Autumn Has Felt More Like Winter October 18, 2009
Posted by Chris in In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, New York, travel, weather.add a comment
We had our first brush with Winter this week. I went to Harrisburg on Thursday with Maureen and by the time we made it back to Jersey and me back to the neighborhood, there was about an inch of wet snow on the ground. It wasn’t a problem but definitely it was a reminder of what is ahead. Up this week: NJ Mopar Group Sussex County Meet & Greet on Tuesday night and trips to Washington DC on Thursday & Baltimore on Friday.
Halloween is just around the corner. Have you got your costume ready?
Welcome to May; Video Blog May 3, 2009
Posted by Chris in Dodge Charger, NJ Mopar Group, New Jersey, Video Blog, beacon, dallas cowboys, weather.add a comment
What’s new? I will fill you in on my experience at the New Jersey MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission), give you some car club news, and let you know how the R1D1 flu has impacted my plans.
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A Little Bit of Snow February 22, 2009
Posted by Chris in Around the House, Dodge Charger, Hobbies & Interests, granny, weather.1 comment so far
We had a dusting of snow today – not enough to get excited about but it did make a lazy Sunday extra lazy. I am ready for Spring!!!
Granny is hanging in there – although the overall decline continues. Medicare has determined that she is no
longer responding to therapy which means they will no longer financially support her treatment. She now becomes a “private pay” patient which means exactly what you think it means. My biggest concern, however,
remains her well-being and comfort, not the financial aspect of her care.
Last night I joined about 65 other members of the New Jersey Mopar Group for a “Meet and Greet” at
Joe’s Crab Shack in Lawrenceville, NJ, which is about an hour and a half of hear down towards Trenton
and Princeton. I met a ton of people that I had become friends with online over the past year.
The Fight the Fat effort has stalled a bit. I haven’t gained back what I lost, but I haven’t been too committed in the last several weeks either. That will change this week as I get back to the gym and restart my Tuesday official weigh-ins. I have just had a lot of distractions lately that I have to focus on avoiding.
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Countdown to Groundhog Day February 1, 2009
Posted by Chris in Animals, Pets & Animals, Places, weather.add a comment
Groundhog Day is nearly upon us.. On February 2 at about 7:25am, Punxsutawney Phil will venture out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney to greet fans and media from around the world who have traveled Pennsylvania to see Phil make his annual prediction concerning the weather for the rest of the winter.
If Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, we will all enjoy an early spring. I, for one, am praying the little rodent doesn’t see his damn shadow. I am tired of this cold weather crap!
Here is a bit of trivia for you. Phil doesn’t actually live in Gobbler’s Knob for the entire year. In fact, he only lives there for one night a year – Groundhog Day Eve.
The rest of the year, he calls the Punxsutawney library home with his “wife”, Phyllis. February 2, 2009 will be Phil’s 123rd prediction
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Who Would Have Ever Thought? January 24, 2009
Posted by Chris in Economy, Family & Friends, In the Neighborhood, granny, weather.1 comment so far
Who would have ever thought that I would move to a place where I can walk out my door and see crazy people ICE FISHING. I am not kidding, people!
I can’t believe Budd Lake is like an ice rink. Totally new for this Texas boy.
I have spent most of the day today just catching up on things that I needed to get done. Having not had a haircut in way too long, I went to get a bit of a trim but Nicole wasn’t there. Another lady took care of me though, and did a good enough job I guess.
No more beard. I think it was making me look old.
I have also had a few wardrobe malfunctions lately because nothing I own fits me anymore. So I spent all morning buying some new duds to get me through. This is the first time in MANY MANY years that I was able to by clothes off a normal department store rack instead of a big and tall shop. That was a cool feeling.
Now for a Granny update. I had Granny moved from Lake Ridge to Galtier Care Center in St. Paul, MN. My cousin, Ticky, is the director of social work at Galtier and she has been an awesome help. It is such a challenge living so far away and trying to take care of a family member. Granny’s cognitive condition continues to deteriorate pretty rapidly, now to the point that sometimes she doesn’t know who I am when I call her. That is to be expected as her kidney function continues to decline. It’s not a good situation at all, but we feel blessed that at least she is not in any pain.
I’ve tried to stay in touch with Tony as he deals with the unexpected changes in his life. It’s hard to see a friend going through such a hard time but I am amazed at his positive attitude and determination. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t either experienced job loss themselves or had it hit very close to home with someone they care about. I sure hope better days are ahead.
Not Rain, nor Sleet, nor Snow – - will keep me from going to Texas for Christmas December 20, 2008
Posted by Chris in 2008 in Review, Christmas in Texas, Family & Friends, Tis the Season, lakehouse, weather.10 comments
Things are such a disaster at Continental due to all of the bad weather that, after multiple disruptions, I decided to do it the old fashioned way, load up, and drive the 1700 miles to Texas. Check in on me along the way!
