We're Number 1

Today we are number 1!

1 degree Fahrenheit is a heat wave after the 

cold snap we just went though.

Gotta love the Chinooks!

Word of the Day ~ Taradiddle

taradiddle or tarradiddle

PRONUNCIATION:

(tar-uh-DID-l)               

MEANING:

noun: 1. A petty lie. 2. Pretentious nonsense.

ETYMOLOGY:

Origin unknown. Earliest documented use: 1796.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult to each other? -George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans), novelist (1819-1880)

Strength & Endurance

With all of our strength

All together we shall go forward.

May all of God's glory, light and grace be with us always!

~~~

Live

Live in the moment. Keep moving on.

Anything else is just riding backwards!

~~~

Clock Watching

Sunrise today 10:00 a.m.

Sunset 3:16 p.m.

Total possible daylight 5 hours 16 minutes

~~~

Word of the Day ~ Primrose Path

primrose path

PRONUNCIATION:

(PRIM-rohz path)                

 

MEANING:

noun:
1. An easy life, especially devoted to sensual pleasure.
2. A path of least resistance, especially one that ends in disaster.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin prima rosa (first rose). Earliest documented use: 1604.

Stupid Quote Tuesday

"To some degree I actually said that on purpose."

By a not so brilliant person who just happens to holds a Ph.D.

~~~

Monday Motivation

 

Move more!

Eat Less!

Everything else
in moderation!

I am

I am afraid to start.

I am afraid to fail.

Afraid to be let down gently or with a thud, the sound of my heart hitting the floor below is unmistakable and the suffering rips me apart from the inside out.   

Scarring all but my distrust.   

Afraid to hope against the odds that I will not fall short nor be inadequate in your eyes.

Fear holds me fast and keeps me at arm’s length from your embrace.  Far away from any pain.

I am afraid to start ~ afraid to be let down.

Weather Update ~ Brrr

Everything seems to be moving in slow motion, even the smoke rises slowly from the chimneys in these cold temperatures.  We see colder temperatures every year but every time it dips this cold we act surprised.  Perhaps it is a survival mechanism that forces us to forget the last winter and keeps us here year after year.

Statement or Question

Life is what you make it?

Life is what you make it!

Statement or Question

Do you wear a smile or a frown?  Is your heart heavy or light?

If ‘life is what you make it’ is a questions how can you control the outside forces that effect your emotions and your life?  Perhaps I worry that today is my life when in fact it is just a day, one of many.  This moment, this day might truly sting but it is not your life is it?

If ‘life is what you make it’ is a statement it is true only in the amount of credence you give it or faith with which you live your life.

My life is what I make it.  I control my destiny and I have a purpose.  At the end of the day I can choose to wear a smile or a frown.

~~~

Weather Update

Now we know it is winter!

Yes it does say negative 37 degree Fahrenheit
which is -38.3 degrees Celsius.

Word of the Day ~ Sylvan

sylvan or silvan

PRONUNCIATION:

(SIL-vuhn)                    

MEANING:

adjective: Related to the woods; wooded.
noun: One who inhabits or frequents the woods.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin silva (forest). Earliest documented use: 1565.

Heal Over ~ Tune Tuesday

Currently listening to Heal Over by KT Tunstall on her album Eye to the Telescope

"Isn’t very difficult to see why you are the way you are

Doesn’t take a genius to realize that sometimes life is hard

It’s gonna take time but you’ll just have to wait

You’re gonna be fine but in the meantime."

..

Leon Redbone Monday

Years ago Mom gave me all of her and Dads old albums, actual albums as in records and Leon Redbone is among them.  On the Track ~ 1975 ~  produced by Warner Bros. Records holds a special place in our hearts.  Here's to you Uncle John ~ my Dad's best friend and brother! Here's to all the great memories and good times shared while listening to some good ol' fashion ragtime blues!

Polly Wolly Doodle ~ all day!

Enduring

Enduring the death of someone dear is 

neither for the weak nor the faint of heart.

It takes strength of character and steel of resolve 

to turn the page to the new day.

May you own both.

