Althouse: A new coat of snow.

December 31, 2019

A new coat of snow.

This morning at 7:35 — 5 minutes after the "actual sunrise" time.

58 comments:

rhhardin said...: I'm tracking down a low battery alert beep, very occasional, somewhere in the house. It would be a lot easier if it beeped more often than once every 5 or 10 minutes.

It might be MH370, missing airliner.; 12/31/19, 11:51 AM
traditionalguy said...: A White New Years Eve.; 12/31/19, 11:52 AM
Pettifogger said...: These pictures remind me how lucky I am to live in South Texas. Right now, it's a little cooler than optimum to sit outside with a cigar.; 12/31/19, 12:00 PM
Ann Althouse said...: I love the coating of snow, but today's snow wasn't that pretty because — that fallen branch aside — it wasn't sticking to the trees and giving what I call the "Winter Wonderland" effect.

In any case, as you can guess from the unfrozen lake, it's been rather warm. In the mid-20s at that point and right now, but it will be up to 45 tomorrow. I would rather go running with temperatures in the 40s than in the 70s and temperatures in the 80s and above feel really harsh to me, so I am not tempted by southern Texas.

We could move anywhere, but I have yet to figure out a better place. I love the seasons here, including winter.; 12/31/19, 12:04 PM
rhhardin said...: Snow means I have to wear less comfortable shoes. It's crocs otherwise.; 12/31/19, 12:12 PM
Ralph L said...: The first rays of the sun are kissing Mimi
Soon the scruffy Rodolfo does, too.; 12/31/19, 12:54 PM
BUMBLE BEE said...: That photo really expresses temperature.; 12/31/19, 12:56 PM
MadisonMan said...: I've decided that one of the best sounds in the world when you are lying in bed in the morning is the snowblower sound from the neighbor's snowblower as he removes snow from your front walk and driveway. Thanks Neighbor! (I did have to do the front steps and back porch myself).; 12/31/19, 1:01 PM
Ann Althouse said...: Neighbors doing each other’s snow is a nice thing to get going on your block.; 12/31/19, 1:44 PM
rhhardin said...: I like shovelling snow. It's been a few years since I've been able to shovel mountain-high sides on the driveway, though.

Some years I shoveled paths around the backyard, so the dog would have a place to run without having to leap out of the snow on each step.

And of course the path across the yard to the preferred pooping spot.; 12/31/19, 1:57 PM
Rusty said...: MadisonMan said...
"I've decided that one of the best sounds in the world when you are lying in bed in the morning is the snowblower sound from the neighbor's snowblower as he removes snow from your front walk and driveway. Thanks Neighbor! (I did have to do the front steps and back porch myself)."
I'm usually the first one up and about in the neighborhood. So I usually do the sidewalk for the neighbors on either side. I then do my DW and then the older neighbor's DW kitty corner from me.; 12/31/19, 2:01 PM
rcocean said...: I'm getting to the point where I can't stand either extreme and would prefer very cold to very hot. After all, you can put on a Parka and go outside when it 25 degrees, but there's not much you can do when it 100 degrees, except hope it cools off.; 12/31/19, 2:07 PM
Kevin said...: when you are lying in bed in the morning is the snowblower sound from the neighbor's snowblower as he removes snow from your front walk and driveway.

Mayor Quimby: Mr. Plow, for making it possible for people to get where they're going without resorting to public transportation or carpooling, I give you the key to the city.; 12/31/19, 2:15 PM
narciso said...: https://www.richmond.com/opinion/columnists/dave-barry-column-dave-barry-s-year-in-review-well/article_db735b99-f7e9-5d94-9966-70656498f08e.html; 12/31/19, 2:23 PM
Tommy Duncan said...: My first meaningful act today was to shovel an area for our Maltese. She has had surgery on both knees (luxating patellas) and we try to make it easy for her to find that perfect spot.

I see a duck in the lower right corner of the picture taunting the Norse goddess Skaði.; 12/31/19, 2:26 PM
stevew said...: We had a few inches of snow overnight Monday and into today. It was warm today (40 degrees) but not warm enough to melt the mush that was on the ground, so I shoveled my usual four or five feet of driveway in front of the garage (the rest is plowed), the walkway, and enough of the deck so that I can get out and grill. I enjoy being outside and the mild form of work that is shoveling snow. I love this time of year.