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New Jersey Lesson: Listen to the Weatherman December 19, 2008
Posted by Chris in Around the House, In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Weather Report, weather.4 comments
OK, here’s the deal. I am a Texan, and in Texas, the weatherman is never right, so we don’t listen to what they say. Lesson: that doesn’t work in New Jersey. When they say “Winter Storm Warning”, believe them!
Me wrapping up clearing off the driveway – - – for the third time in
three hours!
I was at work when the snow started around 10am. By the time the company closed due to the weather, there was already 3 inches on the ground, and by the time I fought may way home, I had better than 5 inches at the house.
And here is the forecast for the next several days:
Yeah. Are we having fun yet?
In terms of my travel plans to Texas, right now everything is on track for Monday, but you can see the weather still looks a little rough.
Beacon – she is so modest
The Diva Dog doesn’t appreciate the snow nor the leash.
My driveway after the first shoveling
Front of the house
Front from the other direction
The side yard
One of many passes of the plow trucks
Looking down onto part of the back porch. Notice, Texas is covered in snow!
Your’s Truly.
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Jack Frost Swings Through the Neighborhood Overnight December 7, 2008
Posted by Chris in Around the House, Family & Friends, In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, Tis the Season, travel, weather.3 comments
It’s pretty cold up here! Yep it is. And Jack Frost
was making his rounds last night as well.
We had a light dusting over night that was really pretty
to wake up to this morning. It went all the way into
the city, so I am told. It was nothing like the October
Blizzard we had before Halloween, though.
I heard from Gary and Mel this weekend. They are on
their way to Fort Lauderdale via the Southwest Airlines
cattle car (hey, whatever it takes, right?) to settle in
before their big cruise that leaves next Friday.
Chinese Food Tonight November 18, 2008
Posted by Chris in Family & Friends, weather.2 comments
I made it home a little early today and worked from the
house for a few hours before taking the girls to dinner
at the local Chinese food hole-in-the-wall. And,
Roseanna insisted on paying for dinner. Thanks,
White Dove.It is extremely cold here tonight, and Granny did not
bring a heavy coat with her on this trip. I guess she
thought that she was going to Texas instead of
New Jersey.
Me and Granny at Dinner
I thought everyone would get a kick out of these pictures.
Granny didn’t bring a heavy coat so she is wearing
one of mine. Funny!
Granny and Roseanna getting ready for dinner. Look at those coat sleeves.
Air Travel is Just a Pain: Roseanna and Granny Are Trying to Get to New Jersey November 15, 2008
Posted by Chris in Family & Friends, travel, weather.4 comments
Roseanna’s scheduled departure from Rapid City, SD
to Minneapolis, MN to rendezvous with Granny for
the second half of the flight was delayed in Rapid City
early this morning by mechanical difficulties. Alas. she
finally boarded and made it to MSP by about 11:15am,
just in time to meet up with Granny. Cousin Rual had
graciously accepted the assignment of getting Granny
and her stuff to the Minneapolis/St Paul Airport and
checked in. (Thanks Rual! You are a lifesaver in many
ways!!)
Unfortunately, the weather here in the New York City
area has been pretty miserable for two days with
high winds and rain, and that absolutely imposes
havoc on the already overburdened ATC system
that controls the 3 major airports here. Their flight
on Northwest Airlines was scheduled to depart MSP at
1:00pm. After being loaded one and then de-planed
due to ATC delays here, they were allowed to board again
and the last text message from Roseanna at 4:15pm was
that they were patiently waiting but the captain has
warned of additional delays.
Of course, as a frequent flyer into the NYC area, none
of this surprises me but I hate that my 87 year old
Granny is having to endure this, and I am very glad
that Roseanna is with her to keep her company and
keep her calm.
Rainy Saturday Gave Way to a Beautiful Fall Sunday November 9, 2008
Posted by Chris in In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, weather.1 comment so far
Tonight’s Sunset on Budd Lake
It was a beautiful Sunday in Northern New Jersey.
I spent much of the day working in the yard,
pruning back some of the landscaping for
the upcoming winter. Sadly I lost two trees from
the early snow storm but thankfully it looks like
the third one I was worried about will make it.
The “Light Dusting” Turned Into a Full-Blown Nor’easter October 28, 2008
Posted by Chris in Around the House, In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, Pets, Weather Report, beacon, weather.2 comments
I woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow
outside. Driving wasn’t much of an issue. But
during the day, it got progressively worse until
tonight it took me over 3 hours to get home to a
house that was covered with snow and was without
electricity. As of this writing, it is 11:48pm and
its 44 degrees in the house! The snow has finally
stopped but the wind is blowing terribly and it looks
like I lost all but two of my trees in the yard.
And it isn’t even Halloween yet. I don’t like this trick
Out the dining room window
The neighbors driveway
I didn’t have a shovel or a plow. I had to rake out some trenches by hand.
It took me an hour to get into the garage.
