(Found on the Book O' Face:) Drivers traveling southbound into Anchorage are currently rejoicing because there's a moose gamboling down the bike path along the highway, a few miles north of town. Why rejoice? Because so many car-moose collisions have occurred in the last three weeks, and yet here's one which hasn't wandered into traffic. Woohoo!
* * * * *
It is widely speculated that moose (and the occasional bears) are crossing the roadways because we're to have a colder, snowier winter than before. The last few winters, when snow has been scarce, the moose stay in the mountains because they find plenty to eat. During times of heavy snow, they descend into the flats looking for greenery to munch on.
* * * * *
Weather Underground is predicting rain tomorrow evening, changing to snow tomorrow night. 1" to 3" inches predicted for the Anchorage area. By the middle of next week, periods of rain, freezing rain, ice pellets, and snow showers are listed.
That's ungood; someone should send the weatherman a strongly-worded letter of disapproval.
* * * * *
One of Alaska's US Senators is running for reelection, and has been filling local mailboxes with daily flyers, posters, and other things pending disposal. Yesterday, the large, glossy flyer read, "Why do Washington, D.C. bureaucrats think they know what's better for us than we do?"
Several in our neighborhood have observed that since she's been in the Senate since 2002, seeking another six years, that would make her one of bureaucrats she denigrates. The general feeling is that she's been there long enough.
* * * * *
That's enough of this; thanks for stopping by, friends.
John 12:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
Showing posts with label local weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local weather. Show all posts
19 October 2016
13 January 2016
Hump Day
We swam slowly up from the depths of sleep when the alarm sounded, this morning. It took me a minute to figure out what that noise was, and can't say I was happy about it.
That sound was at least two hours too soon for my liking, and I'd still rather go back to bed than be here at work ... but here I sit.
I've already processed bills, been on a conference call, dealt with a recalcitrant tenant, answered a letter, and investigated a complaint about cold office spaces. Now it's coming up on 08:00, and I need more coffee.
* * * * *
We got about an inch of snow overnight. It's awfully nice to have the fresh white on the ground. However, at this time of year, we should be talking about how many feet of snow we'd already received. Instead, I'm reporting a whole 1.25" of snow, the first we've had in nearly a month.
The weatherman guesses we might get another one to three inches today, and we'll take it.
But it ought to be more; in fact, we need more, to prevent another summer of forest fires. 2015 was the second-worst fire season on record, with over a million acres burned. Betcha won't hear that on TV.
They only mention Alaska to a) complain about how we get "free money" for living here, or b) toss another handful of insults toward Sarah Palin (or one of her offspring).
The rest of the time, we might as well not be a part of the U.S. at all, and that would be just fine with most of us, most of the time. Especially after watching the national news.
* * * * *
A friend in Missouri mentioned yesterday that gas in her town was down to $1.48 per gallon. Ours is still $2.29, as of this morning. We could really, really use some competition up here. The sole surviving refinery operator holds all of Alaska hostage, because he can.
* * * * *
That's about all I have this morning. Thanks for stopping by, friends.
That sound was at least two hours too soon for my liking, and I'd still rather go back to bed than be here at work ... but here I sit.
I've already processed bills, been on a conference call, dealt with a recalcitrant tenant, answered a letter, and investigated a complaint about cold office spaces. Now it's coming up on 08:00, and I need more coffee.
* * * * *
We got about an inch of snow overnight. It's awfully nice to have the fresh white on the ground. However, at this time of year, we should be talking about how many feet of snow we'd already received. Instead, I'm reporting a whole 1.25" of snow, the first we've had in nearly a month.
The weatherman guesses we might get another one to three inches today, and we'll take it.
But it ought to be more; in fact, we need more, to prevent another summer of forest fires. 2015 was the second-worst fire season on record, with over a million acres burned. Betcha won't hear that on TV.
They only mention Alaska to a) complain about how we get "free money" for living here, or b) toss another handful of insults toward Sarah Palin (or one of her offspring).
The rest of the time, we might as well not be a part of the U.S. at all, and that would be just fine with most of us, most of the time. Especially after watching the national news.
* * * * *
A friend in Missouri mentioned yesterday that gas in her town was down to $1.48 per gallon. Ours is still $2.29, as of this morning. We could really, really use some competition up here. The sole surviving refinery operator holds all of Alaska hostage, because he can.
