Precipitation in Portland is a familiar occurrence and something to which the citizenry is entirely expectant. However, this past week's weather has turned the populace on its ear and once again proved that the city is unprepared for snow.
While many states and cities make room in their budgets for snow and ice control, Oregon and Portland see it so infrequently that it doesn't make sense to set much money aside. Governor Ted Kulongoski was recently forced to slash all spending due to the troubled economy. Further compounding Portland's financial predicament, Mayor Sam Adams said today that the city has spent nearly $1 million over the past week in an effort to clear roadways.
The television stations have forgone their regularly scheduled programming in favor of round-the-clock redundant news coverage that consists solely of weather reports and in-the-field correspondents shivering as they report that "yes, it's still snowing" or "yes, there is still snow on the ground."
Though it's only day two of the second phase of what KGW is calling "Arctic Blast," I've been welcoming the inclement weather. After enduring the playful blame game that I brought the snow back with me from Alaska, I haven't been to work. My office (like many others in the city) has closed its doors until things let up.
My house isn't quite snowed in but there's about a foot of snow piled up and even more blown up against the fence. But if I absolutely had to get somewhere, I probably could.
Still, staying in has been awesome. After countless busy weekends, the lady and I have been able to work on household projects and relax. We've suited up and walked to the grocery store. We've been burning fires and drinking lots of wine. She's been baking too, which works out well for me.
I imagine that cabin fever will soon be setting in; I'll start seeing strange things and scrawling REDRUM onto the walls. For the time being though, I'm just happy to be comfortable and warm, peacefully watching the delicate snow color my neighborhood white.
LISTEN TO "SKATING" BY THE VINCE GUARALDI TRIO
While many states and cities make room in their budgets for snow and ice control, Oregon and Portland see it so infrequently that it doesn't make sense to set much money aside. Governor Ted Kulongoski was recently forced to slash all spending due to the troubled economy. Further compounding Portland's financial predicament, Mayor Sam Adams said today that the city has spent nearly $1 million over the past week in an effort to clear roadways.
The television stations have forgone their regularly scheduled programming in favor of round-the-clock redundant news coverage that consists solely of weather reports and in-the-field correspondents shivering as they report that "yes, it's still snowing" or "yes, there is still snow on the ground."
Though it's only day two of the second phase of what KGW is calling "Arctic Blast," I've been welcoming the inclement weather. After enduring the playful blame game that I brought the snow back with me from Alaska, I haven't been to work. My office (like many others in the city) has closed its doors until things let up.
My house isn't quite snowed in but there's about a foot of snow piled up and even more blown up against the fence. But if I absolutely had to get somewhere, I probably could.
Still, staying in has been awesome. After countless busy weekends, the lady and I have been able to work on household projects and relax. We've suited up and walked to the grocery store. We've been burning fires and drinking lots of wine. She's been baking too, which works out well for me.
I imagine that cabin fever will soon be setting in; I'll start seeing strange things and scrawling REDRUM onto the walls. For the time being though, I'm just happy to be comfortable and warm, peacefully watching the delicate snow color my neighborhood white.
LISTEN TO "SKATING" BY THE VINCE GUARALDI TRIO
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