Sorry I haven't posted any weather for a bit. I know I kind of left you all hanging in the middle of a storm there but sometimes a girl just has to work. Anyway. the nor'easter was snow at first (only about an inch or two), changing to rain (a lot) then topped off with more snow (less than an inch).
The snow has stuck around. And temperatures dropped into the teens overnight so there is an icy crust on everything at this point. It only warmed into the 20's today so nothing more melted. Right now everything is clear and there is not much wind.
So all is well in the valley but if you come up there might be a bit of ice around in driveways and on porches so watch your step!
Friday, November 29, 2013
More Photos From Honduras
I posted the photos of Tommy Healy's shark dive in Honduras a few days back. He also sent me some other awesome photos that I wanted to post as well. So here is part two of Tommy's Honduran diving excursion. These photos were from several different emails describing his adventures so they are a mixed bag of subjects. But they are all great photos! Thanks for letting us see them Tommy!
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Some Snow, Then Rain
It snowed lightly yesterday for most of the day but turned to rain about 6pm. There was a couple of inches of snow on the ground at the top of the valley by the time it changed over making for a soupy mess. I had to drive to town last night and although the roads had been sanded by the highway department WV road was treacherous!
At this point, it is still raining and the forecast is for it to continue for most of the day. I haven't been on WV road today so I can't tell you about the conditions. Even though temperatures are in the 30's if you are headed this way please take your time and drive slowly!! Especially since the temperatures are going to drop into the 20's after the rain passes and the ground may get slippery. Drive slowly and safely and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
At this point, it is still raining and the forecast is for it to continue for most of the day. I haven't been on WV road today so I can't tell you about the conditions. Even though temperatures are in the 30's if you are headed this way please take your time and drive slowly!! Especially since the temperatures are going to drop into the 20's after the rain passes and the ground may get slippery. Drive slowly and safely and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Cold Blast
I haven't had much to say about the weather lately because there wasn't much going on but this week things took a turn toward winter. The temperatures in the valley dropped down into the lower teens several nights this week. We have also had several snow flurries. There is a dusting of snow here and there through the neighborhood but nothing of note. Tomorrow's storm should be interesting. Hopefully, it will all be rain but we shall see. I will continue to observe and report.
PS - Just to remind all of you on Facebook, an excellent source of local weather is the Hudson Valley Weather page (see link below). I think it is the best source of weather around these parts. The guy who runs it is not a meteorologist but just a huge weather junkie. His page has over 40,000 likes because he is right more times that the official weather people. As we go into this winter season I recommend you check it out.
https://www.facebook.com/HVWX1
PS - Just to remind all of you on Facebook, an excellent source of local weather is the Hudson Valley Weather page (see link below). I think it is the best source of weather around these parts. The guy who runs it is not a meteorologist but just a huge weather junkie. His page has over 40,000 likes because he is right more times that the official weather people. As we go into this winter season I recommend you check it out.
https://www.facebook.com/HVWX1
Marrakesh With Intrepid Peter and Sally
Pete and Sally Oberbeck sent me a greeting and more fabulous photos from their trip to Marrakesh. The city looks awesome and I think I am going to put it on my "must visit" list. Thanks to Pete and Sally for sending us these great photos!!
Here is what they had to say about their trip.
Here is what they had to say about their trip.
Belated Greetings from Marrakesh
This city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains has been a Berber stronghold since the 11th century and a place of great charm. It was once known as the “red city” for its rose-tinted buildings. We walked through the old medina as well as Dejmaa el Fna, the central square, with its snake charmers, shops, henna artists and water men.
Intrepid Peter and Sally
Saturday, November 23, 2013
More Poetry From Boreegard
The Once and Future Garden
It says in Moses’ old book,
That God made a big garden,
To the east of Eden.
It had every tree and plant ever
Imagined by HIM whose name we cannot know.
We favor the popular ones—
Johnny Chapman spread Eve’s apples across,
The fruited plain; Norwegians and Swedes plowed the
Prairie sod into amber waves and such.
Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
For all of that, consider what we sapheads ignore or denigrate,
Thinking of them simply as weeds—trash.
Look at the Joe-pye weed growing unbidden in the ditch,
Clinging tenaciously to the lip of the cultivated field,
Next to the giant mullein, poke, milkweed.
The storied Wampanoag Joe Pye cured typhus’
Deadly fevers with his namesake, back when Indian herbals reigned.
How many more weedy secrets remain hidden, pilgrim,
Waiting to be discovered and used for the greater good?
Boreegard
November 17, 2013
It says in Moses’ old book,
That God made a big garden,
To the east of Eden.
It had every tree and plant ever
Imagined by HIM whose name we cannot know.
We favor the popular ones—
Johnny Chapman spread Eve’s apples across,
The fruited plain; Norwegians and Swedes plowed the
Prairie sod into amber waves and such.
Can she bake a cherry pie, Billy Boy, Billy Boy?
For all of that, consider what we sapheads ignore or denigrate,
Thinking of them simply as weeds—trash.
Look at the Joe-pye weed growing unbidden in the ditch,
Clinging tenaciously to the lip of the cultivated field,
Next to the giant mullein, poke, milkweed.
The storied Wampanoag Joe Pye cured typhus’
Deadly fevers with his namesake, back when Indian herbals reigned.