* * * * *
That's about all I have this morning. Thanks for stopping by, friends.
25 May 2014
Sunday Morning
Strong SSW winds from the direction of the Funny River Fire on the Kenai Peninsula (currently standing at 106,000 acres) to our south has carpeted Anchorage with ash. Everything is outside is now covered in a lumpy yellow fuzz, as the ash combines with pollen. Hay fever sufferers are miserable, and the air quality - although not as bad in terms of smoke & smell as earlier - is still in the "very poor" category.
The live blog on the fire contains this passage, this morning:
There's not much else going on, and we have a few projects scheduled for the today. I'll check back later if I get a chance.
Y'all have a good day out there, and thank you for stopping by.
The live blog on the fire contains this passage, this morning:
Fire officials say 20% of the blaze has been contained, and the evacuation advisory is still in effect. No major activity is expected overnight.
--As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the evacuation advisory for the Funny River Fire Area has extended to include the Sterling Highway from Kalifornsky Beach Road to Mile 109.5, and Funny River Road from the airport to the end of the road.
There's not much else going on, and we have a few projects scheduled for the today. I'll check back later if I get a chance.
Y'all have a good day out there, and thank you for stopping by.
06 January 2014
The Questions Have Stopped
Strangely enough, I'm not getting any questions of "How cold is it in Alaska?" these days. Go figure.
Y'all have our weather, and we apparently have yours: it's 34 & foggy this morning, and the temps won't drop back into the teens (normal for early January) until this weekend.
But we're no strangers to really cold weather, so ... dress in layers, wear gloves, and limit exposure on your face. Be careful out there!
* * * * *
One other note this morning: there's some inflammatory info being promulgated on certain websites (no, I won't provide links) about Alaska salmon being contaminated by Fukushima radiation.
Not true, folks.
I hope to have more, later, but thanks for stopping by, and stay warm!
Y'all have our weather, and we apparently have yours: it's 34 & foggy this morning, and the temps won't drop back into the teens (normal for early January) until this weekend.
But we're no strangers to really cold weather, so ... dress in layers, wear gloves, and limit exposure on your face. Be careful out there!
* * * * *
One other note this morning: there's some inflammatory info being promulgated on certain websites (no, I won't provide links) about Alaska salmon being contaminated by Fukushima radiation.
Not true, folks.
I hope to have more, later, but thanks for stopping by, and stay warm!
21 September 2013
Accu-Hunch Was Right
There's snow in the forecast for tomorrow night, Monday, and Tuesday. Not a lot, but still about a month earlier than usual. It's 34 & windy this morning; although they expect a high of 50 today (possible, if the sun stays out), it's only expected to reach 41 tomorrow. Then the rain changes to snow after that.
Looks like I got my winter tires installed just in time.
Older Daughter is having hers installed as I write this, so the two 4x4 vehicles will be ready. The two sedans are a lower priority; if there's an unexpected snowfall, we can carpool.
The best part of all this is that the tire shop is having a "winter sale", which means 25% off the purchase of four tires.
Saving money is a good thing. :)
* * * * *
Here's a picture you might like - moonrise on Thursday:
Looks like I got my winter tires installed just in time.
Older Daughter is having hers installed as I write this, so the two 4x4 vehicles will be ready. The two sedans are a lower priority; if there's an unexpected snowfall, we can carpool.
The best part of all this is that the tire shop is having a "winter sale", which means 25% off the purchase of four tires.
Saving money is a good thing. :)
* * * * *
Here's a picture you might like - moonrise on Thursday:
18 June 2013
Updates
In my posts about Sunday's trip to the range, I neglected to mention that the M1 and the AK47 were supplied by one of the Appleseed instructors with whom Older Daughter works. They're not mine, sadly (although an M1 is definitely a temptation). It was not my intention to mislead; for that, I apologize.
Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell (R) has announced he'll run against Mark Begich (D) in next year's election.
It's been quite warm over the last few days, with some of the warmest temps we've seen here in years. It was 77 in Anchorage on Sunday, 80 yesterday, and supposed to reach the low 80s today. That's pushing the limits of comfort for all us thick-blooded Alaskans, who are much more comfy at 70. But the heat wave (such as it is) is supposed to break after tomorrow, with temps around 70 for the next few days thereafter.
