Catch Up Blog post #1

Well, it would have been easy to blog during the Tropical storm if the internet signal stayed consistent for more than a few minutes.  So I didn't.  Also, a few things fell through with people performing in the wedding, and I was too busy trying to fix that, while hundreds of miles away, on an island, with poor signal, in the middle of a Tropical Storm.
So that happened.
Before I knew it, it was time to come home and set up for the wedding.
We came home on June 9th and got to work loading up the truck and taking things down to the theatre. My friends Julie and Mike from Pennsylvania came and helped, as well as about 12 other friends. We must have set up until 2am.
Then it was home to bed (where I don't think either of us slept much) before the big day...
TO BE CONTINUED...

IN OTHER NEWS...

5 HOURS TILL THIS SHOWS UP IN OBX. UGH.

TROPICAL STORM ANDREA LOCAL STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEWPORT/MOREHEAD CITY NC
842 AM EDT THU JUN 6 2013

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT...

.NEW INFORMATION...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF
EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA.

.AREAS AFFECTED...
THIS LOCAL STATEMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR PEOPLE AND MARINE INTERESTS IN SELECT
LOCATIONS AND COASTAL WATER LEGS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA AND
ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS.

.WATCHES/WARNINGS...
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS...
WASHINGTON...TYRRELL...MAINLAND DARE...BEAUFORT...MAINLAND HYDE...
JONES...CRAVEN...PAMLICO...CARTERET...ONSLOW...OUTER BANKS DARE
AND OUTER BANKS HYDE.

FOR MARINE INTERESTS...A TROPICAL STORM WARNING CONTINUES FOR
ALL OF ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERS INCLUDING ALBEMARLE AND PAMLICO
SOUNDS.

.STORM INFORMATION...
AT 8 AM EDT...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM ANDREA WAS LOCATED
NEAR LATITUDE 27.7N...LONGITUDE 85.1W. THIS WAS ABOUT 770 MILES
SOUTHWEST OF BUXTON NC...OR ABOUT 690 MILES SOUTHWEST OF MOREHEAD
CITY NC. STORM MOTION WAS NORTH-NORTHEAST OR 25 DEGREES AT 14 MPH. STORM
INTENSITY WAS 60 MPH.

.SITUATION OVERVIEW...
WHEN MAKING DECISIONS...DO NOT FOCUS ON THE EXACT FORECAST TRACK.
THE MAIN CONCERN WITH ANDREA AS IT APPROACHES THE REGION IS THE
POTENTIAL FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AND MINOR FLOODING. TWO TO FOUR
INCHES OF RAIN IS EXPECTED...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS POSSIBLE.
THE HEAVIEST RAINFALL WILL BE EARLY FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY
EVENING. THERE WILL BE A THREAT OF ISOLATED TORNADOES AND
WATERSPOUTS LATE TONIGHT INTO FRIDAY. MINOR WATER LEVEL RISES OF 1
TO 3 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL RESULTING IN INUNDATION OF UP TO 1
FOOT ABOVE GROUND LEVEL WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR AREAS ADJACENT TO THE
NORTHERN PAMLICO SOUND AND SOUTH FACING BEACHES. IMPACTS FROM
COASTAL FLOODING ARE EXPECTED TO BE MINOR. ROUGH SURF WILL CAUSE
SOME EROSION ISSUES...MAINLY SOUTH OF CAPE HATTERAS.

.PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR THOSE UNDER A WARNING...NOW IS THE TIME TO RUSH TO COMPLETION
PREPARATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. EVACUATE IF
DIRECTED TO DO SO BY LOCAL OFFICIALS...OR IF YOUR HOME IS
VULNERABLE TO HIGH WINDS OR FLOODING.

FOR INTERESTS AT PORTS...DOCKS...AND MARINAS...URGENTLY COMPLETE
PRESCRIBED PREPARATIONS ACCORDING TO YOUR EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
PLAN FOR TROPICAL CYCLONES. IF YOU LIVE ON A BOAT...MAKE FINAL
PREPARATIONS FOR SECURING YOUR CRAFT BEFORE LEAVING IT. BE SURE
TO ACCOUNT FOR THE POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF BRIDGES AND CAUSEWAYS.

REGARDING ANY COASTAL WATERS UNDER A WARNING...SMALL CRAFT SHOULD
REMAIN IN PORT AND WELL SECURED.