2019 was wonderful, lots of changes planned for mrs. stevew and me in 2020.

Happy New Year to you and Meade, and all the rest of the folks that happen in here from time to time.; 12/31/19, 2:30 PM
Temujin said...: I loved the seasons up north, too. But I've learned that each place has it's 'things', both good and bad. You have to decide which of those things you prefer and which you don't want to deal with anymore. Me? I love that it's 70 with a slight breeze today. Tonight will be cooler for us (mid/upper 50s) and that will be cool enough to sleep with open windows. It'll be a nice way to end the year.

Wherever you live and whatever weather you approve of, wishing you all a very Happy, Healthy New Year.; 12/31/19, 2:33 PM
Churchy LaFemme: said...: I'm guessing it sounds even better over the phone when you're in Florida.; 12/31/19, 2:41 PM
Churchy LaFemme: said...: If it's more of a "chirp" could be a smoke detector..; 12/31/19, 2:42 PM
Achilles said...: Democrats are releasing people who attack Jews immediately. They openly support Farrakhan, Tlaib, Sansour etc.

They blame the attacks on Trump.

The Jews and friends are arming themselves and open carrying in affected towns.

The Democrats are just waiting for jew/white person to shoot someone.

The obvious play is to start a race war in response to Trump polling strongly with black/ Hispanic voters.

They are disgusting people.; 12/31/19, 2:44 PM
Fubar.N.Wass said...: rhhardin: Do you have battery backup on a garage door opener? Look there, first.; 12/31/19, 2:45 PM
Rick.T. said...: I remember waking up after a Chicago blizzard to the sounds of a snowplow hired by one of many millionaire neighbors- this one a lawyer with a national reputation- to plow 1/3 of the alley down to his garage only. I went out and negotiated a $200 price to plow the rest of it. A couple other neighbors chipped in later so I wasn’t too much out of pocket. So glad I’m no longer there!; 12/31/19, 3:10 PM
Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...: Althouse said...
A New Coat of Snow

Traditionalguy said...
A White New Years Eve.

It's OK to Be White

(trending #1 on twitter); 12/31/19, 3:14 PM
dreams said...: A good year for stocks, S&P 500 was up about 29%, Warren Buffett's BRKA stock was up about 15% and my total stock portfolio was up 57% while my taxable portfolio was up 89% thanks to a leveraged concentration of stocks and obviously some good luck. Also, lest I be remiss, thanks to Donald J.Trump for a great economy, a MAGA economy.; 12/31/19, 3:17 PM
Browndog said...: I hope there is an un-moderated overnight cafe tonight, the last of the decade.

For old times sake-

And who wants to ring in the new year with controlled expression?

Not for me, by the way--unlikely I'll participate.

Let freedom ring!....; 12/31/19, 3:24 PM
AllenS said...: Any one can live "down south" without help during the winter, but it take special people to live "up nort" where, without help a lot from people would be hard pressed living here. Fortunately, there are a hugely number of people who will shovel your driveway, sidewalk, or plow your driveway. It's all good. I love it up here (west central Wisconsin), and would not ever think about leaving. God bless, on this coming New Year.; 12/31/19, 3:26 PM
Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...: I wantcha in mah bella !!

U. of Wisconsin Profs Lead Fight to Expand ‘Fat Studies’ Discipline

"...fat stomachs can be “glorious.”

https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/12/31/u-of-wisconsin-profs-lead-fight-to-expand-fat-studies-discipline/; 12/31/19, 3:33 PM
Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...: 2019 science: Absolutely no climate alarm

No alarm on every aspect: stable polar ice, normal sea level rise, no consensus, growing snow cover, less tropical storms, tornadoes, shrinking deserts, global greening, predictions wrong, models flawed, climate driven by sun, ocean cycles, biodiversity, warmer 1000 years ago…etc…

https://notrickszone.com/2019/12/31/2019-science-refutes-climate-alarm-on-every-front-shrinking-deserts-growing-islands-crumbling-consensus-weaker-storms-cooler-arctic-etc-etc-etc/

The Most Irritating person of 2019 is....

