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Cross Country Skiing
Much to the despair of certain displaced St Louisians, Griffs place has significant snow compared to a place where Ben Franklin organized the volunteer fire company. The adult Griffs have wooden skis which over the course of the week I resurfaced with creosote. Last night we scrambled to get the Yutes reoutfitted since they have the temerity to keep growing.
This morning the Mrs. and I put the base coat of wax on 'em followed by the kick wax. Since the Mrs. has to do the birthday party/ get the skates sharpened run this afternoon she got first dibs and took Merlin along for the ride. I've just gotten back from my loop and I'll tell yah its a different workout altogether from cycling. Its not quite the adrenelin fix mtn biking is although if I switched over to telemark style it could be. I had a nice ski did a short downhill bomb and talked to a hunter, who it was good to see out since he's had some health problems. Anyway, its great fun and tomorrow we'll get after it serious like with the kids and hot chocolate and all. Now I've got to go cut a couple cherries so I can eventually face the kitchen cabinets. |
(Fud voice) ooooo.... womantic moonwight ski wit de ole wady wase night.(/Fud voice)
We've got a solid enough base to handle the little thaw that's coming. I thought we'd lose it during the sleet/freezing rain last week but we got enough snow between to get us by. very cool |
Snow envy-
we might just pull out a little coverage before Christmas. Your descriptive text made me flash on a movie called "Pathfinder" its from Lapland I think, 10 yrs old or so, subtitled and the only film ever in this dying language, the retelling of an ancient adventure tale. I think it was up for an Oscar. Crushingly beautiful landscape, good underdog story, great scenes of skiing, what struck me as particularly beautiful-the rhythmic singing as they ski along- its cool. Also scenes of primal tribal life, Og would like! |
48 degrees F... clinging desparately to our base.... *sniff* Griff curls up in fetal position on floor
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God DAMN it is warm here today. It went from being FREEZING on Monday to stupid warm on Friday. I felt ill from how warm it was at 5:50 AM when I got into the car to go to work. Ugh.
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I hear ya, Dave. It's been ~80 here lately, too. Luckily we had a front come through last night, and the gauge fell quite a bit. Maybe it'll be a cold Xmas after all.
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Snow! a sparkly inch anyway, to make it look perty. I walked to work passing students dealing with their last finals. Some Classics: Frantic- The disheveled guy in what looks like PJs and a parka with that finished final paper in a death grip, staggering up steps to beat the clock. Focused- The two geared up with identically organized backpacks, quizing each other intensely, flipping through notes, while heading to a sciences building. And Giddy- the guy without a coat, fuzzy eyes, bopping homeward with a grin of relief.- or maybe he was drunk...anyway, he was enjoying the snow!
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On the campus I'm looking at, there's also the Perpetually Unperturbed, wearing cutoffs and Tivas in driving snow and blistering wind.
If we don't get more snow down here in balmy Maryland (motto: "We close schools at the first sign of frost") the kids and I hope to encounter some in upstate NY next week. The descriptions of moonlit family ski sessions sound fantastic . . . |
I'm mellllllllllttttting....
Ok its a quarter after one and the temp is starting to drop. The base is wrecked but there is snow in the forcast. (mantra)Its going to be alright.(/mantra) If you're downhilling, 99 it should be fine they've been making snow for quite some time. |
Oh, did I imply that the kids and I actually SKI in the snow? Whoops. No, good ol' Mom is too uncoordinated for that (although I was a mean skateboarder in my day) and I'm afraid downhill is outside our budget right now. What we do is PLAY in the snow. Y'know, sledding, digging, romping, that sort of thing.
I know this is a SKIING thread, but, forgive me, I sometimes get off on a tangent. Hope you all get the weather you wish for this winter! |
Okay, our Christmas snow appears to be developing over the Gulf. NEPA looks like a fair bet for a storm but maybe not further North. Have great holiday!
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Yah Baby
Bring it on!
"Winter storm Outlook National Weather Service Binghamton ny 355 PM EST Mon Dec 23 2002 ...A significant Christmas snowfall is possible... Low pressure is forecast to move Northeast into the Tennessee valley by Tuesday evening, and then Reform as a coastal storm near cape Hatteras before daybreak on Christmas Day. It's projected track would then take the storm Center just off The Eastern Seaboard toward cape cod by Christmas night. The exact storm track...Strength...And amount of snow accumulation remains Uncertain at this time. However, current trends suggest that snow will spread North into Northeast Pennsylvania after midnight on Tuesday, and into the southern tier of New York before daybreak on Christmas. Snow is expected across the entire region on Christmas day. At the present time, it appears that the greatest snow accumulations will be over the poconos and Western catskills of New York, where accumulations May exceed 7 inches. Lesser accumulations are expected across the remainder of Central New York, but the potential still exists for significant accumulations across this area, especially over the Susquehanna region. Holiday travel May be considerably impacted around the region by this storm. Travelers should take Note of storm developments and later forecasts and statements over the next two days. Tune into noaa weather radio...Or your favorite Media source for the latest details...Or...Visit the National Weather Service directly via the internet at weather.Gov. " |
Frankly, I don't give a good goddamn, or a bad one for that matter, over xmas snow. (certainly griff, I hope you get a pile dumped upon you if you're wantin' it ... playing in the snow is a good thing). I have to work on that day, so I'd prefer a green christmas to drive to and from work.
