WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR FEBRUARY 2019
Replies
-
A native Midwesterner's thoughts on snow in other places -
So we're dealing with #SnowMageddon2019 here in Seattle. We had snow last weekend. Seattle doesn't do snow. It barely does cold. But it's our turn on the Polar Vortex ride and here we are.
Last week, we were predicted to get, oh, I dunno, an inch on Sunday evening. Maybe three tops. But the general attitude was "Oh how fun, snow! I hope it sticks for an hour so the kids can enjoy it while it lasts."
We got eight inches overnight and through part of the morning.
The entire area went "Well...we got that wrong." The two hour delay for school turned into two snow days. Businesses closed. People stayed home.
Now, growing up in Chicago, I never got a snow day. Didn't matter if we had three foot drifts or it was -15F with a -35F wind chill, school was open. It was kind of annoying. But Chicago also had a giant herd of snow plows/salt trucks, and a mountain of salt leftover from the winter of 1980, when Mayor Jane Byrne ordered too much salt because there wasn't enough during the Blizzard of '79. And the roads were all straight and flat. Really, the biggest deal in Chicago was digging out your own parking spot then guarding it with your life and lawn chairs. No, really - but that's a tale for another day.
As a teen in the Chicago burbs, we had driver's ed for a semester in high school - and we had a driving range on the high school property. Outfitted with several Ford Tauruses, which in 1988 seemed like the height of luxury to me, we walked out one day to see 6-8 inches of snow covering the range. "Uh, shouldn't that be plowed?" a student asked. The teacher said "Nope. You live in Chicago, you're going to have to drive in snow. Now get in the cars." And so we did. Decades later, as I started to fish tail on black ice on an on ramp in Detroit, I heard my driver's ed teacher's voice saying "Steer with the slide". So something stuck.
I spent my college years driving across part of the midwest. I lived in Michigan for ten years.
I can do snow.
But here, in Seattle, it's different. What seems like nothing to a hardy Midwesterner wreaks havoc in this area.
And there are legit reasons why.
First - nothing is flat. Seattle is between two mountain ranges - the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades. If you drive to Pike Place Market, your heading down some steep hills. To leave my neighborhood, I have to drive down the hill out of the cul-de-sac, and then up a hill. Hills are everywhere. Hills get slick in snow.
Second - no road is straight. When they rebuilt Chicago after the fire, they laid it out in a grid system. All roads went N/S or E/W. Southwest Highway was an oddity in our area. All our roads were neat and properly angled. Here? Nope. Our roads curve and meander - often on hills - with a round about thrown in here, and a five way stop thrown in over there. That's not a type. A five way stop. At any given time, I have no clue what direction I'm going in. Because these roads do their own thing and none of it makes sense.
Third - because it never snows here, or maybe snows once a year here, there isn't the investment in snow removal gear like what you see in the Midwest. In Chicago, everyone and their nephew drove a plow for the city. In Michigan, people had their 4x4 trucks with a shovel on front, because they'd plow businesses as a side business. Or just to get out of the driveway. That doesn't happen here. I'm not sure I've seen a snow plow in the five years I've lived here. So the snow stays put until it melts. Which is usually within a day or so.
Fourth - when the snow doesn't melt away, it refreezes, and all those unplowed hilly curvy nonsense roads get icy real fast.
Fifth - and the weight of snow and ice? causes pine trees - of which the PNW is kinda known for - to start losing branches. So snow or ice = branches snapping = branches landing on power lines = suddenly people are w/o power. Though by this point, the wind storms that are our normal weird weather have usually taken out the weakest ones for the season.
Sixth - snow and stuff is not our norm. When something isn't your norm, it can cause one to freak out. And don't think I haven't seen Pennsylvanians buying all the bread, milk, and eggs when a snowstorm is about to hit them. Because I have.
School buses just can't manage icy hills. Even with the chains. One thing I learned while living through ice storms in both Arkansas and Michigan is that you can have all the 4x4 capabilities in your truck, but ice will still put you in a ditch. There's no good way of driving on ice.
And that's what we have right now. Icy patches on roads. Several inches of snow still on the ground.
So here we are, still having most of the snow from Sunday night/Monday morning's surprise snowfall, still have patches of snow and ice on the roadways, and now we're about to get 5-8 more inches?
Yeah, we're gonna buy all the bread. Actually, it seems that everyone bought all the vegetables and ramen noodles. At Trader Joe's. Because Seattle does things it's own way.
But you know what? We'll be fine. We're already laughing at ourselves, buying ramen noodles and sleds. Because all these hilly neighborhoods means a kid can sled on their day off of school. Call Seattlites wimps. Whatever. I know they're all being smart. And as a hearty Midwesterner who has driven in all sorts of snow, I made sure I stocked up on coffee this morning, because I will not drive in snow around here if I can help it either.
[Image description - Image 1 - snow on evergreens, one pine tree in the back standing about three stories high - Image 2 - Maura in a blue jacket, enjoying the snow]10 -
Barbie: Your dedication to walking is something I admire. I’m ice shy about walking in snow, having fallen twice on separate occasions and breaking a wrist each time. I am thankful for the gym where I can exercise in an ice free zone. Getting back and forth to the car is another matter. Snow has never bothered me. Unseen ice underneath snow has been the cause of trouble. I love the photo of the snowy lawn in front of the house.
Heather: Your husband is a wonderful grandfather. The grandkids are very lucky he is in their lives. :bigsmile:
Lanette: Staying inside to protect your good shoulder is very sensible. :flowerforyou:
Janetr: Of course I can see your grandson in parade formation. Unfortunately, I can’t pick out his face.
Lanette: We have almost no sow at all, across the river from Ridgefield. I guess we’re in the tropics.
Pip: Your comments about Seattle in the snow apply very well to NW Oregon as well. Portland neighborhoods have been known to barricade their own streets and go skiing with friends. In our neighborhood, streets and sidewalks are clear today but lawns and flowerbeds have a little bit of snow on them.
We have our gas fireplace fixed and are enjoying its ambience and the heat it gives us. May it last another 20 years. :bigsmile: The man who fixed it works out of a fireplace shop here in town and he is skilled. We're very happy with his work. (We were never cold. Our furnace was working just fine.)
Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon
6 -
💖💞0
-
Hanging at the bar listening to the music,drinking my water with lemon ...high class 😊4
-
1
-
Katla - we left their house with Edie clinging to his legs shouting "I want to play with Johnny"!!!! He feels extremely lucky that he has them in his life. As he has no natural grandchildren of his own he feels very blessed.
I spent some time this evening buying a 'twirly' skirt for Bea's birthday (she keeps stealing Edie's ) and a selection of toy cars, vans and trucks, her absolute passion.
My old school year are trying to organise an informal reunion for the early summer. It looks like it may come off, in our 70th year! I'm in two minds about it, but I'm certainly curious. My Glasgow friend may fly down and I can put her up for a night or two. I now live about 25 miles or so from my old high school. I will be writing about it in my memoir. There is a sense of weirdness about the whole idea.
Lisa - loved the knee pic!
Love you all, Heather UK xxxxxxx3 -
Pip, I read your explanation of snow in Seattle to Jake who grew up near Lake Erie and he agrees with everything you said. Thank you for expressing the situation so clearly.
Katla, How great that your fireplace got fixed so you can enjoy it.
I finished shoveling a good path from the backyard so Sasha and I could go for a walk around the neighborhood this morning, but now it has warmed a bit, the snow has melted and it's getting colder so it will freeze by sunset. More snow is expected overnight--just enough to obscure the icy roads and make them even more scary.
I started shoveling the 18 inches of snow off the driveway so Jake could get the car out. It looked like it would take hours. Then one of the neighborhood maintenance men drove by and asked me if I'd like him to get the small tractor and finish the job. I was smart enough to say yes. That allowed us to go to the grocery store before the roads got bad again. Jake gave him a box of special chocolates we had in the freezer to say thank you.
Barbie
3 -
Hi Gals,
Katla – the good thing about the DC area is there are a number of airports to choose from and get the best deal to get there. I think I remember that DH is not up for a flight, but you can go solo.
Jeannie – not sure what your exact situation is but for me 2lbs a week is way too much, I have to make bigger changes than I am willing to, where at .5 or 1 lb a week I can ease in to it and make changes I can keep up for the rest of my life.
Janetr – I see him! He takes after you! LOL
Heather – you DH and the grandkids are so cute!
Lisa – Thanks feeling is mutual - the knee is gross! Silly me I looked.
Ok our Horsey set - So I live in an area with many equestrian centers/ horse ranches/ barns and many of them are my clients so I embroider the owners logos and some times the horse’s name on to all variety of items. But I know almost nothing about horse gear. So Mesh sheet, a turnout and stable blanket - all have pictures of the horse in the item outside in the sun – What are they used for - this is my most high end client, and I expect buys way more than is critical but the mesh sheet and the turnout are about the same weight, the stable blanket is way thicker so warmer I’m sure. And I am delighted that she wants her 16 inch logo on everything! But I can’t figure out what they are used for… And refolding them to fit in the little zippered bags they come in is a pain in the tush!
Kim from N. California
3 -
Well the old lady is home..ha ha was there when they started at 4 and left at 6 it's a pretty small place and if if gets to crowded it makes me uneasy... did get something to eat grilled chicken with cheese and bacon and a side of sour cream on a small bed if romaine.. that and ice water with lemon..now I'm happily tucked in with Alfie and relaxing.2
-
stats for the day;
manual treadmill- jog- 29.04, 139ahr, 152mhr, 2.05mi= 292c
walk,, outside work- 2hr, 36min, 1.7mi= 289c
total cal 5811 -
actually, that was someone else's comments on fb and I thought that was clear enough and made sense for me to share. it's snowing again ;0)3
-
Janetr Mia and Layla are just too cute! As are KJ's Joaquin, Karen in VA's Olivia and sib, and pip's pooches
Katla that your DS and the grands won't be returning to Fr. Lewis soon. Is the DC assignment a promotion or prestigious one? Hoping they can schedule periodic visits, though it's not the same...
Heather your DH cracks me up! Cannot imagine Joe sitting still for any such procedure.
Pip "oh how fun snow" and Barbie's "enough snow to enjoy"... This morning we had quite a nice covering of snow. It looked great in the sunshine under blue skies and I thought Yes! Tumble and I can go out and play in the snow! Joe let her out early and she was making puppy snow angels with much joy. I stepped out onto the deck to try to get a pic or vid and WhoopseyDaisy slipped almost immediately. Managed not to fall (thank you T'ai Chi), but it was an unpleasant reminder of the Boise years we had ice on our deck from November to May. Then Scooter got stuck in a drift and Joe had to shovel a path for him to get out. Well $#!+, this is just like Idaho! :noway: It's melting off the trees, sure hope the forecast lows for tonight (well above freezing) are correct. Tumble and I did walk down the drive and lane to the mailbox and back, but it was not at all like the Walking in a Winter Wonderland song, more like slogging through the slush and mud... :P
Welcome donato, Jeannie. "Glad to be here" is my stock response to "How are you?" and it makes me smile every time even now with the snow.
Lighter, lovelies!
Barbara, the Southern Oregon Coastie AHMOD.
walk one more step 9/28, 60 g protein 9/28, rx/vits 9/28, meditate 9/28, knee exercises 9/28, SWSY 2/8, play with Tumble 8/28, hang up or purge art 0/4 AF 5/28.
Word for 2019: "GOOD" good attitude, good food, good times, good choices, good enough, feel good, GOOD!
02/10 LT: Open the Wahoo box and setup the software-Y MT: woodland mgt notebook-, ST: T'ai Chi voice memo email to Roy-Y
3 -
Pip, you're description of Seattle in the snow is exactly like Victoria in the snow. We don't have as many hills as Seattle, but we have our fair share and hardly any snow moving equipment either. yup, good times indeed! lol
Sorry ladies, it has taken me two days to catch up, can hardly remember anything, but will try to comment as best I can!
Lisa, thank for the knee pic, I think anyway. Definitely interesting, and thanks for the warning too! So glad that things seem to be going well, and you are so right, to be living in a time where it's possible to have that done is quite amazing!
Katla, thanks for Percy Kilbride! Not sure where I got McBride from unless I'm thinking about a family that I went to school with! lol Sorry to hear that the grands will be moving even further away....:(
Heather, your hubby is definitely a treasure! So glad that your afternoon with the grands went well!
Kim, good attitude in regards to not having to run up the charge card yet! Keeping good thoughts for you!
Tracy, Allie, Pip and anyone else with workplace issues, keeping you in my thoughts also.
Enjoying all the photos! The snow ones are lovely to look at, so glad that we don't have as much snow as some of you are having! (she said looking out the window at the many, many big, fat flakes coming down!)
Sorry, that's all I can remember! My eating plan is not going well, couldn't figure out what my problem was, then realized it's almost the anniversary of my mom passing away. Kind of hit me this morning as I was driving to work. Hard to drive through tears.... But I made it, and I will get past this also.
Crazy wind storms here for a few days, they seem to have abated for now, lots of branches on the ground, we lost power at home for a few hours early Sat morning, then for a few hours later Sat morning at work.
Gotta go, work calls!
Hugs for those needing them, congrats to those celebrating and welcome to the newbies!
Also, if you have done a friend request, please don't be offended if I decline, not what I'm looking for here.
Evelyn, Vancouver Island6 -
Hello all! I’m 50 & I was just diagnosed with diabetes. I’m trying to go all in and fight it with my diet. It’s been 4 days so far & going away....but I have small children & it’s time to take care of myself . 😩4
-
I’ve been sick for the past few weeks and started barking coughing a week ago, BUT I exercised everyday and ate healthy. Hopefully this week will bring complete healing. 🙏🏻❤️4
-
NCBlessings wrote: »I’ve been sick for the past few weeks and started barking coughing a week ago, BUT I exercised everyday and ate healthy. Hopefully this week will bring complete healing. 🙏🏻❤️
Hope your recovery is soon. I have been sick twice in the last two months and had several days where I could barely eat and couldn't exercise at all. Feeling better is a great improvement,1 -
0
-
Did the More Than mat Pilates DVD. The plan for tomorrow is to take this class called Next Level. Since it starts later (9), I’m thinking that I’ll do something like the treadmill before the class.
We’re supposed to go to lunch today with a college friend of mine. It’s interesting, even tho it’s hotter down here, I don’t seem to be drinking as much water as I do in NC. Hmmmm.
Barbie – you probably can answer this question for me. I wanted to make a meal and have that repeat until we leave since I’ll most likely have the same thing for breakfast all the time I'm here. But I was having the hardest time doing that. When I went to “quick tools”, it wouldn’t let me copy it to a date in the future. When I did copy it (I had it under lunch but wanted it in “all foods”), it would copy the same thing twice. You probably copy a meal all the time. How do you do it so you get just that meal for the next few days?
Lisa – “stick in your memory” I like your play on words….lol
Pip – the way people in Seattle are about snow…it’s worse in NC The REALLY sad part is that when it snows, you don’t hear any kids outside making snowmen or anything.
Went to lunch with a friend of mine from college. Found out that another friend died. I can hardly believe it. I don’t think I’ll log, but I tried to be good. Got this chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms and feta on a flatbread. Only had water to drink. But also did have some of the nachos with cheese and a few bites of the key lime pie. Oh well…one day won’t kill me.
Welcome everyone new!
Michele in lovely FL for now
3 -
Happy Sunday,
It has been a lazy day. I was going to say unproductive, but it really wasn't. I changed sheets, washed comforter and heavy blanket, finished laundry, made potato soup for dinner, cleaned up kitchen. Not bad for not feeling well. Not sure what was wrong, but just feel like someone pulled the plug on my energy. Spent most of the day curled up in a chair with a blanket.
Barbie- I too try to get 10,000 steps a day. I know that they say that is a made up number, but it works for me too. I also try to get 30 minutes of continuous activity. Again, didn't happen today, but that is okay.
We too got snow today, but nothing like PNW. The driveway never got covered, but the grass did. Rain in the forecast for the next few days.
My brother finally got to see our Aunt today. She is off the ventilator. He said she was doing well and watching TV. She has been moved to the step down unit, so that is great news. Still has a trach, so no talking. But he passed on our love and prayers with her.
Time to get ready for bed. Hopefully tomorrow will have my energy back. At least I have a really clean bed to crawl into.
Welcome to the new ladies!
Safe thoughts for those in treacherous conditions!
Hugs for all!
Kylia worn out in Ohio
3
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 390.9K Introduce Yourself
- 43.4K Getting Started
- 259.6K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.5K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.2K Fitness and Exercise
- 379 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.6K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.1K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 867 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.2K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions