Archive for May, 2010

Driving Storm

May 4, 2010

Worked until 8 PM yesterday. But it was not quite dark yet. Ah … Spring.

We had a Board meeting at 3 PM and a rate hearing at 7 PM.
Both meetings were punctuated by hail and rain, and a little snow.
Punctuated by the sounds on the skylights, which actually made you have to raise your voice to be heard.

Temperature in the 30’s when I finally left, letting the wipers get rid of the residual ice pellets.

Seattle area roads are in a state of flux, usually.
Expansions for Microsoft, changes at the interchanges.
As they build they shift lanes here and there.
They use a lot of the stick on reflector bits and rubberized paint stuff to identify lanes.
But when they flex for construction or changes, all those lane identifiers must come up.

They remove the reflectors, but a bits of the glue stay on the pavement.
They remove the paint by grinding it off, leaving a ground line instead.

When it has rained, and then the sun comes through at a low angle, the removed stuff can show up just as well, or better than the current lane markings. I know I am not the only one that is befuddled by what I am seeing.

But made it home safely as the sun finally disappeared completely.
I had driven in the rain all the way home, but to the west there was hope for clearing.

Nope – this morning it is clouds again.

Seattle Sun

May 2, 2010

The bluest skies you’ve ever seen are in Seattle.
Except that they are often obscured by clouds.

As my mother says, “You can get the worst sunburn on a cloudy day.”
Yesterday was kind of one of those days.
It was overcast, with hints of blue sky that never took over.

At the end of the day you feel like you have been out in the sun all day, except that you have not.
It was just cool enough to wear out a cold soul like me.
But warm enough that warm bodies were OK with a shirt and maybe a light sweatshirt.
It was not hot enough to consider that you might be getting some color added to the winter pallor of your skin.

Don’t worry Mom(s), nothing too bad, just a nice pink glow.
Mostly on Ashlan’sĀ friend, a Boulderite, who does not understand that the rays come through clouds, because Boulder has 300 days of sun a year. The rest are not worth worrying about.
We will have the sunscreen with us today.
And hopefully the sun will shine.

And for those that are keeping trackĀ – I think Ashlan had a fun time out all day yesterday.
She did get carded ordering a beer at the restaurant, and got the drink she requested.
She also says thank you to all that sent her birthday wishes.

It’s a Happy Birthday Day

May 1, 2010

First they are tiny, and all yours.
And then suddenly they are 21, and their own person.