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Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Ice day today
Today was my third day off in a week due to the winter weather. Just came back into the house from chiseling off my car. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated, but I am glad I didn't wait till morning, right before I left for work.
I must admit, the ice-covered trees looked beautiful in the street lamps. There's this crabapple tree outside my living room window that looks especially spectacular. I would have taken pictures if it weren't so dark outside.
Apparently we're due for some more of the white stuff on Friday. Not sure how much; cable's out and I didn't get to see the local news this evening. I'm hoping it comes back before bed, so I can make plans for the weekend. Sister Kitten and I are supposed to go out to dinner Friday night, but more importantly, Mama Cat's having surgery. She's getting a freckle removed; the dermatologist wants to take it off as a precautionary measure.
I'm glad the temp's above freezing right now--33 degrees. I know, it's only one degree above freezing, but that's fine with me!
I must admit, the ice-covered trees looked beautiful in the street lamps. There's this crabapple tree outside my living room window that looks especially spectacular. I would have taken pictures if it weren't so dark outside.
Apparently we're due for some more of the white stuff on Friday. Not sure how much; cable's out and I didn't get to see the local news this evening. I'm hoping it comes back before bed, so I can make plans for the weekend. Sister Kitten and I are supposed to go out to dinner Friday night, but more importantly, Mama Cat's having surgery. She's getting a freckle removed; the dermatologist wants to take it off as a precautionary measure.
I'm glad the temp's above freezing right now--33 degrees. I know, it's only one degree above freezing, but that's fine with me!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Perspective
I wasn't planning on a detailed blog post today, but this morning's church service moved me so much, and I had to share my experiences with everyone.
I belong to a Unitarian Universalist church. It's hard for me to explain what Unitarian Universalism is in a few sentences, and I plan to devote a blog post to it in greater detail in the future. That having been said, if you want to find out more right now, click here to go to the website of the UUA.
Anyhoo, we have a different service every week, with a different topic, different presenters, and a different format. Our minister usually presides over services twice a month. Today, our service was led by our Covenant of UU Pagans. It was a service devoted to the coming of the end of winter, and the approach of the spring.
When I entered the sanctuary, all of the seats were arranged in the circle. At the beginning of the service, we sang the hymn "In the Bleak Midwinter," which is one of my all-time favorites. When we finished the hymn, the leader of the service asked all of the children to come up and parade around the sanctuary. He asked the kids to walk around and pretend as if they were sweeping; in doing so, they were sweeping out winter and the cold so that the sanctuary would be ready to welcome spring. Then the children left for Sunday school.
After the kids left, we had a brief meditation, and then four of the members of the Covenant performed a ritual known as "casting the circle." I'm not a pagan, and I don't know enough about paganism to explain very well what it means, but casting the circle is essentually the formal beginning of the ceremony. Throughout the service, the same members of the Covenant came up to the pulpit to share their thoughts on winter, and what it means to them as they progress through "the wheel of the year."
At one point during the service, we wrote our sorrows and fears down on little slips of paper. These slips were collected before the offering and then were placed in a metal bowl. The service leader struck a match and burned our sorrows and fears until they were a pile of ashes. At another point during the service, we were asked to write about our images of hope. We wrote them on another slip of paper; this time, however, they were collected and redistributed to members of the congregation. The leader of the service asked us to remember those images of hope throughout the next six months, to concentrate on them as the world begins anew.
Our service ended with a performance of "The Rising," at which point, a few members of the congregation, myself included, got up and started dancing.
After our services, we always have a discussion period, which usually lasts anywhere between a half hour and an hour. This discussion was what helped me gain some perspective on things. During this period, various members of the congregation shared their thoughts on winter. One member said that winter was a period of introspection for her, where she could reflect on things as the spring months approached. Another member, who grew up on a farm, said that winter was the time where her father sharpened the tools, made sure the bridles were still strong, and made other necessary repairs in order to prepare for the planting of the crops.
Now, those of you who follow this blog know that I'm not too fond of winter. I said that during the discussion. During the winter, I see a world devoid of color. Our church faces the Metacomet Range, and I look out, and all I see is brown, brown, brown. I see naked, dull, depressing trees.
Two thoughts from this discussion particularly stayed with me after I made this observation.