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/12/the_most_irritating_person_of_2019_is.html; 12/31/19, 3:45 PM
hawkeyedjb said...: From the linked article, "Fat Studies" is "a recently established micro-discipline that argues that society oppresses obese people"

The self-oppressed complain that society is at fault. In other news, people who make other bad decisions want society's blessing for their bad decisions. Oh and some money; why not?; 12/31/19, 3:49 PM
narciso said...: not so crazy now,

https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/12/denmark-gives-green-light-to-new-u-s-consulate-in-greenland/; 12/31/19, 4:02 PM
Tank said...: Rh

Could be a remote wireless speaker needs to be charged; 12/31/19, 4:21 PM
rcocean said...: I'm surprised that Althouse is OK with the cold at her age. All my relatives after 65 started taking Jan/Feb vacations down south. It seems some people lose their tolerance for cold winters after a certain age.

Others, it seems, just keep trucking on.; 12/31/19, 4:30 PM
Narr said...: The Prof's photos lately make me want to crank up the Sibelius: Lemmenkainen 1, or En Saga.

Narr
With some coffee, and a dog in my lap; 12/31/19, 4:41 PM
Pugsley the Pug said...: The older I get, the less tolerant I am of winter & the longer winter seems to hang around here in Wisconsin. In 2019, winter temps seemed to hang on longer earlier in the year and then came about 1 1/2 months earlier than normal in mid-October (along with two snowstorms of 4” before Halloween). On the other hand, I would not handle the hot & humid weather that the southern US experiences from spring through fall. We also don’t have hurricanes, no volcanos, and Californians would laugh at the mild earthquakes we have here every now & then. So, I put on another layer, through another log on the fire in the fireplace, and crank up the electric blanket on the bed that Mrs. Pug & I share. Still waiting for global warming to come to my little corner of the world...; 12/31/19, 4:44 PM
J. Farmer said...: Can't relate on the snow. My ancestors moved to West Florida in the 19th century before the advent of A/C and mosquito repellent. Clearly they were insane.; 12/31/19, 4:55 PM
alanc709 said...: My philosophy has always been: it's easier to stay warm than stay cool.; 12/31/19, 5:35 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: I like having seasons. The winter makes you appreciate the spring and summer when it comes. Fall trending into winter is a relief from the summer heat. However, If I had my druthers, I would like a LESS COLD winter.

It is actually warmer when we have snow and we look forward to it. The snow blankets the earth and stops the permafrost. Snow blankets the roof and creates a second layer of insulation. It also makes the world outside very very quiet.

ALTHOUSE: We could move anywhere, but I have yet to figure out a better place. I love the seasons here, including winter.

You might like the Willamette Valley area of Oregon. Mild to warmer summers. Wetter winters. Beautiful colors in the forests in fall Near the old growth forests. Near the ocean. Near the mountains if you miss the snow. Not hot and not excessively humid. Wet in the winter but with some beautiful sunny and warmer days. College town of Eugene smack in the middle of the area for that urban and lefty leaning area that may be familiar and comforting.

Biking and hiking opportunities galore. For Meade....a gardener's paradise. I am envious of my in-laws yards and gardens whenever I visit.; 12/31/19, 6:19 PM
madAsHell said...: A coat of snow......or a blanket of snow??; 12/31/19, 6:21 PM
iowan2 said...: Snowed on and off Monday, not much accumulation in my part of the state. Temp was 28-30 so some icing on the roads, and the wind was wicked.
One of my part time jobs has me climbing grain bins to get post harvest yield numbers. Weather like Monday requires an attitude adustment, or the negatives will ruin you. But, this to shall pass. The money's good and lots of interaction with great farmers. Life averages out.; 12/31/19, 6:23 PM
madAsHell said...: It would be a lot easier if it beeped more often than once every 5 or 10 minutes.

......and don't get me started about the tone. The beep on the washer, dryer, fridge and washing machine all use the same exact pitch.; 12/31/19, 6:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Gorgeous photos..'; 12/31/19, 6:32 PM
Browndog said...: On and off Lake Effect snow east of the lake from Wisconsin.

Snow is pure, cleansing, quiet.

