Dirkmonster

#thesituation2010

We spent about 20 minutes de-icing the QX56 and then went out to test the roads. The 4 wheel drive conquered the snow and ice packed roads nicely - given that we took it slow and easy.

I love that the online social network community in Middle TN has dubbed this #thesituation2010. It seems to me to be both a vague reference to some character on The Jersey Shore (never seen it) and Tennesseans curious and panicky response to winter weather. There's a facebook site and lots of tweets if you search #thesituation2010.

Fan's gameplan for defeating the weather at the Titans game

Here's hoping whether or not you're at the game, whatever the weather may be, the Titans end up with a victory Saturday here in Nashville.

As the Titans are preparing today for Saturday, so should you if you're planning to be one of the 67,000+ fans in attendance.  The weather forecast is a bit like handicapping this game - chances are it's not going to be the prettiest day or the prettiest football game you ever saw.

At this point, call it a 30% chance of precipitation and temperatures falling quickly after the 3:30pm CT kickoff.  If you're going to be outside starting well before the game like I am, be prepared for changing conditions.  Here's my gameplan:

• I'm tailgating starting before noon.  So I'll wear layers to be ready for the 40's and below.  That will include thermal undies - top and bottom.
• Extra jeans and outer layer in case they get wet during the tailgate.
• I like to go with the thermal long sleeve top, a t-shirt over that and then a Titans sweatshirt over that.
• Gloves - I go for warm and dry rather than dexterity.
• I'll have the water resistant jacket with a hood.  It also has zippered pockets to keep stuff dry.
• Hat with ear protection.
• Some sort of lip protection like Carmex.
• Your choice of comfortable socks - again, bring an extra pair if there's a chance they could get wet before the game.
• Boots - with traction, comfort, warmth and water resistance.
• My good buddy Devin likes the packets of hand warmers/footwarmers.  Good to have just in case. 
• Scarf - if the neck is exposed, you're toast and I don't mean warm toast.

Bottom line, if you're in middle Tennessee today, go outside.  I'm no Lelan Statom, but Saturday could be a lot like his forecast for today.  Did I mention there could be snow tonight?

The "big snow" of 2008

Friends and family north of us here in middle Tennessee may find it hard to believe, but we got more snow than we've had in 5 years Friday night.  And by Saturday night it was virtually gone.

In fact, because we were lazy in getting outside Saturday morning we almost missed our chance. Ross and Jenna (who turns 3 today!) had to scramble to slide around and build a snowman (see picture).

Our snow fell in localized downpours leaving anywhere from 1" to a foot within the region.  Brentwood TN got much closer to the 1", while just a few miles north in Nashville there was considerably more.

Predators defeat Hurricanes (and tornadoes)

Bravo to the Predators who not only defeated the Hurricanes at the Sommet Center Tuesday night, but also protected their fans from the Tennessee tornadoes.

As the Predators were closing out their 1-0 victory, the weather was closing in.  With about 5 minutes left to play in the game, Paul announced to the crowd that there was a tornado warning in effect for downtown Nashville.  He told fans that the safest place they could be is right where they were.  As time expired and the Predators claimed victory, fans were further instructed to move in an orderly fashion to the north end of the building where the pro shop is located.  In the concourse, Police and Sommet Center security seemed to be well informed and coordinated.  The thousands of fans seeking shelter in the arena were calm from what I saw.  Of course, some made a run for it out into the night and the downtown emergency sirens could be heard as the doors to the arena opened and closed.

As a season ticket holder since "Day One", I'm proud to be part of an organization that knows how to handle the pressure on and off the ice.

Strong storms through Nashville today

Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were in effect Thursday afternoon in Middle TN. In Nashville, NES reported over 6,000 customers without power just before 3pm in the area east of Donelson Pike.  Coincidentally, my office is just west of Donelson Pike. I took this video showing that downed power lines would not be a surprise.

First flurries of 2008 in Brentwood

OK, so it doesn't pile up to the weather in Buffalo today. But take a look at the first flurries of 2008 in Brentwood, TN.  The wind is howling, it's bitterly cold and the clouds gave it up.

Happy New Year everyone!

Keep it Comin'

Finally it's raining significantly today.  I got this picture taken out of our office door by the airport and there's also images from NewsChannel 5's weather radar showing strong storms in the area.  The storm has even knocked out for phone system for the time being!

People have been praying for just what we're seeing today - Yeah God.

It will interesting to see how much we get.  And of course, it doesn't take much more to turn the farmer's blessing into the commuter's curse.  But it's fun to look at a rainy sky and smile.

Offer a prayer to end the drought

I came across this Bible passage today and thought it would make a good prayer for our state and its farmers.  Pray that God makes it so:

Psalm 65:

9 You care for the land and water it;
       you enrich it abundantly.
       The streams of God are filled with water
       to provide the people with grain,
       for so you have ordained it.

10 You drench its furrows
       and level its ridges;
       you soften it with showers
       and bless its crops.

Amen.

Cold and Rainy Sunday

In Bellevue just outside Nashville, here are some pictures of the dreariness that was January 21, 2007.