Lt. Governor Mead Treadwell (R) has announced he'll run against Mark Begich (D) in next year's election.
It's been quite warm over the last few days, with some of the warmest temps we've seen here in years. It was 77 in Anchorage on Sunday, 80 yesterday, and supposed to reach the low 80s today. That's pushing the limits of comfort for all us thick-blooded Alaskans, who are much more comfy at 70. But the heat wave (such as it is) is supposed to break after tomorrow, with temps around 70 for the next few days thereafter.
13 June 2013
Unhappy Faces
On people here in Anchorage, that is.
We've just seen the forecast for the next few days, and it's not good. You know how I brag about our moderate temps? How the average high in July is about 68 degrees?
Most of the weather-heads here are talking about 82 on Saturday, 85 on Sunday, and 90 on Monday. That's not good.
Not only do we have the thickened blood & acclimatization to a cool climate, but there's no air conditioning in most residences.
Why, you ask?
Because who puts A/C in a house where the average summer temperature is 68 degrees?
It's going to be a miserable few days, but could be worse. We don't have tornadoes or flooding. As long as there's a breeze, we'll get by. But there will be a lot of locals on Monday evening lying on the floor of their houses, with all 11 fans running.
Either that, or the entire population of Anchorage will jump into Cook Inlet & refuse to leave the water until the temps come down!
We've just seen the forecast for the next few days, and it's not good. You know how I brag about our moderate temps? How the average high in July is about 68 degrees?
Most of the weather-heads here are talking about 82 on Saturday, 85 on Sunday, and 90 on Monday. That's not good.
Not only do we have the thickened blood & acclimatization to a cool climate, but there's no air conditioning in most residences.
Why, you ask?
Because who puts A/C in a house where the average summer temperature is 68 degrees?
It's going to be a miserable few days, but could be worse. We don't have tornadoes or flooding. As long as there's a breeze, we'll get by. But there will be a lot of locals on Monday evening lying on the floor of their houses, with all 11 fans running.
Either that, or the entire population of Anchorage will jump into Cook Inlet & refuse to leave the water until the temps come down!
28 September 2012
It's Friday Again
Ugh.
Normally I'd be happy ... nay, very happy ... about Friday, but this morning has been less than stellar. Chiefly because I left my cell phone on the dresser - and with it, my memory.
I can't even call my wife's cell & ask her to drop it by, on her way to work because the cell phone contains my memory. Wait: it starts with a 5 ... um .... oh, never mind.
Did I mention the cell phone is my memory?
It's raining again, a steady drizzle rather than a downpour, but the soil is already saturated by nearly three weeks of heavy rains. Only half-seriously, we're one good 'quake away from folks on the lower hillside above town, sliding into Potter Marsh.
That will make sense only to those of you who are familiar with Anchorage, but there have already been landslides to the Kenai Peninsula, and I doubt Anchorage is immune. Just lucky, so far.
* * * * *
The weatherman continues to say that we could see a rain/snow mix tomorrow, and the overnight lows will be dropping into the low 20s, if AccuHunch is to be believed.
Let the stampede to the tire shops begin, as people who were waiting until mid-October to change over to snow tires suddenly awaken to the fact that winter cometh early, this year.
* * * * *
A quick scan of the local news reveals little of interest to Outsiders, so I'll stop with this. Thanks for swinging past my little corner of the 'net, friends, and have a great day!
Normally I'd be happy ... nay, very happy ... about Friday, but this morning has been less than stellar. Chiefly because I left my cell phone on the dresser - and with it, my memory.
I can't even call my wife's cell & ask her to drop it by, on her way to work because the cell phone contains my memory. Wait: it starts with a 5 ... um .... oh, never mind.
Did I mention the cell phone is my memory?
It's raining again, a steady drizzle rather than a downpour, but the soil is already saturated by nearly three weeks of heavy rains. Only half-seriously, we're one good 'quake away from folks on the lower hillside above town, sliding into Potter Marsh.
That will make sense only to those of you who are familiar with Anchorage, but there have already been landslides to the Kenai Peninsula, and I doubt Anchorage is immune. Just lucky, so far.
* * * * *
The weatherman continues to say that we could see a rain/snow mix tomorrow, and the overnight lows will be dropping into the low 20s, if AccuHunch is to be believed.
