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| Snow looks like white blossoms |
If I wasn't feeling so cold, I could really enjoy seeing Christmas being white and delightful. But yesterday, the day after Christmas, we here in Bellingham woke to 10°F (–12°C) and wind blowing 30–50mph, giving us a wind chill of –20! I didn't even attempt to leave the house for any reason, much less thinking about going out to breakfast with John. I called him on the phone and found that he, too, didn't leave the house all day.
But today, I got an early morning call from him asking if I'd like a ride to the coffee shop, and I of course said yes, since he would be driving his big ol' truck with huge tires and lots of weight to keep us safe. He showed up about 7:30 and we drove downtown, looking at all the snow and hearing the snow crunching under the tires, with nary a slippery slope to navigate. It was lovely, looking around at all the snow in dawn's early light. The skies had cleared, and the wind died down to nothing while we were out. Bellingham got anywhere from 4–15 inches, depending on your location.
The coffee shop, however, was closed. Nobody there, no lights on, and no idea why (other than the obvious one that nobody could make it in). We decided to head to Fairhaven and to Shirlee Bird's cafe, which has great coffee, and enjoy a good breakfast as well. And that's just what we did. We sat in the cab of John's truck because the frigid temperatures outside and all the snow on the ground meant it would be the warmest place to eat and drink. Delicious food, and once we were well caffeinated, John drove me home.
The only task I have for today is to write this post and possibly go for a walk. I've fallen down on getting my steps during the holiday and miserable weather, but I figure I've banked a little backdrop of effort by not missing many days in the recent past. It's not good to do that very often, especially at my age, but it's definitely indicated that I should be careful out there. I'll wear my boots and strap on my microspikes to help keep me from slipping on the ice. With the right gear, it should be exciting. And relatively safe!
Hope you had a safe and delightful holiday, whether you gathered with friends and family or just stayed home. I watched a couple of movies and enjoyed hanging out with my guy. Watching the wind blowing snow into drifts while being inside, life is good.
:-)
I envy you the snow and cold weather. I always want to fly to Seattle just in front of the storm and stay there until life gets back to normal, then come back to Tucson for the rest of the winter.
ReplyDeleteLike Linda, I envy you the snow (last year in Pittsburgh we had 9 inches of snow by Christmas, this year none) but I don't know about those 10F temps and 50mph winds! That's harsh! But I guess it had to be, to keep you indoors an entire day. :^) Well DJan, I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday and I hope you're extra careful with your walks outside. PS. Love the photo here, it looks like a painting.
ReplyDeleteWe're having similar weather.
ReplyDeleteThat cold is familiar here too. We stay in when the wind is howling. Take care, Jan. Be careful out there.
ReplyDeleteWe got down to 17 last night and had one pipe freeze. It's in a semi-exposed location and supplied hot water to an upstairs bathroom. Tom got it thawed out with my hair dryer. Now we have to keep it clear.
ReplyDeleteI have only gone out to get the mail and/or the newspaper, and this morning my trip was wasted, as the paper deliver didn't happen. I am contemplating a trip out to walk around the yard.
We haven't had temperatures that cold, nor that much snow yet this year!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty winter picture. Your mention of Shirlee Bird made my mouth water. Love her pastries and other delights. She's so personable, too, although often so busy.
ReplyDeleteDo envy your snow but NOT those temps and winds. Yikes. Glad you and John got out for a bit anyway. Stay warm and safe. Just enjoy being warm, watching movies and snuggling with SG.
ReplyDeletePoor weather makes for dull and boing times when we can't get out. It's much colder here . today's high was minus 30 C
ReplyDeleteWe had a storm today we got about 8 inches of snow. I took Sadie out a few times that was enough for me:)
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a backup place to go to.
ReplyDeleteWe got 8.6 inches of snow with a blizzard this morning and as I am writing to you right now it is -7 degrees. More snow expected tomorrow. Since I don't have to be out in it--I am just plain delighted. ;) It is gorgeous out there!
I am so glad that you were able to meet up with John. Stay warm, stay safe.
ReplyDeleteAnd over here, I am doing my best to stay cool and safe.
Love the picture, DJan! Wow! 10 F is not my kind of weather. Glad you stayed home. But wonderful that you and John got to meet for coffee the next day. And do be careful walking in that weather...
ReplyDeleteHa ha. Yesterday was probably the only day in all of 2021 when I walked more than you did (by taking a stroll to the library and back, probably two miles in all). Glad "life is good" for you. Have a happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy for me to say how beautiful and magical snow is since we never see it here in Hawaii. My Seattle daughter sent pictures of her front yard covered in snow and she said it was cold and windy. Brrrr! But still, it looked beautiful and magical.
ReplyDeleteBellingham John is a lucky man. I would enjoy a morning coffee with you just to get your take on the day. I find it so curious about the temperature difference between Bellingham and Seattle right now. Both are cold but Bham seems colder than I would expect given the short distance. It must be that you are closer to that Fraser River outflow of cold artic air. Stay warm and take good care! John
ReplyDeleteUnlike here, I am sure that it will go soon enough. But you’re good as long as you can get out for the occasional coffee.
ReplyDeleteI like your friend. He sounds like a very nice person to know, easy to get along with, and very kind and generous. You are most fortunate.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing snow, but I didn't love shoveling it. It sure is nice of John to come pick you up. It's good to have thoughtful friends. How great that you were able to get out and also that you are equipped for snow and ice.
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