FOR ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONARY AND PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION...
PLEASE REFER TO THE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS RELATIVE TO YOUR
LOCATION AS FURTHER DESCRIBED BY YOUR LOCAL NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE OFFICE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

&&

.NEXT UPDATE...
THE NEXT LOCAL STATEMENT WILL BE ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER
SERVICE IN NEWPORT/MOREHEAD CITY AROUND 12 PM EDT...OR SOONER IF
CONDITIONS WARRANT.

Boys of Summer

 Yesterday was a gorgeous day of full sun, so we all took advantage of it. There was no blogging to be done yesterday at Besito. Only beach fun, pool time, and soaking up the sun. After I took the bottom photograph, I dropped my phone and the screen cracked.  So there's that. My morning activity became driving to The Blue Whale to get scotch tape to put over my phone face so I could still use it.

After fixing the phone, even Buddha seemed anxious to get out into the sun, so we headed down for some pool time.  We split our time equally between pool and hot tub, then it is usually time for lunch. The cooking (mainly by Chris Mueller and my husband) has been incredible. Notably the "Iron Bitchstick" cooking show starring Chris Mueller cooking up grilled cheese sanwhiches while doing kicks and turns in the kitchen.

Down at the pool, Buddha got some raft time in, which he really loves.

After some pool time, it was hot tub time, then lunch. I've been experimenting with "Sun-In" and got a bit blonder than I expected. So there's that. Not exactly the look I was aiming at, but we're gonna go with it.After watching the weather channel enough to make even myself sick, and monitoring "Invest 91" as it became "Andrea", it was time for an evening trip to the beach.  Buddha finally pooped (TMI, I know, but when your dog doesn't poop for 2 days, it becomes something to celebrate), and finally ate a substantial meal (another thing he hasn't done in two days). We lit a bonfire, and I was perimeter check for ghost crabs, that are larger than ever this year, and seem to have no fear to walk right up to you. 

I bought some powder that you put on the fire to make it different colors for a dollar at The Blue Whale.  It was gorgeous and worthwhile. So we enjoyed the day for what it was yesterday. According to the Weather Channel, we have about five hours of sun left before Andrea moves into Dare county. We are going to make the most of it before she rains on our parade. Details later.  I'll have plenty of time to blog when it's raining.

xoxoSGS

OBX 2013

We are on Day 2 of OBX 2013 trip. The first evening we were here, we had great sunny weather.  The trip down was easy, as there was no traffic at all. Buddha was ecstatic about the trip, as you can see.

As we crossed the bridge to Hatteras Island, a feeling of weightlessness took me over.  I have been under such stress and pressure for the past four months, and this week is the only week all year that I feel a total sense of relaxation and release. This trip couldn't be timed any better.

Yesterday, the weather was rainy all day as a frontal system went through. I still have some wedding computer work to get done while I am here, so it presented me with the best possible time to do that.

 Buddha took advantage of Daddy doing computer work in bed all day by napping right next to me.

 So today it looks like the clouds will burn off and we will get some sun.  I am going to soak up as much of it as I can, as the weather looks like it could get a little shaky by the weekend, due to a little something called "Invest 91" that is brewing in the Gulf of Mexico. I will hopefully have some sunny photos to take today, and will update them on here when I can!
xoxoSGS

Stormy Weather - Part 2

After yesterday's let up in the rain, we got in plenty of pool time, and were tired out by the night.

 However, this morning I woke at 6AM to use the restroom, and decided to check the radar, since the rain was pouring down again, and it looked very ominous outside my bedroom door...

 I pulled up Weather.com and saw this "Special Weather Statement" for my area...

Issued by The National Weather Service
Newport, NC
7:34 am EDT, Thu., Jul. 12, 2012

... SHOWERS CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OVER THE PAMLICO SOUND AND ADJACENT COASTAL WATERS...

AT 726 AM EDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED SCATTERED SHOWERS FORMING OVER THE EASTERN PAMLICO SOUND. A WATERSPOUT WAS REPORTED EARLIER WITH ONE OF THE SHOWERS AND MARINERS SHOULD REMAIN ALERT FOR ADDITIONAL WATERSPOUTS.