From the front porch
Beacon, not happy her sweater fell off in the snow
One of my ruined trees
Another of my ruined trees
My ride home
Season’s First Snowfall? October 26, 2008
Posted by Chris in In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, weather.3 comments
It certainly looks like it is a possibility.
Sunday Recovery October 26, 2008
Posted by Chris in Around the House, Family & Friends, In the Neighborhood, Texas, Weather Report, dallas cowboys, weather.add a comment
Yesterday’s rain gave way to a beautiful, sunny Autumn
Sunday.
View from the front porch on a beautiful October Sunday.
Based on my unofficial Texas birdbath rain guage, it looks like we got
almost two inches yesterday.
Although my frustration regarding the fact
that the Dallas Cowboys, for yet another week, will not
be on TV in the New York City market is foremost in my
mind today, there is plenty to do before the Jets and
Giants play. (By the way, next season I will be adding
DirectTV and Sunday Ticket in the rec room downstairs
to alleviate this aggravation every single weekend.)
My Halloween Chili Project.
Last night I got Roseanna’s bedroom ready for her visit
three weekend from now. Haven’t figured out Granny’s
accommodations yet but it’s a big house – there’s plenty
of room and beds.
I leave out early in the morning for my Amtrak ride to
Washington DC.
Rainy Saturday & Breaking Snow News October 25, 2008
Posted by Chris in In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, weather.2 comments
I got moving a little early this morning to beat the rain.
Had to pick up some lights for the burned out fixture
in the kitchen and the landscape lighting in the front
yard. I took mom over to Hackettstown to breakfast
at the River Star Diner. It’s a good place but it just
isn’t Texas. What can I tell ya. Later I made it by
Target to get the stuff I need to cook for the gang
at work for Halloween.
Taken from the booth at the back of the River Star
Diner with my cheap cell phone. Those white dots
are ducks. I told them they better get it in gear and
head south.
Here is today’s NEWSFLASH! The neighbor next door
informed me that I would be nuts not to have a snow
thrower for the winter. Apparently I have underestimated
the serious of the snowfall here in the winter as well as
the challenge in shoveling the sidewalk, something I
am responsible for by law here.
like, here is what I am dealing with. Am I out of
my mind?
So, at Lowes I looked at the snow throwers similar
to the one above and I am now on the lookout
for one on sale. Looks like it will be an unplanned
expense of about $600.00. It’s not just the expense
that concerns me – I will figure that out – but it is
also the space needed to store such a monster.
I’m good with it – - maybe this is one of those
miracles in disguise I was blogging about.
Autumn Yard Cleaning October 19, 2008
Posted by Chris in Around the House, In the Neighborhood, New Jersey, weather.1 comment so far
The landscapers came by on Friday to do their Fall
seasonal cleanup. They spent a lot of time trimming
the shrubs and color-scape and I think the place looks
pretty good!
A little fall color in the front yard.
The pine tree at the corner of the house has shed summer needles in preparation for a long winter.
Side of the house
Rear of the house
The basement patio
By the garage
Putting the Charger to Bed for the Winter October 18, 2008
Posted by Chris in Automotive Interests, Dodge Charger, In the Neighborhood, weather.Tags: Dodge Charger, SRT-8
3 comments
I washed the car today and put it to bed for the winter.
We’ll see if I can actually keep from driving it. By all
accounts, we are just weeks away from the first real
snow and that means road salt, so its probably time to
put the silver bullet to bed for a bit.
After the car wash
In the garage
Out and About Today October 18, 2008
Posted by Chris in Places, travel, weather.add a comment
I took a few pictures when I was out and about today.
It was an absolutely beautiful, crisp Autumn day.
Driving through Mansfield Township headed towards Interstate 80.
Burning bush along Interstate 80 almost to the Delware Water Gap.
The great state of Pennsylvania,
I’m having a good time.
Which way do I go?
Of course I couldn’t pass up an outlet mall. I picked up 2 ties, 2 new pair of dress shoes which I desperately needed, a winter hat, and some driving gloves for the upcoming cold weather.
I guess the Sunday collections are off in this church.
Schooley Mountain County Park
Another shot of the park
Beacon Enjoying the Weather October 7, 2008
Posted by Chris in Animals, Around the House, Family & Friends, Feel Good, Life, Pets, The Good Life, beacon, weather.add a comment
Judy asked me last weekend to post some pictures
of Beacon. She likes to lay in the sun when I am
downstairs watching football.
Beacon pretty laid back today.
40 Miles Makes a Big Difference October 2, 2008
Posted by Chris in In the City, In the Neighborhood, New York, Weather Report, weather.add a comment
I am starting to notice the real change of seasons. In addition, I am starting to really see that, while we are only 40 or so miles away from New York City, it is a huge difference in terms of the weather, especially at night. It will be interesting if, this upcoming winter, that means that 3 inches of snow in the city means 12 inches here on the mountain. That is what I am been told, and actually I am looking forward to it.
Schooley’s Mountain – Long Valley, NJ - My Neighborhood
New York City, NY
