It's a winter Wonderland chat

I hope your power stays on Julie,  Did they cancel the meetings for tomorrow?  I hope so as it sounds like it's going to get worse before it gets better.

I'll spare everyone our weather report. lol

I made brunch.  It was good.  :)  

They haven't cancelled the meeting yet. The big boss sent an email saying it was going ahead as planned as of right now. It is MI after all and the world doesn't end because it snows despite what the newsies want you to believe.

Thanks for not sharing your beautiful weather report lol.

What did you make for brunch?

Julie, I love your winter weather terminology -- so funny!  I hope you are cozy and warm while enjoying PBS tonight.  Oh, I was going to say that "Sherlock" doesn't start for another couple weeks here.  I've got my calendar marked.  I've loved all versions of Sherlock, but this modern version is the best!  

Our friend's birthday dinner was very nice last night.  We had our own space in the restaurant, great sit down dinner, plenty of wine.  For 25+ people, it must have cost a pretty penny, but she must have figured you only turn 40 once!

We have blue skies and sun, so I'm off for a walk before the Packers game starts.  DH is stressed already -- they're his favorite team.  I can't imagine being in the stands thee today.  Talk about freezing your butt off!

True about the weather in MI not being all that surprising considering the time of year.  DH said yesterday that the news media has made weather as dramatic as war reporting used to be.  lol  For brunch I made hash using sweet potatoes, regular white potatoes, onions, ham and a fried egg on top.

Oh, that sounds good!

I managed a scrambled egg a bit ago.  Considering that that's my first solid food since the mass exodus on Friday night, ........

No where near as cold here today and tomorrow is supposed to be 41 with rain.  Then 7 on Tuesday, a bit warmer Wed and then up into the 30's plus again.  I absolutely LOVED Julies weather terms!

Hmm you are making me wonder if I have my Sherlock date wrong! Will have to check.

Sounds like it was a nice dinner last night. 25+ people... That had to have cost a lot!

That sounds good Jackie. Especially the sweet potato part. I am on a kick with those lately. Love them.

I realized today that the newsies create their own news stories. Not that this should be a shock but just as an example, they have been reporting that the world as we know it is coming to an end because of this storm. This makes everyone rush to the stores to stock up which then has the newsies reporting how everyone is rushing the stores. Oy.

The dogs and I are enjoying all this snow. Neiko is a bit of a wuss though. I had to throw him inside because his paws kept freezing. The girls didn't even notice. They just kept playing! Fun times

Sweet potatoes  are great.  Served like french fries, baked with butter, or slow cooked with butter and brown sugar.  Piper loves the skins, but she likes anything from our plates.

Not a bad day, but the wind is picking up now and the temp is going to nose dive.  Piper now pretends she has to go out by doing her circle dance and getting me to open the doors.  She looks out, sniffs a few times, and heads for her rug.  

I could hear the furnace kick into high speed mode, but no hot air through the vents.  Apparently the zone valves/flaps need to be cleaned.  I worked them by hand to loosen  them, but I think I will have to pull them (about Wednesday) and give them a good cleaning.  We have heat right now, so if it ain't broke I am not going to fix it right now.  Cover up and hibernate-stay safe.

Our weather people have to use an open courtyard for their presentations.  You can tell the temp by the number of layers of clothing they pull on.

Doug

I totally agree with what you said about the weather newscasters, Julie, and what your husband said, Jackie.  And the most annoying thing is that many times they get everyone all worked up and then the "big storm" ends up being a bust.

Glenda, I hope you're feeling better.  Not exactly a fun way to rid yourself of the extra holiday calories!    When I'm trying to reintroduce food to an upset stomach, the only thing I can stand is ginger ale and saltines!

Yeah, we tried to do a bit of calculating after we got home from dinner.  Based on all the appetizers and wine they offered before dinner and the quality of the entrees (with salad and dessert), it had to be $3K at least, probably more.  When I turned 40, we got a few deli trays from the grocery store, had a few bottles of wine and a basic sheet cake.  But, admittedly, my 40th party wasn't as tasty or as fun as last night's gathering!

DH is saying, "I've got a bad feeling about this game . . . "  A couple injured defensive players already for Green Bay.  But, it's only the 2nd quarter.  Long way to go yet!

Orlando weather turned on its head again - today it's 76+ and tomorrow it's supposed to go down to 34 by early morning.

David and I went to a memorial for a friend (actually the guy who detailed our cars - long story short he & his wife became friends).  Only  50  and his heart & kidneys failed  & he went into a coma.  They took him off life support (his wish) and he passed.  I'm sad -- he was a wonderful human being.

Oopps - I just looked out the window and it's 6 p.m. - Glenda hope you're feeling better.  Julie -- gosh please stay warm.  Same thing to everyone else.

My Dad is back on the ailing list -- about a month ago on a routine blood screening they discovered bone cancer cells.  He fell this week and has badly injured his ankle (he can't bear weight on it).  But can I get him to go have it x-rayed? Nope.  He's 90 ... failing kidneys, failing heart, failing everything.  Having the folks get so fragile is hard ...

Where *IS* that ray of sunshine?  Oh yeah -- but pug is sleeping next to me and NOT snoring!!   Luna's keeping dad company in his nap -- and even Charlie is zoned.    Time for Mom to go fix everbuddy's supper I htink!

Callie sorry to hear about your friend.  We lost a neighbor this week, it's always sad to loose a friend.  Sending strong vibes for you and your parents.

I think I finally mastered the "Green beans with pecans".  After several tries this was the flavor I was going for.  Now if I can just remember the technique when the fresh beans are in season :)

Still cold and white here, I am craving a chocolate shake....why do I crave ice cream when it's so cold ???

I crave ice cream when it's cold too. It's a mystery.

@Jewlieee

I crave ice cream when it's cold too. It's a mystery.

It's no mystery for me -- I crave ice cream in all kinds of weather! 

One of my favorite childhood memories of winter is when I was about 12 -- we had a big snowstorm and the plows had made huge mounds of snow in the parking lots around our apartment complex.  No school, so my friend and I were playing in the snow.  We decided we wanted chocolate chip ice cream.  We walked to the little convenience store in our snowsuits, bought a pint, got two spoons from my house, and sat on the top of a snow mound, sharing the pint between us. 

What a nice memory!  We used to dig snow caves in the huge piles of snow. :)