Winter in Washington

This winter is certainly one for the record books.  In the past few days, we have had two record snowfalls and the USG has been off for four days.  The road conditions around here have been terrible.  Road crews have seldom been faced with this much snow at one time.  Our first snow storm brought us about 16 inches; the second one brought about 8 -- but this one had the bonus of high winds so we have drifts to deal with in addition to the snow.  This morning the sun is out bright -- but the temperature is only in the low teens.  With the wind, that means a minus number of some kind.  I guess we'll wait to go tackle the snow.

With nothing but time on my hands this week, I have been watching the old Robin Hood series starring Richard Greene.  For those of you old enough to remember the series, spending hours watching the 143 episodes was a lot of fun and brought back a lot of memories.  The old series really did pack quite a lot into the 30-minute timeframe.  The writing was very good -- and some of the lines are classic.
Sandy

Washington in Winter

Every time it snows in Washington, I am reminded how beautiful this city is when covered with a pure white layer of snow.  Last night and early this morning, the snow fell and clung to all the trees and buildings.  It looked like frosting on a cake -- absolutely gorgeous.  And of course no camera in sight!  I'll have to work on that!

The roads were in very good shape this morning as I drove into the office, amidst the announcement of school closings and such.  I know that the main roads were good to go, but the neighborhood streets were a different story.  We had about 6 inches of the beautiful white stuff -- soft and billowy -- easy to sweep and a perfect texture for a snowman or snowball!  Too bad it was time to be off to work.

Sandy

Fringe

Are any of you following this series?  I think it is one of the best, most interesting series currently on the tube.  Take the last episode for instance.  It involves a scientist that developed a toxin to target only specific people with a certain genetic code.  It originated back during the Naxi era with Walter's father.  The toxin would attack the red blood cells so that the victim would die from the lack of oxygen in the blood. 

Now I know that there are some dramatic license taken with this series, but it has some really inventive story ideas.  Apart from the main story, the interaction between Walter Bishop and his son, Peter, is wonderful.  Each week it seems to get better -- and you learn more about the relationship  between father and son.  I also like the growing special relationship between Walter and Astrid, the person in the lab that assists him at every turn. 

I am happy to see Fringe growing in popularity.  Perhaps it is Fox finally marketing the series a bit more, that certainly can't hurt.  Going up against CSI isn't an easy task -- no matter how you look at it.

Sandy

TOP GEAR

I don't know how many of you have access to BBC America, but if you don't you can still catch TOP GEAR on DVD.  Season 11 and 12 are just coming out and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching these videos.  These three guys, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, talk cars, but also show you some of the most beautiful country in the world.  It is just FUN!

AVATAR

I went to see James Cameron's AVATAR yesterday.  I can't say enough about the movie.  It was a good story, but the graphics, animation, technology was unbelievable.  Sigourney Weaver was wonderful as Grace and Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldanda were magnificent.  I don't want to give any of the story away -- just would hate to spoil any moment for anyone of this marvelous movie.

I think this one is worth another viewing -- or two.  Like many really good movies, you don't see everything the first time through. 

Snow, Snow, SNow

Old man winter has been having a lot of fun with us -- it is snowing to beat the band.  They are talking 16-20 inches here!  It's Washington for goodness sake!  We don't get that kind of snow!  This is going to be a perfect day to stay inside, wrap Christmas gifts, iron those clothes you have been putting off doing and, of course, watch some good videos. 

Be safe,
Sandy

Sanctuary

I have been catching up a bit on some of the shows I've slept through this year.  I loved Sanctuary last year and this year it is proving to remain one of my favorite programs.  The writing is just awesome and it is a show that continues to keep you guessing.  I think Amanda Tapping is marvelous as Helen Magnus and she is finally getting to show that she can act -- which was an occasional thing over at Stargate. 

This is one show where all the main characters are good.  I particularly enjoy the interaction between the characters.  Henry has grown considerably this year, as has Will.  I hated to see Ashley go, but the new addition is a good one -- and the give-and-take between her and Henry adds another facet to the show.