One member, a good friend of mine, sees winter as full of life. He enjoys looking through the bareness of the trees and being able to see images that he normally doesn't see: mountains. Winter birds. Cars going by. (Our church also faces the Wilbur Cross Parkway where it intersects with I-91).
Another member, who is starting to become a friend, spoke of a photography class where she had to take "no color" images that "weren't in black and white." In other words, they had to take pictures full of brown, grey, and other dull colors. She said that the images were so beautiful, that there was actually more color in the "no color" images than there were in some images that are full of color.
I was really moved by these two different perspectives on winter.
I drove home with those two thoughts on my mind. I'm still not a huge fan of winter, but I'm going to try not to hate it so much from now on. With the Super Bowl in mind, I'm trying to think of winter now as spring's "pre-game show." Yeah, I know that sounds like a stupid simile, but maybe I'll start coming around.
It will take a while for me to reflect on my feelings about this season, but it was very nice to get other perspectives, which will help get me through this bleak midwinter of ours.
I belong to a Unitarian Universalist church. It's hard for me to explain what Unitarian Universalism is in a few sentences, and I plan to devote a blog post to it in greater detail in the future. That having been said, if you want to find out more right now, click here to go to the website of the UUA.
Anyhoo, we have a different service every week, with a different topic, different presenters, and a different format. Our minister usually presides over services twice a month. Today, our service was led by our Covenant of UU Pagans. It was a service devoted to the coming of the end of winter, and the approach of the spring.
When I entered the sanctuary, all of the seats were arranged in the circle. At the beginning of the service, we sang the hymn "In the Bleak Midwinter," which is one of my all-time favorites. When we finished the hymn, the leader of the service asked all of the children to come up and parade around the sanctuary. He asked the kids to walk around and pretend as if they were sweeping; in doing so, they were sweeping out winter and the cold so that the sanctuary would be ready to welcome spring. Then the children left for Sunday school.
After the kids left, we had a brief meditation, and then four of the members of the Covenant performed a ritual known as "casting the circle." I'm not a pagan, and I don't know enough about paganism to explain very well what it means, but casting the circle is essentually the formal beginning of the ceremony. Throughout the service, the same members of the Covenant came up to the pulpit to share their thoughts on winter, and what it means to them as they progress through "the wheel of the year."
At one point during the service, we wrote our sorrows and fears down on little slips of paper. These slips were collected before the offering and then were placed in a metal bowl. The service leader struck a match and burned our sorrows and fears until they were a pile of ashes. At another point during the service, we were asked to write about our images of hope. We wrote them on another slip of paper; this time, however, they were collected and redistributed to members of the congregation. The leader of the service asked us to remember those images of hope throughout the next six months, to concentrate on them as the world begins anew.
Our service ended with a performance of "The Rising," at which point, a few members of the congregation, myself included, got up and started dancing.
After our services, we always have a discussion period, which usually lasts anywhere between a half hour and an hour. This discussion was what helped me gain some perspective on things. During this period, various members of the congregation shared their thoughts on winter. One member said that winter was a period of introspection for her, where she could reflect on things as the spring months approached. Another member, who grew up on a farm, said that winter was the time where her father sharpened the tools, made sure the bridles were still strong, and made other necessary repairs in order to prepare for the planting of the crops.
Now, those of you who follow this blog know that I'm not too fond of winter. I said that during the discussion. During the winter, I see a world devoid of color. Our church faces the Metacomet Range, and I look out, and all I see is brown, brown, brown. I see naked, dull, depressing trees.
Two thoughts from this discussion particularly stayed with me after I made this observation.
One member, a good friend of mine, sees winter as full of life. He enjoys looking through the bareness of the trees and being able to see images that he normally doesn't see: mountains. Winter birds. Cars going by. (Our church also faces the Wilbur Cross Parkway where it intersects with I-91).
Another member, who is starting to become a friend, spoke of a photography class where she had to take "no color" images that "weren't in black and white." In other words, they had to take pictures full of brown, grey, and other dull colors. She said that the images were so beautiful, that there was actually more color in the "no color" images than there were in some images that are full of color.
I was really moved by these two different perspectives on winter.
I drove home with those two thoughts on my mind. I'm still not a huge fan of winter, but I'm going to try not to hate it so much from now on. With the Super Bowl in mind, I'm trying to think of winter now as spring's "pre-game show." Yeah, I know that sounds like a stupid simile, but maybe I'll start coming around.
