There is the purest quality of condensed chaos existing in this household. It erupts -almost like clockwork - every single day - come the slightest bit of daylight through the bathroom window blinds.
And it almost pushes buttons far enough to entice sharing space in the coffee cup with a shot of Kahlua.
The potty-training phase of bringing home a new puppy is consuming most of my life at the moment. Man alive - this girl is no different than taking on three Zuckers! She doesn’t just bring challenges. She brings a battle - Battle of the Nerves! Battle of the Use of Paper Towels! Battle of the Stock of Mr. Clean!
She’s even brought a Battle of the Nerves for the washing machine!
Just heard our local weather guy inform us that we’re sitting at about 20* below normal temperatures for this time of year.
I believe him. I have every reason to believe him.
Here are two photos taken yesterday - of two entirely different icicles.
Can you find anything common between the two of them. Okay - besides frozen water - Goofus! Actually - they have one other thing in common - like - being long and thick enough to do some real damage on any unwelcomed guest - without a single bullet being necessary!
Dwayne said that - not me. " Think about it - no evidence left behind! " Sometimes - I worry. Should I worry about me - or him?
Notice how they’re curved? That was artwork - so says all the southwest wind that came our way. It passed through all day long - like some train holding everybody up at a crossing for a half-hour! Fortunately - it was passing through with enough speed to make it impossible for all the snow to land around our place!
I’ve been so busy with all the Battles of…. - enough that the task of ordering seed for our garden has been set aside - among a few other items on that neverending list. But - I’ve made a decision. I’ll go ahead and order the seed. Maybe that will jinx all the cold weather!
Ohhhhhh, this winter - and all this - cold weather and - snow. She just couldn’t take it! She took the kids and left. Now my icicle has nobody but - two new roommates.
And you should just come see what they’ve done to the back porch! I swear! Happens every time a woman leaves a man. He shrivels up and digresses back into the mindset of - swine!
Actually - I must retract that definition. Why - it’s a known fact among biologists. Pigs can be quite a bit cleaner than many other beasts of burden. Even the two-legged kind.
I would think this world should consider - the Fly - to be a more suitable definition. Take some time. Just - think about it.
We seem to be having a winter this year with very few days that don’t carry scenery having snow for a main topic. The ground is frozen. The grasses even crack into pieces when stepped upon.
The conifers seem to just - know. They’re sleeping in this year - much later than usual.
Our poor little apple tree. She hung in there - with pretty green leaves - all the way into December and past Christmas Day. And then - that one little storm came through - and dumped almost six inches of white powder all around us.
There do seem to be more birds hanging around this winter. Of course - my consistent commitment to keeping the bird feeders full may have something to do with that decision.
The Peach tree - oh, that poor girl. She needs to be pruned. But it’s just not safe - yet. With all this snow traveling through in waves - best to wait a while longer.
Even after the season for snow - we tend to get that very last freeze that comes sneaking up - with murder on its mind. Tries very diligently with a vengeance - in wild efforts to destroy gorgeous blossoms on the spring bulbs - the azaleas - the flowering trees - those first rose buds.
I have one little question at this time. Where in the world is - Al Gore? It appears as if he is bedded down - same as all other - snakes. Yes - I think he’s laying low to avoid confrontation about the amazing - chill - taking place on this northern side of the hemisphere. There are no answers for all the questions that would refuse to fill his - bank account - if he were forced to make efforts in finding such! Oh, no! This is - by far - not a very good PR time for his campaign of panic!
But - that’s okay - Al! You just keep hidin’ from the world - all you want!
We’ll all just stand out here for a while longer - enjoying some real snow - while knowing just exactly what and who - really is - responsible for all things natural! ;)
Talking ’bout The One that brings beauty to truth - no matter how many layers we have to put on to enjoy the sight!
*sigh…..* I think the cabin fever is beginning to bug me. I’m battling - blahs. I’m feeling the need for the sight of spring bulbs blooming.
I’m tangling with my issue of not wanting to plant a vegetable garden this year.
I’m wanting to feel that openness and readyness for seeing sleeping wildlife come out to - sun in the sun.
Oh…. I am so ready to park on the Loop at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains - to stare at this view.
I’m wondering when the next ride on The Dragon will come for me.
I feel the urge to smile with a growing yearn to feel the chilling excitement and the warmth of the sun - all at the same time.
Thoughts float through my mind - in multiples - carried by such strong anticipation - about the gorgeous Kwanzan Cherry Tree we’re planting in our front yard - to honor our dear departed friend now residing with God - Monica Narr.
All of my being catches that sense of wonder in the air shared by folks from everywhere - as we all stop to visit Becky Cable’s house - further back in Cade’s Cove - in the Great Smoky Mountains.
That mental supply list comes to the surface - buying a couple more 5lb. Sacks of stone-ground corn meal from the Visitor’s Center - at the Cable Mill - in Cades Cove - in the Great Smoky Mountains. Only the best will do for my prepared okra for freezing - as well as for dredging the fish I hope we get to catch this season.