~~~

Today's Weather Update ~ Fairbanks

METAR text:	PAFA 101853Z VRB03KT 3/4SM R02L/5000VP6000FT -SN BR VV012 M10/M12 A2945 RMK AO2 SNB19 SLP985 P0002 T11001122
Conditions at:	PAFA (FAIRBANKS , AK, US) observed 1853 UTC 10 November 2011
Temperature:	-10.0°C (14°F)
Dewpoint:	-12.2°C (10°F) [RH = 84%]
Pressure (altimeter):	29.45 inches Hg (997.4 mb) [Sea-level pressure: 998.5 mb]
Winds:	variable direction winds at 3 MPH (3 knots; 1.6 m/s)
Visibility:	0.75 miles (1.21 km)
Ceiling:	indefinite ceiling with vertical visibility of 1200 feet AGL
Clouds:	obscured sky
Weather:	-SN BR  (light snow, mist)

Clock Watching

Sunrise today 9:09 a.m.

Sunset 4:00 p.m.

Total possible daylight 6 hours 51 minutes

~~~

Word of the Day ~ Flannelmouth

flannelmouth

PRONUNCIATION:

(FLAN-uhl-mouth)                

MEANING:

noun: A smooth-talker, a flatterer, or a braggart.

ETYMOLOGY:

Besides the fabric, the word flannel can refer to a washcloth, an undergarment, or trousers, but here we are interested in its metaphorical sense which apparently developed from the soft and smooth texture of the fabric. The origin of the word flannel remains fuzzy. Two possible derivations have been suggested: from Welsh gwlanen (woolen article) or from Old French flaine (a kind of coarse wool, blanket). Earliest documented use: 1882

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set. -Lin Yutang, writer and translator (1895-1976)

EPIC Winter Storm Nome Alaska

Here is the latest statement this morning from the National Weather Service on the storm situation in western Alaska.  It is a lot to read but worth it if you have the time.

A POWERFUL AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STORM OF NEAR RECORD OR RECORD MAGNITUDE IS BEARING DOWN ON THE WEST COAST OF ALASKA. AT 9 AM THIS MORNING THE STORM CENTER WAS LOCATED ABOUT 600 MILES SOUTHWEST OF ST LAWRENCE ISLAND. THE STORM IS FORECAST TO MOVE RAPIDLY NORTHEAST TODAY AND TONIGHT WITH THE CENTER MOVING ACROSS THE CHUKOTSK PENINSULA TONIGHT. ON WEDNESDAY THE STORM WILL TAKE A NORTHWESTWARD TRACK INTO THE CHUKCHI SEA. THE STORM WILL BRING EXTREMELY STRONG WINDS TO ALL OF THE ALASKA WEST COAST BEGINNING THIS AFTERNOON OVER ST LAWRENCE ISLAND AND BEGINNING THIS EVENING OVER THE REMAINDER OF THE WEST COAST...ACCOMPANIED BY WIDESPREAD MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING AND SEVERE BEACH EROSION OVER MANY PARTS OF THE COASTLINE. THE WIND WILL PUSH LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER INTO NORTON SOUND...RAISING SEA LEVELS TO 7 TO 9 FEET ABOVE NORMAL IN NORTON SOUND AND ALONG THE BERING STRAIT COAST. THE EXTREMELY STRONG WINDS WILL PRODUCE HIGH WAVES WHICH WILL PUSH THE HIGH WATER FARTHER INLAND. OVER THE BERING STRAIT COAST AND ST LAWRENCE ISLAND... SUSTAINED WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO REACH 75 MPH WITH MAXIMUM GUSTS OF 90 TO 100 MPH. ALONG THE CHUKCHI COAST...WIND SPEEDS OF 65 TO 70 MPH WITH GUSTS AS HIGH AS 90 MPH ARE EXPECTED. IN THE NOME AREA...SUSTAINED WINDS AS HIGH AS 60 MPH ARE EXPECTED...WITH GUSTS TO 70 MPH. ALMOST ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE WEST COAST WILL EXPERIENCE MAXIMUM WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 50 TO 60 MPH. WIDESPREAD MAJOR COASTAL FLOODING AND SEVERE BEACH EROSION IS EXPECTED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: 1. THE BERING SEA COAST FROM CAPE ROMANZOF TO POINT ROMANOF...ESPECIALLY THE WEST FACING SHORES. 2. ALL AREAS ALONG THE EASTERN AND NORTHERN SHORE OF NORTON SOUND WESTWARD TO AND INCLUDING THE BERING STRAIT COAST AND LITTLE DIOMEDE ISLAND. 3. SOUTH AND WEST FACING COASTLINE OF ST LAWRENCE ISLAND. 