Hurricane Power

If we could harness the energy generated in a hurricane for just 10 min it would equal all of the nuclear stockpiles in the world. Isn't that crazy? Forget solar power, let's tackle some hurricanes!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Enjoy the day while you can because tomorrow the days start getting shorter.

Look Ma it's Snowin'

First off I'd like to make a big thank you to DarkOrpheus for helping me with my template. I've been fiddling with the side columns forever, trying to make them smaller and finally, finally I found the solution.

Now, these pictures may look a lot like the ones I posted a few months ago when we were still in the grips of winter but these pictures were taken today. After a nice few days that felt more like the first touches of summer, I was met this morning with a flurry of snowflakes. I felt like I'd stepped into the Time Tunnel. (This was an old tv show starring James Darren. My mom said he was a teenage heartthrob.) It felt like Christmas all over again and then I remember I had to go downtown to run errands and that's when I started to wave my fist at the clouds. I cursed the slushy roads and slippery sidewalks.

I wondered if I'd have to get bundled up to get downtown. I'd definitely have to wear boots unless I wanted to walk around in wet socks. Now, while you might think 0 degrees is nothing, remember I'm on the coast. Often the temperature will be above freezing but still bone cold. It's this darn moist air that I'll never get used to.

I was looking forward to getting into the nice weather, the weather I like about the coast. And the vegetation. All the flowers and greenery make the winter monsoon all worth it. But on my way to the bus I passed these poor daffodils. And it's not just the flowers and trees in leaf that suffer. I didn't hear any birds on my dismal walk and the ant hill I frequently walk by and keep an eye on (more on that later) was completely covered. The rosemary bush I admire and envy didn't look the worse for wear though.


When I got downtown though, as I expected, there was no snow. Only the lightest drizzle and fortunately the flowers by The Empress were spared. Pretty huh? There are benefits living really close to the ocean. Snow turns to rain. Did I mention it hailed like the 7th Coming yesterday? Just as I drove out of the garage to run errands and meet a friend for coffee it starts to come down like nobody's business. Luckily my windshield wipers were in perfect working order and I'm a good driver but there were accidents all over the place that day.

This stuff is like shoveling wet sand!

So this is what it looked like outside yesterday. Look at all that snow! Usually I like now but this is the wet kind that's a pain to shovel and scares everyone into staying home. But not me. I had to go to work.






This is what it looked like on the way to work. Kinda dreary.












This is what I love about snow, what it hides and what it reveals. See, I would never have known that a cat used this trail or that anything had walked along here before me that morning.













I wasn't having the best day. I was sick and had to go to work. And it snowed. But on the way home I saw this. There's this guy downtown I call Chalkman! who does beautiful pieces. This is "Girl with a Pearl Earring".













And this is "Head of a Girl". It's strange how some things can just make your whole day seem better.

Here's hoping you don't have to shovel wet snow any time soon.

Floodings in Alberta

So what the heck is going on with Alberta? Does it have anything to do with getting overexcited about a certain birthday?

Massive flooding has washed out roads and have caused thousands to evacuate and leave the pot roast cooking in the oven. This could cause serious problems as the roast is sure to be well done or even burnt when residents are allowed to return.

I always pictured things like this happening in the Maritimes or at least in the East because I always hear about floods happening over there. But Alberta? Come on. These people have enough problems dealing with the cow crises. Now they have to deal with cows floating out of stockyards and standing on top of half-sunken '96 Volkswagons. I don't even know if cows are that buoyant. Do spots make them heavier? We'll need to develop some sort of SCUBAFOB (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus for bovines).

My ultimate concern though, is for the jackalope. Is anyone worried about them? What are these little critters going to do? I can imagine those antlers weighing a ton and their arms and legs don't seem suited to swimming. I also hardly doubt that anyone is concerned for their safety or concern. A much-maligned creature, they became infamous during the Chili crises of '73.

One good thing to come out of this was that Drumheller was saved, or at least is still standing. All my little dino friends are safe for another day to scare the skin off of tourists with a frying pan and a "Not the Mama!"