Tag Archives: winter

Winter’s the Best with Pets

Like much of the country, this week’s temperatures in Nashville have been very wintery indeed. Once upon a time I vowed never again to live in a climate that had winter. It could be a season in name only. (I grew up in Denver. I chose to go to college at the University of Arizona very much on purpose. It was (a) away from home, and (b) in a nice warm and sunny climate. No more snow!) I successfully managed to uphold my vow for 17 years. I lived in Tucson for five years, Phoenix for six, and Jacksonville, Florida, … Continue reading →

Days and Days and Days of Rain

I live in the Pacific Northwest–the climate where I live is relatively mild and since I am down in the valley, so to speak, we don’t really get the snows and ice of more harsh winters. What we do get, however, is rain–we have been enduring days and days and days of rain, almost nonstop. Even for those of us who are used to it, all this rain can take its toll on a family… My son was pacing around the house this morning, ruminating on whether or not he wanted to get his rain gear on to go to … Continue reading →

Secret Pillows and Taming Winter Throws

I have been looking at those luscious catalogues again. You know the ones by Pottery Barn and others that create the ultimate in a well-organized and ultra beautiful home? You think, hmm, maybe if I lived in one of those pages, life would be prefect. Okay, so it really wouldn’t, but the luxurious bedding, the elegant dining rooms, the lack of peanut butter fingerprints anywhere really does make you want to live in the dream. Usually, I just try to “steal” ideas from those glossy pages and adapt them to our home. After all, who can really afford a $70 … Continue reading →

The Sickness Season?

The other day, Myra wrote about flu shots and a colleague was talking earlier in the week about how his children were all starting to come down with their “holiday” illnesses. It all reminded me that while this IS the festive, hectic holiday season–it can also be the time of year that kids are most likely to get sick! I don’t know if it is the cold weather, being cooped up inside where germs can spread more easily, all those treats and white sugar, or the fact that kids can get worn out and their immunes systems exhausted–but I do … Continue reading →

If the Weather outside is frightful…

It is that time of year again. The weather can do some crazy things, and that’s even more true if you live in an area that is prone to drastic weather changes. We actually have days here that may be sunny and a nice, warm 75 degrees but drop more than 40-50 degrees by late that night. That’s a big difference in a 24 hour period! Sometimes, it’s even more extreme. Have you ever had the air conditioning on during the day and the heat running at night? I try to avoid such uses of energy, but there have been … Continue reading →

Hot Products for Cold Weather

What could be cooler (or should I say hotter) than great products that help you stay warm, use less energy, and save on heating costs throughout the winter? Electric Throw No need to drag the big blanket off the bed when you want to snuggle in elsewhere. Pick up an electric throw instead. There are many styles, textures, and colors available for under $50.00. Conservation minded folks will appreciate the fact that electric throws can help use less energy rather than turning up the furnace all the time. Electric Rugs? You can find electric rugs and there are also radiant … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Terms (3)

Do you know what to expect when you hear all of those winter weather terms? Understanding what it all means can keep you and your family safe from harm when severe weather hits your area. We are up to part three of the winter weather terms. This is the final five weather terms that you should know. Sleet Sleet is frozen or partially frozen rain that comes down to the Earth in the form of small ice pellets. The ice pellets hit the ground so fast that they actually bounce instead of stick. However, sleet can accumulate on the ground, … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Terms (2)

Today is Sunday, and we are awaiting our first snow storm of the season. The kids are excited and hoping to get enough snow for a snowman. Looking at the weather map, it is clear that this storm covers almost three-quarters of the country, although by the time it get to us, there might not be much snow. Do you know your winter weather terms? All of those warnings and watches that are released by the National Weather Service have different meanings and different levels of severity that are good to understand. This is part 2 of the winter weather … Continue reading →

Ready for Winter?

One important step in winterizing your home is to be sure that you’re keeping warm air in and cold air out. One good way to do this is by making sure your insulation is in good shape and is sufficient. This is something you may be able to do yourself. If not, a handyman should be able to help you out at a reasonable rate. If you turn on the furnace and find that you’re getting no heat or very little heat in one area, it may be a problem with your duct work. This is something you need to … Continue reading →

Ready, Set, Shoot—-in the Cold

In my previous blog I provided tips on how to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements during winter shoots. I also pledged to get out and capture Mother Nature at her frigid best a bit more this winter season and I hope that I have convinced you to do the same. So, now that you know how to keep your equipment in tip-top working condition in the snowiest conditions here are some technical points to remember before you start snapping: LIGHTING I grew up in Hawaii, where unless you had access to a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you didn’t … Continue reading →