Thoughts of hot summer days spent at Bald River Falls - they tease me to no end.
Will there be a garden this year - or not? Only time and my sessions hold the answer.
For now - reality wins with the cold and brittle chill in our face.
But there is one last ace in the hole for surviving. And that would be - laughing - at something like - this!
I managed to catch the Full Moon early this morning - just before it crept away to sleep after one wild and crazy night.
Took Zucker out for his daily business. If there is only one thing this dog never grew out of from his time as a puppy - it is the snow. He loves to eat snowballs! And this morning - he wouldn’t even wait for me to make one for him. In his glory! Like a kid that would sneak into the melting pit room at a Hershey Chocolate Plant - he just started digging in!
Within an hour or so - we had sunshine! And all was so beautiful!!
Last night was rough. The snow is hard and it crackles under your steps - leftover signs telling of the crashing temperatures - and roads with ice and slush that had emergency services personnel swamped with calls.
People just refuse to listen - and I never will get that one. Hey - even me - in my 20’s - I had the brains to understand that a car is like one of the main arteries to your heart. It gets you to the job you need - which provides that paycheck that you need - which buys the groceries - puts a roof over your head - clothes on your back - and shoes on your feet.
Okay - so there was that one time when it flooded in Texas City and I learned that '65 Ford Mustangs could float - long enough to get to Toddy's house - even with a 325lb. roommate inside - having a panic attack. Personally - I think that was just angels working - really working hard!
Thank God for the Sun!
Thank God for the Birds! Hey - Somebody better drop a few Dogwood seeds around here. You owe me!
Okay - fine. After we reach up into the 40’s - I’ll deal with the birdbath. I promise!
Oh…. And I just cannot believe - this!
" So - this is why you came back home! You cowardly weasel! You wait until we go to bed - before sneaking in the wife and kids ya' picked up - during your little adventure after running away from home. "
" Yeah - Well. Okay. I'll play your song for you. But you better find a job, Mister - fast! Now you have to help out with the grocery bill - for sure! "
They said the beginning of flurries was expected north of Knoxville - around 2:30pm on Friday.
Well - they were right about the estimated time of day. But - the weather satellites must have been just a tad bit - off - twisted - turned around - something. Because we live - south - of Knoxville.
I took these shots less than 30 minutes after the flurries began. The flurries showed up around 2:40pm - here. Mother Nature wasted no time turning it all into snow. Can you tell I’m not very happy while I type this out?
I’m so glad I got out there and spread the rock salt - instead of waiting for my Hubby to get home. I did that. I’m a team player.
Wait a minute.
Oh…. Wonderful. The Pit gets to spend Winter outside - again.
This is a male Cardinal - from the ‘hood. He thinks he owns both of the bird feeders - and all the trees nearby. He’s totally unaware of three facts. I load the bird feeders. And I know how to load the pellet gun. And feral barn cats need to eat, too. He needs to learn how to share - really soon.
This is one of the many Bluebirds that hang out in our barn during the winter. They’re fun to watch! Of all the birds and squirrels I’ve watched - these Bluebirds have been the first to entertain me while they manage to run off the Robins!
So - we make it through the night. The power is still on by the time we wake up at 3:45am this morning. And the cable television is still functioning. It is now 12:45pm and - the cable television is now - not functioning - I don’t know why.
Meteorologists - emergency personnel - and road crewmen put the message out there as soon as they got in front of television cameras - “ Do not leave your home and drive on the roads unless you absolutely have to do so. ” Planes must fly - so Hubby gives me a hug and kiss and says, " Good-bye! "
And calls me after he gets to the Hangar - " The power is out at Tellico Village - all along Hwy. 144. "
It’s now 1:39pm and - the power just came back on a few minutes ago. Yeah - it took a dump.
And - that’s part of the reason why I listened to the warnings - from the wise men.
This is not snow that I like to go out and play in. The sun is not shining. The sky is not that gorgeous blue color.
This is snow that you only go out in to work - tend to animals - and stuff like that.
And this is from an animal that used some serious balance and finesse. Spinner made the trip out to the barn for his daily - whatever it is that he does. And made it all the way back to the house - using the very same tracks he made while going out there. Such is the male cat with the hormonal female attitude that comes around once a month. Only - his comes around during full moons.
And - Just look at Who Else decided to show back up!!
Okay - I’m outta here! A pot of hot coffee and a chance to hand wash some dishes - before the power goes out - again.
This first half of today has passed without me even so much as stopping and taking a thirty-second glance.
Up to this point - I got Dwayne off to work this morning. Got my shower. Groceries have been bought - brought home and put away. I have a pork roast - almost 10lbs. - in the oven. Made a run to Co-Op in Loudon and picked up a couple bags of rock salt - they don’t carry Urea in the bag. Got a light layer spread over the driveway - biting my bottom lip the whole time. I don’t like using that stuff on any landscape. I just got the first of four loads of laundry started. Puppies are fed - fat ‘n happy!
