This is why I believe in emergency planning

The big news tonight here in Boston is a fire in the Back Bay that led to power going out in huge swaths of Boston.  Apparently the fire started in a utility building containing two large transformers.  In order to fight the fire, it was necessary to cut power to the transformers.  That has now led to a power blackout in Back Bay, Prudential Center, Copley Square, Chinatown, the Theater District, and Kenmore Square.  They are saying now on TV that they are allowing people to return to their homes but they have no idea when power will be restored to this area.

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150 years of the U.S.S. Monitor

As some of you are no doubt aware, I am fascinated with 19th century America, and one of the most significant developments in maritime history happened 150 years ago this week.  For the first time ever, a battle was fought between ironclad warships in Hampton Roads, Virginia on March 9, 1862.  The Confederates had recovered the sunken steam frigate U.S.S. Merrimack and rebuilt it, converting it to a casemate ironclad vessel that they renamed C.S.S. Virginia.  The Union’s vessel, the U.S.S. Monitor, was a technological marvel, made almost entirely of iron and containing a revolving gun turret, as well as flush toilets, a forced air ventilation system, and a couple dozen other new inventions.   I have found the ship fascinating ever since I was a kid.  Perhaps one day I will get a chance to see the recovered parts of the  ship at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News.

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Looks like another weather record might fall today

Our bizarre winter weather continues.  Today we may just break another old record here in Boston for temperature.  It’s yet another shorts day for me.  It is so strange.  I can’t really say that this winter is over, because Boston has been known to have snow this late in the season, even as late as April.  But it is starting to feel like winter is over.  We are going to have above-average temperatures for most of this week, I think.  So although some colder weather might still be possible, it seems to be becoming a lot less likely.

ETA: Another record is broken.  The temperature hit 71 degrees Fahrenheit today, breaking the old record of 69 degrees set in 1902.

-Geoff

Abnormal weather yet again

So far today we have tied the record for the warmest March 8.  I am wearing shorts today.  In some ways I don’t mind, after all it’s a nice day outside.  But I am concerned about the general weather trends, and the predictions that spring this year is going to be warmer than normal for us.  In light of the fact that we had so little snow this year, and thus there is not much snowpack to melt this spring, a warmer spring could spell trouble for gardeners and farmers.  We could have droughts to worry about.  And it could mean increased risk of fires.

ETA: We broke the record after all.   The old record for March 8th was 67 and it reached 68 degrees.  Records have been kept since 1872.  Right now here in Cambridge it is 66 degrees, with the wind clocking in at 20 mph from the south south-east.

I was hoping to plant some herbs this spring, if I can manage it.  I do have a love for things that grow.  Just like hobbits.  Fresh herbs are so nice for cooking.  Maybe I will try making some flavored vinegars or olive oils.

-Geoff

Of butterflies, and one special chrysalis

As Geoff mentioned, on Saturday we took his sister, Liz, and her 3 kids to the Museum of Science, among other places, for their day visit to Boston.  After our lunch time visit to Harvard Sq. for some excellent burgers, we stopped back off at home before heading to the museum.  Whenever we enter the house, especially with guests, we’re always greeted at the door by our enthusiastic dachshunds and usually at least one cat.

On Saturday we were greeted by a bouncy little Thumbelina, Scratch, and no Rerun.  There was a distinct whining coming from the living room, but as everyone filed in and wandered into the kitchen, I was apparently the only one who 1) noticed his absence and 2) heard the pathetic whimpers coming from the living room.  (Rerun is an expert at The Pathetic Dog Whimper.)

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