It will take a while for me to reflect on my feelings about this season, but it was very nice to get other perspectives, which will help get me through this bleak midwinter of ours.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
President Obama on winter weather
Yesterday, a massive snow and ice storm made its way through the eastern half of the United States.
Here's what President Obama had to say about the weather in Washington:
Here's what President Obama had to say about the weather in Washington:
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Seen outside my window late this morning
Could it be? Is that a robin I see?
Wait a minute, thee! It's two robins I see! Could spring really be coming sooner than anticipated?
I damn well hope so...if the groundhog sees his shadow next Tuesday I'm gonna go ballistic.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy Solstice, everyone!
Well, I just got word that the Revels services at church were canceled due to the weather. It's not snowing too badly right now, but the weathermen are all saying that it'll change to a mix of sleet and freezing rain by noontime. Yuck. I hate freezing rain! I can deal with snow, but anything that has to do with ice just creeps me out!
I'm ok with that decision, thought. One, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Two, last night's church social salvaged my Christmas spirit before I would turn into the female equivalent of Ebenezer Scrooge. So today, after much procrastination, I am finally going to festoon my tree. Pics to follow.
Of course, I still promised you pics of the first storm of the season. Those will come, too.
In the meantime, Kittens, enjoy the winter solstice! I'm psyched it's finally here! That means the days are going to get longer from here on out. More sunshine--yeah!
I'm ok with that decision, thought. One, I'd rather be safe than sorry. Two, last night's church social salvaged my Christmas spirit before I would turn into the female equivalent of Ebenezer Scrooge. So today, after much procrastination, I am finally going to festoon my tree. Pics to follow.
Of course, I still promised you pics of the first storm of the season. Those will come, too.
In the meantime, Kittens, enjoy the winter solstice! I'm psyched it's finally here! That means the days are going to get longer from here on out. More sunshine--yeah!
Christmas spirit: I haz it
No, I didn't misspell accidentally; I did it on purpose. Those of you who visit LOL Cats often will understand that that type of spelling is quite common.
Anyhoo, after almost a month of wondering where my Christmas spirit had gone, it finally arrived during our church social. It was a small, festive get together with friends, a carol sing, and holiday food. The carol sing's what did it for me.
I drove home feeling positively giddy. I'm very tired right now, but happy.
This feeling of Christmas spirit may not last too long, but I'm going to hang onto it for as long as I can.
I'll let you know what tomorrow brings.
Anyhoo, after almost a month of wondering where my Christmas spirit had gone, it finally arrived during our church social. It was a small, festive get together with friends, a carol sing, and holiday food. The carol sing's what did it for me.
I drove home feeling positively giddy. I'm very tired right now, but happy.
This feeling of Christmas spirit may not last too long, but I'm going to hang onto it for as long as I can.
I'll let you know what tomorrow brings.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
My morning so far
Kitten's morning, December 20, 2008 (all times approximate):
5:30: Wake up naturally, without the aid of an alarm or noise. Turn on TV to confirm it's not 4 AM. Realize I fell asleep on the couch last night--without the TV on. Greeted by Maggie, who senses my first subtle movements, leaps onto my belly, and commences massage therapy.
6:00: Turn on the news to see what's been delayed/canceled. Also to see if there are any road closures. At 17 degrees, there wasn't gonna be any melting today.
7:00: Head to shower and dress after checking up on E-mail, Facebook, and the first blog post of the day. Dress in head to toe layers.
7:30: Put Christmas cards in purse, photo to scan at CVS in purse, grab keys and my shovel. It's time to dig out.
7:32: Commence digging out. Brush off the 8 or 9 inches of snow that fell on my car yesterday. Dig out from behind my car. The plowman came to clear the snow off the parking lot, but left a barrier of snow, trapping in all the cars in the lot.
8:26: Start car. Warm up for four minutes.
8:30: Put car in reverse. Car will not budge. I hit the gas. Nada.
8:30:30: Get out of car. Grab shovel again. Shovel under tires.
8:31: Attempt to back car out again. Still nothing.
8:31:31: Get out of car. Grab shovel again. Dig out the snow on the passenger side of the car.