Dwayne ran errands in Maryville during lunch. He picked up a carburetor kit for the generator at Co-OP. Pulled some cash out of the bank - in case power goes out for a while - topped the fuel in the truck.
Our most concentrated hope and prayer at this moment is for Dwayne to be able to make it home - safely - before the worst of this storm shows up.
We are stocked here. We have plenty of everything. Should the power go out - we have camping gear and supplies - plenty of butane bottles for the camp stove. We should be able to continue using the gas fireplace - unless Loudon Utilities runs into any trouble with that. We have plenty of batteries for the Boom box - flashlights and lanterns. We have board games - and goofy puppies for loads of entertainment! Oh… and I charged up the battery on the Nintendo DS. LOL
For family - we have both cell phones charged. And if need be - we do have a cell phone charger for the truck.
Four brand new rechargeable batteries for the digital camera are charging this very moment. I’ll be sure to get lots of photos of the area - as soon as it’s safe to venture out!
I hope and pray God is holding everyone caught in this storm - in His hands - to get us all through this storm safely.
Anyone out of the area wanting to keep up with the Doppler for East Tennessee may click Here!
How does one wake up to a sight like this - In the middle of Winter?
With a great talent for thinking fast. Along with a good - healthy - positive - and most important - flexible attitude.
We’ve had a month of winter days that push your will. You spend time outside only as much as you absolutely must. The trick is to stay indoors - just to keep the house warm and the utility bills down - if for no other reason.
A morning like this is rare. And more than welcomed. It brings a smile. Makes your brain recalculate.
These are the kind of mornings you take great advantage of - when you reschedule as many projects to get done as you can - while you can.
This winter has had an odd share of strange mornings. Sunshine and snow - all at the same time.
And now - fog and sunshine - all at the same time.
I’ll take the fog and sunshine, please! There’s a bonus with that package - temperatures already in the 40’s by 7am!
That’s a promise from God - that the afternoon will be no less than 50 degrees!
Well - we have sunshine! That is of course - sharing the front row with the 19* temperatures here this morning.
I’ve been watching this icicle that’s been hanging out with us since all this frozen mayhem began. It just - absolutely - refuses to go away! Gets a little shorter - but - it keeps getting fatter.
There - you have it. The very first photo posted - that was taken with our new camera. Feel special? Isn’t it a wonder of a treat? LOL
We decided not to wait on Part 3 of my order. Dwayne has to go back to work before it gets here. Oh - and he’s beginning Day Shift. I won’t take the Putt-Putt on roads threatening dark ice - and assuming sunshine and warmth will arrive by then - totally ludicrous.
Had such an interesting conversation going on in FaceBook this morning! One of the gals from Blue Smoke Coffee - They’re located in Gatlinburg, TN - posted a really interesting note that had me shaking my head - and snickering.
Okay - well - not the nose snorting kind of snickering. Just that one before a giggle. Okay - I’m sitting in shame. Anyway…
Here - I’ll just show you.
Blue-Smoke CoffeeOh my! FB Friend Cathy W. just posted "It's 29 degrees at Base Bernardo O'Higgins, Antarctica right now -- and 11 degrees in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, just saying."
Teresa SchoellkopfLOL "Global Warming..." Just sayin'. LOL
Blue-Smoke Coffee I think it's been relabeled "Climate Change" now, which would explain this, where it's much warmer than normal in Antarctica and colder than normal in Alabama. Crazy stuff.
Teresa Schoellkopf That's what it's always been. 'Bout time the intelligence took the lead over the hype, huh. This planet is a living - breathing - being - in itself. It exists with its own natural transformation - just as we do. And with that comes changes in patterns of behavior in seasons and mass. It's almost comical how man - somehow - came to the conclusion that everything begins to set itself in stone for as far as the eye can see - once we plant our butts somewhere! LOL
David SteadWell said Teresa, it was all about raising taxes & helping Al Gore to become a multi -millionaire.
Blue-Smoke CoffeeSome have convinced themselves that "God" gave "people" the earth to use anyway they want and believe God wouldn't let it "climate change" happen if he didn't want it to. But I believe God gave us free-will for a reason, to choose to do the right things or not and taking care of one of his greatest creations, the Earth, has got to be our top priority. To me it's as much a sin to trash this beautiful planet as any sin there is.
I logged out at that point - long list - not much time today. I felt she had put the icing on the cake with that last thought. You just can't find any closer truth than that!
And you know what - it’s always so nice when you get to enjoy a conversation embodied with so much common sense! It helps one not feel so all alone. It removes a stigma from feeling like - " Geez! " - " You just might be some Wacko! "
Take time to go visit the website for Blue Smoke Coffee. They have some pretty cool stuff there. They offer an area with a wonderful assortment of links to great places - as well - both entertaining and educational!
And when you observe the price of their coffee - don’t be so quick to set your judgment into stone - until you visit their entire website - and do some simple math. Trust me - there is a method to their madness - far from that disgusting sense of greed.
