauce going for our spaghetti supper. 

Be safe and warm. 

Until next time.......... 

PS... Oops. I just realized I made a mistake on the date...... it's only Jan. 2! I'm unconsciously making the year go faster. :(  Can't do that. 

Jan. 1, 2014 -- New year -- New Hodgepodge

What better way to start the new year than having a quiet, restful day --- AND --- answering Hodgepodge questions from Joyce.  CLICK HERE for more information.

1. Times Square is the setting for the infamous ball drop signaling a brand new year....when did you last 'drop the ball' on something?

Most recently? It would be Christmas Eve. Our family party consisted of a buffet of 'finger foods'. I had gotten some things just for the kids, but as we were cleaning up the dishes, I realized I'd forgotten to put them in the oven. I felt so bad, but there was plenty of food and I know they ate good. 

2. What is one thing you resolved to do in 2013 that you actually did?

I don't do resolutions anymore. I tried many times when I was younger, then realized I failed on each one and became depressed and hated myself for "being a failure" so I stopped. It's not worth putting myself in that situation. I have enough problems with self-esteem. 

3. Jack London is quoted as saying, "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." Agree or disagree? Why?

One of the bad things in getting OLD-er is the lack of inspiration to accomplish some chores. It takes more and more. Afterall, it'll still be there tomorrow. I wouldn't say I need a club --- more like a lightning bolt! But if it's inspiration needed for something I truly enjoy doing, I find it's there for me... no club or lightning needed. I hope that made sense. 

4. What was the best thing you ate in 2013?

Oh my gosh!! I can't remember what I ate yesterday! 

5. Share an anti-resolution...that is, something you plan to keep on doing in the new year.

This one is EASY.... My piano lessons! 

6. The Pantone color of the year for 2014 is radiant orchid. Like or no like? Would I find this color anywhere in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade to either?

It's a beautiful color. I don't think it would look good ON me, but I can see adding something in this color to the bedroom. 

7. In three words or less sum up your 2013.

GOOD!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Now that we are entering a whole new year, I can't help but wonder what we're going to be facing from our government. What are they going to do this year in their plan to destroy our way of life, or if we'll be seeing a second revolution. That's a scary thought, but it's possible. 

That was certainly depressing. I can't leave you with that thought. 

On a brighter note, it's a NEW year and the possibilities are numerous. I saw something on FB last night about the coming new year being a book of blank pages and it's our chance to write something good in it. I hope I can. 

As I said, I don't do resolutions, but I do have some plans --- goals, if you want to call them that. In my piano lessons, I have a goal on what I'd like to accomplish this year. And then there's always the weight and exercise plans. I don't do the weight goals anymore either, because it just seems to put more pressure on me to reach a certain weight by a deadline. I'm just planning to get out and exercise more for my health. The difference this year is that Hubby is planning to go with me! I hope he goes through with it because that will help encourage me. 

To my blogging friends here, I wish you only good things and pray God's blessings on each of you.