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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by noa on February 17, 2003, at 15:04:20
Ok, sitting here at my computer, I can see out the window where one or two of my neighbors have been out there digging out their cars. For HOURS!! It is monumental! My car is just barely peeking out from under a huge drift. The doors are completely blocked.
There is no way I am going to even attempt this today. If my work is open tomorrow, I am going to take two busses and a train to get there rather than attempt this dig-out.
Here is the sitch: we are parked perpendicular to the curb, in what is essentially the shoulders of the road--ie, private parking, but not in a parking lot. Aside from the 2+ feet of snow and the 4 feet drifts, there is also the wall of snow behind the car from the municipal snow plow clearing the street. To remove the snow, you have to sidle back and forth to dump the snow onto the curb so you aren't dumping it onto other cars, or in their path. Thank goodness I now live in a civilized development, where people are doing this, as a few years ago, I lived in a development where people simply dumped the snow on the next car!!
I remember in a big storm in the mid 90's, going out to my car in the parking lot, to assess the situation, and standing there flabergasted, watching the guy in the next spot shoveling snow directly onto my car!! I said "hello", and, not letting on that it was my car he was dumping on, I asked something like, "Wow, I wonder what that person would say if they knew you were shoveling snow right onto their car?" He looked at me and shrugged indifferently. Then I said, "well, don't you think they might be a tad angry?" Another shrug. "Well as a matter of fact, I AM that person, and I want you to stop shoveling it onto my car now!" He doesn't look at me but says, "there is nowhere else to put it". So I told him he has to carry it to the curb like other civilized people. Then he just ignored me. Is this not the personification of a total A*hole?
I was just not in the mood to follow up on it. And, as it happens, lucky me, it was the only time in my life that I have actually owned two vehicles at the same time--a temporary overlap. My other car was in a better spot, with more civilized neighbors on each side, so I dug that one out. Really what happened is that I decided not to dig out and to take public transport . The next day, when I got home, I saw four 12-year-olds with shovels marching around looking for work, so I hired them to dig me out. I still ended up using public transport for a few days because where I worked at the time had no parking lot, and on-street parking was not at all possible because the snow had not been removed.
But wathcing these folks today doing this grueling work, and how long it takes, yikes, I can't get myself to think about doing it.
Ok, whilst I write this, I see two guys who have just come out to dig a car out of a drift even bigger than mine! But they have the advantage of being parallel parked across the street, so they can just throw the snow to the side, not having to do the back and forth thing. Besides, there are two of them and they are clearly much better at the shoveling than I am. Even with this advantage, I see that although they have seemingly dug the car out, they are still having difficulty getting it out of the space--spinning tires and all.
Oh, how lucky you warm-climate folks are right now!!
OTOH, in a previous, much more moderate snow storm, I was out shoveling and it was a great neighborhood social thing, and I met a neighbor I didn't know and am glad I know now.
Wow--it's a buzz out there now--the dog walkers and shovelers and even one or two parents with toddlers playing. And NO cars traveling! Early this am I saw someone on cc skis, which looks like fun--it is a good time for it, with very little to non-existent traffic.
OK, I think I will wait--it is supposed to get warmer tomorrow and in the next few days, even up to high 40's (F), while now it is in the low 20's. If I need something, I can walk to the bodega on the corner. I drank up my spring water and the supply is in a case in the trunk of my car, so if I get sick of tap water--ok, how spoiled am I?--it'll prbably be easier to walk the couple of blocks than to try to get to the water in the trunk!
Posted by beardedlady on February 17, 2003, at 17:01:31
In reply to More rather mundane snow thoughts, posted by noa on February 17, 2003, at 15:04:20
Where do you live, Noa?
snowed-in baltimorebeardy
Posted by JohnV on February 17, 2003, at 19:48:42
In reply to More rather mundane snow thoughts, posted by noa on February 17, 2003, at 15:04:20
I grew up in Sudbury Ontario and snow was just, well, a way of life. It's interesting to hear all of these comments about the Great White Stuff and it has made me realize what I love and miss about it. I felt really lucky to have experiences such as taking the snowmobile to school; spending my weekends by snowshoe and ski through the winter wonderland of forests and lakes that where still barely touched by humans; living a lifestyle that was just so nicely slow-paced compared to the one I live now in the 'big city' of Toronto.In fact I think not being around that nice and slow lifestyle has contributed to my depression and anxiety. The bleak, barren and what I call "naked wasteland" in the South seems so bizzare compared to the days where I just worried about getting around a nice warm fire and having treats and hot chocolate after coming out from playing in the many,many feet of Great White Stuff.
Many people say they don't like the snow and really, for us, it didn't matter if you did or didn't because it was "there" like it or not, so we made the best of it and it became a beautiful part of our lives. In fact with this "global warming" ruining our planet many young children won't get to have the wonderful experiences I and my friends did. That truly makes me quite sad.