And anyone that knows me - knows what I think about - greed.
There’s a concept to their coffee. This is not coffee you buy for throwing into the basket of your coffee pot before setting the timer to kick it into brew mode the next morning before you wake up.
This is coffee you buy for special occasions. I mean - okay - let’s try this.
You buy Miller Lite or Bud Light to keep in the fridge - anytime you feel like having a beer. Well - that’s our choice, anyway. And yeah - Daddy was the Welder - I do the Miller Lite. Dwayne was raised around cars - and redneck trucks - until he graduated to aircraft. Need I say more?
But - and remember - Daddy was the Welder - we keep Crown Royal on hand - for special occasions and/or when we have company at the house. Okay - so I also like my Kahlua - Especial - for my coffee - unless I happen to have a quart of Half n Half in the fridge. And then - I am as good as wasted by midnight!
“ Snicker! “ - “ No wonder she buys Heavy Whipping Cream - instead of Half n Half - all the time! “
You wanna buy Blue Smoke Coffees for special occasions - and times when you have company come to visit. And trust me - you will not understand until you make the effort.
The price you pay for that product - along with the choice of times when you should drink these coffees - has more than been compensated and considered in the roasting and processing of these coffees.
This is not your common coffee processing plant - where hundreds of workers walk around in paper shoes and hats - with white coats on - spending the day glancing up at the clock - without much more interest in the job beyond collecting their paycheck.
Trust me - if you’ve never done it before - just try it once in your life!
Speaking of coffee - and going back to that really nice conversation I participated in this morning - here’s a perfect chance when you could have brewed yourself a perfect cup of their wonderful bean - cuddled up in that Snuggie you got for Christmas - while you enjoy - this!
Got an email from Walmart this morning. Part 3 of my order placed when I bought my new camera was shipped out this morning - from California. We’re just gonna wait until it gets here before heading to Lenoir City to pick the whole mess up.
Well - this is the first time we’ve ever had such a dry snow - pure powder. Granted - it’s only a little more than half an inch. But even that much is enough that can - flat dab - soak and mangle Zucker’s paws when he goes out to take care of his business. And with this dry powder - it won’t even stick together to form a snowball!
We seem to be having another day of sunshine with snow flurries blowing - almost sideways. If you stand in our kitchen and look out the windows - it looks absolutely gorgeous! You can’t see the flurries from there. Your heart warms up at the sight - and you just wanna go runnin’ for the door to head out and soak up the sunshine. And then you crack that door open….
Even our cat - Spinner - has jumped back and headed back to his blanket! “Screw it!”
We have the truck plugged in. However - that brought on a solid sheet of ice across the hub on the front wheels! I always tease Dwayne during these moments. “My toy looks so cute with all those icicles hanging off of it! Looks like Cholo Bling!” Truth! All it would need is the red ball-fringe hanging across the top of the front windshield! Well - maybe white. Don’t think the red would go well with that Bing cherry paint job.
Not so cute when you’re driving down a three-lane highway when one of those things decides to break off and fly towards another vehicle driving in the lane beside you. They can cause some damage. Same can happen if you try breaking them off - yourself. There goes that paint job!
Cold weather like this can make people do funny things! Sometimes - we’ll do just about anything to get out of cold weather - in a hurry - not even checking the situation out - first. Next thing ya’ know - you’re sharing some dark shed with something furry - and it’s growling. And you’re actually having difficulty making a decision - “Do I stay or do I go?”
Luckily - some of us can get into those same situations - minus all the need to decide “Do I live or do I die?”
Grab your coffee - and enjoy Charlie singing about one of those very type of situations! Not sure who the person was that uploaded it - and I'm not really impressed with the effort they made with the title plastered all across the thing right there before you open it up. But - trust me. If you haven't seen or heard this - Just go listen!
Uh-oh. The grass is turning white. I guess this is it. We’re on a downhill ride through some cold weather. Slowly but surely - and nonstop - the snow has begun to fall.
Before I go any further - I have to share something. This is so cool!
Okay - this photo was pinched off my old Geocities website - before Yahoo! decided to kill it. So - I have no idea how well it’s going to handle moving over to a new spot. But - this is a shot of Bald River Falls - in the Cherokee National Forest. This photo was taken in - 2003 - I think.
Here’s one from the top of the falls.
And here’s one of Dwayne. And if I could find the one of Sam the Stick Man - but I can’t find it.
Now - thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for Monroe County, Tennessee - take a look at this video that was shot of the falls - yesterday!
How cool is THAT !!!! Ohh, I can just imagine - a piece of cardboard under my butt and just flying down!!!
Yeah - RIGHT!!
Okay - as late as this blog is for today - believe me - I am keeping up with the unexpected moments that keep coming along today. But - that’s for another day!
So - grab your coffee - your hot tea - your hot chocolate - get all comfy in that Snuggly - and have fun watching this one!
I just love this puppy!!!!! Reminds me of my Hubby!
