HAPPY NEW WEEK!
I apologize, folks. I usually like to start the week with a positive, uplifting post, but I'm not in a good mood this evening.
My area is under a major Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow and Monday. This is a massive storm that will stretch 1,300 miles and affect 62 million people. My region of Indiana is in the swath predicted to get the most snow. For some reason, the National Weather Service has been unable to pinpoint the track, snow totals, and ice accumulation for central Indiana, but it appears that I could get over a foot of snow (31 centimeters). We've been warned that travel may be impossible, power outages will occur, and high winds may cause extensive drifting.
After the storm, the polar vortex will settle here and bring dangerous arctic cold. I'm worried that my roof can't hold that much snow, plus my old house will get too cold.
I stocked up on groceries and water today.
Annette said that the UK is also expecting bad weather. I wish you all well.
Love and hugs to all.
www.cnn.com/.../index.html
I think we have returned to the world after viruses etc. I thought I was ill over Christmas, but that seemed mild compared with what New Year dumped on me last week! OH is tired from his cold and from looking after J and me, so his stress control is non-existent. I am still not coping well with the two of them. J is feeling very sorry for himself.
Good to have a quick read through the current week on here, but please forgive lack of replies since whenever - some days I haven't seen into the study at all. I am glad to see everyone is surviving and some things not as bad as it seemed they might have been. The quantity of snow in parts of the UK has really surprised me - we only had a light covering one day which soon cleared and although most nights there has been frost, we were as usual right on the edge of everything - two whole nights the temp stayed above zero right through, and there has been a lot of sunshine. Garden bulbs are coming up around the garden and birds are getting frisky.
GD was talking about returning to work this week - I hope she won't be over reaching herself with full time teaching, guides and Duke of Edinbugh training. The Docs are still "debating" what to do for her and how soon.
Diane - glad you survived the snow and storm and how kind of your neighbour to clear a path for you.
Heather - I hope the washing machine is now fixed and thanks for the info on Diane.
Annette - I am watching the news her in the UK and the fires in California look horrendous. Stay safe and thoughts are with your brave Grandson.
AQ - I am the same at the moment with "what day is it! Stay cool.
Lindy thats a lots of snow - nothing here in Suffolk just very hard frosts every night and the car is still frozen at 11am
Rusty - where in Norfolk did you stay for the birding holiday?
OG - sorry you have all been poorly.
My Brother in Law is still in hospital, but a different one as his first one had numerous flu admisssions. Then to top it off my Sister caught Norovirus and has been very ill so she has not been able to go in and see him but his son and grandchildren have seen him every day.
I am just getting ready to walk into town for a few bits then hunker down as temperature is not going above 2 degrees today.
Take care all and stay safe.
ANNETTE: I am now listening to the ongoing coverage of the windstorm and fires on NPR and the BBC. I think that situation is becoming unprecedented. Please pack your go-bag and put it by the front door. Prepare to bug out, if necessary. I understand the vast geography of California, but I don't think anyone can predict how that crazy wind system is going to continue to develop. If you already have red flag warnings in the hills behind you, you can't take anything for granted. Make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas. Sending protective energy to your grandson.
OG: I will post to you later today. You are on my mind.
UK folks be careful in the weather.
Morning all
OG; So sorry EE is feeling overwhelmed - and you too. Do hope things improve quickly. Did I understand (at some poiint) that there was a chance J might have another living situation on the horizon or have I completely lost the plot.
Harelady: Saw a news item somewhere that norovirus was going round. Here we seem to have the same long-lasting cough, etc. that you guys have seen.
AQ/Diane We are fine here; no need to worry.
So sorry that many are having a rough time, hope things improve for every one.
Here I am at last!!! I am hunkered down in this very snowy, icy place. I did get out to go to Tescos yesterday. I am fortunate that, once I am off my drive, my road is gritted because it is on a bus route. I was very impressed with the way they had cleared and salted Tescos car park. I hope everyone else in cold climes is surviving.
Annette - I am horrified by the pictures and videos which are coming from the LA area. It is unbelievable. My sympathies are with everyone out there. I trust you are safe?
Lindy - I liked your snowy photos. I have the same sort of scenery here without the flood. AQ - we could do with a bit of your warmth. Enjoy your tennis watching now that you can relax and concentrate on it.
OG - so sorry to hear that you are all suffering from colds. There are so many bugs around at the moment. I have heard that they leave people feeling very tired. I agree that it is nice to see the bulbs peeping through. Harelady - I am sorry that your brother in law is still in hospital and that your sister now has Norovirus. What a horrid situation for them both. I hope things improve soon.
Pat - I stayed at Thornham in North Norfolk. I am going to write about the fantastic holiday this afternoon. I will leave you for now with a typical photo.
Looking forward to the next instalment, Rusty. I don't know Thornham. A friend of mine - a very keen birder with all sorts of letters after her name - lives just outside Dereham and 'birds' all around the area. I have visited her there, and we went to Welney, which I really enjoyed.
We had quite a lot of snow here yesterday and overnight. Although the sun is now shining brightly, the temperature is only 1 degree, so the snow isn't really melting very much. I really need to get the car out ... but can't face it. Although I believe tomorrow is going to be even colder and not as sunny.
Pat - Thornham isn’t far from Hunstanton. We birded along the north Norfolk coast.
I went with a friend from the lady’s birding group. I drove to her house and she drove us to Norfolk as her car is much younger than mine. It’s a long way cross country. About 5 hours driving time. It was worth it when we got there. It was very cold and on the last day it was drizzly too but we birded from dawn til dusk. We had plenty stops for hot chocolate and soup!!! We saw 112 species of birds in 4 days. Most awesome for me was the sight just after dawn of 2 barn owls flying in a field just round the corner from the hotel. Also, after an hour or so freezing out on Stiffkey marshes, we saw a beautiful male hen harrier. Every day of course we had the spectacular sight and sound of thousands and thousands of geese flying to their feeding grounds. I loved it. We were in the wild empty spaces. Yes. It was cold but it was well worth it. I know it wouldn’t have been everyone’s cup of tea. Our guides knew lots of good cafes and eating places. We didn’t hit the snow on the way back until we climbed up to my friend’s place. Of course my car was covered in snow and it wouldn’t start. The last thing I needed after a long journey and another 30 minute drive. Fortunately the AA came very quickly and got me going. I was very relieved to get home and was able to drive onto my drive without having to shovel it. I always have problems with the battery and no one knows why. Anyway, it has made me decide to look for another car in the spring.
So glad you have a helpful neighbour DIANE
RUSTY How wonderful. We see and hear many geese over flying and never ease to wonder at them.