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for a LACK of snow come New Years. I got some travelling to do over and would prefer not to get snowed in along the way. I know 10-day forecasts are not the most reliable things in the world, but I've been watching weather.com like a hawk. They've already changed to forecast from snow to no snow, and I've got my fingers crossed for it to stay that way. |
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Merry Christmas! |
I kind of like to think of myself as the travel agent for Club Head. ;)
It is indeed very different being one of the people who work for a 24 hour a day, 365 day a year business. I'm sure that the folks you take cookies and cheer to very much appreciate it. (I know we do ...) I used to work a normal job, with normal hours. One which even closed down the week between Christmas and New Year's (not because the boss was kind or anything like that. Scrooge and his wife liked to spend the week at their house at the shore, and they didn't trust their company full of Bob Cratchett's not to loot the place while they weren't watching our every move. I'm not complaining about the time off, I'm just pointing out it was any kind of altruism on their parts). Silly me. I could have continued on with a nice, reliable, normal job ... working with computers, being able to leave early on snow days, and take long lunches and stuff ... But I actually like what I do. I enjoy the patients. And I consider what I do to be valuable. And it's nice to hear that from folks from time to time. |
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Believe it or not, I am torn between technology and... law enforcement. I think I'd be a good detective, and I think I would be more valuable to the world doing good like that. Unfortunately, I think I'd need to make a total career out of it if I wanted to ever get there, and I don't think I'm ready to do that. I hope a really sharp guy takes my place and does more good than I would. |
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Oh, the weather outside is frightful
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The best part was that it continued to snow all throughout Christmas Day (yay!) lending the holiday the touch of winter that makes it even more magical for kids and grown-ups alike. Fa-la-la-la-la . . . |
Hey!
I was rooting for that big blue swirl as it swept up the map. Happy White Christmas. Is it too wet to ski? Still dry here, but good for skating. I got on my new hockey skates and hit Lake of the Isles a few days. I did very well,if I do say so myself. Only fell 3 times, once was forgetting the toe pick thing and leaning too far front. The others were late in the fun- getting cocky playing tag. Its my favorite ice to skate- you can go all over the place. Just beautiful. The legs are a little sore, but not too bad. It was a good Christmas at home.:) |
That was great the way it kept coming and coming. My buddy in Middletown called saying they had snow, pretty cool.
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My skates are sharp but I'll need to shovel...or go indoors I guess. Is the back staying out of your way? Nothing like sore legs to let you know you're alive. :) |
Good snow!
Go lil' ski Griffs! I was chuckling at the parents teaching little ones to skate- using the lawn chair, ankles splayed out, whomp! onto their swooshy ski pants- followed of course by the pain- filled wail. There's that point when it becomes fun, but before, is "whaaaaaaaaa!" You should shovel, because pond skating beats the rink anyday, bumps and all. My back is much better- still a bit wierd, but not debilitating. I just need to get stronger and smarter about stretching. Legs are fine- I like waking up those muscles. I need to pay better attention to the body I've taken for granted -I'm so used to just being able to motor through anything, and I got to remember I's old. Hope youre having fun with the sibs. My best holiday gift was a 5 min phone conversation with my big brother that could actually be described as kind. The only libation required was in celebration. Who'd of thunk it? Freekin warm here. When we do get some snow, I am going to rent some skis from the park/rec (and a lesson!) - Ive gone cc only once long ago and am ready to try again. Come on snow. |
Well we were supposed to go to Garnett Hill NY this weekend for cross country skiing with a bunch of folks. Its a pretty cool little skiing complex with trails, cabins, and really good food in the main lodge. Uuum, but like we're gonna be snowed in here. Its normaly good to head up north to the Adirondac Park since they usually have more snow than us. Anyway the kids were upset but they're moving on. We'll just have our own little ski weekend at home, at least it'll be a bit quieter here...
Forecast for Susquehanna County Updated: 3:37 am EST on January 3, 2003 A Winter Storm Warning is in effect today and tonight for total snow accumulations 12 to 20 inches |
I spent my day digging out but yah know I kinda like it. I've taken some ribbing from some of our local sages for the distance off the road our place is. Fortunately the distance seems to keep the sages off my porch.
Anyway I still got a good afternoon ski in and the youts had a blast in the deep stuff. I do need to discuss the pruning service with God though. Laying down that layer of ice followed by a foot or so of snow, while pleasing to the eye is gonna be a major mess if we get a wind storm before a thaw. |
Again, belated postings of picture ...
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Bear in mind that prior to this shot being taken, the car had been cleared off, down to the paint, THREE TIMES. http://www.alexandersguns.com/eva/carsnow.JPG |
Looks like nearly everyone got what they wanted in the snow department. (Wolf cleaned the car three times during a snowstorm? That must be some car.) Griff, thanks for keeping us posted on weather conditions, and supplying regular doses of cheerful optimism.