There is the purest quality of condensed chaos existing in this household. It erupts -almost like clockwork - every single day - come the slightest bit of daylight through the bathroom window blinds.
And it almost pushes buttons far enough to entice sharing space in the coffee cup with a shot of Kahlua.
The potty-training phase of bringing home a new puppy is consuming most of my life at the moment. Man alive - this girl is no different than taking on three Zuckers! She doesn’t just bring challenges. She brings a battle - Battle of the Nerves! Battle of the Use of Paper Towels! Battle of the Stock of Mr. Clean!
She’s even brought a Battle of the Nerves for the washing machine!
Just heard our local weather guy inform us that we’re sitting at about 20* below normal temperatures for this time of year.
I believe him. I have every reason to believe him.
Here are two photos taken yesterday - of two entirely different icicles.
Can you find anything common between the two of them. Okay - besides frozen water - Goofus! Actually - they have one other thing in common - like - being long and thick enough to do some real damage on any unwelcomed guest - without a single bullet being necessary!
Dwayne said that - not me. " Think about it - no evidence left behind! " Sometimes - I worry. Should I worry about me - or him?
Notice how they’re curved? That was artwork - so says all the southwest wind that came our way. It passed through all day long - like some train holding everybody up at a crossing for a half-hour! Fortunately - it was passing through with enough speed to make it impossible for all the snow to land around our place!
I’ve been so busy with all the Battles of…. - enough that the task of ordering seed for our garden has been set aside - among a few other items on that neverending list. But - I’ve made a decision. I’ll go ahead and order the seed. Maybe that will jinx all the cold weather!
Ohhhhhh, this winter - and all this - cold weather and - snow. She just couldn’t take it! She took the kids and left. Now my icicle has nobody but - two new roommates.
And you should just come see what they’ve done to the back porch! I swear! Happens every time a woman leaves a man. He shrivels up and digresses back into the mindset of - swine!
Actually - I must retract that definition. Why - it’s a known fact among biologists. Pigs can be quite a bit cleaner than many other beasts of burden. Even the two-legged kind.
I would think this world should consider - the Fly - to be a more suitable definition. Take some time. Just - think about it.
We seem to be having a winter this year with very few days that don’t carry scenery having snow for a main topic. The ground is frozen. The grasses even crack into pieces when stepped upon.
The conifers seem to just - know. They’re sleeping in this year - much later than usual.
Our poor little apple tree. She hung in there - with pretty green leaves - all the way into December and past Christmas Day. And then - that one little storm came through - and dumped almost six inches of white powder all around us.
There do seem to be more birds hanging around this winter. Of course - my consistent commitment to keeping the bird feeders full may have something to do with that decision.
The Peach tree - oh, that poor girl. She needs to be pruned. But it’s just not safe - yet. With all this snow traveling through in waves - best to wait a while longer.
Even after the season for snow - we tend to get that very last freeze that comes sneaking up - with murder on its mind. Tries very diligently with a vengeance - in wild efforts to destroy gorgeous blossoms on the spring bulbs - the azaleas - the flowering trees - those first rose buds.
I have one little question at this time. Where in the world is - Al Gore? It appears as if he is bedded down - same as all other - snakes. Yes - I think he’s laying low to avoid confrontation about the amazing - chill - taking place on this northern side of the hemisphere. There are no answers for all the questions that would refuse to fill his - bank account - if he were forced to make efforts in finding such! Oh, no! This is - by far - not a very good PR time for his campaign of panic!
But - that’s okay - Al! You just keep hidin’ from the world - all you want!
We’ll all just stand out here for a while longer - enjoying some real snow - while knowing just exactly what and who - really is - responsible for all things natural! ;)
Talking ’bout The One that brings beauty to truth - no matter how many layers we have to put on to enjoy the sight!
*sigh…..* I think the cabin fever is beginning to bug me. I’m battling - blahs. I’m feeling the need for the sight of spring bulbs blooming.
I’m tangling with my issue of not wanting to plant a vegetable garden this year.
I’m wanting to feel that openness and readyness for seeing sleeping wildlife come out to - sun in the sun.
Oh…. I am so ready to park on the Loop at Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains - to stare at this view.
I’m wondering when the next ride on The Dragon will come for me.
I feel the urge to smile with a growing yearn to feel the chilling excitement and the warmth of the sun - all at the same time.
Thoughts float through my mind - in multiples - carried by such strong anticipation - about the gorgeous Kwanzan Cherry Tree we’re planting in our front yard - to honor our dear departed friend now residing with God - Monica Narr.
All of my being catches that sense of wonder in the air shared by folks from everywhere - as we all stop to visit Becky Cable’s house - further back in Cade’s Cove - in the Great Smoky Mountains.
That mental supply list comes to the surface - buying a couple more 5lb. Sacks of stone-ground corn meal from the Visitor’s Center - at the Cable Mill - in Cades Cove - in the Great Smoky Mountains. Only the best will do for my prepared okra for freezing - as well as for dredging the fish I hope we get to catch this season.
