There's still some snow in CA, too

Yesterday I rode my bike to the Crystal Lake campground, slightly above 5000' in altitude (and 40 miles from home), and there was still snow on the road, starting from a little above 4500'. I wasn't even a tad cold going up, but was (only) a tad cold in the ears coming down, which surprised me. I was excited to be able to make it to the snow in the mountains this winter before it all melted, but I appreciate the warmth of SoCal.

Akron Blizzard

From my mom..."Snow is the deepest we have ever seen it. We had to have the driveway plowed. Everything is shut down. We are toasty and warm. Dad had to shovel behind the car outside the garage so we can get out if we need to, but he took it in little time periods and then came in and rested. He feels fine. He is wise about that! Just thought you would like to know what it is like at our house. The snow is half way up the window by the computer on the porch boxes."

Anybody jealous?

And from the weather professionals to Akronyms: "Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 am EDT Sunday... Snow... heavy at times... will taper off from west to east across the area tonight. By the time the snow tapers off... total snow accumulations should range from 12 to 18 inches across much of the area. Gusty northwest winds between 20 and 30 mph will begin to diminish this evening. Until then expect to find considerable blowing and drifting of the snow causing near blizzard conditions at times. Roads that have not been plowed... and roads exposed to drifting snow will likely be impassible this evening. Local travel restrictions may be in place."

Brrrrrrrr!

Another b-day party

There are more than 100 years between us four!



Timothy is 20; Daniel is 17.

Stage 7 Tour of California 2008 Pasadena, CA [UPDATE]

My friend Sam Smotherman came out with his son, Tron, to watch the race today. It was cold and colder, wet, then wetter.

Cindi stayed near the finishing line with her new friends: George Hincapie, Phil Liggett, and more. More photos should show up soon.

The rider pictured above, Tom Zirbel was in the lead by 15 seconds ahead of the chase group each time they went by us. He was overtaken by the chase group on the home stretch and George Hincapie won the stage.

Pictures above by Sam S.

On-line coverage

I am enjoying the live coverage of the TOC on-line. The GPS tracking and live video are very comprehensive. To bad this coverage is not televised.

Lunar Eclipse Tonight!

Will it be clear enough to see tonight's eclipse?

Read about it at NASA.

Or, on MSNBC.

. . . in the Tour de France

Trip to Santa Cruz

www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/feb/11/tree-sitters-perch-in-protest-at-college/

I went to Santa Cruz this weekend with my friend Christine to visit her daughter, a junior at UCSC. We had a fun time touring the very scenic campus, driving out on the pier, staring at the cute seals, gazing at the ocean and the sailboats, walking, and people watching. I'd been to Santa Cruz with Glen once upon a time. I'd never seen the university before. Part of our tour included a conversation with tree-sitting protesters dressed liked Ewoks (Star Wars forest creatures). I found this all quite interesting. The expansion they are protesting does seem costly. The news article has a good photo -- exactly what we saw as we talked to them 70 feet up. It also summarizes the situation well. I also got to hug a tree while on campus -- a beautiful redwood. I like green.

ATOC on VERSUS [TV Schedule]

Feb. 17 - Palo Alto - Stanford University 2PM PST/ 5PM EST
Feb. 18 - Sausalito to Santa Rosa 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 19 - Santa Rosa to Sacramento 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 20 - Modesto to San Jose 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 21 - Seaside to San Luis Obispo 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 22 - Solvang 8PM PST /11PM EST
Feb. 23 - Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita 2PM PST/ 5PM EST
Feb. 24 - Santa Clarita to Pasadena 2PM PST/ 5PM EST

Girl Power

If a woman becomes president, will there be four years of gender bashing in cartoons, late night shows, news programs, and blogs? Society seems uncomfortable and unprepared for women in public leadership, with exception perhaps for activists Lady Di, Oprah, and Mother Teresa. Will media comments be disrespectful, crass, and sexist instead of policy-based criticism? Already comments have been made regarding Hilary’s appearance. I respect her and have not yet determined my vote. I thank Hilary for boldness to run. Unfortunately, it seems women in this country are still valued most for…well, ask cosmetic surgeons.

Aidan Arrives

Brianna met her brother Aidan today. He arrived at 3:04 pm, weighing 7lbs 12 ozs. She got to give him a bath. She held her nose when Aidan's diaper was changed. Everyone is doing well.

Happy Ground Hog Day!