We've had measurable snow three times since Thanksgiving here in B'more (I think that's some sort of record) -- two of them huge by local standards (appx 4 inches; enough to thrill the kids for days!). The three little 99%-lets even got their requested snow for our New Year's Eve trip to NY. They are practically ecstatic over predictions for yet more snow this week. Parents, working out of the house or otherwise, aren't so happy, as each scattering of flakes causes schools to close, thereby lengthening the school year late into June in a hot, humid district with no air conditioning. I know, I know: "Why, in my day, we walked barefoot through FIVE MILES of snow, uphill both ways! What do these kids need air conditioning for? The heat enhances cerebral function!" etc. etc. Anyway, we look forward to more winter fun! |
Yes, it sure is some car ... ;)
It was also some storm. |
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yea- i can spell. |
Be glad you aren't in Oswego, NY. I believe they got 2 feet of snow last night.
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So weird. I havent had to put on my boots yet this year. Longjohns yes, boots no.
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we have had snow 2 times in the past month. both times the sky was clear and i decided to wash the car. the first time we had six inches before the day was out. the second time we had blowing snow within half an hour of me washing the car. dammit.
~james |
My brother was just in Thunder Bay for Christmas and they hadn't had much snow either.
Tonight Becoming mostly clear and frigid. Lows ranging from near zero to about 10 below zero. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph turning light. Yipe! |
Lookee at the map...here comes the big blue Canadian tongue.
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Keep that thing in your mouth Canada
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We had a small bit of snow down near Phila. last night. I did get to spend some enjoyable time walking around during the snowfall listening to that oh-so-special crunchy/squeaky sound under my boots.
I also learned something important. The push button to turn on my maplight is at the FRONT of the light. Pushing the big switch at the center REAR of the maplights causes the automatic, unstoppable opening of the power moonroof. I am very glad that we only got about one inch of snow. Even that much was damn cold as it fell down onto my head and shoulders. :P |
[nelson]Hee haw![/nelson]
-.7F and counting, you can take the last laugh. Its supposed to do this for two weeks. |
Is that -0.7 or -7 F, Wise Alkie Sage?
And it's that cold up there already? Shit...it's 24 degrees here in my 'hood. |
Was -0.7 F now its a nice refreshing -2.0 F.
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Wow...it's dropped to 17 degrees here. (I'm practically out in the suburbs...no tall buildings...lots o' open space.) We could see single digits in these parts tonight.
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-7.7 F ouch. We decided the pooches should sleep inside. Nothing like finding a frozen poochcicle to ruin your morning.
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They thaw out come spring. You save on the food bills that way.
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You thought last weekend was cold.....Theres more a comin'. Upper midwest is the coldest so far this year. My 30 minute walk to work this am was 0 F with a wind chill of -20. Sposed to get down -10 to -15 tonight. Still snowless. burr. And the blast is coming your way in about 2 days. Get them dogs inside.
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-6.1F last night. We may not get to double digits today. I've bagged the CC skiing for the time being. I'll hit the bike trainer for the time being. The dogs have moved in.
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Yow! frozen eyelashes, frozen snot! -12 out this am with a chill of -33. layers are good.
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Do you require eyegear for that commute? What stops your eyeballs from freezing?
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It was another shorts and t-shirt day on Monday (I actually broke a sweat in January, and I wasn't doing any laboring at the time). Bummer though - a cold-front came through and took my California-esque weather.
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Wouldn't it be funny if you had those slit goggles but had bare, open eyes painted on them?
Even better, build single-eye slit goggles out of ping-pong ball halves and paste them over your eyes a la Kermit the Frog. |
ooohhh, R & D.
hmm..the concave interior of the balls could insulate as well...we could extend the whole idea into a sort of modified Jacque Plante mask...set new extreme fashion trends (beyond the man-boob) |
That's far too close to "Silence of the Lambs" for me.
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ew. youre right. I freaked my ownself out. nevermind. I'll go bare eyed.:)
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Oh, I don't know, get the right (Wild) paint job you should be cool. You'd look smarter than those dopey Raider fans. It climbed to the low twenties over the weekend which made for nice skiing again. We scrubbed all that heat pretty quickly though.
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Did I hear SNOW in Minn?
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Finally! Its awful pretty too. Flocked trees. :)
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It rained hard here last night but the temp is dropping as I type. We still have good cover and more to come, which is crucial because the poochcycles are sprouting!
I hope you guys enjoy the snow. |
So I broke my mother lovin ski. It was only a matter of time but I will not submit to that kind of abuse. I filled the gap with JB Weld, sanded the laminated wood down, resurfaced both skis with tar and wax, and skied this afternoon. It looks like its gonna hold but I may just look into ski building school.
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I didn't mentioned that I just about broke my neck winging down the power-line.
Speaking of Wooooooohoooooo! Washingtons Birthday Snow...heavy at times. Total accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible. Highs 20 to 25. East winds around 10 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent. |
That's weak shit...the snow started here a little while ago, and they're saying up to 20 inches here...so nyah!
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They're calling for up to two feet over what we got yesterday (about three inches of ice). Hooray.
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