Complicated Weather

Friday, January 12, 2024

Coming today to Central Oregon, and through this weekend, it will be colder, snowier, and wetter overall. My snowblower’s big batteries are charged, and my winter coats are hanging ready. I’ll be at work today and tomorrow, leaving my dogs inside waiting for me.

Yesterday, I carved through our earliest snow and created paths leading to the barn, with more paths down and around the barn, to facilitate feeding my outside animals. I’d claim to be ready for the oncoming harsh weather, but lessons learned are reminders of past surprises. Currently, I’m cautious about predicted snow and rain and, simultaneously, a deep temperature plunge to 5 degrees. Those, including potentially strong winds, challenge being outside and feeding animals.

I know all that because similar conditions occur annually. I’ve coped numerous times, and we’re all still alive and well. These are human, worrying, assessing, planning, and coping. Now, in the prelims, I’m pre-coping and expect all to turn out okay. Regardless of how I fear in advance, being outside in inclement weather usually becomes a positive experience, because good planning can assure adequate warmth (less so for my fingers).

Upon returning to the house, I usually feel invigorated and pleased for successfully handling the outside chores. My horses’ bodies were warm inside their fuzzy coats, and my chickens were well-feathered and coping.

Ahead, I focus on driving safely to and from work. In inclement weather, my average speed is 20 mph or less, depending on road conditions, and the rare nighttime lighting in this dark-roads city.

Dear Friends: Maybe more tomorrow about the weather, it’s a hot topic. Diana