Up to this point, the weather has been nippy but dry. However here's the weather forecast for the weekend, predicting the first snow of the season. Not much, but enough to make the roads slippery.
And our regular tires were practically bald.
So Don loaded up the studded tires into the back of the car...
...and off I went, only to get caught behind a heavily-loaded logging truck...
...going about 26 mph down a steep incline. Not much I could do about it except be patient.
By the way, it's worth noting that I left home around 9 a.m.
Les Schwab is the local tire place, and let me tell you they get swamped before the first snowstorm of the year. Swamped. I signed in, handed over the keys, and was told, "Five hours." No surprise there.
So this charming little corner café became my home away from home for the day.
And that's where I was when the auspicious moment of 11/11/11 11:11:11 hit.
And this is where I stayed for seven hours. I didn't mean to practically move into the café, honestly I didn't, but there were lots and lots and lots of other customers ahead of me at Les Schwab. Those hard-working men were changing tires as fast and furiously as they could. I finally headed home around 4:15 pm, just as it was getting dark and just ahead of the storm. As I write this, it is howling wind and pouring (and I mean pouring!) rain. It's supposed to turn to snow later this evening. Meanwhile, with the wind we're experiencing, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to lose power.
So what did you do on 11/11/11?
Patrice, at the afore-mentioned time, I was working my second job, buried deep inside a kitchen cabinet, putting in new drawer glides. One of my fellow church members is doing a sizable remodel and has hired me to do a lot of the stuff he can't do.
ReplyDeletev/r
Rob
11/11/11 Today was a day off from work, so I took young daughter to the mall and had Christmas card pictures taken. We are not anticipating snow here in So Cal like you. In fact, tomorrow I'm planning on taking young daughter and going jogging.
ReplyDeleteElk hunting today in the snow, but it was melting so not too helpful for tracking elk.
ReplyDeleteI was at playgroup with my little one, organising painting and cutting up fruit.
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Hey, you guys. You were off work today because it was Veteran's Day! It is one day where we're supposed to show our appreciation of the men and women who dedicate (and sometimes sacrifice) their lives for our freedom and security - past, present, and future!
ReplyDeleteAt 11:11 on 11/11/11, I was watching the fourth largest Veteran's Day Parade in the USA. I'm proud to be an Okie.
Thanks to all of you who were and are in our military!
At 11:11 today, my husband, three friends, and I were cutting and stacking wood for a widow from church. She retired early to care for her husband, who did pass away 9 years ago. Because of "interesting" rules regarding pensions and social security, she had to return to work. At age 69 she still works even though her health is not good. Since she has no central heating system, just a fireplace and electric space heaters, those of us who are able help get her set for winter. Since her late husband was a veteran, I think it was an appropriate way to spend the day since I didn't have to work myself today. Where we live in Southern California, it gets down to freezing temperatures, and we do occasionally get snow. It was a blessing to fix it so she can be warm.
ReplyDeleteAt 11:11 on 11/11/11, I was outside with my dog Baron. He has paralyzed back legs but now gets around with a wheelchair,(see photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/essellhaynes/BaronSWalkinWheels).
ReplyDeleteAll in all though, maybe it would be a good idea to invest in a floor jack and a four way lug wrench so that the wheels could be changed out at home. It could save a lot of time, maybe an hour as opposed to five or seven hours.
Remembrance Day in Canada! Remembering the sacrifices of our veterans.
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd share
~Clare
Please go into the archives and re-read July 10, 2010 all the way to the last sentence.
ReplyDeleteAre you "at the mall"?
Vets rock.
Thank you, Patrice.
We had our first snow already. Didn't stick, but the kids loved the big fat flakes. Me not so much, since I don't like driving in reduced visibility. I don't mind snow on the road, but I don't like it keeping me from seeing what's coming...
ReplyDeleteThe snow drove home how quickly we need to move on finding a new home, too, since we don't want to be doing roof inspections on roofs we can't see, or stand on... sigh.
Xa Lynn
I completely forgot the world was supposed to end yesterday..my bad ;^) I was at home. I was thinking the same thing about that wind, Patrice. I told my husband as soon as he walked in the door after work "You better go get your bath now and then fill the tub with water because we just might lose power with this wind" (we're on well water), of course he was already on that page, lol.
ReplyDeleteI was at a friend's house with some of my family (4 were at work) making Thanksgiving wreaths and most importantly I was celebrating my youngest son's 17th birthday!
ReplyDeleteWell I had the day off for Veterans Day and Luke & Olivia were out of school for the same reason but Mom had to work. Soooo i played hide and seek, leap frog, musical chairs, did three floor puzzles and a new game we came up with called bean-bag-Barbie. And I flew the flag and thought of my Dad, and Omaha Beach. Don
ReplyDeleteBeing a Friday, I was in our local soup kitchen crying over a batch of onions that were doing their best to do me in before I did them in.
ReplyDeleteSteve Davis
Anchorage, Alaska
I was home in my chair watching the wind blow at 30 mph for the third day. I have to say I am disapointed that you waited till the last minute to put those tires on. Let's try and prepare a little sooner next time in case you wake up and have a 6in snow on the ground. FK
ReplyDeleteWe were rerouting electric fence wire and getting ready for the snow, which gave us 3-4 inches last night. We thank our veterans EVERY day.
ReplyDeletePatrice, that long wait, which I have done before, is why I had my snow tires put on 2 weeks ago. In and out in 20-25 minutes. There even was a guy available to run out and meet me in the parking lot, just like the commercial.I also went north, instead of south to CDA.;-D
Paintedmoose
Before it comes time to take off the studded tires next year, search Craigs list or go to a junk or wreaking yard, and find 4 good wheels to fit your car. Take them to Les Schwab and have them put the studded tires on your newly purchased wheels. Then, next winter, all you have to do is jack up your car at your home, and put on your studded tires yourself. I only know all this because that is what my son did for me. Gives me a sense of security knowing they are always ready to go!
ReplyDeleteOn 11/11/11 I planted tulip bulbs and stacked firewood. I was probably stacking wood at 11:11:11.
ReplyDelete-Lisa in Indiana
I was teaching Phonics to 2nd graders. We are at a Christian school and did not take the day off, but we did put on a school wide program honoring the veterans and then serving them brunch. Afterward I had to explain to my class why all of the teachers and parents were crying, especially while the veterans stood up and told stories about their service. It was very moving.
ReplyDeleteDawn
I was in Germany at the NATO School, sharing a moment of silence with fellow veterans from all of the NATO countries.
ReplyDeleteI was on the Acropolis looking at the Parthenon...seriously! I was thinking about my husband, since we were married on 11/11(1995)at 11am!
ReplyDeleteKatieJ
Germany
I was clapping for our Veterans in the local Veteran's Day parade.
ReplyDeleteI know my comment is a bit late, but I thought you might find it interesting --
ReplyDelete11/11 was an errand day for us, and we didn't do anything special.
BUT, had she lived this long, my great-grandmother would have, on 11/11/11, celebrated her 111th birthday! :D