It's what makes the cold of the North worthwhile.; 12/31/19, 6:38 PM
Josephbleau said...: My new washer and dryer play a childish tune when they are done. That would be OK if they actually cleaned and dried the clothes.; 12/31/19, 6:40 PM
Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...: can Popes be impeached?

Pope Francis loses his cool after being grabbed by a pilgrim who wouldn't let go of his hand. The Pope repeated slapped her hand

https://twitter.com/i/status/1212069459155914753

This is the perfect illustration of how the Pope deals with Chinese Catholics.

"And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around and slapped that woman until she let go."; 12/31/19, 6:53 PM
Ingachuck'stoothlessARM said...: hopefully you alz' washer-slash-dryer problems dont include this

Always check the lint screen for any child residue build-up

Indiana mom arrested after police say 5-year-old found in running washing machine

https://www.wdrb.com/news/indiana-mom-arrested-after-police-say--year-old-found/article_515d52a8-2815-11ea-b1f4-974211194356.html

now that said, alz us here @Ingachuck'stoothlessARM wish

alz yooz Althusians Clearer Vision & Accurate Hindsight in 2020 !!; 12/31/19, 7:05 PM
Meade said...: I declare this, for the decade, my favorite thread of blog comments (led by iowan2 @6:23 PM).
Thank you all for doing your part to Keep Althouse Great.

A safe, happy and prosperous new year!; 12/31/19, 7:14 PM
Nichevo said...: We could move anywhere, but I have yet to figure out a better place. I love the seasons here, including winter.

12/31/19, 12:04 PM

Yeah, we know you're loaded. Why not snowbird or otherwise get a vacation home someplace else?; 12/31/19, 7:17 PM
BUMBLE BEE said...: Healthy and prosperous New Year to all!; 12/31/19, 7:20 PM
wild chicken said...: the Willamette Valley area of Oregon.

Used to rain a lot there. Did that change?; 12/31/19, 7:27 PM
Browndog said...: Thanks to Althouse and Meade for the years past.

What next year brings, no one knows.

One can only hope it's similar to last, which was enjoyable and appreciated.; 12/31/19, 7:29 PM
Michael K said...: The basset rescue shelter where we got our new dog is in the High Desert north of LA and they got a heavy snow fall Christmas Day so we waited two days more to avoid trouble.; 12/31/19, 7:51 PM
Josephbleau said...: The High Desert north of LA, where the demon lurked in the thin air, above Edwards.; 12/31/19, 8:06 PM
BudBrown said...: It snowed in Tampa in January, 1977. Very pretty seeing snow and palm trees and a grapefruit trees. I'd loaned my mom's car to this South American woman who'd stayed with us as an exchange student and she was crazy in love and made it over the Howard Frankland before they closed it near dawn. Every overpass on I4 tween here and Orlando froze and there was a wreak on every one. She made it about up to Lakeland where the oranges froze solid. Turns out my mom liked her car. A lot.; 12/31/19, 8:28 PM
Michael K said...: It snowed in Tampa in January, 1977.

I was in Tampa that year in December, I think. I took my son and we were looking at a new sailboat in Plant City. Froze my ass off.; 12/31/19, 8:46 PM
320Busdriver said...: I wonder with your sunrise hobby if you’ve noticed that despite the days now getting longer, the sunrise is still occurring a bit later every morning. At least for a few more days when they will start occurring a little earlier every day. A function of our earths orbit and the analemma. When the kids were in grade school we covered the analemma for science projects. Remember the figure 8 on the globes?; 12/31/19, 8:52 PM
Steve Pitment said...: I don't get it. Don't you live in near or in Madison Wisconsin, Ann. How can there be open water on Dec 31? In your neighboring state to the west ice houses arr out.; 12/31/19, 9:22 PM
Ann Althouse said...: “ I wonder with your sunrise hobby if you’ve noticed that despite the days now getting longer, the sunrise is still occurring a bit later every morning.“

Yes, I did. The sunset has been getting later for a couple weeks, but the sunrise won’t get earlier until the 6th or so.; 12/31/19, 9:32 PM
Narr said...: Anna Lemma-- Finnish, wasn't she?

Narr
What a figure!; 12/31/19, 10:36 PM