4. THE CHUKCHI SEA COAST FROM CAPE KRUSENSTERN TO POINT HOPE. THIS INCLUDES THE VILLAGES OF NOME AND KIVALINA WHERE MAJOR DAMAGE FROM COASTAL FLOODING AND STRONG WINDS IS EXPECTED. THE VILLAGE OF SAVOONGA ON THE NORTH SHORE OF ST LAWRENCE ISLAND WILL BE PROTECTED FROM COASTAL FLOODING BUT WILL EXPERIENCE EXTREMELY STRONG AND DAMAGING WINDS. ADDITIONALLY...HIGH SEA LEVELS IN NORTON SOUND WILL CAUSE COASTAL FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS ALONG THE SOUTHERN SHORE. THE STORM WILL PRODUCE BLIZZARD OR NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS OVER MOST AREAS OF THE WESTERN ALASKA MAINLAND...WITH VISIBILITY REDUCED TO NEAR ZERO IN SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW. PEOPLE ARE URGED TO SEEK SHELTER NOW AND POSTPONE TRAVEL INTO THE BACK COUNTRY UNTIL THE STORM ABATES. ALL BOAT OPERATORS SHOULD SEEK SAFETY IN PORT IMMEDIATELY IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. IN AREAS WHERE BEACH EROSION AND COASTAL FLOODING IS EXPECTED...SMALL BOATS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY SHOULD BE MOVED WELL AWAY FROM THE SHORE AND TO HIGHER GROUND. AGAIN...THIS WILL BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING STORM OF AN EPIC MAGNITUDE RARELY EXPERIENCED. ALL PEOPLE IN THE AREA SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO SAFEGUARD THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY.

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 - The Birth of a New Tradition!

As the holidays approach, the giant overseas factories have been in high gear providing Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods and merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs. Yet this year can be different.

This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for others. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is, so think outside the box!

EVERYONE gets their hair cut, so how about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Local car wash shops would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates that will last for months.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would prefer their driveway sealed, or their lawn mowed for the summer or lessons at the local golf course instead.

Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf...tennis...horseback riding, a class at a local college? Think lessons.

There are tons of restaurants offering gift certificates. And, if your preference isn't the fancy eatery, what about a half dozen breakfast gift cards at the local coffee shops?

This is about supporting your home town -- Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep the doors of their businesses open.

How many people could use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by our neighbors? How about pest control services? Get the point?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? How about the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

Planning a holiday dinner? How about going to a local restaurant with the family, and leaving your server a nice tip. It will be nice to leave the cooking to others, so that we can have a good time.

And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater? Musicians and artists need support too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, do we REALLY need to buy another ten thousand lights for the lawn during the holidays? If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip to show your appreciation for their help all year long.

Christmas is no longer about draining our pockets. Christmas is about caring for us, and encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. Is it possible to buy only American made items for Christmas?

When we care about others, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

So, donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let's keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed.

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