Humpday Happenings...

This is one of those mornings that makes me wonder how all those global warming people are dealing with all this COLD. Somehow, I'll wager they're not hitting the streets with picket signs claiming such nonsense.
I said yesterday the high was going to be around 19 degrees...I was only off by TEN degrees, which, oddly enough will be the predicted high for today!
The rest of our Hoosierland weather is pretty much rote - very cold (with a high of only 10 degrees), mostly sunny, and not much else.(what's left?)
Now, we're all going to need to get that hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa in us ASAP this morning, so have at it.

And remember to dress in layers, drive safely (when you can get your vehicles started that is when they're left outside all night...that might be a problem for some), and keep any outdoor activity to a minimum.

In this weather, frostbit can (and will) occur in less than 30 minutes. Ounce of prevention time, folks.
*** First out of the arctic circle is our WHO SAID THAT? quote for the week:
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, 'It will be happier.' "

I feel this quote is a good way to end this year...and especially when we use that word - HOPE.
As long as none of us ever lose that, we'll be okay.
Maybe not great, but much better off than those who have none at all. So, who said that? The answer at the top of tomorrow's post. Meanwhile, back in Somersby, Lincolnshire, England...

*** Next up, is our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
DECEMBER 27 -
---It's National Fruitcake Day

(the gift that keeps getting passed around)
And that's all we have for that.
*** Next, it IS nice to know that such horrid weather conditions tends to minimize crimes around the city.

(yes, carrying an illegal gun in your waistband in freezing temperatures isn't all that comfortable, you thug-asses)
But, we still have all the traffic morons out there, some who think because the road looks clear, you can barrel along at any speed, like it was summer. Rude awakening time.
I mean, when you read about a "record snowfall" in places like Erie, PA (60 inches so far), you know criminals aren't going to be out and about.
The down side to a lower amount of crime in this kind of weather, is that the police and fire departments still can't catch a break.
Such frigid conditions bring their own specific problems to the table, and officers along with firefighters are OUT in this crap.

This was in Chicago

Try putting out a fire when the water FREEZES almost immediately (and all your gear is soaked along the way).
Not a fun time for anyone,
*** Next up,  I finally got everything straightened out with the credit card and Best Buy (wasn't their fault - the authorization was denied by the CC company and not the store.

Suffice it to say, we should be getting the new dryer this Saturday (afternoon). They're going ot haul away the dead one, too. I opted out of getting a power cord (they're $30 bucks), and a flexible duct (costs $26 bucks and I have two of those already), so it should be an easy hookup (no gas line involved). Let's hope we can end this year on a more upbeat note there.
*** Next, I also hope the USPS gets it's collective act together.

I put some mail out yesterday for pickup and after the carrier left I went back out to get anything that had come for us. Imagine my surprise when I found several pieces of mail for SOMEONE ELSE (!?!). The house number was the same but the STREET was not ours.
I will admit that our street (MONROE) looks an AWFUL lot like the other street (GAYWOOD).
They do both have the letter "O" there twice, and they both begin with a consonant.

This is what we call WORK ETHIC...be nice if some people got with that program, rather than get pay increases for lousy service. Hope this other person doesn't mind if her bills come a day or two LATER.
*** Next up, let's see what's going on at our "Kitten Corner"...

The kids were using their time to not be as manic about the house. No complaints from me there.
They played with their toys and watched the few birds that came by to feed...when they weren't napping.

I take that to mean they don't like this cold weather...and they're not even out in it.
*** Next, and speaking of outdoors, let's check in with "Midnight and Company"...

Our furry twosome were still at the patio door come breakfast time. You could tell they didn't much like walking on the cold snowy concrete (can't say I blame 'em). She was in the shelter all day, when not out eating.
He was out and about, but knew when it was time to come back to eat (good boy).

Every time I go out to them, I have to bring in the water dish and thaw it out. When I take the new (and still liquid) water out, they do drink from the dish (before it freezes again).
It's tedious, but I know they're not sucking down snow or ice. And these two are worth it.
*** Last back to the ice pack...Wifey was commenting on this recent weather saying she'd rather have more snow and less of the sub-zero conditions.

Don't be like Jack.

I have to agree with here, because it IS better to not have such frigid conditions outside, even if you might have to shovel more snow.
At least when it's NOT as cold, the sun causes reflective melting, and whatever solution road crews use as a de-icer WORKS a helluva lot better. There is nothing you can place on steps sidewalks or streets that will melt this frozen mess. You have to let tire friction and erosion wear it down, or until temperatures rise sufficiently to aid in the melting.
With all the technology we have, when weather like this comes along, there is still no easy fix.
(you'd think we'd be ahead of that curve by now)

Everything takes a hit with conditions like these...nothing works as well as it should, and that just doesn't apply to cars trucks of buses. People also have trouble. The lack of mobility is the worst thing, and layering clothing to protect oneself doesn't make you more agile outside, does it?
The best we can do is to adapt ourselves to the conditions, and take every step necessary to insure our safety and health. That also goes for those we care about (whether they have two legs or four).
Just take your time, guard against the cold, and be aware of things going on around you.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.