8:36: 3rd attempt to put car in reverse. Still nada. Hit the gas all the way to the floor. Rubber starts to burn. I start to curse and pound the steering wheel.
8:37: Get out of car. Slam door. Kick tire. Get shovel again. Thinks I've finally found the culprit: lots of snow around the passenger front tire. Digging commences--again.
8:40: Backed out of parking space. At last!
8:42: Leave parking lot. The state highway is a mess. Plenty of blacktop, but lots of slush and icy spots. Drive 20 mph down hill.
8:45: Arrive at Mobil station. Pull into gas pump. Realize that I pulled in on the wrong side. Decide, "Screw it," and head to the Shell station.
8:48: Arrive at Shell station. Put gas in the car. Filled tank for under 20 bucks--first time in years that I've done that.
8:54: Head across town to post office. Take the back roads. Main Street is usually the worst plowed street in town--then again, there isn't a well-plowed street in town when it snows. At all. Snow starts to fall again.
9:19: Arrival at post office. This is normally a ten-minute drive from my house.
9:24: Leave post office. Spent enough time there to buy stamps and mail Christmas cards. There was no line (!) and I got right through. That was a first!
9:25: Debate whether to go to the CVS near the post office for the scan or to the one closer to my house. I decide on the one closer to my house.
9:46: Arrival at CVS. Learn that the scanner's broken. Decide to head to Walgreen's instead.
9:49: Arrival at Walgreen's. Scan photo. Photo will be ready at 10:27 AM. Do some shopping: get Mama Cat one last Christmas gift, buy some magazines in case of snow-boundedness tomorrow, and some snacks and Kraft Mac n' Cheese. There's something about the cold weather that makes me crave the blue box. Comfort food. Ahh.
10:45: Leave Walgreen's.
10:49: Arrive back at the condo. About to turn in when I realize everyone's pulled out of their spaces. The plow's now going to clear the parking spaces. I get out of the left turn only lane and head westward.
10:49:49: Decide to head to church. The roads in Middlefield and Meriden aren't any better--they're actually worse. You would think that a New England state would know how to plow. I see people digging out everywhere.
11:19: Arrival at church. The parking lot's plowed; a good sign. Looks like the social will go on after all.
11:19:19: Commence the drive home. Pray that the spaces have been plowed; I'm sick of being in the car!
11:23: Feel comfortable enough to turn on the radio for the drive home. I decided I can concentrate with some background talk/music. Decide on NPR. Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Mavis Staples is the guest. She is a riot!
11:46: Arrival back home.
Now I've gotta bake cookies for the church social tonight. If it gets canceled due to the weather, I will seriously cry.
5:30: Wake up naturally, without the aid of an alarm or noise. Turn on TV to confirm it's not 4 AM. Realize I fell asleep on the couch last night--without the TV on. Greeted by Maggie, who senses my first subtle movements, leaps onto my belly, and commences massage therapy.
6:00: Turn on the news to see what's been delayed/canceled. Also to see if there are any road closures. At 17 degrees, there wasn't gonna be any melting today.
7:00: Head to shower and dress after checking up on E-mail, Facebook, and the first blog post of the day. Dress in head to toe layers.
7:30: Put Christmas cards in purse, photo to scan at CVS in purse, grab keys and my shovel. It's time to dig out.
7:32: Commence digging out. Brush off the 8 or 9 inches of snow that fell on my car yesterday. Dig out from behind my car. The plowman came to clear the snow off the parking lot, but left a barrier of snow, trapping in all the cars in the lot.
8:26: Start car. Warm up for four minutes.
8:30: Put car in reverse. Car will not budge. I hit the gas. Nada.
8:30:30: Get out of car. Grab shovel again. Shovel under tires.
8:31: Attempt to back car out again. Still nothing.
8:31:31: Get out of car. Grab shovel again. Dig out the snow on the passenger side of the car.
8:36: 3rd attempt to put car in reverse. Still nada. Hit the gas all the way to the floor. Rubber starts to burn. I start to curse and pound the steering wheel.
8:37: Get out of car. Slam door. Kick tire. Get shovel again. Thinks I've finally found the culprit: lots of snow around the passenger front tire. Digging commences--again.
8:40: Backed out of parking space. At last!
8:42: Leave parking lot. The state highway is a mess. Plenty of blacktop, but lots of slush and icy spots. Drive 20 mph down hill.
