How Quickly We Forget

[marvholly]

We are forecast to have some of the coldest actual temps + wind chills today, Wed & Thur.  We did have almost as cold several times last year.

Good thing the tv news talking heads reminded me to :

open kitchen & bath cabinet doors for warmth circulation

set a trickle drip on my farthest faucet

This is all to avoid frozen pipes which I should NOT be subject to as all my pipes run thru the middle of my house - nothing on outside walls.

However better safe than sorry.  Do NOT need huge plumber bills EVER!

[thyme4change]

Global warming strikes again.

[Value Buy]

Most people do not need the talking heads to tell us to do these things.

Only the helpless and ones on the dole having everything taken care of for them need this info.

Or at least the media and city governments think so.

Case in point, city of Chicago office of emergency management yesterday with all the different useless department heads telling everyone they do not know how to take care of theirself and to listen to them.

The only problem is the people listening are not the ones who are helpless.

[Value Buy]

Jan 6, 2015 8:06:00 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Global warming strikes again.

OR.........Two years of cold winters now.

Heading back to old normal temperature ranges.

[Tiny]

Jan 6, 2015 8:10:56 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

Most people do not need the talking heads to tell us to do these things.

Only the helpless and ones on the dole having everything taken care of for them need this info.

Or at least the media and city governments think so.

Case in point, city of Chicago office of emergency management yesterday with all the different useless department heads telling everyone they do not know how to take care of theirself and to listen to them.

The only problem is the people listening are not the ones who are helpless.

You'd be amazed at how, um, niave and innocent, new homeowners (new apartment dwellers) are... I think some of the drivel on TV is aimed at them.    I'm beginning to appreciate the crappy childhood I had... I'm not as 'helpless' as some of my neices/nephews seem to be.  Example:  OMG! it's an emergency! Call a Plumber! the handle on the toilet is broke! it won't flush! we'll all die!!! what are we going to do!!! 

[Tiny]

I have issues with the 'news' - I have a friend (and her mother) who are more or less housebound - they watch ALOT of TV. Last summer, the never ending Thunderstorm warnings and what to do in case of a tornado had them terrified to the point they moved themselves to the basement... mind you they've lived in the same place for 40 years, in the same City for 80 years and there's NEVER been a tornado - yeah, it could happen, but odds are good it won't. Yeah, there will be big winds and maybe trees down and a roof or two damaged or in an astounding case of once in a life time maybe even a roof torn off (that's NEVER happened either - damage to roofs yes, trees down yes, power off yes - roof torn off - NEVER).

The news about the polar vortex last year also had them anxious and upset. Don't get me started on the Ebola scare.

I keep suggesting that they watch less TV or less of the "news" but that doesn't seem to happen.

I have another friend (who deals with anxiety and depression) and she too gets worked up by the never ending warnings and coverage of what turns out to be mostly a non-event.

I swear the TV newscasting and constant reminders of "bad stuff" - just mostly winds up/whips up the people who really need to NOT get their undies in a bunch.

[Tiny]

Jan 6, 2015 6:55:52 GMT -5 marvholly said:

We are forecast to have some of the coldest actual temps + wind chills today, Wed & Thur.  We did have almost as cold several times last year.

Good thing the tv news talking heads reminded me to :

open kitchen & bath cabinet doors for warmth circulation

set a trickle drip on my farthest faucet

This is all to avoid frozen pipes which I should NOT be subject to as all my pipes run thru the middle of my house - nothing on outside walls.

However better safe than sorry.  Do NOT need huge plumber bills EVER!

 I went around back on Sunday and made sure my house was 'closed' up tight - all the windows and doors to the outside were closed properly.  I had 18 people over for Christmas and then another party after News Years and I had people coming and going and I know we opened a window or two when the house overheated (from all the bodies, lights being on, and the oven/stove going for hours).         

I'm not too worried about the pipes freezing - even though I have some on the outside walls of my house.  Everything will be fine as long as I don't loose power (no furnace) or the furance doesn't fail.           The house itself is almost 70 years old...its seen lots of bad winters and bad weather AND it's in well maintained shape.   She'll keep me and cats comfy and safe.     

The cold becomes more of an issue when it goes for several days or a week.... that's one of the reasons the polar vortex was so bad - it stayed cold for a very long time.   



   

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Most people do not need the talking heads to tell us to do these things

I'd love to think that but every year during the first couple of snow storms the roads are packed with idiots who act like we live in Georgia.