Let the stampede to the tire shops begin, as people who were waiting until mid-October to change over to snow tires suddenly awaken to the fact that winter cometh early, this year.
* * * * *
A quick scan of the local news reveals little of interest to Outsiders, so I'll stop with this. Thanks for swinging past my little corner of the 'net, friends, and have a great day!
27 September 2012
The "S" Word
There's another round of rain headed this way, but - according to AccuHunch - not enough to prevent the floodwaters from continuing to recede. That's okay; we've had plenty.
That forecast also includes the word "snow". We watched the snow line moving lower quickly, yesterday, and this morning's 'cast calls for a rain/snow mix by Saturday, at least on the hillside above us, and lows in the 20s. Something tells me that, at this rate, it won't be long before our first permanent snow.
* * * * *
The local news has been dominated, of late, by political things ... and I'm at my saturation point with it. Anyone who hasn't already decided how they'll vote in November simply hasn't been paying attention.
But I'm done with it, barring some new outrage/scandal/coverup, etc. Anyone out there have a request for an Alaskan story/destination/pictures?
I'm open to suggestions. :)
 |
| The Eagleglen Golf Course, from www.adn.com |
That forecast also includes the word "snow". We watched the snow line moving lower quickly, yesterday, and this morning's 'cast calls for a rain/snow mix by Saturday, at least on the hillside above us, and lows in the 20s. Something tells me that, at this rate, it won't be long before our first permanent snow.
* * * * *
The local news has been dominated, of late, by political things ... and I'm at my saturation point with it. Anyone who hasn't already decided how they'll vote in November simply hasn't been paying attention.
But I'm done with it, barring some new outrage/scandal/coverup, etc. Anyone out there have a request for an Alaskan story/destination/pictures?
I'm open to suggestions. :)
22 September 2012
Good Day, Sunshine
Despite a gloomy AccuHunch forecaster promising a 70% chance of rain today, it's been dry and mostly sunny today. This is something unexpected, and quite welcome.
I suspect that we could use a couple weeks of sunny, windy, dry weather just to dry things out a bit. But if today is all we get, at least we've got the sun. :)
I suspect that we could use a couple weeks of sunny, windy, dry weather just to dry things out a bit. But if today is all we get, at least we've got the sun. :)
 | ||
| (a quick cellphone shot, just to get the post up) |
21 September 2012
Flooding Continues; Talkeetna to Evacuate
The Anchorage Daily News has reader-submitted photos of area flooding here and here.
In related news, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has sent a message that "flooding of the town of Talkeetna is imminent" and urges all residents to evacuate.
Customers of a restaurant in mid-town Anchorage are publishing photos on Facebook showing the patio tables underwater, along Campbell Creek.
It's getting ugly around south-central Alaska. Any of you folks with drought-like conditions want some rain? We seem to have plenty.
In related news, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has sent a message that "flooding of the town of Talkeetna is imminent" and urges all residents to evacuate.
Customers of a restaurant in mid-town Anchorage are publishing photos on Facebook showing the patio tables underwater, along Campbell Creek.
It's getting ugly around south-central Alaska. Any of you folks with drought-like conditions want some rain? We seem to have plenty.
04 September 2012
Now That the Weatherman Scared Us,
he's saying that the 90 mph winds he said were coming yesterday, won't be here until this afternoon. And oh yes, they'll gust to 100 mph.
Of course, they believe in scary headlines to garner attention ... the really strong winds won't be in the flattest part of town, but only on the upper mountainsides above the city, where the gazillion-dollar homes are. In Anchorage proper, AccuHunch guesses we'll have 40 to 60 mph winds, tops.
Well, that's much better. (/sarc)
Y'all stay safe; we'll take care of business here. If falling branches don't knock out the power, I'll have an update later in the day.
Of course, they believe in scary headlines to garner attention ... the really strong winds won't be in the flattest part of town, but only on the upper mountainsides above the city, where the gazillion-dollar homes are. In Anchorage proper, AccuHunch guesses we'll have 40 to 60 mph winds, tops.
Well, that's much better. (/sarc)
Y'all stay safe; we'll take care of business here. If falling branches don't knock out the power, I'll have an update later in the day.
03 September 2012
Labor Day, 2012
Up and At 'Em Dept: Got an early morning* wake-up from a Texas acquaintance who apparently doesn't know she made the call. In my equally-early morning haze, I fumbled the buttons & wound up dropping the phone. Oh well, at least I'm up, right?