Thoughts of hot summer days spent at Bald River Falls - they tease me to no end.
Will there be a garden this year - or not? Only time and my sessions hold the answer.
For now - reality wins with the cold and brittle chill in our face.
But there is one last ace in the hole for surviving. And that would be - laughing - at something like - this!
I managed to catch the Full Moon early this morning - just before it crept away to sleep after one wild and crazy night.
Took Zucker out for his daily business. If there is only one thing this dog never grew out of from his time as a puppy - it is the snow. He loves to eat snowballs! And this morning - he wouldn’t even wait for me to make one for him. In his glory! Like a kid that would sneak into the melting pit room at a Hershey Chocolate Plant - he just started digging in!
Within an hour or so - we had sunshine! And all was so beautiful!!
Last night was rough. The snow is hard and it crackles under your steps - leftover signs telling of the crashing temperatures - and roads with ice and slush that had emergency services personnel swamped with calls.
People just refuse to listen - and I never will get that one. Hey - even me - in my 20’s - I had the brains to understand that a car is like one of the main arteries to your heart. It gets you to the job you need - which provides that paycheck that you need - which buys the groceries - puts a roof over your head - clothes on your back - and shoes on your feet.
Okay - so there was that one time when it flooded in Texas City and I learned that '65 Ford Mustangs could float - long enough to get to Toddy's house - even with a 325lb. roommate inside - having a panic attack. Personally - I think that was just angels working - really working hard!
Thank God for the Sun!
Thank God for the Birds! Hey - Somebody better drop a few Dogwood seeds around here. You owe me!
Okay - fine. After we reach up into the 40’s - I’ll deal with the birdbath. I promise!
Oh…. And I just cannot believe - this!
" So - this is why you came back home! You cowardly weasel! You wait until we go to bed - before sneaking in the wife and kids ya' picked up - during your little adventure after running away from home. "
" Yeah - Well. Okay. I'll play your song for you. But you better find a job, Mister - fast! Now you have to help out with the grocery bill - for sure! "
They said the beginning of flurries was expected north of Knoxville - around 2:30pm on Friday.
Well - they were right about the estimated time of day. But - the weather satellites must have been just a tad bit - off - twisted - turned around - something. Because we live - south - of Knoxville.
I took these shots less than 30 minutes after the flurries began. The flurries showed up around 2:40pm - here. Mother Nature wasted no time turning it all into snow. Can you tell I’m not very happy while I type this out?
I’m so glad I got out there and spread the rock salt - instead of waiting for my Hubby to get home. I did that. I’m a team player.
Wait a minute.
Oh…. Wonderful. The Pit gets to spend Winter outside - again.
This is a male Cardinal - from the ‘hood. He thinks he owns both of the bird feeders - and all the trees nearby. He’s totally unaware of three facts. I load the bird feeders. And I know how to load the pellet gun. And feral barn cats need to eat, too. He needs to learn how to share - really soon.
This is one of the many Bluebirds that hang out in our barn during the winter. They’re fun to watch! Of all the birds and squirrels I’ve watched - these Bluebirds have been the first to entertain me while they manage to run off the Robins!
So - we make it through the night. The power is still on by the time we wake up at 3:45am this morning. And the cable television is still functioning. It is now 12:45pm and - the cable television is now - not functioning - I don’t know why.
Meteorologists - emergency personnel - and road crewmen put the message out there as soon as they got in front of television cameras - “ Do not leave your home and drive on the roads unless you absolutely have to do so. ” Planes must fly - so Hubby gives me a hug and kiss and says, " Good-bye! "
And calls me after he gets to the Hangar - " The power is out at Tellico Village - all along Hwy. 144. "
It’s now 1:39pm and - the power just came back on a few minutes ago. Yeah - it took a dump.
And - that’s part of the reason why I listened to the warnings - from the wise men.
This is not snow that I like to go out and play in. The sun is not shining. The sky is not that gorgeous blue color.
This is snow that you only go out in to work - tend to animals - and stuff like that.
And this is from an animal that used some serious balance and finesse. Spinner made the trip out to the barn for his daily - whatever it is that he does. And made it all the way back to the house - using the very same tracks he made while going out there. Such is the male cat with the hormonal female attitude that comes around once a month. Only - his comes around during full moons.
And - Just look at Who Else decided to show back up!!
Okay - I’m outta here! A pot of hot coffee and a chance to hand wash some dishes - before the power goes out - again.
This first half of today has passed without me even so much as stopping and taking a thirty-second glance.
Up to this point - I got Dwayne off to work this morning. Got my shower. Groceries have been bought - brought home and put away. I have a pork roast - almost 10lbs. - in the oven. Made a run to Co-Op in Loudon and picked up a couple bags of rock salt - they don’t carry Urea in the bag. Got a light layer spread over the driveway - biting my bottom lip the whole time. I don’t like using that stuff on any landscape. I just got the first of four loads of laundry started. Puppies are fed - fat ‘n happy!