It's Iowa, snow is going to happen at least three months out of the year people.

My favorite was the guy in blizzard conditions that pulled up next to me TEXTING. What is so important you need to be on your phone during a BLIZZARD? It should be obvious that that is a really stupid idea.

[Deleted]

The pipes in my kid's school froze and burst the night before school was supposed to resume and flooded the halls and a couple classrooms.  I can't believe they were able to get it cleaned up in time for school to start yesterday.  The parking lot and sidewalk were just thick ice from them shoveling it all out the front door. 

[The Captain]

Hell I needed the damn reminder to remember to put on two pairs of socks and sweats for the train platform...

[Deleted]

I need the talking heads to tell me. Amongst the many things not passed down to me was what is required to maintain a house. I'm a single woman and the relationship with my father is not the kind where I can call him up when I have a house issue or he would give me the list of what needs taken care of. The attitude I get from certain men when they notice I didn't put the cover on the air conditioning unit by the beginning of November or wasn't sure where the inside tap was to turn off the outside tap is frustrating. I didn't get the training for this stuff that a lot of men get from their fathers in their teens. I have a few friends now that are great about giving me a heads up on what needs to be done seasonally and pointing me in the direction of how to do it or get it done. It is really appreciated.

[midwestlily]

And some of us don't know these things when we move to colder climes.  You'd be surprised by what I didn't know when I moved from LA to Michigan.  

1.  Had to replace my "winter coat" in a hurry when the temperatures dropped in October.
2.  Learned that Nikes were inadequate for walking in snow.
3.  Tried to scrape ice off my windshield with a plastic spatula.
4.  Thought that hats and gloves were something that women stopped wearing in 1960, and that scarves were for French women to tie in decorative knots.
5.  In my first snowstorm, couldn't understand why people kept stamping their feet noisily when they came indoors.  Yes, this is something that any toddler would know in a cold region, but it took me a while to figure it out.
6.  Had to keep reminding myself that seeing the sun shining did not mean that it was at least 70 degrees outside.
7.  At least I managed to avoid a friend's mistake when she moved from LA to Vermont:  going outside with wet hair, then discovering that her hair had frozen solid.

[imawino]

Jan 6, 2015 12:57:02 GMT -5 midwestlily said:

And some of us don't know these things when we move to colder climes.  You'd be surprised by what I didn't know when I moved from LA to Michigan.  

1.  Had to replace my "winter coat" in a hurry when the temperatures dropped in October.
2.  Learned that Nikes were inadequate for walking in snow.
3.  Tried to scrape ice off my windshield with a plastic spatula.
4.  Thought that hats and gloves were something that women stopped wearing in 1960, and that scarves were for French women to tie in decorative knots.
5.  In my first snowstorm, couldn't understand why people kept stamping their feet noisily when they came indoors.  Yes, this is something that any toddler would know in a cold region, but it took me a while to figure it out.
6.  Had to keep reminding myself that seeing the sun shining did not mean that it was at least 70 degrees outside.
7.  At least I managed to avoid a friend's mistake when she moved from LA to Vermont:  going outside with wet hair, then discovering that her hair had frozen solid.

LOL.  When I moved from Miami to a much colder climate, I went shopping for cold weather clothes first.  So I showed up in my new location with gorgeous new boots, all ready to face the cold.  Leather with a 4" heel.  I got quite a bit of mocking about my "snow boots" my first winter. 

[Deleted]

And now we got the "It's going to be too freaking cold to start school on time tomorrow" email. 

Those always cause havoc for me. 

[Bonny]

Save yourself the hassle and buy my house in Arizona!

[The Captain]

Jan 6, 2015 14:12:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Save yourself the hassle and buy my house in Arizona!

Oh no you didn't!

[Peace Of Mind]

Jan 6, 2015 8:10:56 GMT -5 Value Buy said:

Most people do not need the talking heads to tell us to do these things.

Only the helpless and ones on the dole having everything taken care of for them need this info.

Or at least the media and city governments think so.

Case in point, city of Chicago office of emergency management yesterday with all the different useless department heads telling everyone they do not know how to take care of theirself and to listen to them.

The only problem is the people listening are not the ones who are helpless.

That makes sense if you were born and raised in such a climate and had parents show you what to do before you owned your own home.  Not everybody who comes from up north knows what to do in Hurricanes so we try to help people that we've met, that are from other places, so they can prepare.  Our talking heads do the same for those that don't know anybody yet or who are from other countries.  Many people need reminders who get complacent. 