IF A WATERSPOUT IS SPOTTED NAVIGATE AWAY FROM IT AND SEEK SAFE HARBOR.

Well, after the local weather from the night before, and being the weather geek that I am, I freaked out, woke the husband and dog and went upstairs to try to see the storm come in. I was monitoring radar, and Matt was watching the weather channel, and Buddha was just confused as to whether I was going to walk him, or give him  cookie. When he determined neither was happening, he pouted on the kitchen rug. After about 20 minutes, the storm passed, and no, no waterspouts came near us.

So I made an English muffin, apologized to Matt for being a weather worry wart as always, and we went back to bed. While the rain continued on for hours more, I am happy to show you that my current view from my bedroom door looks far more promising than it did earlier.

Ok, it's up and at 'em time! xoxoSGS

Super Outbreak 2 - wrap up.

(Photo right: Stafford, VA)

Not since the 1974 Super Outbreak have we seen such a violent tornadic outbreak in the US. In the past several days, over 160 tornadoes have touched down in multiple states in the Southeast, killing as many as 249 known people. Many are still missing or unaccounted for. It is a rarity to have such an outbreak in the DMV region, though we have had strong tornadoes in the past. Nine years ago today, an F4 tornado ravaged Charles County, and La Plata, MD in particular. But to have this many funnel clouds and Doppler indicated tornadoes, as well as spotted tornadoes on the ground is very much out of the ordinary.

The South also suffered horrific damage, including a horrific F5 tornado that hit Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama. The Capital Weather Gang wrote a good summary piece about how this outbreak happened, and in their post, you can watch incredible footage of live news coverage from downtown Tuscaloosa as the monster storm approaches. Click HERE to read the article and see the video. And to step back and really look at the big picture on a human scale, you should look at this link of photos from the devastation. Click HERE. The photos bring tears to my eyes.

Below are several photos that I have found of tornadoes throughout the DMV region from yesterday. After this week's devastating and too close for comfort storms, my hope is that everyone develops a tornado plan for themselves and their family, in case you have not already done so. After 249 deaths, 8 of which occurred in Virginia, I really hope you do. Stay aware and stay safe.

SPOTSYLVANIA/STAFFORD VA

DUMFRIES, VA

CLINTON, MD

ANDREWS AIRFORCE BASE

You can follow your local DMV weather at my links to the side, Weather.com, Capital Weather Gang, or WTOP News. Tornado season is just beginning. Have a plan of action for you and your family.

xoxo
SGS

UPDATE: The death toll has risen to 272 and counting. This now ranks as the 2nd deadliest outbreak in the past 50 years.

Tornadoes in Western PA

Yesterday several tornadoes touched down in Western, PA according to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, PA. While there have been tornadoes in Western PA before, it is not a common event. I was watching the coverage on tv yesterday, and when the classic "hook" echo popped up on the radar, I knew that WEPA was in for some bad weather. Pictured is a photo of the tornado in Hempfield.

Here are photos of the Greensburgh tornado, first as a funnel cloud, then as a fully developed tornado, crossing the road in the middle of rush hour.

Featured in the link is a video that is going viral, featuring a Western PA teen filming the formation of the tornado. Why is it going viral? Several factors at play here...1) The WEPA accent is a thing of horrid beauty, especially his repeated exclamations of "Oh My GAWWD". 2) His waaay over the top reaction at the end of the video when the funnel touched down...as he yells "TOUCHDOWN", you might be tempted to think that a Steelers game is on. 3) His phone conversation with his Mom as he is filming, where he lies and says that he is going inside, then describes the small funnel as HUGE, and when he sees a leaf blow by, telling of "things being ripped apart!". Enjoy the over enthusiasm HERE.

ThunderSnowCommuteApocalypse!

Wednesday night's thunder snow was quite an amazing meteorological event. I was geeked out beyond all geekdom, going from radar screens to my balcony to The Weather Channel. But what I had not thought about was the roadways.

With the government letting employees go at 3, when the storm was just starting to hit, the situation became dire. Heavy snow hit the region in the peak of an early rush hour.

Sunset Boulevard cancelled it's performance and many were already en route to the theatre. I have heard tales of 6-9 hours in a car from several people. Conditions deteriorated so rapidly, that many were caught off guard about how much snow, the quality of the snow, and the poor visibility.