Posted by bozeman on February 17, 2003, at 20:06:35
In reply to More rather mundane snow thoughts, posted by noa on February 17, 2003, at 15:04:20
> I remember in a big storm in the mid 90's, going out to my car in the parking lot, to assess the situation, and standing there flabergasted, watching the guy in the next spot shoveling snow directly onto my car!! I said "hello", and, not letting on that it was my car he was dumping on, I asked something like, "Wow, I wonder what that person would say if they knew you were shoveling snow right onto their car?" He looked at me and shrugged indifferently. Then I said, "well, don't you think they might be a tad angry?" Another shrug. "Well as a matter of fact, I AM that person, and I want you to stop shoveling it onto my car now!" He doesn't look at me but says, "there is nowhere else to put it". So I told him he has to carry it to the curb like other civilized people. Then he just ignored me. Is this not the personification of a total A*hole?
>Don't you just love the unenlightened masses? Yeah, me too. That's why I'm going to buy a place with no neighbors. Assuming I win a lottery or something. <grin>
>
> OK, I think I will wait--it is supposed to get warmer tomorrow and in the next few days, even up to high 40's (F), while now it is in the low 20's. If I need something, I can walk to the bodega on the corner. I drank up my spring water and the supply is in a case in the trunk of my car, so if I get sick of tap water--ok, how spoiled am I?--it'll prbably be easier to walk the couple of blocks than to try to get to the water in the trunk!
>Hmmmmm . . . . In your trunk? Probably blocks of swollen ice by now. Better rescue it first opportunity (when you finally dig car out) or have damp car trunk later. I "forgot" some Diet Pepsi was in my car several years ago, behind the seat, and found it only after it froze and exploded. Oy! The smell on the next warm day from the moisture!!
Good luck with your drifts!!
bozeman
Posted by Kar on February 18, 2003, at 1:40:44
In reply to More rather mundane snow thoughts, posted by noa on February 17, 2003, at 15:04:20
Am I close, Noa? Please divulge (Will I get a pbc for that?)...This is in no way intended to offend any Bostoners, but when I lived there I found them to be...um, unpredictable. And rather harsh at times. I can say this because I'm from NY and New Yorkers are famous for their rude behavior. Everybody has something. But I'm not trying to start anything!
> I remember in a big storm in the mid 90's,
Yeah I hate to bring up Boston again- no I don't. But on our narrow little street where people grew to consider the part of the street outside their houses THEIRS, they would shovel and then put chairs in that space so no one could benefit from their work! How's that for selfish! I've never experienced this phenomenon since.>Then he just ignored me.
Oy.
We live in the 2nd story of an old house. The owner has an office on the 1st floor. So we're fortunate enough to have the plowing and shoveling done. Of course we still get plowed in, but it's still cool. As I write, at 1:30 a.m. yeahyeah, I know...) the dudes are down there in the lot snow blowing and plowing! What?? My husband's boss pays then $50 for each visit they make so I don't really feel sorry for them anymore. I'd do it for that money! Before I had that info I'd considered cocoa offering.To sleep- per chance to get up again coughing and moaning.
Posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 11:59:13
In reply to My guess is the Boston area » noa, posted by Kar on February 18, 2003, at 1:40:44
Sorry, I won't divulge where I am--part of my paranoia about someone being able to identify me. I also once lived in an area where the lawn chair/ trash can thing was part of the winter scene. It was funny! And annyoing, of course. But I understood it in a way because there is nothing more frustrating than spending a day digging your car out of an on-street parking space only to come home from work and not find a space you can get into becuase of the snow. I think at some point, some towns have passed ordinances against the lawnchair practice.
I loved the snow as a child. I remember the first time being annoyed by it was at age 17, when I was already a driver. But it was just a mild annoyance, and only memorable because it was the first time I was annoyed at the arrival of winter, and I think it was the cold temps I was not looking forward to, mostly. Interestingly, though, at 16, when I first learned to drive and got my license, I took drivers ed (it used to be given for free in school!!) in the winter, and the road test for my license (the MV guys came to the school to test us) was actually in a snowstorm!! So I was unusual among most peers in that I was not afraid of driving in the snow.
As a child, I had to help shovel the sidewalk and our very long driveway. I remember minding that some, but not enough to dislike the snow. During snow storms and when there was a lot of snow on the ground, my older brother, who had a huge paper route, would pay me to help him, especially on Sundays, when the papers were bigger. I seem to remember it being a mandatory job for me to help, not an option! LOL. BTW, now that I think of it, it is amazing to me how hard my brother worked on his paper route every single day and he was quite young (10-13, I think).
I actually still like snow somewhat, but you are right about how the pace of life matters. Snow just doesn't go with this hectic, urban pace we have. I would love for things to slow down somewhat. Also, one thing I hate is rescheduling work stuff. It really taxes my organizational skills. My time management skills are not great, and once I am able to schedule things and get a sense of when I can get things done, it makes me anxious to have to re-do the scheduling and double up stuff that has to get done, etc. etc. Kind of inflexible, and I know I have to go with the flow, and I do, but inside, it makes me anxious.
