Time to talk snow again?

Last time I talked about our lack of snow, we started December with 5 consecutive days of measurable snow. We haven't had measurable snow since, so maybe I should talk about it again! For what it's worth, there is a slight chance of snow by Thursday. I don't see it being measurable though. In many areas around town, the grass is showing again. A non-white Christmas is becoming more likely as the snow-free sunny days continue.

Coming up... a big trip!

The holiday season is drawing near. This year, I'm going to visit family in AL and NC. It will be an extended vacation including Christmas Day and New Years Day. My last forecasting shift this year is December 22. Happy holidays, everyone!!

In the zone

I've received a lot of blessings in the past several weeks. I started part-time teaching for Everglades University which is based in Boca Raton, FL before Thanksgiving. They have an online education system, and I'm teaching a 4-week meteorology course. It's been interesting to learn how to teach people via the internet.

In racquetball, I've been practicing after my league matches and it seems like the effort has been paying off. I won two matches recently that I would not have predicted a victory beforehand. I'm in a tournament this weekend, so we'll see if it carries over. I am coming off two graveyards, so I'm hoping my energy level and timing will be there.

This week, I scored about 20 points (I lost track... definitely 16, possibly 21) in basketball league. That's like an explosion for me. I'm usually passing and getting assists since I'm a guard. It was definitely a case of "being in the zone" as a shooter.

Then, last night, our curling team (I'm the skip) scored what could be described as an upset over a team skipped by the league coordinator Bruce. We all shot very well and Bruce had an off night.

So, it's been an interesting time in my life and who knows what's next... stay tuned!

Winter rears its snowy head

Unless you've been living in a cave since Thanksgiving, you've probably noticed that winter has arrived with a vengeance. Our temperatures went below zero for the first time. Snowy weather this morning. I haven't seen any outdoor ice rinks yet, but they can't be that far off. It wouldn't be North Dakota without that sub-zero air.

Snow and Ice

What a doozy storm that just went through! Most of the snow fell to the north and west, but the ice storm in northwestern Minnesota was interesting. Bowbells received 7" of snow... Grand Forks only got 0.8". For the snowmobilers out there, maybe next time.

Pongo

I have a picture of Pongo, and here he is!

Where's the snow?

I haven't had to add a snow event since October 30. Hmmm.... when will our next measurable snow occur? Maybe Friday morning the 17th. Perhaps Tuesday the 21st or the following Saturday/Sunday the 25th/26th?

New Dog

I have a new dog. Pongo, a neutered male dalmatian, came to live here on October 31. What a treat! I'll post a picture at some point.

Hilarious Video

Check out the runaway deer at a Target store in West Des Moines, Iowa.
KCCI
Also linked at CNN

Election Day

Did you vote? I wonder how many North Dakotans exercised their civic duty today. I voted. There's no excuse for not voting, other than serious illness.

Winter this week, Summer next!

We didn't quite get 4" here in the Grand Cities, but 2" and howling winds was still enjoyable. So we get to put up with this cold for most of this week. By next Tuesday or Wednesday, we could see a return to 60s statewide, possibly some 70s west. A nice taste of "Indian Summer" for everyone who wants to pull out the grill a few more times.

Snow flakes!

The snow has arrived. It's 2:40 PM and I just noticed the flakes flying.
Local Doppler Radar

New feature

Please be patient with my template changes. I'm trying to find the "right one". In the meantime, I've added a new feature to the bottom. I will be chronicling Grand Forks snow events. I am using the measurement taken at the NWS office. I could use the airport, but I prefer to pick the measurement closest to town.

In case you aren't paying attention to the weather forecast, we're gonna get some snow Monday. I had predicted 4 inches during my most recent shift, and that still looks on track. So, be sure to check the Snow Total Diary at the bottom of the blog throughout the winter. I am considering adding snow depths.

Taking one for the team

One of my favorite sports cliches is "taking one for the team". This phrase is commonly used in baseball in a situation where a pitcher is having a bad game. The manager leaves him in there to eat up innnings and save the bullpen, even though he's allowed 15 runs in 4 innings. It is pretty humiliating, but it is a sacrifice the pitcher understands and accepts.

The cool thing is, even though the pitcher screwed up big time, his teammates don't ride him about it. They still want the guy to come back the next time and pitch lights out. They want him to see him succeed because they want the team to be successful.

Of course, there are clubhouses where this wouldn't be the case. It's like the kicker who misses the chip-shot field goal to win the game. Do you blame HIM for the loss or do you look back to the 3rd-and-goal incomplete pass that the QB threw? But wait, the QB was rushed to throw by a defensive blitz not picked up by the offensive line. See, it's a team effort. A loss is a loss for everyone, not just the kicker.

Wanting to be wanted

Is it a bad thing to want to be needed? I don't think so. If my abilities are not wanted or noticed, then why not go somewhere where they would be?

Bush speech on TV now

TPIR vs. President Bush statement? Give me The Price is Right any day!

Snow and cold looming

Any takers on guessing how much snow we'll get with the first Arctic blast of the Fall due this Wednesday? I'm thinking perhaps an inch, because it looks like a STRONG front that will zip through, and some snow showers behind with the upper-level low lingering for a day or two afterwards. It will be a shock to the system after that great 78 degrees yesterday to drop down to lows in the 20s. Yeah, baby... Fall in North Dakota!

Problem Drivers

Have you ever wanted to say something downright mean? Well, tonight's one of those nights where I feel the need to rip on local drivers. I don't suppose a disclaimer would soften the glaring ridicule I am about to spew forth, but yes, I am aware that not ALL drivers in this region or in this town are inadequate. This rant is intended towards the GUILTY.

Just once, could you please get in the freakin' right lane instead of hogging the left lane with your 30mph driving in a 40mph zone!!!

Ever learn about signaling your intentions? You might want to get acquainted with that little plastic piece of machinery dangling from your steering column!

Maintaing lane discipline when executing turns? Just a common practice that you must have slept through during Driver's Ed.

And no, I'm not sorry I honked at you this afternoon. I do like steak, but that kind of T-bone is not what I'm looking for, and you should never repeat that delicious maneuver. Next time it might be a drunk, or worse yet, one of the aforementioned stellar drivers we all know and love.

Now it's time to rant on the stretch of road known as 32nd Ave. This little gem of a thoroughfare is sinking slowly into the depths of hell... it's an incident of road rage just WAITING to happen.

Picture of Molly

I wanted to post a picture of my dog, Molly...

Movie maker?

I've been thinking about crafting some short films using my digital camera. You can set it on 'movie' mode and record as though it were a camcorder, then download the video which is in Quicktime format. I took some short video of a hummingbird at my feeder. I'm considering developing a plot, screenplay, the whole works!