I had an exchange with a Giant clerk on Tuesday. Let's just call her "Patty". She saw me buying Duraflame logs and getting a few other supplies, and she rolled her eyes and told another customer that I was overreacting and rolled her eyes. She then went on to tell me that it was only going to be rain, and that she saw that on the news a day ago.

Now folks, if you are reading this, I think you fairly know me. I was LITERALLY on the web on my phone while in line, monitoring the reports and computer models. The models had shifted significantly since the forecast that she saw. She went on to tell me that Doug Hill said it would just be rain, and that he was always right. I told her that Doug Hill had changed his mind, as the storm shifted track. She said "No. I've lived here for 20 years. He didn't change his mind". I held up my phone and said "I am looking at his website right now. He. Changed. His. Mind."

She said, quite inexplicably while pointing at my phone, "Well, I wouldn't trust that thing."

This was clearly her last defense. At this point I also questioned why I was having a weather spat with a Giant clerk.

I have thought on this long and hard, and it boils down to this:

Some think I am a geek for obsessing over weather. Ok. Point taken. But I'll tell you what. I was prepared for what was coming because I paid attention to the forecasts. Just because you hear that Sunday is going to be nice on the news on Tuesday, does NOT mean that the forecast has not changed SINCE Tuesday. Weather is part of nature, and is constantly evolving and changing. And then the yammering begins, with people saying that this wasn't called for, and they didn't say this, blah,blah,blah.

Knowledge is power, folks. Arm yourself. It is but a click away on your computer.

And in my opinion, the MOST accurate place to find any weather information, as they were also the FIRST to call this storm accurately and in advance of everyone else is the Capital Weather Gang. Trust them before and above anyone else.

Not a sermon, just a thought.

Now I am going to go monitor the Tuesday/ Wednesday storm scenarios, as there is already a possibility of something headed our way then, most likely Wednesday. I will keep you posted.

xoxo

SGS

Eyes to the Skies...

Indication map is for tomorrow's probabilities for Severe Weather...

This is from the Jackson, MS HWO.
Quote:
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS AND POSSIBLE FLASH FLOODING ARE EXPECTED FRIDAY...FRIDAY NIGHT AND SATURDAY. SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING LARGE HAIL...DAMAGING WINDS AND TORNADOES. ALL AREAS OF THE FORECAST AREA WILL SEE THE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE WEATHER. THE BEST CHANCES FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL OCCUR WEST AND NORTH OF A LINE FROM BROOKHAVEN TO MERIDIAN WITH THE GREATEST POTENTIAL EXPECTED OVER THE DELTA REGION FROM NATCHEZ TO GRENADA..


SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT...THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS MAY BE NEEDED FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

With my parents starting a road trip to Peoria, Illinois tomorrow, I will be monitoring this situation carefully.

The Weather Channel's severe weather expert Dr. Greg Forbes says the next several days could be stormy.

UPDATED at 4:07PM: Dr. Forbes' updated areas of risk for tomorrow are not as advanced to the East as before, probably due to the large high pressure system in the Northeast pushing it back.

Here is their map for today's risk areas.

Stay tuned.

xoxosgs

Outdoor Balconies of DEATH - Adams Morgan Photos

Josh Speerstra spotted these stalagtites of doom on our way into the back entrance of the DCAC. I whipped out my camera and caught these icicles that could kill an elephant. Doesn't this look like a fun address to live in the event of a domestic dispute? Murder weapons are out on the balcony!
Here's to a quick thaw!

Meteorologist Jim Kosek

A story on Jim Kosek, the insane weatherman featured in the video that I posted earlier in the week. Full story in the Washington Post, HERE.

It's Official - Snowiest Winter on Record.

At 3:10pm we reached our snow goal. Read more about it over at the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang.
From the NWS statement:

AS OF 2 PM TODAY...WITH THE 9.8 INCH TWO-DAY SNOWFALL TOTAL AT RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT...THE SEASONAL SNOWFALL TOTAL IN WASHINGTON DC STANDS AT 54.9 INCHES. THIS WOULD BREAK THE PREVIOUS ALL-TIME SEASONAL SNOWFALL RECORD FOR WASHINGTON DC OF 54.4 INCHES SET IN THE WINTER OF 1898-99.