Another thing that I think makes wintery weather hard is population density. Where I grew up (and also when I grew up), the population wasn't as dense as it is now and in the place I live now. Many more cars on the road, etc.
But snow is pretty, it's true. And I used to enjoy the occasional skiing I would do. I was never very good at it (not enough experience) and it was rather expensive for my early career budget, but I loved the feeling of being up on the snowy mountain, and skiing down. I also used to have a friend who had a family house on a northern lake, and we would go there to ski, both at local mountains, but also xc skiing right on the lake (where the ice-fishing houses were!). In graduate school, I went away to a mountain ski resort for a few days with a bunch of friends, renting a cabin, and we had the best time! We skiied (I only did xc that time) played in the snow, building a snow family, sat in the hot tub, sat by the fireplace, watched a dog sled race. It was great.
Update--the sun is melting the snow on my car a bit--I can see the side windows!
As for the water--I keep the water in the trunk all the time, just carrying in each gallon as needed. Yes, it expands when it freezes, but I haven't had it explode yet. Maybe the containers are more flexible than the soda bottle?
Posted by beardedlady on February 18, 2003, at 14:22:33
In reply to Re: My guess is the Boston area, posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 11:59:13
Okay, sun's shining here, and we're starting to melt. I don't think the snow up north is finished just yet.
Noa, don't worry about a thing. Even if I could find you, I couldn't drive to your house to get you!
beardy : )>
Posted by Kar on February 18, 2003, at 15:42:15
In reply to Re: My guess is south of CT. » noa, posted by beardedlady on February 18, 2003, at 14:22:33
Mom and Dad are in NJ and they're getting some sun. But we're getting flurries. You see Beardy, I have most of the mid-Atlantic states covered (not Delaware but small wonder :D ).
Don't cross me. Or my shoveled parking space.
Please don't hurt me. Now you (kind of) know where I live. It's like "Where's Waldo"!!
Posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 15:53:29
In reply to Don't melt, Beardy!, posted by Kar on February 18, 2003, at 15:42:15
You gonna hire a private security firm to guard that shoveled space o' yourn? Cuz someone just might steal it from ya when ya ain't ta lookin!
Posted by Kar on February 18, 2003, at 16:40:03
In reply to Re: Don't melt, Beardy!, posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 15:53:29
Fuh-get about it! Don'tchoo be tawkin' southern to a native New Yawkah!
>when ya ain't ta lookin!
Oh I'm allllwaaaaysss lookin'.
Fear me.
All right, that's the end of silliness for now...night all! Because my rhythms are royally screwed up from last night...Soiree with the insomniacs (you know who you are) later?
Posted by beardedlady on February 18, 2003, at 17:07:41
In reply to Re: Don't melt, Beardy!, posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 15:53:29
> You gonna hire a private security firm to guard that shoveled space o' yourn? Cuz someone just might steal it from ya when ya ain't ta lookin!
Hmmm...southern twang. I'm guessing Virginia!
beardy : )>
Posted by Kar on February 19, 2003, at 0:54:18
In reply to Re: Don't melt, Beardy! » noa, posted by beardedlady on February 18, 2003, at 17:07:41
Posted by bozeman on February 19, 2003, at 21:07:07
In reply to Re: My guess is the Boston area, posted by noa on February 18, 2003, at 11:59:13
> Sorry, I won't divulge where I am--part of my paranoia about someone being able to identify me.
>
>Yup, me too.
>
> Another thing that I think makes wintery weather hard is population density. Where I grew up (and also when I grew up), the population wasn't as dense as it is now and in the place I live now. Many more cars on the road, etc.
>
>I agree completely. One of the more frustrating results of this, too, is in the *smaller* metropolitan areas (2 million or less) so many of the residents over 40 (not that there's anything wrong with being over 40 :-) learned to drive in a more rural, less-cars-per-minute world. And that mindset sticks with them even after living in the big ol' city for years and years. Arg!! Sometimes I think I need Xanax or something just to get through rush hour!!!
>
> As for the water--I keep the water in the trunk all the time, just carrying in each gallon as needed. Yes, it expands when it freezes, but I haven't had it explode yet. Maybe the containers are more flexible than the soda bottle?
>
>Duh! (smacks forehead) -- the soda bottle is under pressure from the carbonation (the psssshhhhht when you open the bottle) so there is nowhere for the expansion from freezing to go, so of course it has to explode eventually! The water jugs/bottles are not under pressure, so when they swell, they just force out the extra air and puff up like little puffer fish. And, the HDPE of the jug *is* more flexible than the PET of the soda bottle. You're right, your water will be fine.
Thanks, noa, for setting me straight on my physics. I should have known better.
:D
bozeman
Posted by noa on February 21, 2003, at 8:19:10
In reply to Re: My guess is the Boston area » noa, posted by bozeman on February 19, 2003, at 21:07:07
>
> Thanks, noa, for setting me straight on my physics. I should have known better.
> :D
> bozeman
I am impressed! I knew my water doesn't explode but now I know *WHY* my water doesn't explode!
This is the end of the thread.
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