Hot Enough for You?

It is hot. Temps are hovering over 100° and the humidity is making it worse. I went on one of the local weather sites to see what the record was for today and ranacrosss this article of the blizzard of 1991. One of the top 5 weather stories of the 20th Century

Across much of eastern Minnesota, trick-or-treaters donned snowmobile suits as snow began to fall during the afternoon of October 31, 1991. This marked the beginning of a major winter storm that pounded the eastern half of Minnesota over a three day period. The storm dropped 28.4 inches of snow on the Twin Cities, setting a single storm record for the metropolitan area. Duluth received 36.9 inches, the largest single storm total in Minnesota history. Southern Minnesota saw an ice storm especially around Albert Lea and Austin. Highway snow removal was hindered by extremely cold temperatures that followed the storm and transportation was hampered for many days. Click on image to the right for a larger labeled line map.
Some of the Twin Cities records that were broken by the 1991 Halloween Blizzard were:
Event 1991 Old Record (1891-1990)
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Most single storm snow total 28.4

24 hour snowfall in any season 21.0

Most snow on October 31 8.2

Most snow on November 1 18.5

Most snow in October 8.2

Earliest 8 inch snow 8.2

Earliest autumn below zero low -3*

All of these records still stand as of 2001.
*-3 on November 4, 1991

I remember that day very well. I had picked Ned up from nursery school when it started to snow. Light, fluffy snow, it didn't seem to be much of an issue. "Good I thought, I won't have to rake leaves this afternoon." Little did I know that my rakingreprievee would last through the winter.

I suppose it was about 5 o'clock when we realized that this was more then a dusting of snow. When we went to put the kidsHalloweenn outfits on, they were a snug fit under the snow suits. Of course, the thought never entered our mind that we shouldn't go trick or treating. Mark and I put the kids on the sled and started trudging through the snow. After a couple of houses, trick or treating lost it's appeal and we went home.

Thetemperaturess dropped like a rock and not only did we end up with almost 2 feet of snow, but also temperatures below 0°. Those were the days! What was that about global warming?

One Small Step for Man

I was driving to work today, and on the radio, they had the touchdown of the Discovery space shuttle. It is amazing to me how commonplace space travel has become. In a couple of days, it will be 37 years since Neil Armstrong took his first step on the moon. I remember that evening so clearly. My sisters and I were at Grandpa & Grandma Etzler's house. We had to take a nap in the afternoon, in order to watch the moon walk. Looking back, my Grandparents probably needed that quiet time more then we did, but we laid in our beds, simmering with excitement more at the chance to stay up late then being able to watch a historic moment.

I don't remember much about the actual moon walk. The picture was very graining and static, and I was tired. I do remember the feeling of excitement and awe. At that time, the moon truly was the ends of the earth.

I remember later talking to my Grandma Bremer about the moon walk and how exciting it was. She was skeptical of the whole space mission, and especially men walking on the moon. One of her sisters never believed it actually happened. Thinking about it, I can understand. In her lifetime, people went from using horses to plow fields to men walking on the moon - in just a short amount of time.

I recently read and article that said the first moon walk marked an entire generation. I have to agree. The moon walk was an exciting time of hope and possibilities. It showed that you really could do whatever you set your mind to. We have come far in our space travel. Now, a shuttle lands like a regular airplane when it returns from space. I have to say, although it was much more dangerous, seeing the astronauts being plucked from the bobbing capsule in the sea seemed so much more satisfying and rewarding, like they really had been to a distant planet.

I hope that we never lose that sense of awe regarding space travel. It truly is one small step for man but one large leap for mankind.

A Cottage by the Lake

Mark and I just returned yesterday from my sister Cindy's lake house in Northern Michigan, just down the road from Barton City. It was a great trip - beautiful scenery and the road trip gave us some time to think about where we wanted to live when we retire in the next 15 years or so. We came up with a list of what we want for our next home

Must haves:
On water - lake river, doesn't matter, but we want to be near water. Would like to have a sandy beach. If on a lake less then 200 acres (unless it is one of the great lakes of course)
Location in Minnesota, Wisconsin or Michigan, but not too far north or east. We don't mind the winter, but would like to be in a more temperate climate. Living in or close to a small town is also necessary, but only if it has a good medical facility.
House - we want a house with 3 bedrooms, at least 2 1/2 baths and of course a garage (3 car would be ideal). We would need a hot tub with an optional sauna, master bedroom suite preferable on the main floor and a separate family room. A walk out basement would also be a plus.

Our plan is to take the next couple of years and explore possible locations. We figure there has to be a lot of small towns around Lake Michigan which would fulfill our needs. Perhaps we will take the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and see what we can find.

Happy Canada Day

To all of you Cannucks, Happy Canada Day, Victoria Day or Dominion Day, however you like to refer to it. In honor on Canada Day, I thought I would give a little history of Oh, Canada

The History of the National Anthem
Summary
"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.

Here are theofficiall Words of the Canadian Nationalanthemn (for those non hockey fans)

O Canada!Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see
thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and
free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for
thee.