Dwayne ran errands in Maryville during lunch. He picked up a carburetor kit for the generator at Co-OP. Pulled some cash out of the bank - in case power goes out for a while - topped the fuel in the truck.
Our most concentrated hope and prayer at this moment is for Dwayne to be able to make it home - safely - before the worst of this storm shows up.
We are stocked here. We have plenty of everything. Should the power go out - we have camping gear and supplies - plenty of butane bottles for the camp stove. We should be able to continue using the gas fireplace - unless Loudon Utilities runs into any trouble with that. We have plenty of batteries for the Boom box - flashlights and lanterns. We have board games - and goofy puppies for loads of entertainment! Oh… and I charged up the battery on the Nintendo DS. LOL
For family - we have both cell phones charged. And if need be - we do have a cell phone charger for the truck.
Four brand new rechargeable batteries for the digital camera are charging this very moment. I’ll be sure to get lots of photos of the area - as soon as it’s safe to venture out!
I hope and pray God is holding everyone caught in this storm - in His hands - to get us all through this storm safely.
Anyone out of the area wanting to keep up with the Doppler for East Tennessee may click Here!
How does one wake up to a sight like this - In the middle of Winter?
With a great talent for thinking fast. Along with a good - healthy - positive - and most important - flexible attitude.
We’ve had a month of winter days that push your will. You spend time outside only as much as you absolutely must. The trick is to stay indoors - just to keep the house warm and the utility bills down - if for no other reason.
A morning like this is rare. And more than welcomed. It brings a smile. Makes your brain recalculate.
These are the kind of mornings you take great advantage of - when you reschedule as many projects to get done as you can - while you can.
This winter has had an odd share of strange mornings. Sunshine and snow - all at the same time.
And now - fog and sunshine - all at the same time.
I’ll take the fog and sunshine, please! There’s a bonus with that package - temperatures already in the 40’s by 7am!
That’s a promise from God - that the afternoon will be no less than 50 degrees!
Well - we have sunshine! That is of course - sharing the front row with the 19* temperatures here this morning.
I’ve been watching this icicle that’s been hanging out with us since all this frozen mayhem began. It just - absolutely - refuses to go away! Gets a little shorter - but - it keeps getting fatter.
There - you have it. The very first photo posted - that was taken with our new camera. Feel special? Isn’t it a wonder of a treat? LOL
We decided not to wait on Part 3 of my order. Dwayne has to go back to work before it gets here. Oh - and he’s beginning Day Shift. I won’t take the Putt-Putt on roads threatening dark ice - and assuming sunshine and warmth will arrive by then - totally ludicrous.
Had such an interesting conversation going on in FaceBook this morning! One of the gals from Blue Smoke Coffee - They’re located in Gatlinburg, TN - posted a really interesting note that had me shaking my head - and snickering.
Okay - well - not the nose snorting kind of snickering. Just that one before a giggle. Okay - I’m sitting in shame. Anyway…
Here - I’ll just show you.
Blue-Smoke CoffeeOh my! FB Friend Cathy W. just posted "It's 29 degrees at Base Bernardo O'Higgins, Antarctica right now -- and 11 degrees in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, just saying."
Teresa SchoellkopfLOL "Global Warming..." Just sayin'. LOL
Blue-Smoke Coffee I think it's been relabeled "Climate Change" now, which would explain this, where it's much warmer than normal in Antarctica and colder than normal in Alabama. Crazy stuff.
Teresa Schoellkopf That's what it's always been. 'Bout time the intelligence took the lead over the hype, huh. This planet is a living - breathing - being - in itself. It exists with its own natural transformation - just as we do. And with that comes changes in patterns of behavior in seasons and mass. It's almost comical how man - somehow - came to the conclusion that everything begins to set itself in stone for as far as the eye can see - once we plant our butts somewhere! LOL
David SteadWell said Teresa, it was all about raising taxes & helping Al Gore to become a multi -millionaire.
Blue-Smoke CoffeeSome have convinced themselves that "God" gave "people" the earth to use anyway they want and believe God wouldn't let it "climate change" happen if he didn't want it to. But I believe God gave us free-will for a reason, to choose to do the right things or not and taking care of one of his greatest creations, the Earth, has got to be our top priority. To me it's as much a sin to trash this beautiful planet as any sin there is.
I logged out at that point - long list - not much time today. I felt she had put the icing on the cake with that last thought. You just can't find any closer truth than that!
And you know what - it’s always so nice when you get to enjoy a conversation embodied with so much common sense! It helps one not feel so all alone. It removes a stigma from feeling like - " Geez! " - " You just might be some Wacko! "
Take time to go visit the website for Blue Smoke Coffee. They have some pretty cool stuff there. They offer an area with a wonderful assortment of links to great places - as well - both entertaining and educational!
And when you observe the price of their coffee - don’t be so quick to set your judgment into stone - until you visit their entire website - and do some simple math. Trust me - there is a method to their madness - far from that disgusting sense of greed.
