Takin' the Blog for a Walk

see the snow?

Posted by Brien Lee on Oct. 26, 2008

2) raindrops on roses, 8) my favorite things

A little snow cloud passed over Waukesha around 2:30 this afternoon. I couldn't believe it. More peletized than flaky because it was well above freezing, but definitely snow and not hail or sleet. It was white but not solid. It didn't stick or last long and was soon replaced by light rain, but it made me wonder. Are we in for a long winter?

How was your week? Mine seemed generous. People were unusually generous toward me. A coworker friend gave us Halloween candy after I took a desk to his house after work. Another coworker gave me a denim patch to repair the new pair of jeans I ripped on a sharp corner while moving the desk. A different coworker gave me a jar of peanut butter he got from one of his customers -- a five pound jar of peanut butter!

I received my free copy of The Great Gatsby, this year's Waukesha Big Read selection, Friday after "Lunch with Gatsby," a book discussion moderated by former mayor Carol Lombardi. I was the last to arrive, which I'd like to blame on the conflicting start times I read about in the papers. I learned a lot about the novel and it's hidden messages and meanings and can't wait to read it. The book turned out to be quite an appropriate selection for this year; many similar market conditions from the novel's 1920's setting are mirrored in today's economy. 

Also picked up a nice large pumpkin at the St. Vincent De Paul Store on East Main St. -- free. There is usually bakery there free for the taking, and occasionally produce. It's available to anyone, no questions asked. I saw the lone pumpkin there on the floor and had to ask about it because I knew we weren't buying one this year. Someone had brought in several extras they had and mine was the last of that load. The price was right. Thanks mystery donor.

Candy, peanut butter, a patch, book, pumpkin, it's been one of those weeks. 

Also picked up a rental car for the week while ours is being repaired. Though the beautiful, dark red Chevy HHR wasn't exactly free, we're paying only $5.00 more per day versus what insurance will cover. It's a pleasure to drive, is almost new with just 5000 miles on it, roomy inside, comfortable and great on gas. I'd love to own it or at least take it on a trip. Premier can take their time fixing the Toyota.

**************** 10/27 addendum ******************

Thanks to Vince on Ch. 6, am informed the snow we saw yesterday was graupel. It's formed when rime, frozen moisture droplets, sticks to snow. Sometimes it's a light coating and sometimes, like Sunday, it's so covering the flake you can't even tell the original shape. Because the shape is most often pelletized it becomes an avalanche hazard, acting as billions of tiny ball bearings.