White Christmas, indeed!
Hello from SNOWY Montana!
Per the National Weather Service, this is the first 'White Christmas' (defined as an inch or more of snow on the ground) in Billings since 2000, and the fifth snowiest one on record, ever! We had eight inches yesterday, and have picked up at least three more today - and it is still coming down. The last time we had more than an inch was 1984 - and that was nine inches, only one shy of yesterday's official total. If the snow we are getting today had come yesterday, we could have broken that record.
I actually had to call my newspaper to ask for a second delivery - I could not find my morning paper in the deep snow, no sign of it anywhere I could get to. At some point, after things melt, I'm sure I'll find it.
I was able to get all the snow shoveled off the ramp leading up to my front porch, but that was earlier this morning. Looking outside, I see that the ramp is filling up again. Not sure if I have enough 'oomph' to go back out - will probably wait until tomorrow when it is supposed to A) be warmer and B) not snowing to try and clear anything else off.
If it weren't for the fact that I am out of milk, I would not even be thinking of driving in this stuff - but the convenience store is only about four blocks away, so while the price is higher, the distance is shorter. Gonna wait a little bit longer, first - snow is supposed to taper off by mid-afternoon.
Had a nice, quiet holiday with friends (adopted 'family) as usual. Nice meal that everybody contributed to, small presents and a stocking for everyone and just generally good company for a few hours before all of us headed home. It was only five people, including the hostess, so a small gathering, which is just fine for me.
Unless things change radically, not planning on going much of anywhere before Wednesday, when I get my VA payment and have to do some monthly banking. Still debating on New Year's Eve - the Billings Symphony has their annual holiday concert where they bring in a group or featured performer but the symphony itself does not play. This year it is the Kingston Trio - a continuation of the original 60's folk music group. I grew up on various folk groups - Chad Mitchell Trio (later the Mitchell Trio), Kingston Trio, Weavers, Limeliters, etc - and still have all the original vinyl records that my folks gave me when they moved to Baltimore in the mid-90's. Ticket prices are not that bad - $45 to $65 per seat, depending on location - and I am very tempted to treat myself, since I do get paid that day. It'd be a solo trip, though - no one I know wants to go with me, sadly. SO, still debating.
New Year's Day will be a nice get-together at the same place as Christmas (and Thanksgiving) with about the same folks. This is an every-year thing, and does take care of the 'no place to go and no family nearby' problems I might otherwise face.
Sid and Kit are enjoying their Christmas gift - three furry mice - very much. Very fun to watch.
EDIT: Got the ramp and sidewalk, etc, cleared - first by Elias, when he stopped by with Sine for a visit and then a neighbor was going around the block with a good-sized snowblower, so that took care of the snow - which is about a foot deep in some places.
Per the National Weather Service, this is the first 'White Christmas' (defined as an inch or more of snow on the ground) in Billings since 2000, and the fifth snowiest one on record, ever! We had eight inches yesterday, and have picked up at least three more today - and it is still coming down. The last time we had more than an inch was 1984 - and that was nine inches, only one shy of yesterday's official total. If the snow we are getting today had come yesterday, we could have broken that record.
I actually had to call my newspaper to ask for a second delivery - I could not find my morning paper in the deep snow, no sign of it anywhere I could get to. At some point, after things melt, I'm sure I'll find it.
I was able to get all the snow shoveled off the ramp leading up to my front porch, but that was earlier this morning. Looking outside, I see that the ramp is filling up again. Not sure if I have enough 'oomph' to go back out - will probably wait until tomorrow when it is supposed to A) be warmer and B) not snowing to try and clear anything else off.
If it weren't for the fact that I am out of milk, I would not even be thinking of driving in this stuff - but the convenience store is only about four blocks away, so while the price is higher, the distance is shorter. Gonna wait a little bit longer, first - snow is supposed to taper off by mid-afternoon.
Had a nice, quiet holiday with friends (adopted 'family) as usual. Nice meal that everybody contributed to, small presents and a stocking for everyone and just generally good company for a few hours before all of us headed home. It was only five people, including the hostess, so a small gathering, which is just fine for me.
Unless things change radically, not planning on going much of anywhere before Wednesday, when I get my VA payment and have to do some monthly banking. Still debating on New Year's Eve - the Billings Symphony has their annual holiday concert where they bring in a group or featured performer but the symphony itself does not play. This year it is the Kingston Trio - a continuation of the original 60's folk music group. I grew up on various folk groups - Chad Mitchell Trio (later the Mitchell Trio), Kingston Trio, Weavers, Limeliters, etc - and still have all the original vinyl records that my folks gave me when they moved to Baltimore in the mid-90's. Ticket prices are not that bad - $45 to $65 per seat, depending on location - and I am very tempted to treat myself, since I do get paid that day. It'd be a solo trip, though - no one I know wants to go with me, sadly. SO, still debating.
New Year's Day will be a nice get-together at the same place as Christmas (and Thanksgiving) with about the same folks. This is an every-year thing, and does take care of the 'no place to go and no family nearby' problems I might otherwise face.
Sid and Kit are enjoying their Christmas gift - three furry mice - very much. Very fun to watch.
EDIT: Got the ramp and sidewalk, etc, cleared - first by Elias, when he stopped by with Sine for a visit and then a neighbor was going around the block with a good-sized snowblower, so that took care of the snow - which is about a foot deep in some places.