8:45: Arrive at Mobil station. Pull into gas pump. Realize that I pulled in on the wrong side. Decide, "Screw it," and head to the Shell station.
8:48: Arrive at Shell station. Put gas in the car. Filled tank for under 20 bucks--first time in years that I've done that.
8:54: Head across town to post office. Take the back roads. Main Street is usually the worst plowed street in town--then again, there isn't a well-plowed street in town when it snows. At all. Snow starts to fall again.
9:19: Arrival at post office. This is normally a ten-minute drive from my house.
9:24: Leave post office. Spent enough time there to buy stamps and mail Christmas cards. There was no line (!) and I got right through. That was a first!
9:25: Debate whether to go to the CVS near the post office for the scan or to the one closer to my house. I decide on the one closer to my house.
9:46: Arrival at CVS. Learn that the scanner's broken. Decide to head to Walgreen's instead.
9:49: Arrival at Walgreen's. Scan photo. Photo will be ready at 10:27 AM. Do some shopping: get Mama Cat one last Christmas gift, buy some magazines in case of snow-boundedness tomorrow, and some snacks and Kraft Mac n' Cheese. There's something about the cold weather that makes me crave the blue box. Comfort food. Ahh.
10:45: Leave Walgreen's.
10:49: Arrive back at the condo. About to turn in when I realize everyone's pulled out of their spaces. The plow's now going to clear the parking spaces. I get out of the left turn only lane and head westward.
10:49:49: Decide to head to church. The roads in Middlefield and Meriden aren't any better--they're actually worse. You would think that a New England state would know how to plow. I see people digging out everywhere.
11:19: Arrival at church. The parking lot's plowed; a good sign. Looks like the social will go on after all.
11:19:19: Commence the drive home. Pray that the spaces have been plowed; I'm sick of being in the car!
11:23: Feel comfortable enough to turn on the radio for the drive home. I decided I can concentrate with some background talk/music. Decide on NPR. Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Mavis Staples is the guest. She is a riot!
11:46: Arrival back home.
Now I've gotta bake cookies for the church social tonight. If it gets canceled due to the weather, I will seriously cry.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas spirit?!?! What Christmas spirit?!?!
I can't ever remember being so not into the Christmas spirit. I just finished addressing my Christmas cards, and I felt like it was more of a chore this year than a joy.
And I haven't even written out the damn cards yet.
This year, I dreaded everything about the holiday--decorating the tree, baking, caroling--all things that always make me happy.
But this year, it's different.
I know I'm not alone. The whole world's going to pot and no one's feeling cheerful right now. Many of my friends are in the same situation, but they also have some pretty serious problems going on in their lives (and I'm saying this rather lightly. This blog, however, is not the place for me to broadcast my friends' lives; I need to respect their privacy).
It also doesn't help that this year, many of the holiday traditions that I hold so near and dear have not materialized.
Number one, a bunch of us always gets together and sees the Boston Pops when they come to Bridgeport. No matter how poor we were in any given year, we always managed to find the funds for Pops tickets. It was the concert that not only put us in the holiday mood, but put us in over the top holiday mood.
We didn't go this year. Several of my friends had to sing in a concert scheduled for that same night--the Messiah. I've seen the Messiah several times and, to be quite honest, am bored with it every single time I see it, save for the "Hallelujah Chorus."
I felt obligated this year, however, to go see it, so I could be in the holiday spirit and spend some time with my friends post-concert.
Didn't happen, though.
Not at $50 a ticket.
I'll pay $50 for Keith Lockhart and his crew, but not to fall asleep during another round of the Messiah.
Plus, my friends had to dash immediately back home post-concert.
Then, just yesterday, our office holiday party, scheduled for today, was canceled due to the snow. The organizers tried to reschedule it, but the venue didn't have any other dates available to us.
Finally, and this is the straw that could potentially break the camel's back, our Revels/Solstice service at church might be canceled because we're expecting another big snowstorm on Sunday. With this cancellation, our Mummers play, which is the highlight of the service, will be canceled, too.
Can you see why I'm feeling down and out, Kittens?
I hope that the New Year's Eve celebration at my best friend's place is a lot better. It's always a good time, though.
Let's all hope that 2009 is a better year than 2008 was.
And that includes next Christmas.
But until then...it's time for me to make out those damn Christmas cards.
