Snuff,
The "spider spikes" for tires are interesting....this is the first I've heard of them. I looked them up and you can only drive up
to a speed of 30 MPH with them on the tires, which would be a problem for me and where I drive during the winter. I use snow tires or studded snow tires (my preference)...they have to be take on and off at a garage, but there's no problem with traction or speed. The regulations were changed in PA for studded tires...now we have to put 4 on the car where it was 2 in the past. So, this year we put 2 snow tires on my van...doing okay, so far.

Yes, and what moms do for their sons...dads too, of course.

Amy
Here is the web site that my cousin sent me
What do you think?
http://www.spikes-spiders.com/


The Snuff

I think you have to drive more slowly when you use these. And you need to put them on all four tires, not
just two tires. Studded tires aren't allowed in DC. And I had to have the car dealer put the snow tires on my car and
change out the all season tires which are now stored in my garage until Spring when I wil put them back on.

Its worth every precious moment. And I'm starting to get sad about the fact that college ends in June. How fast it went. I can't believe it.
And I haven't yet figured out what I'm going to be doing next Winter during basketball season - I've been going to his games for 10 years.
Old habits hard to break. I'm shooting his games now and am planning to make him a book for graduate of favorite photos taken during his college years from basketball to his Italy trip last summe, country and western concerts with friends in the summer, Ireland two summers ago, associates in summer jobs etc., clowning around with his teammates etc.

By Mike Luckovich

Chilly out there this morning, 1 degree above zero ...

And a big old moon is shining bright in the sky ...

I use Nokian tires, myself, Snuf ....

They are from Scandinavia, where I believe they might get some snow ...

I have used Nokians for years, and they get very good traction up here ....

I have used studded tires in the past, but found them to be a lot of work, and you need extra rims, or you have to have the tires changed in spring and fall, which is not good for the beads ....

And so ...

You would be much more likely to get stuck in New Jersey than Vermont, Snuf ....

Because Vermont gets snow, and the people who live there every day know that they get snow, they are equipped to deal with snow, and they do it quite well ....

And Middlebury College used to have a SNOWBOWL in the winter, which was a skiing competition, so they are used to getting in a bunch of cars at once up there in the winter, which in many ways IS their season there, in terms of their economy ....

When I was younger, we would take off in a blizzard to drive over to Vermont to go skiing at Stratton, or wherever, and know that we could make it over and back with no real trouble at all, presuming we didn't run into an idiot along the way ....

And the blizzards usually kept them off the road ....

And so ...

It's 9 degrees and 8-10 more inches of snow are predicted starting later this afternoon.

Boots -- check! Shovel -- check! Don't have to go to work today -- niiiiiccce!

Two degrees this morning Brr. We are expecting 5-8 inches starting this afternoon continuing on into tomorrow morning.

Will warm up to 22 once it starts. I'm ready for it. Wondering though whether I will be able to get out of here tomorrow.

Will just have to see and play this by ear.http://www.truckblog.com/story-1186-forget_the_snow_chains_get_snapons


Amy - Also check out this site:

http://www.truckblog.com/story-1186-forget...ins_get_snapons

"Capital Region can expect 5 to 10 inches of snow"

By CHRISTEN GOWAN, Staff writer, Albany, New York Times Union

Last updated: 10:27 a.m., Saturday, January 10, 2009

Area residents can expect more snow accumulations than originally was expected from this evening's storm.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for 4 to 8 inches of snow in the immediate Capital Region on Saturday, said meteorologist John Quinlan.

Snowfall, which should start around 4 p.m., could be heavy at times with an inch to 2 inches per hour around midnight, Quinlan said.

A total of 5 to 10 inches will have fallen by mid-morning Sunday, Quinlan said.

Snow will be heaviest in the southern parts of the Capital Region.

Weather service meteorologists have declared a winter storm warning, which will remain in effect until noon Sunday.

Temperatures will drop into the teens Saturday night and creep up into the mid-20s by afternoon Sunday.

Winds will remain calm, leaving little chance for drifting or blowing snow.

Gray skies ....

But so far, no snow ....

And so ...

You all make me glad I live in the SW.......had the south facing sliding patio door open for several hours this afternoon. But my tender plants need protection tonite....so about dark I went out and tucked them in . Ah, yes Livy a very impressive full moon, closest to the earth for quite a long period.

Tonite I am a weary old chick.......yesterday had fout appts of pre-op testing and the long commute over our territorail sprawl here in the Phoenis metro environs.

