The paper says that **so far** this year's winter is the winteriest since 1970-71. I remember that period, especially since I would travel from Rensselaer to Albany via city busline to get to school only to have them close it once I got there. Then I'd have to start the trek home again, this time of course under even worse conditions. I'm not bitter!
Be that as it may, we're on our second significant snowfall of the 02-03 winter and it's another snowfest out there. We got, I'd estimate, at least 15 inches. The roads around here are pretty clear. It's part of the pleasure of living in the country - you can count on cleared roads. When you get to the "city" the roads become less and less cleared and forget about the side streets. Of course people don't want to park somewhere else so the plows can clear both sides. Much harder to plow in narrow city streets to begin with.
Out here the huge county and state plows come along regularly and hurl that snow 4-5 feet past the edge of the road, more if they're going faster. All we're hoping for now is that they come through again with the "wings" down to push the tops of the snow banks back so you can see to pull out of roads and driveways.
Next up - second big snow storm of the season. Whew. I drove in to town today to pick up paper to feed our new laser printer. There's nothing worse than being snowed in with a new printer and no paper.
Then I stopped at my folks to do some important stuff. Meanwhile it was snowing to beat the band. Had a nice visit.
Then it was home again home again. Having a pretty new car means that I have new tires as well and that means I can really and truly go faster than 20 mph on the road, even when it's snowing like crazy. Come on folks. Yes, slower is safer to a point and then it's just silly. If you don't have traction on a plowed road at 30 mph, may I respectfully suggest new tires. You'd be surprised.
Oh, and to finish my total rant - you , the man who left his cart in the middle of the roadway at Hannaford in East Greenbush. You know who you are. Let's be clear - you're just not that special. Put it away next time or face the shopping card police's wrath.
**deep breath** ok - so I'm home with groceries and paper for me and everything a well-spoiled cat could want on a snowed-in weekend. Hope you're as well provisioned!
Dear friends! On this the last night of the year, I have prepared myself a fine little feast for one. Ron was called into work, despite his being sick in bed yesterday. So here I sit with a platter of a really good salsa and chips, green olives, thinly shaved provolone and some horseradish cheddar, a marvelous tapanade of olives and feta, and freshly baked pizza. And in a thin crystal glass a nice dry red wine. Why the apparent excess?
Part of the notion of new year is to create an expectation of the coming year. To resolve to do better yes, but to trick the fates into thinking you're just due for goodness. In the business world, this is called priming the pump.
Whatever the purpose or motive, it's just a wonderful treat for myself and a great way to nosh while I'm surfing the web and waiting for the new year to arrive. Enjoy and good year ahead everyone!
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And auld lang syne?
CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll tak a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne!
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp, And surely I'll be mine, And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet, For auld lang syne!
We twa hae run about the braes, And pou'd the gowans fine, But we've wander'd monie a weary fit, Sin auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn Frae morning sun till dine, But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin auld lang syne.
And there's a hand my trusty fiere, And gie's a hand o thine, And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught, For auld lang syne
