Today is St. Patrick’s Day. As I write this thousands of Bostonians are going out to traditional Irish-like watering holes to drink themselves into oblivion on green beer and bad bar food. Geoff and I didn’t have much to do today other than a doggie play date this morning and a few errands. On his way home from running errands, Geoff stopped at the nearest Burger King and got us each a meal.
All cats, all the time!
Just kidding folks, no need to stop reading the blog. I know we’ve been talking a lot about cats lately. I swear we’re not turning into ICHC. That’s just the way things have worked out lately.
Geoff and I stumbled upon this today and thought that it was worth sharing. If you can watch it without tearing up a bit you’re doing better than me.
Bob The Cat
As opposed to Bob’s your Uncle…
Anyway, this popped up elseweb today. I’d never heard of this but there is apparently a book out about this cat and his human now. This video is out and out adorable and I imagine that the book is as well. Enjoy.
Also known as, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”
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.
Continue reading “This is why I believe in emergency planning”
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.
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
Why we don’t have Facebook accounts
~Kelly & Geoff
Dear Phillies fans in the family,
You are forthwith forbidden from mentioning Papelbon to us.
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
