Another historic blizzard...along with ice !!"Snowfall will start out light across the western Plains, northern Plains, and upper Midwest early Wednesday. Later Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night the storm will gain considerable strength and ample moisture will be pulled in from the Gulf.
Increasing winds later Wednesday and Wednesday night could create blizzard conditions from southwest Kansas into western and central Nebraska. Considerable blowing and drifting snow will likely make roads and interstates impassable.
Freezing rain and sleet are likely across central Kansas, southeastern Nebraska, Iowa, and part of northern Illinois Wednesday. Some ice and sleet accumulation is likely, especially across Nebraska and Kansas. By later afternoon, freezing rain should change to rain in southern Iowa and parts of northern Illinois.
On Thursday the storm continues to pummel the Plains with blizzard conditions and heavy snow, the Mississippi Valley with heavy snow and blizzard conditions north and rain and possibly severe thunderstorms south, and an icy mix of sleet and snow in the middle.
Snow will continue across the Upper Midwest on Friday, along with strong winds."
~ Weather.com
Instead of this:
(photo courtesy of Destination360)We have this to look forward to:
Oh, well.
Let's look on the bright side, shall we?
The fridge is stocked.
I don't have to decide which books to pack.
I don't have to stress out about which bathing suit fits.
We don't have to pay premium prices on our rental car.
I can actually get our Christmas cards written before the end of the year (although, I was planning to write my letters while sitting on the beach, listening to the gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore. Sigh.)
I don't have to have a panic attack about the reliability of the de-icing machines at Eppley Airfield in Omaha.
I don't have to worry about our pipes freezing while we're gone.
I do, however, have to listen to my brother give me all kinds of grief about the gorgeous weather in San Diego.
Annie, on the other hand, was hoping to be left home alone!
Looks like she even had her sleeping arrangements all laid out!
I'm sorry you won't get to go to Florida. However, it sounds like it might be less stressful just to stay put. What if you had gotten stuck in between or at an airport for a couple of days. Ewww! Florida and the waves will be waiting for you later in the year. Take care and take it easy! Much love to you!
ReplyDeleteI admire your ability to look on the bright side! My brother-in-law and family somehow managed to travel between storms, and will be enjoying those beautiful Sanibel beaches. We'll be here at home in the chilly, snowy northeast...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Les!
That stinks!! But hopefully you'll have a relaxing holiday without the rushing etc. Here's hoping that you don't get socked with the freezing rain!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Sorry to hear about your change in plans but there definitely are some upsides to staying home for Christmas, as you've noted! I hope you have a happy (and cozy) holiday regardless of the weather!
ReplyDeleteAw nuts!! So sorry your plans had to change, but sounds like you're doing a good job of looking at the positives.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!!
Lesley! Oh, no! I'm sorry you won't get the sunshine you wanted, and the warmth, and the opportunity to put on those Birkenstocks...but, I hope you find a cozy place at home which gives you lots of warmth all the same.
ReplyDeleteMyself, I have the beginnings of a sore throat and a thousand things to do before Christmas Eve, but I received a card today which Made My Christmas. I responded back to you.
Blessings always, M.
I was going to write a post with the same title! The big difference is that I am happy with my predicament (no iowa!). I was practically gleeful at the crazy busy grocery store this morning at 830 at the thought of cooking my own Christmas dinner. So very sorry, though, that you are missing your trip. A disappointment to be sure.
ReplyDeleteI'm in Omaha, so I'm right there with you! :) I'm afraid it's be so bad I won't be able to get over to my parents' house--it should be an adventure anyway. Have a safe and Happy Holiday! (Even if it doesn't include sun and sand...). :)
ReplyDeleteIt was 76 yesterday and clammy. The temp dropped during the night, but we haven't a wisp of a hope for snow. It snowed a few years ago on Christmas here and it was the most beautiful world I've ever seen. Enjoy snuggling in the pretty white world.
ReplyDeleteWitty, witty title, Miss Les! Annie will be a lot happier having Christmas with you instead of at a boarding place. :<) And you know me, winter is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your quiet, at-home Christmas, Lesley! Sometimes, those are the best! A very Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteOh darn, sunny lands would be so nice but at least you are ready for the winter weather - plenty of books and goodies!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Merry Christmas! Hugs.
LOL, I'm very sorry that Annie's plans (and yours) were rerouted. I hope it was a beautiful, wonderful day anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteKay - It all worked out just fine. We stayed home where it was safe, sound and warm. I would have been a very unhappy camper if we had gotten stuck in Omaha. Better to just plan for a spring trip when we don't have the stress of dealing with the weather. Annie was very happy, too. :)
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - I think it was a bit of a relief. We've never liked traveling during the holidays and this was a good reminder of just why we don't! It sounded like a good idea back in July, but our winter weather is simply too unpredictable. I hope your brother-in-law and family had a good time. My husband and I will get there someday!
Staci - Yeah, well. Living in Nebraska has taught me to pay close attention to the weather and not be foolish when it comes to travel. It turns out the interstate was closed at some point and I think it's only just recently reopened. I can't imagine trying to figure out a way to the airport if we hadn't thought far enough ahead to cancel all our reservations. There will be other opportunities. And, yes, we had a very relaxing holiday. No rushing around, although walking the dog in a blizzard proved to be a challenge!
Lesley - Definitely some upsides! We still have a tough time with holidays (particularly Christmas), so it was nice to not have any plans or places to visit. We stayed inside where it was warm & cozy and chatted with loved ones throughout the day.
SuziQ - Yeah, it kindof sucked, but I know we'll have another chance to go in the spring. It might even be warmer by then. So far, it looks like it's only in the high 60s/low 70s. Not exactly nice beach weather!
Bellezza - Oh, it's ok. As I told SuziQ, it's not terribly warm down there anyhow. I'd rather go when I can feel the warmth of the sand beneath my feet and not have to bundle up with sweatshirts and jeans to walk on the beach. Spring will be a better time, I just know it!
I hope your sore throat is all but a distant memory at this point! So glad you enjoyed the card. It was the last note I wrote and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at my dining room table, writing as if I were talking face-to-face with you. xoxo
Tara - I'm glad you were happy with the way things turned out. As much as I wanted to go to Florida for Christmas, I really wasn't as disappointed as I thought I'd be. Knowing we'll try again in the spring makes it much easier to accept Mother Nature's power.
Danielle - That was quite a storm, wasn't it?!I'm sorry if you weren't able to be with your folks. From the sounds of it, though, your roads get cleared much faster than in Lincoln. Grrrr. The plows were finally out in our neighborhood last night, but I know of some people who are still buried in their neighborhoods! My legs and back are a bit sore from helping push cars out of drifts, scooping our walk and digging my Mini out! I don't feel quite so guilty about all the bad food I've eaten this month. ;)
Debbie - Sorry you didn't get any snow. I saw that Dallas had 3" which was pretty amazing! Hope you had a lovely holiday.
Nan - I had a feeling you'd like that title. Rod did, too. :)
Yep, Annie was very happy to have us around. She was thoroughly spoiled and enjoyed frolicking in the huge snow drifts when we went on our walks. Great workout!
Robin - It was pretty quiet and uneventful, but that's how we like it these days. Still a difficult holiday, missing our sweet daughter. This was the fifth Christmas without her since her death.
Iliana - Yes, sunny beaches would have been just the ticket to making this a good holiday, but it just wasn't meant to be. Now to look forward to a spring trip!
Andi - I think Annie-Dog was very happy to keep us home with her. She had lots of fun playing in the snow, chasing squirrels and hunting rabbits. Now to look forward to the New Year...