That’s what the “Severe Weather Alert” for my part of the world says is coming. The first one, a wee stormette, is supposed to breeze through tomorrow, but isn’t expected to drop much rain. But then, on Sunday, a big one moves over us … and then another on Monday, and then Tuesday, and on like that until Friday. A storm a day.
Which, um, explains why my hands and wrists feel like they both have bellyaches today.
I think I’ve mentioned before how badly we need this rain – and even more, snow – here in California. We’re incredibly lucky; we haven’t had to do much water rationing so far, in spite of the drought moving into its fourth official year. It could be much worse. Nevertheless, a series of good, moisture-laden storms coming in off the Pacific to soak the northern part of the state is very good news. We’ve already had a nice series of storms in early December – remember my freakish 18 inches of snow? – and last week, we had several days of good, soaking rain here and snow higher up the mountain. It hasn’t been very cold, however. Days have topped out in the mid-to-high 50s.
And now this new system with its “storm a day” attitude is spiraling in. It will be quite a lot colder. We’ll have lots of rain and lots of snow. I’m almost afraid to hope for it, but could this mean the end of the drought?
Oh yes, please.
Of course, with the barometric pressure boinging up and down, down and up , my joints are probably going to be screaming at me. Never fear, dear joints. In fact, chill, OK? I have my Thermogloves right here. I have plenty of warm blankets. I have a heating pad and I know how to use it. A paraffin bath for angry hand-dipping, too. We have three cords of stovewood, and with Matt and Cary living here with us this year, I’ve got a couple of strong young people around who can do the heavy work of carting in wood and stacking it by the stove for use. I won’t have to struggle with it alone.
I am grateful.
My plans today include a trip to the grocery store to stock up on perishables, and then to the computer store for an external hard drive (My puter is telling me it’s internal drive is just about full, which sorta blows my mind, but that’s another post). So I need to do some backing-up, and then get on the phone with Dell if that doesn’t do the trick. Wish me luck – I’m off!
Storm’s a-comin’, honey!
RheumaBlog 
I’m sorry you are having the weather related pain right now. I hope it eases up soon, and I hope you are taken off of drought status.
I attended a storm spotters class about 6 years ago and go out occasionally with others in the spring and summer when we have severe weather coming in. It can be pretty exciting chasing storms around Oklahoma.
LikeLike
You know, I bet that IS fun, Terry. Have you ever had the tables turned and had a storm chase YOU? I can’t help but think of that movie, Twister … and I know OK gets some pretty awesome storms.
Thanks for the good wishes. We got all our storm-week-prep done today, so we’re ready for some nice, soaking, sustained rain and snow. I’m mostly expecting just rain here at our altitude, but they’re saying it could possibly snow lightly now and then, too. Anyway, the state needs it soooo bad. I’d hate to have to let my garden die this summer if we have to start rationing water. That just plain hurts.
How are you doing these days? Has it warmed up any out there?
LikeLike
It has warmed back up to our normal winter temperatures. I’m feeling much better now that we rid of the frigid arctic chill that hung in here for 3 weeks. I have my bike loaded and will be on my way to the woods in about 30 minutes.
I have not been in the wrong position of an approaching storm yet. Our area has a good network of spotters with scanners and radar. 2 years ago got caught out in an unbelievable hail storm. There was a tornado that dropped but did not touch the ground, but was throwing these baseball sized hail stones every direction with incredible force. I had $6200 damage on my truck. It also broke out 280 skylights and 12 plate glass windows where I work. Ah, springtime in Oklahoma!
LikeLike
Did you have your storm? And how were the joints? I always get in a right state when there’s a storm brewing – worse than when it actually hits!
LikeLike
p.s. LOVE your photos!
LikeLike
I often get weather related aches and pains, especially when the air pressure fluctuates drastically. Thanks for all the great ideas about how to cope with aches and pains related to arthritis when these changes in the weather take place! I’m glad you have some help carrying in the firewood too.
LikeLike
Polly — We did have our storms. A couple of them were magnificent. We had about five inches of snow at one point, but it only stayed on the ground a couple of days when the next storms dropped rain. Way up above us, higher up in the Sierras, a lot of snow fell. I believe — don’t quote me — that we’re about 130 percent of normal for snowpack this season, which is a HUGE relief. Now, as long as it doesn’t warm up too much and not rain, or warm up and rain so that the snowpack melts too early, we’re much better off as far as the drought is concerned.
As for my hands, well, they were sore off and on all week. Frankly, I’m grateful they’re the only parts of me that hurt. Knock wood. Oh — and thanks for the compliment on my photos. I do enjoy shooting them and then playing around with Photoshop. :o)
Andrea — Thanks for stopping by! I’m sorry the weather affects your joints, too — it’s the pits, isn’t it? What really gets me is that so many doctors still don’t believe this. They should read our blogs and the comments!
I’m always glad that I might be able to give someone else ideas about how to be more comfortable during a rheuma flare, so you’re welcome. I figure we can all use all the help and support we can get. Stay warm!
LikeLike