Beneath the Wraps

  It is so cold outside So unlike our first year in Oregon We didn’t need light jackets then Let alone heavy coats There has been warning of snow I personally think it’s too cold Snow doesn’t fall when it’s freezing Or at least that’s how it used to be The worst part about all the cold That is currently causing misery for many Is in thinking that the summer months Will be so much worse blaring heat upon us Quite the opposite of now.

             I remember so many cold winters when I was living in Utah.   Occasionally we would have surprises when no coat was required but for the most part we had to bundle up and trudge through snow.           Our first winter in Oregon was so different.   It had snowed once but didn’t last.   snow on the 10th of December 2015 It did not last Jai's snowman kept shrinking By February there were signs of spring.   I don’t remember having experienced blossoms and blooming growth so early in the year before. Today I was reminded of this post I had created 8 years ago “When I was living in Utah, it never occurred to me that one day I would believe that February would offer perfect weather for walking, riding bikes, hearing motorcycles and lawn mowers. I am really enjoying the outdoor temperature right now. ” We’ve had one really nice day in February this year.   We had seen ...

                I don’t know how often I had to go to the orthodontist during the (almost) three years that I wore braces.  I was just recently reminded about how painful it felt having my braces tightened. My teeth have been bothering me since Sunday – maybe before. At first I thought it was dental related but have come to realize that it is part of my newest sinus infection.  Bah, humbug!           It seems to be the most painful once the sun goes down.   I looked up what I might do to ease the pain.   Steam was a suggestion.   I thought it would make the room more hot but knew that it would work as I have felt better during a shower.   Many of my body parts have bad reactions to the cold lately.   NOOOOO!!!!   I think about friends I’ve made here in Oregon that have moved to warmer climate (I think all of them ended up in Arizona) as the cold had bothered t...

                First it was my feet             Then it was my ears             And now my left arm?             Why not both arms?             Why does my left arm feel like it’s caught    in a draft? What is up with that? Seriously. It’s as if I have no blood flow.   Why is my arm always cold? I had three layers on my arm this morning! My right arm seems okay. Perhaps my left arm just  doesn't  get enough  exercise

  When we lived in West Valley I rarely used covers at night Maybe 10 times a year Maybe Even after we moved here And I would fall asleep on The recliner, Richard would cover me But the covers would come off Long before morning And then we moved into a Different house And suddenly my toes were always Cold And so I would keep them Covered But lately it seems like I Am covering all of me. I think the earth is spinning Nearer to the sun and then To the other extreme So far away from the sun that Its always cold Hard to imagine that just over six weeks ago I was complaining about the heat. Ten weeks ago it was in the Three digits in California We had moved to Oregon for The constancy – which We have never had. I don ’ t want three digits and Then near freezing (or Below freezing)   At this point I don ’ t Think it even matters In what state or nation Autumn is still producing Gorgeous colors That ’ s ni...

  It is colder outside than  I remember it being the entire  time we've lived in Oregon.   I have even been sleeping with  blankets which is highly unusual.  I don't use blankets all too often  except around my feet.   Jenna has school for the next two days  but will not be attending seminary at all.   The students who attend the local high  school are off for the week and  thus is seminary.   She wants things to return to normal.   Most people do.   We have an upcoming holiday in the U.S.  It is called Thanksgiving. There are many people who will  spend the holiday with extended  family members to eat a traditional  meal that many include turkey,  sweet potatoes,  cranberry sauce and  pumpkin pie among many  other side dishes.   Our governor has asked us to limit  Thanksgiving to only six people this year.   Though not...

Cold and Freezing Fog.  Does that mean a solid fog that can't be driven through?  Interesting. For driving safely in "freezing fog" conditions, see here

                                          Before it started to rain in March, I had a dry cough.   A very annoying dry cough as though I had swallowed a hair ball and couldn’t get it out of my system.   Then the rains came and gradually my cough left me.   I was able to go on stage to perform with the choir on Easter.    I had forgotten that the primary had been invited to join us.   The song was “Gethsemane” (see here ). Our primary kids sound like angels whenever that song is performed. My eyes leak whenever they’re performing.   I was too choked up to sing with them.   After Easter my dry cough returned.   Gradually it became a wet cough.   On Tuesday I was sore from head to toe.   Pain in my cheeks  ...

The weather is so much different this year as opposed to the year we moved in.  The temperatures were warm but not hot.  Spring had come early.  I was astounded at the amount of "spring" growth and took lots of pictures.  What awesomeness. This year the fog lingers longer. The skies are grey and murky and the temperature has been uninviting.  Bundle up.  I mean, I guess that is what I was doing in Utah.  I don't want Oregon to experience Salt Lake weather! It snowed yesterday morning for only five minutes or so.  Big thick flacks that didn't stick. School was not cancelled though some of the buses may have been delayed.  It wasn't for two hours though. It seems laughable to me when the schools are closed or buses are delayed when there are less than four inches of snow. The snow is not the primary concern however. It is when the roads are wet and slick and iced over....

       Jenna had planned to kick off her summer by going to the beach.  The temperature had dropped on her last day of school.  It’s been cooler at the beach and raining as well.  The weather has challenged her plans as the temperature has dropped all over the state.  It's also been raining.                   Jenna enjoys the rain and thinks she'd be okay at the beach in the rain.   But I don't wish to drive an hour and a half in the rain to go to a cold wet beach.   I will have to take her later. Poor baby.        She and a friend kicked their summer off at our house playing games.   They would like to go see "The Incredibles" next week.   The theatre is much closer to us than the beach.

                The weather seemed to be the perfect temperature during Bill and Kayla's visit - except for the last day which was cold.   We had a few perfect days since until Tuesday and Wednesday.   Unbelievable Heat Wave.   Roseburg broke a record of 90 degrees on the 25th of April.   How dare it be warmer in Oregon than in Salt Lake!             We had watched the news to learn of how much longer.   We were told that yesterday would be hot but not as bad as the last two days.   The next week predicted a drastic drop in temperature and rain.   Of course, we'll get rain.   We can make that happen just by putting up our A/C.   At first, Roland was just going to do our bedroom, and wait to install the A/C in the main room.   After watching the news, I thought he might in the bedroom, but he ended up...

          I like the sound of rain           Good Thing as it           has rained for most of           this month                     We have skylights in           our front room and           our bedroom and           sometimes the rain wakes me           after I have fallen           asleep           I know it's wet and cold           outside      ...

                         My shed is in disarray and I know that I have shorts in there somewhere.   I don’t know where.   I’ve been searching for a nice day in which to organize and dejunk (there are tons of items that really should be trashed)             I need a time that’s not too hot and not too cold.   Mornings are good – if I can find the ambition.   It usually takes me longer to wake up and by the time I get dressed and think of it, it is time for Jenna and I to leave.             She’s taking an art class downtown.   I’m always so hot between bus stops and the train.   The bus has been running late due to construction.   (Utah roads are ALWAYS under construction during the months that aren't winter) It ...