Same with people who've never owned a home or who's parents didn't teach such things and just handled stuff.  I doubt schools teach it so how else would they know?

Not being in the know of every single situation does not make one helpless or on the dole or need everything taken care of for them.  They just need to be educated on things they are not familiar with yet.  

Now having said that... there are some people who've had parents teach them, neighbors tell them and the talking heads remind them that still don't have the sense to prepare.  But they aren't on the dole either.  Surprisingly, they are just lazy and/or stupid.  

Hell I needed the damn reminder to remember to put on two pairs of socks and sweats for the train platform...

LMAO!! And some are just forgetful.

[Sunnyday]

Jan 6, 2015 12:57:02 GMT -5 midwestlily said:

And some of us don't know these things when we move to colder climes.  You'd be surprised by what I didn't know when I moved from LA to Michigan.  

1.  Had to replace my "winter coat" in a hurry when the temperatures dropped in October.
2.  Learned that Nikes were inadequate for walking in snow.
3.  Tried to scrape ice off my windshield with a plastic spatula.
4.  Thought that hats and gloves were something that women stopped wearing in 1960, and that scarves were for French women to tie in decorative knots.
5.  In my first snowstorm, couldn't understand why people kept stamping their feet noisily when they came indoors.  Yes, this is something that any toddler would know in a cold region, but it took me a while to figure it out.
6.  Had to keep reminding myself that seeing the sun shining did not mean that it was at least 70 degrees outside.
7.  At least I managed to avoid a friend's mistake when she moved from LA to Vermont:  going outside with wet hair, then discovering that her hair had frozen solid.

I come from up North, but when I moved to Canada, I was still surprised by a few things. The biggest surprise was people carrying a pair of indoor shoes around for work or parties. People would take off their boots at the door and put on their indoor shoes. I would go to a party and find myself in socks while every one was all decked out from top to bottom.

[Sam_2.0]

I won't likely forget last winter. Had some customer complaints about high bills drag on nearly the whole damn year. We bought a house with a heat pump over the summer and my first question was about the backup heat source. DH thought I was nuts. LOL

[Sam_2.0]

Jan 6, 2015 13:01:24 GMT -5 imawino said:

Jan 6, 2015 12:57:02 GMT -5 midwestlily said:

And some of us don't know these things when we move to colder climes.  You'd be surprised by what I didn't know when I moved from LA to Michigan.  

1.  Had to replace my "winter coat" in a hurry when the temperatures dropped in October.
2.  Learned that Nikes were inadequate for walking in snow.
3.  Tried to scrape ice off my windshield with a plastic spatula.
4.  Thought that hats and gloves were something that women stopped wearing in 1960, and that scarves were for French women to tie in decorative knots.
5.  In my first snowstorm, couldn't understand why people kept stamping their feet noisily when they came indoors.  Yes, this is something that any toddler would know in a cold region, but it took me a while to figure it out.
6.  Had to keep reminding myself that seeing the sun shining did not mean that it was at least 70 degrees outside.
7.  At least I managed to avoid a friend's mistake when she moved from LA to Vermont:  going outside with wet hair, then discovering that her hair had frozen solid.

LOL.  When I moved from Miami to a much colder climate, I went shopping for cold weather clothes first.  So I showed up in my new location with gorgeous new boots, all ready to face the cold.  Leather with a 4" heel.  I got quite a bit of mocking about my "snow boots" my first winter. 

No way, those heels are great for diggin in and getting some traction DH laughs at me when I wear mine, but I can make it up the steep drive at the IL's without much trouble.

[Deleted]

Winter doesn't bother me nearly as much as all these freaking school closings and delays. 

I'm starting to think I should have kept DS in daycare at least half time. 

I know everyone has their stories about walking uphill both ways in the snow, but I'm pretty damn sure we didn't have closings for cold weather when I was a kid. 

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I know everyone has their stories about walking uphill both ways in the snow, but I'm pretty damn sure we didn't have closings for cold weather when I was a kid

I know we didn't. I saw "cold day location" on the before/after school newsletter. It also listed snow days so I got confused and asked them what a "cold day" was. It's when the temperature hits a point where the city decides it's too cold for kids to stand outside and wait for the bus. The policy is only a couple years old.

I asked exactly how many "cold days" does the school plan for since we live in Iowa and it's "cold" at least four months of the year.

