snow

Throwback Thursday

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Next week is the 127th Anniversary of the Great Johnstown Flood. On May 31st, 1889 an incredible storm lead to the failure of the South Fork Dam, and the flooding of the valley below. The flood killed more than 2,200 people and destroyed the town. I’ll write a little more about the flood, the town and the triumph of the human spirit next week. Today I’m posting a picture taken earlier this year at sunset just after it snowed. The picture was taken from the top of the World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane in the Westmont  section of Johnstown.

City of Johnstown, Pennsylvania under a dusting of snow.

The city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania under a dusting of snow as seen from the World’s Steepest Vehicular Inclined Plane.

Sorry About the Weather, It’s My Fault

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An Adirondack chair under a grape arbor in the snow

Ice, snow and freezing temperatures are all part of my birthday tradition.

The weather is really awful for most of the U.S. today, and I take full responsibility for it. If you go back through history you’ll see a long line of snow and ice storms and mind numbing cold temperatures on January 28th (plus or minus about 5 days). I can confirm this phenomenon has gone on since the 1970’s. How do I know? It’s my birthday.

I was born during a deep freeze, just after a snow storm. As a kid nearly every one of my birthday parties was rescheduled at least once because of the weather. One party wasn’t held until March because a pipe burst at the restaurant and there was major damage.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But it’s the end of January ~ of course the weather’s going to be bad!” You have a point. But, if we were to schedule a birthday get-together two weeks after my actual birthday, the weather will be bad that day too. I have years of facts to back me up on this.

So I apologize for any inconvenience I’ve caused. Trust me, I would put an end to this craziness if I could. The best I can do is hope you all stay safe and warm.

On a slightly related note, one year ago today I said I was looking at making some changes. Then things changed a hell of a lot more than I planned. They aren’t done yet, but I think I’ve got a little better idea where they’re going. Thanks to all of those who’ve hung around over the last year. Stick around to see what happens next.