And I haven't even written out the damn cards yet.
This year, I dreaded everything about the holiday--decorating the tree, baking, caroling--all things that always make me happy.
But this year, it's different.
I know I'm not alone. The whole world's going to pot and no one's feeling cheerful right now. Many of my friends are in the same situation, but they also have some pretty serious problems going on in their lives (and I'm saying this rather lightly. This blog, however, is not the place for me to broadcast my friends' lives; I need to respect their privacy).
It also doesn't help that this year, many of the holiday traditions that I hold so near and dear have not materialized.
Number one, a bunch of us always gets together and sees the Boston Pops when they come to Bridgeport. No matter how poor we were in any given year, we always managed to find the funds for Pops tickets. It was the concert that not only put us in the holiday mood, but put us in over the top holiday mood.
We didn't go this year. Several of my friends had to sing in a concert scheduled for that same night--the Messiah. I've seen the Messiah several times and, to be quite honest, am bored with it every single time I see it, save for the "Hallelujah Chorus."
I felt obligated this year, however, to go see it, so I could be in the holiday spirit and spend some time with my friends post-concert.
Didn't happen, though.
Not at $50 a ticket.
I'll pay $50 for Keith Lockhart and his crew, but not to fall asleep during another round of the Messiah.
Plus, my friends had to dash immediately back home post-concert.
Then, just yesterday, our office holiday party, scheduled for today, was canceled due to the snow. The organizers tried to reschedule it, but the venue didn't have any other dates available to us.
Finally, and this is the straw that could potentially break the camel's back, our Revels/Solstice service at church might be canceled because we're expecting another big snowstorm on Sunday. With this cancellation, our Mummers play, which is the highlight of the service, will be canceled, too.
Can you see why I'm feeling down and out, Kittens?
I hope that the New Year's Eve celebration at my best friend's place is a lot better. It's always a good time, though.
Let's all hope that 2009 is a better year than 2008 was.
And that includes next Christmas.
But until then...it's time for me to make out those damn Christmas cards.
Claymation Christmas, Part Three
This is the final portion of Claymation Christmas, featuring the world-famous California Raisins.
The California Raisins were in their hayday in the late 1980s. Now they have all but disappeared. When I was in middle school, one of the 8th grade homerooms did a lip-synch routine to "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". They were all dressed as raisins. They used Hefty garbage bags for their costumes.
Ahh, good times...
The California Raisins were in their hayday in the late 1980s. Now they have all but disappeared. When I was in middle school, one of the 8th grade homerooms did a lip-synch routine to "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". They were all dressed as raisins. They used Hefty garbage bags for their costumes.
Ahh, good times...
Claymation Christmas, Part Two
Here's part two of the Claymation Christmas special. This is, I feel, the most sentimental portion of the program.
I can't decide which segment I like better--the walruses or the "Joy to the World" portion.
I can't decide which segment I like better--the walruses or the "Joy to the World" portion.
Claymation Christmas, Part One
As promised, here's part one of the Claymation Christmas special from 1987.
You will recall that I posted the "Carol of the Bells" segment as the Clip of the Week this past Sunday.
This first part includes the "Carol of the Bells" segment, as well as a delightful version of "We Three Kings."
Parts two and three to follow tres rapidement.
You will recall that I posted the "Carol of the Bells" segment as the Clip of the Week this past Sunday.
This first part includes the "Carol of the Bells" segment, as well as a delightful version of "We Three Kings."
Parts two and three to follow tres rapidement.
Snow day!
It's a little after 6:30 in the morning, and it's a Friday, and I'm still in my PJs! Reason? I HAVE A SNOW DAY TODAY! I get just as excited, if not more so, about snow days as an adult than I did when I was a child. I think it's because I have more responsibilities now as an adult, but I am not fully sure why.
Anyway, I didn't get the official call until 6 AM, when I was up and at 'em, so I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to go back to bed. I just did the e-mail and Facebook thing, caught up on my blogs, and had breakfast.
The snow isn't supposed to start till around noontime, but getting the kids home on the buses can be tricky--especially since they're predicting a snowfall rate of 1-2 inches an hour.
