Sunday, January 27, 2008

WINTER

Winter has finally arrived here in Alberta. Although we have had snow for about two months the temperatures have been relatively mild. For these old bones this is a good thing.

Yesterday was the last reasonable day for a while.

Today, as I write this, the house across the street is blurred by the snow that is falling. Not a lot, just enough to make the houses look out of focus. The temperature is -24c(-9F) and heading to -29 tonight, which will also be the high for Monday. Tuesday, we are looking at a high 0f -27C and a low Tuesday night of -33C. Wednesday-high of -28 and low Wednesday night of -34C. With the wind out there right now the wind-chill is -36C. Wind-chill is what the temperature feels like on bare skin.

We will go out later and plug in our block heaters on the cars so they will start in the morning. At these temperatures, if you don't, your oil gets very thick and your car is extremely difficult to start.

I also add a bottle of gas line anti-freeze to the gas tank. This keeps the condensation down don't so you don't get water in your gas.

As I look out the front window, there is a Downy Woodpecker at our bird feeder. He looks twice his normal size as he has all his feathers puffed up to keep him warm.

Hope this doesn't last more than a week or so. Stay warm everybody

ADDENDUM: Monday Morning, 9:00 AM. , The temperature is-30c (-18F) with a wind chill of-46C (-49F). Tonight they are calling for temperatures to be -39C. I will keep you posted.

22 comments:

BRUNO said...

It's nice to have a normal wintertime routine finally, isn't it?

But if it's all the same to you, I think I prefer to continue living inside my upright freezer compartment, where it's normally a balmy -10 F...!

alphonsedamoose said...

Bruno: It is nice to have winter back. I just hope this frigid weather doesn't last too long. It is hard on vehicles.
Must be nice to have such balmy temperatures in your freezer. We can just put stuff outside he door.

YesBut said...

-39C. I cannot even try to imagine that sort of temperature.

+5C is my lower limit - after that I hibernate.

alphonsedamoose said...

YesBut: I think if we were smart, we would do the same thing. Actually,if you dress for it, it is not so bad. The wind chill is the worst.

Anonymous said...

I've been playing chaueffeur to my kids.

Bonita said...

You've got a fierce wind chill there...I hope you have no problems getting your car started.

alphonsedamoose said...

TicbloG: Great fun driving in this isn't it.

alphonsedamoose said...

Bonita: I have my car in a garage plugged in. It started just fine. thanks. Did you get the big snow where you are?

alphonsedamoose said...

Ticblog:for some reason your smirk won't publish but right back at you. LOL

Hope Walls said...

I'm always smirking...

Our van is plugged in, in the garage, and has been starting just fine; we discovered even is Tory (that's her name, shortened from suppository since that's what she looks like) starts OK even without being plugged in, as long as she's protected from that blasted wind.

I'm hoing this cold snap goes away - I hate driving in rush hour traffic, and would give anything to be back on the bicycle. Now that most people have cleared their walks or the snow's been tamped down, I'm hoping to be back in the saddle by Monday.

alphonsedamoose said...

I have my car plugged in , in the garage also. I LOVE my garage. It is about 10 warmer in there than outside(not heated).

How cold do you ride your bike in?

Hope Walls said...

I'd go every day regardless of temperature; the little one in the trailer only manages to about -25, if the roads are clear. If there's snow and I have to walk the bike and trailer unit for some parts of the trek, it takes a wee bit too long and I end up with a Serejanesicle.

Catmoves said...

Hi Moose. You Canadians plug your cars in? Does that mean you use electricity instead of gas? How neat. Keep the world green, guys.
Those temps you talk about are obviously humongous lies and you will not get me to even think about opening a door with those numbers anywhere in the vicinity.

alphonsedamoose said...

Ticlog: I bet a Serejanesicle is very sweet especially when frozen at -25

alphonsedamoose said...

Cat: NO our cars run on gas, Just the block heater is electric. It keeps the oil warm so the cars start easier in the morning

alphonsedamoose said...

Cat: I wouldn't lie to you bout our temperatures, honest.

Lin said...

Moose, it's nice to finally have you northies join in this subzero nonsense. It has something to do with misery and company. I don't miss the block heater ritual though!

alphonsedamoose said...

Lin : It was a little chilly for the last week but it is now up to a balmy -22c. Nice and sunny too.

Anonymous said...

I'm all confused now. If -24C is equal to -9F, then why is -46C equal to -49F? Whatever it is it's too damn cold.

Our temp right now is 5C. Nice. Think I'll go out for a walk and admire the crocuses. I might wear gloves or I might not.

Or maybe I'll sit out on my balcony and spy on the neighbours.

Or perhaps I'll wander over to the sidewalk coffee shop and people watch.

Ahh, what a life.

alphonsedamoose said...

Babzy: It is because the Celsius and Fahrenheit converge at -40.
Sounds like you are getting ready for spring. Must be nice.
You sound better. How are you doing with only 1 hour/day on the blogs?
Spy on your neighbours? I can send Mrs. Moose to help. She is very good.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I am getting ready for spring. I have been sitting out on my balcony. Have to bundle up but the air is fresh. It's protected from any wind.

Blogging - I try to spend only an hour, sometimes it's a little more but usually it's a little less than an hour. I just can't get to everyone everyday but I try and catch the highlights.

It's better for me to limit my time so I'm forced to do other things and even go outside. I am feeling slightly better but get tired very easily. Never fear. I am going to cure myself even if it kills me. HA

alphonsedamoose said...

Glad to hear you are up and about. I know how tough it is. I certainly hope it doesn't kill you.
You take good care of yourself. We'll wait for you.