[Deleted]

What's really annoying is they'll close early for the cold.  WTH?  The kids are safe and warm in the school, so just leave them there.

[weltschmerz]

Jan 6, 2015 6:55:52 GMT -5 marvholly said:

We are forecast to have some of the coldest actual temps + wind chills today, Wed & Thur.  We did have almost as cold several times last year.

Good thing the tv news talking heads reminded me to :

open kitchen & bath cabinet doors for warmth circulation

set a trickle drip on my farthest faucet

This is all to avoid frozen pipes which I should NOT be subject to as all my pipes run thru the middle of my house - nothing on outside walls.

However better safe than sorry.  Do NOT need huge plumber bills EVER!

I had my hot water on a trickle drip.

 Froze anyway.

If Niagara Falls could freeze, my little trickle drip doesn't stand a chance.

[lynnerself]

I'll just repeat what I posted on EE.
The current temperature at my local ski resort is +52 degrees F.

[Sam_2.0]

Jan 6, 2015 12:32:37 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I need the talking heads to tell me. Amongst the many things not passed down to me was what is required to maintain a house. I'm a single woman and the relationship with my father is not the kind where I can call him up when I have a house issue or he would give me the list of what needs taken care of. The attitude I get from certain men when they notice I didn't put the cover on the air conditioning unit by the beginning of November or wasn't sure where the inside tap was to turn off the outside tap is frustrating. I didn't get the training for this stuff that a lot of men get from their fathers in their teens. I have a few friends now that are great about giving me a heads up on what needs to be done seasonally and pointing me in the direction of how to do it or get it done. It is really appreciated.

When I moved into my first house, the inspector gave me a book that details home maintenance by season and outlines very simply how to do it. I believe a similar one is sold at HD/Lowes. I've managed to lose my copy somewhere along the way Really need to go find another.

[weltschmerz]

Jan 6, 2015 15:10:00 GMT -5 Sunnyday said:

Jan 6, 2015 12:57:02 GMT -5 midwestlily said:

And some of us don't know these things when we move to colder climes.  You'd be surprised by what I didn't know when I moved from LA to Michigan.  

1.  Had to replace my "winter coat" in a hurry when the temperatures dropped in October.
2.  Learned that Nikes were inadequate for walking in snow.
3.  Tried to scrape ice off my windshield with a plastic spatula.
4.  Thought that hats and gloves were something that women stopped wearing in 1960, and that scarves were for French women to tie in decorative knots.
5.  In my first snowstorm, couldn't understand why people kept stamping their feet noisily when they came indoors.  Yes, this is something that any toddler would know in a cold region, but it took me a while to figure it out.
6.  Had to keep reminding myself that seeing the sun shining did not mean that it was at least 70 degrees outside.
7.  At least I managed to avoid a friend's mistake when she moved from LA to Vermont:  going outside with wet hair, then discovering that her hair had frozen solid.

I come from up North, but when I moved to Canada, I was still surprised by a few things. The biggest surprise was people carrying a pair of indoor shoes around for work or parties. People would take off their boots at the door and put on their indoor shoes. I would go to a party and find myself in socks while every one was all decked out from top to bottom.

I'm not sure I understand. Did you think you'd be able to attend a party wearing your dirty, snowy, slushy boots?

[Sunnyday]

Jan 8, 2015 15:37:01 GMT -5 weltschmerz said:

Jan 6, 2015 15:10:00 GMT -5 Sunnyday said:

I come from up North, but when I moved to Canada, I was still surprised by a few things. The biggest surprise was people carrying a pair of indoor shoes around for work or parties. People would take off their boots at the door and put on their indoor shoes. I would go to a party and find myself in socks while every one was all decked out from top to bottom.

I'm not sure I understand. Did you think you'd be able to attend a party wearing your dirty, snowy, slushy boots?

No, I thought every one would be in socks like me.

[zibazinski]

Jan 6, 2015 14:12:39 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Save yourself the hassle and buy my house in Arizona!

Hah! My girlfriend in AZ sent me a picture of snow there!!

[movingforward]

My cat is experiencing absolute bliss this week with the faucets dripping. He likes to get a drop from every sink and then he sits in the bathtub for about 15 minutes just waiting for the water to drip until he gets enough (weirdo). He has never particularly liked drinking from a bowl.  His foster mom constantly left the faucet running for him.  When I adopted him I made him actually start drink from a bowl - oh, the horror!