Breaking News: No Mail

USPS: Mail Services Are Suspended From U.S. Postal Service spokesperson Deborah Yackley:

"We have suspended delivery and collection for today. There was limited retail but it is all closing down at 11 a.m. We don't know about tomorrow yet."

Almost there...

They just said on WTOP radio that we are now only 4.2 inches away from setting the record as the snowiest winter ever! Ok, at this point, after all that we have been through, I say come on! Let's break it! Snow is coming down at 1-2 inches an hour according to WTOP, so four more inches doesn't seem that hard to beat, does it?
We still have power but dear God is that wind howling out there!
We'll keep fingers crossed that the power remains on.
All of this and it's only 11:47AM.

White Out Wednesday: Blizzard Warning

Well, the conditions, as they say, are deteriorating rapidly. The Blizzard Warning has been expanded to now include most of the DC Metro Area. Winds will become northwest and increase to 20 to 30 mph with gusts around 45 mph. Blowing and drifting snow will reduce visibilities to between one quarter of a mile or less at times, producing blizzard conditions.
Looking outside my window right now, I can barely see anything. As you can see from the photo above, visibility is poor as it is, but then look at the photo below that I just this second took:




You can barely see the shopping center. I look at this and look at Buddha and think - wow. How are we going to get you to go potty this morning? Yikes. We'll have to think on that.
So again, everyone - charge up those phones and have someone you can call who lives far away who can look up information on a computer for you (like numbers to call when power goes out, etc.) And try to expect a power outage rather than hope you don't get one. I have my extra blankets laid out, along with my candles and flashlights. I have firewood (thanks, Karissa) and food that needs not be cooked to eat. So have a plan. And then have a back up plan. It might feel like being over prepared, but rather over than under.
I will keep blogging to you all today as long as I have power. So till we talk again, stay safe out there. It's a cold white mess.
xoxo
sgs

SNOVERKILL '10

The snow is pouring down at a steady rate now as we await our THIRD blizzard of the season.
In good news, Jill and I dug my car out, of course, just in time for another dumping, but at least the old snow is clear in preparation for the new snow. Thanks so much, Jill - you are so amazing!!
Then Karissa came over bearing two bundles of firewood and a fine visit, and as always, my guy Friday, Fred was here several times to check in and make sure I was doing ok. I have the best friends on earth and thank everyone for helping me through strep snow weekend.
I feel TONS better after Aunt Val got me a prescription for a Z pak, and my throat pain is finally numbing down. The Frederick preview weekend of HIFI has been cancelled due to the weather, but it is probably for the best. We now have more time to concentrate on our DCAC opening.
In further weather news, the Metro is only going to be operating below ground tomorrow, and no metrobuses will be running, according to WMATA.
So tuck yourselves in, it's going to be a bumpy night.

You spoke too soon.

Saw this shirt for sale on zazzle.com. Funny, but I suppose a bit premature...
Snow slated to begin in t-minus 3 hours...

Weatherman with too much stress.

A Baltimore Weatherman forecasting this past weekend's blizzard. Too funny.

Snow!

A cute time elapse video of this past weekend's blizzard, set to Irving Berlin's "Snow" from White Christmas. I particularly enjoy how all of the branches start to bend. Enjoy.

Icey Dicey Roads and Roofs.

Here are a few photos I snapped off my balcony last night as I watched with mounting humor the one,two,three,four cars get stuck on my street. First of all, all of the cars stuck were cars that NEVER belonged out in conditions like this. One was a little Mazda Miata. I understand how people have cabin fever (believe me I do), but when you take out a car like that, you are putting not only yourself, but everyone else out there in danger. Cars like that are not meant to function in weather like this, and are better left at home till we thaw out. Use your heads, folks.
OH - and while I'm at it - REMINDER (because I've seen it about a hundred times this weekend) - When you shovel out your car and brush it off - BRUSH OFF YOUR ROOF!!!!! You would think that it would not even need to be mentioned in this day and age, but it does. I have seen several vehicles driving around with 2 foot sheets of ready to go rear roof missle projectiles ready to fire at the car behind them. If you leave snow on your roof and do not brush it off, most likely it will freeze, thus becoming a hard missile. A hard missle that can slide off of your roof and go right through someone's windshield. This could easily kill someone. So take the extra 2 seconds and please, PLEASE brush off your roof.
Ok.
Enough preaching for one morning. Sorry.