How many more weedy secrets remain hidden, pilgrim,
Waiting to be discovered and used for the greater good?
Boreegard
November 17, 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Healthcare Law Information
There is going to be a discussion on the basic questions surrounding the new Healthcare Law this weekend at the Phoenicia Library. Here is the information they sent me about it.
PHOENICIA LIBRARY IS HERE TO HELP YOU WITH THE NEW HEALTH CARE LAW
Some fresh news about new healthcare law (Affordable Care Act aka Obamacare): The NYS website is apparently now working https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ and NYers are successfully signing up. You may be able to do it on your own, or made need help.
On Saturday, Nov. 23 at 11 -1 the library will be hosting a discussion by Scot Hastie on very basic questions about whether it is to your advantage to sign up, and how to do so. He is not affiliated with the government but, as an insurance agent, has been trained to understand the new options. He can offer basic, unbiased information. Call 688-7811 to register (required).
The library is planning regular office hours here with Navigators (state people who help people sign up) to answer questions or help with sign up, hopefully sometime in November. People unable to get to office hours can make individual appointments.
We have good handouts here at the library on healthcare options. We also have a binder that describes the different levels of plans. These have links and phone numbers to specific plans so you can check out which doctors accept what plans. We can help you get that info on computers here at the library. Please talk to our staff or Liz, the director.
We are here to help as best we can.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Swimming With The Fishes
WCA member, Tommy Healy, went on a fabulous diving vacation to Honduras recently. He sent me back these cool pictures/videos. I think he is a great underwater photographer. Here are the photos/videos of his shark dive and a message from Tommy himself about the adventure.
Today was shark dive day. I decided to do these photos in Black and white for best perspective. They took us out by a small boat. (the last shots you can see the bottom of the boat above the diver then follow up and over on the mooring line) The dive site was a point on the reef where currents meet. Sharks like that as they have to continually need to move. The dive down was to 75 feet to a sandy bottom where 5 of us kneeled down and watched the show. These are Caribbean reefs sharks that are non aggressive (otherwise I would not be here and you would not be looking at shark pics) They do come close up to you but do not pose a threat. A bucket that has fish is placed on the bottom and opened. The sharks gobble up the bait then head on there way. While they battle it out on who gets the meal. They some times Lose teeth. (Unlike us these teeth grow back) In if your as lucky as I was, (first time) You may find a tooth on the sand looking around. Fun day, No snow thank goodness.
Tom
PS - Here are some links to videos of the dive.
Today was shark dive day. I decided to do these photos in Black and white for best perspective. They took us out by a small boat. (the last shots you can see the bottom of the boat above the diver then follow up and over on the mooring line) The dive site was a point on the reef where currents meet. Sharks like that as they have to continually need to move. The dive down was to 75 feet to a sandy bottom where 5 of us kneeled down and watched the show. These are Caribbean reefs sharks that are non aggressive (otherwise I would not be here and you would not be looking at shark pics) They do come close up to you but do not pose a threat. A bucket that has fish is placed on the bottom and opened. The sharks gobble up the bait then head on there way. While they battle it out on who gets the meal. They some times Lose teeth. (Unlike us these teeth grow back) In if your as lucky as I was, (first time) You may find a tooth on the sand looking around. Fun day, No snow thank goodness.
Tom
PS - Here are some links to videos of the dive.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Big Winds
The storm that came through yesterday into today produced some strong gusty winds. Last night the wind was so intense it even woke me up! Rt 42 in the western part of Shandaken is closed at this time for a downed tree with some wires but I don't think that there are any trees down across WV road.
With the storm behind us the morning has brought bright blue skies. Looks like it will be another gorgeous day! Enjoy!
With the storm behind us the morning has brought bright blue skies. Looks like it will be another gorgeous day! Enjoy!
Turkey Trot 2013
Third Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot to benefit Pine Hill Community Center
Phoenicia, New York is hosting the Third Annual Phoenicia Turkey Trot, Saturday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m. The 2.4 mile run/walk will benefit the Pine Hill Community Center, which provides community-building activities nurturing creativity and life-long growth for people of the Central Catskills. Monies will be used for a roof replacement project.
The race will wind through scenic Phoenicia. A free Tot Trot for kids five and under will precede the main race at 9:30 a.m. Last year’s event grew to 400 runners/wobblers from the 300 participants in its inaugural year.
The run is open to the entire community, elite and novice runners alike. Kick off this family fun event benefiting this worthy cause, and while you are at it, work off your Thanksgiving feast.
Registration is $10 for individuals or $20 per family. Groups are encouraged to run as well. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest female and male racers; and a special cash prize will be given to the team with the most runners. Free Turkey Trot tee shirts go to the first 50 registrants.
Registration and sign-in begins at 8:00am - 9:45am at the Parish Hall, Main Street, Phoenicia (across the street from St Francis de Sales Church).
To pre-register, visit www.runreg.com (search Phoenicia Turkey Trot), or www.phoeniciaturkeytrot.com, or contact Heather (845) 688-7064 or Patti (845) 254-4126 or via email at hrobertspt@gmail.com Registration forms are also available in Phoenicia at the Phoenicia Library and the Phoenicia Supermarket, Ave Maria Drive; Tender Land Home, Mama’s Boy Market and the Nest Egg, Main Street.
And like us on FB-https://www.facebook.com/PhoeniciaTurkeyTrot?ref=hl