* * * * *
Windy Weather Dept: We're supposed to have three days of "mid-winter" weather. (Admit, you're thinking "snow" or "blizzard" right now, aren't you?) No, this is winds at 60 to 75 mph, gusting to 90 mph. It's only an issue because in mid-winter, the trees are bare.
With all the tree in full leaf (yellowing, but not falling yet), there's a real danger of trees or branches being blown down - and that could be a problem.
* * * * *
Water, Water Everywhere Dept: Speaking of winter storms arriving too early, Alaska's northwest coast is getting pounded. To quote this morning's paper, "A string of storms pounded the northwest village of Kivalina, sending a river to the highest levels on record and wrecking pipes that feed the local water plant. With no clean water for the 130-student schoolhouse and teacher housing, the superintendent canceled classes."
* * * * *
Who Wants Salad Dept: I've mentioned the huge cabbage & pumpkins produced by the rich volcanic soil & long hours of daylight, here. At the State Fair, a new world record cabbage has won first place, at 138.25 pounds. That's a lot of slaw, my friends.
* * * * *
Remember the Four Rules Dept: Two hunters, one cabin, one rifle being cleaned and "manipulated" when it went off. Tragic string of errors ensue. One dead. One big tragedy.
* Read, pre-dawn.
* * * * *
Windy Weather Dept: We're supposed to have three days of "mid-winter" weather. (Admit, you're thinking "snow" or "blizzard" right now, aren't you?) No, this is winds at 60 to 75 mph, gusting to 90 mph. It's only an issue because in mid-winter, the trees are bare.
With all the tree in full leaf (yellowing, but not falling yet), there's a real danger of trees or branches being blown down - and that could be a problem.
* * * * *
Water, Water Everywhere Dept: Speaking of winter storms arriving too early, Alaska's northwest coast is getting pounded. To quote this morning's paper, "A string of storms pounded the northwest village of Kivalina, sending a river to the highest levels on record and wrecking pipes that feed the local water plant. With no clean water for the 130-student schoolhouse and teacher housing, the superintendent canceled classes."
* * * * *
Who Wants Salad Dept: I've mentioned the huge cabbage & pumpkins produced by the rich volcanic soil & long hours of daylight, here. At the State Fair, a new world record cabbage has won first place, at 138.25 pounds. That's a lot of slaw, my friends.
* * * * *
Remember the Four Rules Dept: Two hunters, one cabin, one rifle being cleaned and "manipulated" when it went off. Tragic string of errors ensue. One dead. One big tragedy.
* Read, pre-dawn.
11 April 2012
Rough Morning
Our income tax balance due is literally 5.5 times more than we paid a year ago. Yes, we had a bit more income, but ... 5.5 times??
****
This morning, the plan was that I would take a wing off of my desk, and put a new desk where the wing used to be. This would leave the hutch, credenza, and printer stand in an L-shaped configuration behind me.
I removed three screws, and the entire C-shaped desk/credenza/hutch/wing/stand collapsed in slow motion as it rolled forward. Every joint popped and came apart, spraying screws & wood fibers ... and I got to stand and watch helplessly at the wrong end as the printer went somersaulting across the floor. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
No, I'm not hurt - I had just enough time to get out of the way. Yes, the printer is bent & non-functional. And the janitor had to haul away two loads of particle board segments of what used to be a big workstation.
****
AccuHunch is promising that we'll have temps near 50 degrees for the rest of the week. The last time it got up to 50 degrees in Anchorage was October 8th.
****
This morning, the plan was that I would take a wing off of my desk, and put a new desk where the wing used to be. This would leave the hutch, credenza, and printer stand in an L-shaped configuration behind me.
I removed three screws, and the entire C-shaped desk/credenza/hutch/wing/stand collapsed in slow motion as it rolled forward. Every joint popped and came apart, spraying screws & wood fibers ... and I got to stand and watch helplessly at the wrong end as the printer went somersaulting across the floor. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
No, I'm not hurt - I had just enough time to get out of the way. Yes, the printer is bent & non-functional. And the janitor had to haul away two loads of particle board segments of what used to be a big workstation.
****
AccuHunch is promising that we'll have temps near 50 degrees for the rest of the week. The last time it got up to 50 degrees in Anchorage was October 8th.
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