I hate to say it, but we're in the midst of another clipper up here...and it appears to be heading along the same track as the one that came through last week, that is dumping snow and cold on the upper USA now.
Bundle up people...this one's a windy, cold one too.
Sheesh...what a winter this is turning out to be!

Doydie,

It is sometimes hard to get people to understand the importance of leaving the handicapped parking spaces available for those who really need them; and I admire you for trying. It really isn't so much about whether or not one is breaking the law, but whether one respects the need for the law to be there in the first place.

We have a designated handicapped parking space at the office, but we still have the occasional visitor that will park there. Most will move their vehicle if asked, but the excuse for not moving "I'll only be a few minutes, as I'm just picking someone up", gets me.

To that excuse, I have a come back.
"In the few minutes that you are parked there, someone who may need that spot can drive around the block...several times...see that the spot is taken, give up, leave and miss their appointment. You wouldn't want to be in their place, so please don't park in their space."

I used that on someone a few months back, and they moved.

With love, Erika

Lots of area schools are canceled around here due to icy rain. We had freezing drizzle most of yesterday after a few inches of snow. Lots of cars sliding off the roads or into each other too.

We have a cold rain here in Georgia. It's about 45 degrees right now. I'm tired of all this rain but just thankful it's not ice or snow.

We also had/have the freezing drizzle here today. The Schools are
on a 2 hour delay, so nothing worse expected, I guess? It's COLD!!

It's a mix here. Snow on the grass (my first this year) and slush in the drive and on the street. It's raining now and 38 degrees so it should all be slush (she says hoping) soon.

Erika - I so enjoy your tales of stocking up for the winter and hunkering down. A friend brings you a "hunk of venison" to dehydrate for Willy. BTW, you haven't mentioned Willy for days. <sigh> The gardening, canning and the freezing- I love it all- at a distance. You should be tired my now and ready for a sleepy winter.;)

ANN

Ah yes, Willy is doing just fine...at being a bed hog, that is. He becomes a major snuggler on cold winter days, but then as he gets comfy, he stretches out and takes up a lot of the bed.

I can see it now in the headlines of the local paper: "Disabled woman injured after being ejected from bed in freak accident by large dog" :D.
We just got back from a short walk around the block, as I'm not up to driving today.

It isn't as cold as it has been in the past few days, but the wind makes it feel colder. We're supposed to start getting more snow this afternoon and for the next few days.

Putting up all that food from the garden sure pays of on days like today when I'm not up to food prep. Some dehydrated kale in a smoothie was breakfast and some dehydrated pumpkin soup is on the menu for lunch and dinner :).

With love, Erika

Erika my daughter who is divorced has 3 dogs. One just a mix but has some great dane in him, one a lab mix and the youngest is a full grown boxer. They all share her bed. She gets in first, the boxer spoons in behind her and then the other two find their places. I don't know what will happen if she ever decided to let another man in her life. She has 3 alpha males there already.

Darlene,
Definitely sending prayers for your family and for all others who may be facing weather related problems.
Hang in there people...this too shall pass.

A couple of tips from a seasoned Canadian Northerner:

- Keep the gas tank in your vehicle as full as possible in the winter. The added weight increases traction on snow and ice, and you might need the extra fuel to run the heater if you become stranded.
It can also be used to warm up for a bit if the power goes out in the house...just make sure that you move the vehicle out of enclosed spaces like the garage, to avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Let someone know if you are heading out in your vehicle during storms/poor driving conditions, as to where you are going, the route that you will be taking, and when you are due back.
If possible, stay with your vehicle and call for, or send for help if you get stuck or run into problems.
Up here, people have gotten into trouble just blocks from their own house, when they have tried to walk home at sub zero temps after getting stuck or having their vehicle break down.

Store a blanket or two, along with some snacks in your vehicle.
Up here, in the winter, pretty much everyone has an emergency pack stored in their vehicle with a blanket, a change of clothes, extra boots and gloves, dry snacks and water (It can be defrosted on the dashboard by the defogger or on manifold of the running car engine if it gets frozen.).
Even if you don't get stranded in your vehicle, you may need it if you have to stay with someone, or at a shelter in the event of extended power outages.

- Have at least 5 gallons of drinking water for every 1 or 2 people stored in the house in case your pipes freeze, especially when a cold snap is headed your way.
Extra water can be stored in a bath tub if need be...you may need it to flush the toilet...and only flush if you have a solid reason if your pipes are frozen.
Keep a bucket handy.

When your heat is out, run the water through all indoor taps every few hours to keep your pipes from freezing...especially the kitchen ones, which tend to have pipes near an exterior wall.
Stuff a towel against the back wall of the cabinet and keep the cabinet door open under the kitchen sink to keep the kitchen pipes warmer.

For emergencies/during power failures, it is a good idea to have an older style phone that plugs directly into the land line outlet (that doesn't use a charger or base station, is not wireless), as these still work during power outages. If the power goes out, the wireless, battery operated ones don't work and you may not be able to charge a cell phone.

Keep snug and warm everyone.

With love, Erika

Thank for the tips Erika. It snowed about 4 inches, in my back yard,
thru the night.:eek: Schools closed again. It's only in the teens today,
so not venturing out...brrrrrr... Staying inside, wrapped in blankey.:D

Think warm thoughts, All.:grouphug: