I haven't forgotten that I said I'd be here today , and I am . It's 10PM as I start this post , but I had a pretty good day all in all . I got out and shoveled the walks and the front porch , and did the laundry . Our friends got their tax refund and invited us out to dinner . I had a reuben and sweet potato fries , their daughter had grilled chicken , and the other 3 all had steak . A delicious meal and company , a delightful way to spend a weekday evening . I have been working on various desktop computers lately , salvaging photographs , and trying to build a frankenstein junior to use for some of my work and play here . Right now I'm writing on frankenstein 1 , as I have my main in use on another project , and in the interest of a quality product I don't multitask important jobs . Today was cold , a high of 12 , and at 9:30PM it was 5 on the front porch . But this morning our son posted a temp of -15 , and a wind chill of -34 , so it's not so bad here . I know many people are ready for warmer weather , but 40 years ago winters like this were the norm . Well , between switching machines twice and catching up on some other chores , it is suddenly past 1:30AM , I am still tired , and I'm leaving you for the night . Take care , good night , God bless .

  It was still snowing very lightly when I got up this morning . I don't feel any better today , even though I got a little more rest than usual . I haven't been outdoors today except to check the mail , and I keep wanting to nod off at my workstation . Therefore , I tell you good night and God bless , and we'll try again tomorrow .

   Snow started around noon and has steadily picked up . Took our male friend home after his shift , and parked the work car off the snow routes . At 1:30 his s.o. closed early so I took her home also , as the flakes continue to grow larger . Now at 1:45 I am in for the duration of this weather event , and will stay in my warm house and watch the snow remove the detail from the landscape .
 

 

These two photos were taken about 3PM , they dismissed school at 2:30 , even though the snow started much earlier , and accumulations of 6-8 inches are predicted . 

Measured earlier , looked like 4 inches give or take , but the wind really blows it around . At 8:30 it is still snowing , hopefully it tapers off soon . The flakes are really quite fine , and the snow on the ground has a sheen of ice on the top . Some forecasters say it may not finish until 6AM , I don't care , all the family is in , safe , and well . So in the interest of finally getting some uninterrupted rest , I wish you all a pleasant good night , and God's blessings in your lives .

  Long day , still tired , still cold . I managed to get into bed and sleep about 3AM , and got up around 7:30AM . We went to do some medical paperwork for my wife today , an hour between appointments and a late-running negotiator , it was nearly noon by the time we were done . Had a sit-down lunch at KFC , then went south to take our older son his mail and some leftover chicken dip . Came home and took younger son's fishing gear out of the work sedan , so we could loan it to our friends until they resolve their car problems . The younger boy left this morning in the company truck , back to Minnesota for another couple weeks , and the car just sits most of the time . It's definitely too cold most days to be walking to work , in this used-to-be-the-norm winter we've been having . When I was young , snow that fell in December might still be on the ground for April Fools . Below freezing temperatures might last for weeks at a time . People my age who still deny climate change must have slept through the 1960s and 70s , or been doing way better drugs than I ever ran across . People who complain of the winter we are currently experiencing have been spoiled by the artificial warmth we have created over the last few hundred years . We have become so reliant on "I want it right now" technology , without being good stewards of the earth God gave us , that we ignore our mistakes in favor of more convenience . And to say , " It's God's will " is to deny our (man) responsibility for creating the situation , of our own volition .
   Down off my soapbox , please be aware of your impact on the people around you , and the world you live in . Treat others as you would like to be treated , turn the other cheek , and seek God's council in your lives . Good night and God bless .

   Very slick out today , I moved the car to inclement weather parking without a problem , the 50 foot walk back was treacherous . Not much traffic most of the day , hopefully all the football drunks will stay home , and everyone else without emergencies . The scanner has been going all day with cars , trucks , and people slipping on the ice . The street next to the house is good though , thanks to cinders spread by city maintenance employees . I  got out and picked up our friends , and we are semi-ignoring the Stoner Bowl , while our youngest son entertains several friends upstairs . We have buffalo chicken dip , rotel/sausage dip , and lemon butter shrimp . A great way to spend a wintry Super Bowl evening . Took our friends home , this football game is an absolute blowout , We spent a few hours enjoying the camaraderie and snacks , a pleasant time indeed . The upstairs guests have all gone , and our son is getting ready to rest , he has a looong drive tomorrow . Myself , I have been trying to get to bed at a more reasonable hour , without much luck .It's not quite 11 yet , so maybe I can call it an early night and get some rest too . I;m logging off , then , and wishing you the full measure of God's blessings , a comfortable night's rest , and a wonderful tomorrow .

  A little earlier tonight , another day half in a daze , just a little scatterbrained . It seems later for some reason , maybe because I am always tired . Our friends' car quit on them , we will try to help them out until they get their tax refund . I don't have a W2 yet , but I'll have to wait until son the younger gets back and files his . It looks like if he claims us , we get $160 , if not about 500 due to the EIC . So now , at 2AM , the temp is 28 or so , and it's still mostly raining . The street looks ok but everything above the deck has a layer of ice . I'm going to bed now , breakfast comes early , and I am quite tired . Good night all , God bless , and keep the sabbath when you can .

   Yes , I know I'm late again , it's already February . I had a busy and semi-productive day , and am just now , after midnight starting this post . In the cold weather , I start my van every week , so he clock doesn't drain the battery if I'm not using it . It has always started , even if it sometimes cranked a little slow . Today , warmest day of the week , it wouldn't start . After a jump I drove across town to our oldest daughter's house to advise my son-in-law on a plumbing project . He has taught himself many home repair and remodeling skills with mostly just good advice (from me !) and determination . If he had had a good torch before I took him mine , he wouldn't have needed me at all . Still , it's nice to know my knowledge is still respected by the younger generation . I truly hope they pass it on to the next bunch , and enjoy doing so as much as I have .
   Well , my friends , I have produced much more here than I anticipated , though it still is not much . I hope you all have a good weekend , filled with love and laughter , and be safe , whether in your travels or your home . For now , good night and God bless .