On the freeways early Tuesday for a 7 am CT scan that is the last of the testing before surgery on Thursday.

I have great confidence in my surgical team at Mayo -- having doctored there since 1995.


Stay safe everyone.
And value your youth.

lenal

Sorry to hear you're going thru all that testing, lenal...and then surgery in a few days. I hope it is nothing too serious. I bet you're exhausted. The medical procedures alone would tire anyone...but the driving to get there and back....ugh! Do you have any family in the area who will be with you before and after the surgery?

ssued by The National Weather Service
Albany, NY
11:48 pm EST, Sat., Jan. 10, 2009 ... WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM EST SUNDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM EST SUNDAY.

HEAVY SNOW WILL FALL ACROSS THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION... SARATOGA REGION... SOUTHERN VERMONT... SCHOHARIE VALLEY... CENTRAL MOHAWK VALLEY... NORTHERN AND EASTERN CATSKILLS... MID HUDSON VALLEY... TACONICS... BERKSHIRES AND LITCHFIELD HILLS OVERNIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING.

TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 5 TO 10 INCHES IS EXPECTED... WITH ISOLATED HEAVIER AMOUNTS OF 8 TO 12 INCHES POSSIBLE ACROSS THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE EASTERN CATSKILLS... CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TACONICS AND SOUTHERN BERKSHIRES.

PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CONTINUE OVERNIGHT INTO SUNDAY MORNING. A BRIEF LULL IS EXPECTED IN THE INTENSITY OF THE SNOW AROUND AND JUST AFTER MIDNIGHT... WITH THE SNOWFALL INCREASING IN INTENSITY ONCE AGAIN AFTER MIDNIGHT... AND CONTINUING... HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGH DAYBREAK SUNDAY. THE SNOW MAY MIX WITH SOME SLEET ACROSS SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF THE MID HUDSON VALLEY AND LITCHFIELD COUNTY AFTER MIDNIGHT. THE SNOW WILL THEN TAPER OFF LATER SUNDAY MORNING.

THE SNOW WILL RESULT FROM A LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM THAT IS FORECAST TO TRACK FROM WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA TONIGHT... TO A POSITION NEAR CAPE COD SUNDAY MORNING. THE STORM WILL THEN RAPIDLY MOVE FARTHER OFF THE COAST... BRUSHING THE CANADIAN MARITIMES SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE.

Driving in Snow and Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS), and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.
7. MORE TIPS

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services

Stay safe yourself, lenal, and my best wishes for you in connection with your upcoming medical procedures ...

I'll send positive energy out your way ...

And so ...

"Capital Region can expect 5 to 10 inches of snow"

Staff reports, Albany, New York Times Union

Last updated: 5:06 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2009

Area residents can expect more snow accumulations than originally was expected from this evenings storm.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for 4 to 8 inches of snow in the immediate Capital Region on Saturday, said meteorologist John Quinlan.

Snowfall, which should start around 4 p.m., could be heavy at times with an inch to 2 inches per hour around midnight, Quinlan said.

A total of 5 to 10 inches will have fallen by mid-morning Sunday, Quinlan said.

Snow will be heaviest in the southern parts of the Capital Region.

Weather service meteorologists have declared a winter storm warning, which will remain in effect until noon Sunday.

Meteorologist Kevin Lipton urged those who can avoid driving to do so.

He expects clearing roads to become difficult once low temperatures, fluffy snow and traffic are combined.

"It will be quite slippery," he said.

Temperatures will drop into the teens Saturday night and creep up into the mid-20s by afternoon Sunday.

Winds will remain calm, leaving little chance for drifting or blowing snow.

Snow is snow ....

Once it starts, it ends when it ends, and you get what you get ....

There is no real difference between 6 inches of snow and 10 inches of snow, when you get right down to it ...

And I never believe what the weather people are saying about snowfall amounts ...

It can vary by several inches or more up here in just a short distance, depending on elevation and where you are ...

And the snow right here did not start until about 7:00 PM, long after they said it would, which is alright by me ...

But there definitely is snow out there this morning ...

And it is still coming down pretty good ....

So today will be a snowblower day for me, anyway ....

And so ...