And anyone that knows me - knows what I think about - greed.
There’s a concept to their coffee. This is not coffee you buy for throwing into the basket of your coffee pot before setting the timer to kick it into brew mode the next morning before you wake up.
This is coffee you buy for special occasions. I mean - okay - let’s try this.
You buy Miller Lite or Bud Light to keep in the fridge - anytime you feel like having a beer. Well - that’s our choice, anyway. And yeah - Daddy was the Welder - I do the Miller Lite. Dwayne was raised around cars - and redneck trucks - until he graduated to aircraft. Need I say more?
But - and remember - Daddy was the Welder - we keep Crown Royal on hand - for special occasions and/or when we have company at the house. Okay - so I also like my Kahlua - Especial - for my coffee - unless I happen to have a quart of Half n Half in the fridge. And then - I am as good as wasted by midnight!
“ Snicker! “ - “ No wonder she buys Heavy Whipping Cream - instead of Half n Half - all the time! “
You wanna buy Blue Smoke Coffees for special occasions - and times when you have company come to visit. And trust me - you will not understand until you make the effort.
The price you pay for that product - along with the choice of times when you should drink these coffees - has more than been compensated and considered in the roasting and processing of these coffees.
This is not your common coffee processing plant - where hundreds of workers walk around in paper shoes and hats - with white coats on - spending the day glancing up at the clock - without much more interest in the job beyond collecting their paycheck.
Trust me - if you’ve never done it before - just try it once in your life!
Speaking of coffee - and going back to that really nice conversation I participated in this morning - here’s a perfect chance when you could have brewed yourself a perfect cup of their wonderful bean - cuddled up in that Snuggie you got for Christmas - while you enjoy - this!
Got an email from Walmart this morning. Part 3 of my order placed when I bought my new camera was shipped out this morning - from California. We’re just gonna wait until it gets here before heading to Lenoir City to pick the whole mess up.
Well - this is the first time we’ve ever had such a dry snow - pure powder. Granted - it’s only a little more than half an inch. But even that much is enough that can - flat dab - soak and mangle Zucker’s paws when he goes out to take care of his business. And with this dry powder - it won’t even stick together to form a snowball!
We seem to be having another day of sunshine with snow flurries blowing - almost sideways. If you stand in our kitchen and look out the windows - it looks absolutely gorgeous! You can’t see the flurries from there. Your heart warms up at the sight - and you just wanna go runnin’ for the door to head out and soak up the sunshine. And then you crack that door open….
Even our cat - Spinner - has jumped back and headed back to his blanket! “Screw it!”
We have the truck plugged in. However - that brought on a solid sheet of ice across the hub on the front wheels! I always tease Dwayne during these moments. “My toy looks so cute with all those icicles hanging off of it! Looks like Cholo Bling!” Truth! All it would need is the red ball-fringe hanging across the top of the front windshield! Well - maybe white. Don’t think the red would go well with that Bing cherry paint job.
Not so cute when you’re driving down a three-lane highway when one of those things decides to break off and fly towards another vehicle driving in the lane beside you. They can cause some damage. Same can happen if you try breaking them off - yourself. There goes that paint job!
Cold weather like this can make people do funny things! Sometimes - we’ll do just about anything to get out of cold weather - in a hurry - not even checking the situation out - first. Next thing ya’ know - you’re sharing some dark shed with something furry - and it’s growling. And you’re actually having difficulty making a decision - “Do I stay or do I go?”
Luckily - some of us can get into those same situations - minus all the need to decide “Do I live or do I die?”
Grab your coffee - and enjoy Charlie singing about one of those very type of situations! Not sure who the person was that uploaded it - and I'm not really impressed with the effort they made with the title plastered all across the thing right there before you open it up. But - trust me. If you haven't seen or heard this - Just go listen!
Uh-oh. The grass is turning white. I guess this is it. We’re on a downhill ride through some cold weather. Slowly but surely - and nonstop - the snow has begun to fall.
Before I go any further - I have to share something. This is so cool!
Okay - this photo was pinched off my old Geocities website - before Yahoo! decided to kill it. So - I have no idea how well it’s going to handle moving over to a new spot. But - this is a shot of Bald River Falls - in the Cherokee National Forest. This photo was taken in - 2003 - I think.
Here’s one from the top of the falls.
And here’s one of Dwayne. And if I could find the one of Sam the Stick Man - but I can’t find it.
Now - thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for Monroe County, Tennessee - take a look at this video that was shot of the falls - yesterday!
How cool is THAT !!!! Ohh, I can just imagine - a piece of cardboard under my butt and just flying down!!!
Yeah - RIGHT!!
Okay - as late as this blog is for today - believe me - I am keeping up with the unexpected moments that keep coming along today. But - that’s for another day!
So - grab your coffee - your hot tea - your hot chocolate - get all comfy in that Snuggly - and have fun watching this one!
I just love this puppy!!!!! Reminds me of my Hubby!
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