I've got my camera at the ready and will post pictures for y'all! If the weathermen are right about this (and you know how right they usually are), then it's gonna be a gullywhumper!*
*Gullywhumper is a term that a former meterologist for WFSB, Hilton Kaderli, used to describe big storms. Hilton Kaderli was originally from Oklahoma and became a television legend here in Connecticut. He retired from the airwaves in 1998. He lived for days like this!
Anyway, I didn't get the official call until 6 AM, when I was up and at 'em, so I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to go back to bed. I just did the e-mail and Facebook thing, caught up on my blogs, and had breakfast.
The snow isn't supposed to start till around noontime, but getting the kids home on the buses can be tricky--especially since they're predicting a snowfall rate of 1-2 inches an hour.
I've got my camera at the ready and will post pictures for y'all! If the weathermen are right about this (and you know how right they usually are), then it's gonna be a gullywhumper!*
*Gullywhumper is a term that a former meterologist for WFSB, Hilton Kaderli, used to describe big storms. Hilton Kaderli was originally from Oklahoma and became a television legend here in Connecticut. He retired from the airwaves in 1998. He lived for days like this!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Clip of the Week: Claymation Carol of the Bells
When I was a kid, the good people at Claymation studios put out a very, very clever Christmas special. The following clip is the segment that I remember the most--a very clever, well written rendition of "Carol of the Bells."
I must say this is one of the best versions of "Carol of the Bells" I've ever seen--perhaps the best! (Or at least it's the most clever.)
P.S. If there's any interest, the whole special's on YouTube, so I may just post each of the three parts. Ah heck, I'm just gonna post it anyway.
Consider this a teaser!
I must say this is one of the best versions of "Carol of the Bells" I've ever seen--perhaps the best! (Or at least it's the most clever.)
P.S. If there's any interest, the whole special's on YouTube, so I may just post each of the three parts. Ah heck, I'm just gonna post it anyway.
Consider this a teaser!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Cooking With Kitten: Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family since I was a kid. I'm making them for a potluck supper tonight.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup softened butter or margarine
1 cup 10x confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
*NOTE*: If you don't like almond extract, use 2 teaspoons vanilla. Or, and I just thought of this, you could substitute peppermint extract for the almond. After all, these are candy cane cookies.
DIRECTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup softened butter or margarine
1 cup 10x confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
*NOTE*: If you don't like almond extract, use 2 teaspoons vanilla. Or, and I just thought of this, you could substitute peppermint extract for the almond. After all, these are candy cane cookies.
DIRECTIONS:
- Thoroughly mix butter, confectioners' sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in half; blend food coloring into one half.
- Shape 1 teaspoon of dough from each half into a 4-inch rope. For smooth, even rope, roll them back and forth on lightly floured board (Mama Cat uses wax paper). Place ropes side by side; press together gently and twist. Cut into 2-inch segments; place on an ungreased cookie sheet and curve top to form the candy cane.
- Bake at 375 degrees for nine minutes or until set and very light brown around the edges. If you wish, mix 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy and 1/2 cup granulated sugar; immediately sprinkle cookies with candy mixture.
NOTES:
- If you use self-rising flour, omit the salt.
- You may wish to make a double recipe of dough and color one of the batches. The 1/2 teaspoon of coloring is a gauge; if you want redder cookies, add more coloring. Don't add more than 1 1/2 teaspoons, though, or the dough will become too wet.
I'm going to make another batch soon, and when I do, I'll take pictures and add them to this post.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The First Snow of the Season
I had heard all day that there was going to be a chance of snow, and kept looking out the window for it. Of course, I didn't see anything.
Until shortly after 11 last night.
I saw one flake slowly fall to the ground. And then another. And another.
By the time I went to bed, half an hour later, it was snowing steadily, but not too heavily.
I awoke to the sounds of shovels on the sidewalk.
We got about an inch or two. It really looks very pretty outside.
Of course, I left my ice scraper in the trunk of the car, and I'm leaving for church services soon.
The calendar may not officially say so, but winter is here.
Until shortly after 11 last night.
I saw one flake slowly fall to the ground. And then another. And another.
By the time I went to bed, half an hour later, it was snowing steadily, but not too heavily.
I awoke to the sounds of shovels on the sidewalk.
We got about an inch or two. It really looks very pretty outside.
Of course, I left my ice scraper in the trunk of the car, and I'm leaving for church services soon.
The calendar may not officially say so, but winter is here.
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