Geez.....there's been a 60 + vehicle pileup on I-93 North about 15 miles east of here between Exits 3 and 4 in Derry, NH. The first pics are coming in on the local news. Cars, trucks, tractor trailers and buses. The number of vehicles involved is just a guesstimate by a state trooper reporting on local TV news right now. Apparently there was an accident which caused a chain reaction. Unfortunately the accident was over a knoll so vehicles were going regular speed as they could not see what was going on over the hill.

Hopefully most of it is just vehicle damage. Vehicles can be replaced.

No doubt weather was a factor -- 9-10 inches of new snow that is just now starting to taper off.

UPDATE: Just heard that the initial accident that caused the chain reaction involved a bus taking a group of Boy Scouts on a ski trip. Fortunately, neither the driver nor any of the passengers were injured.

why were they going regular speed with 9 or 10 inches of snow?

Regular speed on a cleared road......and the interstates are always cleared first. It was all just an unfortunate domino-type event.

UPDATE: Now they're saying the front bus was carrying a girl's hockey team. Regardless, all on the bus are okay.

Okay.....the total was 59 vehicles: 3 buses (one with Boy Scouts; one with UMass' Girls Hockey Team; unsure who was on the third), 2 tractor trailers and 54 passenger vehicles.

http://www.wmur.com/news/18456864/detail.html

Nearly 60 Vehicles Involved In I-93 Crash

POSTED: 9:16 am EST January 11, 2009
UPDATED: 11:08 am EST January 11, 2009

DERRY, N.H. -- Nearly 60 vehicles collided on northbound Interstate 93 in Derry, shutting down a portion of the highway Sunday morning.

Derry fire officials said 59 vehicles, including three buses and two tractor-trailers, were involved in the crash.

WMUR News 9's Aaron Kellogg reported from the scene that a charter bus at the front of the crash, which was transporting a group of boy scouts, tried to avoid another car that had gone out of control. Other cars became involved, leading to the pileup.

Another bus, transporting the University of Massachusetts women's hockey team, was also involved in the crash. Some of the women inside the bus wrote on a dry-erase board "We are OK" as a car blocked the door of the bus, preventing anyone from getting out.

State police said the accident occurred Sunday morning between exits 3 and 4 in Derry. Kellogg reported that traffic is backed up for miles.

Emergency crews transported 15 people from the scene with injuries. Kellogg reported at least one man had to be pulled from his vehicle after it slid under a tractor-trailer.

Police have asked people to stay inside their vehicles as crews work their way car by car to determine who is injured.

It was not immediately clear how long the northbound lanes will remain closed. Tow trucks arrived at the scene by 10 a.m. to clear the crash scene.

Kellogg reported the southbound lanes continued to move unimpeded by the crash. Snow was seen on the highway, but officials did not immediately identify a cause. The Associated Press reported that traffic is being detoured to Route 28. New Hampshire state police have asked that motorists avoid Interstate 93.

Refresh WMUR.com and watch WMUR News 9 for the latest breaking updates.

WOW, canjcat ....

That is something ...

Makes me very glad that I don't really have to drive anywhere anymore, myself ....

I was snowblowing, myself ....

The snow has stopped here .....

Maybe 5 inches or so, not a lot, but enough to snowblow, anyway ....

If they got snowblowers up in heaven, and some paths to snowblow up there, and some regular snow, I think I'll put in for one of them jobs, myself when I get there ....

I imagine they would let you volunteer for one, anyway ....

It's supposed to be a democracy up there, from what I hear ....

So I should be able to get the job of my choice ....

And so ....

Low 20's out there about now ...

A little bit of snow flurry ...

Tomarrow is supposed to be more snow ...

And Wednesday is heading down below zero ....

No beach weather for a few days then, it seems ....

At least if you want to surf on a lake or pond or creek up here ....

And so ...

Spent Sunday morning digging my car out from under a foot of powdery snow. Did have some help though from my son. And then

after brunch drove back to DC. Saw snow on the ground all the way to Newark. Boys weren't happy campers. Lost to Amherst

by five points in a low scoring game - 65-60. Our boys just had too many turnovers. Home now getting ready to do this

again next weekend.

Supposed to be real cold, Snuf ....

I know Liv. Time to get out the long underwear.

Silk from L.L. Bean is the way to go, Snuf ...

Then, if it is real cold, you can put the thermal long underwear over that ....

Generally, I don't have to ...

But in the winter, I also wear flannel-lined pants ...

And so ...

Cold out there this morning ....

Down in the single digits ...

And the wind is blowiing strong, standing the flag out straight ...

Dangerous conditions for the ears and skin, alright ...

And so ...

It's mighty, mighty cold here and will be for the next few days. It feels like a meat locker outside....but actually even colder because the wind is blowing occasionally and when it does, a face full of icy snow crystals flying off the tree limbs and roof tops is guaranteed. Everyone......stay warm!!

I'll be bowing out of here for the next few days without ready access to the internet. It'll be probably be good for me to take a break.

I'll be back in time to celebrate the inauguration with all you, though!! I'm really looking forward to that!!

C'ya then folks!!

Enjoy, canjcat ....

It's chilly out there this morning, down around zero, but no wind ....

I don't want to say it's cold at zero when it is 30 below out west of here ...

Compared to 30 below, zero is just about sun-bathing weather ...

And so ...

It is freezing here, expecting it to be zero tonight and tomorrow

They say snow and ice were coming from 1am on, but woke up to only a fraction of an inch so far...
haven't ventured out yet, so don't know if there is ice

so far schools and such are open

I usually am not affected by the cold, but this cold is bitter, biting, hurts...

I am waiting for the Clipper to head out of New York City before I venture in the car and head north to Pawling. I was originally planning to leave today, but it looks like I will likely leave tomorrow.

Amy - if you see this, just wanted to let you know that I ordered the spider/spikes for my car. Spoke to the manufacturer of these things last night. He is out in New Mexico. Watched a video on installation. Doesn't look that difficult to do. Will keep them in my trunk for when I really run into the ice. In the meantime, my cousin
sent me the following link for something called Snow Bootz which wrap around the tire and aren't as heavy as chains. Link is below.

http://www.snobootz.com/benefits.php


Spiders and snowbootz are used extensively out west where chains are normally routinely required. Gas station attendants on the East Coast may not
be as familiar with these in terms of installation. But the guy told me if I have a problem just have the attendant telephone him during installation and they will
walk him through it. After seeing the video, I'm not certain I will even need an attendant to help me put them on. It looks relatively easy.

The cold closes in on you, graham ....

I can feel it squeezing me, compressing ....

It radiates itself right into your soul ....

People up here say hell is a cold place ....

And so ....

Life is an adventure, Snuf ....

No use not being prepared for one, especially as you are doing so much traveling where the weather can be dangerous ....

And so ....

Well, another chilly morning out there ...

Although it could be worse ...

There is no wind ....

And so ...

And this morning is a bit chillier than the last ...

It's down below zero out there this morning ...

And so ...

It's up to about 15 now out there ....

So I guess it won't be a beach day today ....

And so ...

Wind-driven snow this morning ....

And a warm-up ....

It's 17 out there now, headed up into the 20's ...

And so ...

I'm thinking of lenal who had surgery last Thursday.....Hope you're doing well, lenal and are able to watch the inauguration today.

Thanks for the reminder, Amy.....time has slipped away.

Lenal......sure hope you have a speedy recovery!!

Me, too, Lenal! I saw you wandering around in here last night. Please let us know how you are when you can!

Good news! Stop by when you can, lenal!

Best wishes to you, lenal ...

Lenal.......I read of your successful surgery in another thread. So glad to hear you're on the mend and things are looking brighter!!!

I have heard from our dear friend, Mr. A.B. ...

And I am happy to report that it sounds like he is doing well for himself ...

We miss you, Mr. A.B ...

And so ...

Thanks for sharing that, Livy. WE MISS YOU MR. A.B.!!!

And the important thing, canjcat, is that he sounds relaxed and at peace ....

WE MISS YOU, Mr. A.B.!

Take care!

Be well!

-3 degrees.......but sunny!

Bundle up everyone!!

Cold here, too, but not that cold ....

Supposed to stay cold for a bit now ....

Cold nights chew through the firewood ....

And so ...

Hello everyone......glad to continue to report that recovery is happening, having a sort of "off" day today but overall, progress is slowly moving toward whatever passes for normalcy at this age.......I'll be able to resume a number of activities, I really have no restrictions, only must use my common sense, torture to cough phase is history, so happy about that since my bronchiectasis comes with dry coughing fits. Belly was very sensitive after digging around in there with all the instruments. Thursday I am going to attempt doing a bit of my pulmonary rehab maintenance routine at the gym. I slide downhill pretty rapidly in that arena when I miss doing it.

Thankful that Mr. A. B. checked in with Livy......... the welcome mat is out for a visit soon Mr. A.B.


lenal