Snowy Morning, Falling Temps & Politics as Usual

Good morning, everyone.

 

Southcentral Alaska received roughly 3" to 6" of snow overnight. Because of warmer temps, this morning's drive was better than yesterday's, i.e., not as much swirling snow. It was 19° when I left home, but in the low 20s here in Anchorage. The snow retains more moisture in warmer temps, of course, so it's heavier. No white-outs, like yesterday.

 

Meanwhile, AccuHunch confidently predicts that temps will fall throughout the day, winding up around -10° F. tonight. Tomorrow, they say, we'll be lucky to see anything as warm as zero. On Sunday, perhaps -15. That's what happens when you have a fresh coat of snow coupled with clear skies. At least it does, up here north of the 61st parallel.

 

Of course, if you think we're having cold temps, don't look at Fairbanks/Bettles/Circle/Eagle/North Pole, etc. It's -4 in Fairbanks right now, and will close in on the -30 mark by Sunday or Monday nights.

 

Suddenly -10 doesn't sound so bad, eh?

 

* * * * *

 

In other Alaskan news, it's official: the election results have been certified, and it passed by six votes. The mayor signed the petition, and the Governor of Alaska signed it. The town called "Barrow" has ceased to exist. Let the cartographers and DOT sign-makers commence the changes. Notify Rand-McNally! Notify the Internet! Call your Aunt Sally! Conjugate your verbs!

 

Okay, never mind that last one. But wait, there's more:

Town formerly known as Barrow already in court over new name of Utqiaġvik

 

We have officially entered the era of sore losers who refuse to accept reality, seeking activist judges who will proclaim alternatives to the truth.

 

Sigh...

Snowy Weekend, Part 2

We've received nearly a foot of snow in the last 24 hours, with another 4" to 6" to come overnight ... if AccuHunch is to be believed.

I ran the snow thrower in the driveway at noon, just to get a jump on things, but there's more there now than there was before.

We drove downtown this afternoon to meet Younger Daughter at the end of her shift in the pastry kitchen, and had dinner together at the hotel. Driving home in the falling, blowing, drifting, swirling snow was a joy.

Or not. But it's normal winter driving for us: go slow, take it easy, don't get in a hurry, and get to your destination safely. Going quickly is for the summer months ... in December, not so much.



But now it's time to get into the comfy flannels, pop "The Santa Clause" into the home theater, and kick back.

Y'all be safe out there, and thanks for stopping by.

Icy Morning

The weatherman wasn't completely wrong this time: we got about an inch of icy snow overnight, with another 1" to 3" expected this morning. Then it's supposed to change to rain this afternoon.

I was out early to take Younger Daughter to work, and the streets weren't bad. A little slippery here and there, but could have been worse. The new Escape handled it with ease; you always wonder, when getting a new 4x4, exactly how it will behave in inclement weather.

The snow had mostly let up while I was out, but it's coming down harder now.

Yesterday morning's TV news showed scenes from this date last year: green grass & sunny weather. Made us want to cry, a little. So far nothing has turned green, and the tiny buds on the trees remain unopened. It seems the plants are smarter than we are. Go figure.

There's little on my agenda today, except for running a few errands. But right now, breakfast is calling.

All y'all have a great day!

Driving In Alaska

When your headlights just reflect from the heavy falling snow, you can't see anything anyway.
Where's Chewie when you need him (other than in Tam's purse)?