First the science:
Next a TON of good advice.
Beau is one of RantWoman's YouTube heroes. He probably has some kind of military background. RantWoman has not checked and is guessing based on comments and presentation style. Beau posts LOTS of videos answering civics questions and commenting about current events. He treats questions VERY respectfully and responds in ways that make his views clear and aim to evoke dialogue.
So follow this channel and the other one mentioned in the background info. RantWoman only occasionally looks at the second channel, and recommends it regardless.
And here he is nice enough to offer REALLY solid survival tips for people who as he puts it "put on hoodies when it gets to be 60 degrees, and also nice enough not to mention and extra zinger for people in TX whose electrical system still has not been upgraded after the last blizzard. Slow learners?
Next, Day 1+ of RantWoman and the #DeepFreeze
True confession: a LITTLE bit of snow and very crisp cold air makes RantWoman giddy and nostalgic for reckless youth when walking a mile+ to school in cold weather was just what she did. The nostalgia does not last long, but RantWoman feels entitled to savor it.
Thursday, RantWoman went to her beloved neighborhood TacoTime in midafternoon for a late lunch. There were a few small fallen branches from recent winds in places. The sun was stillshining gloriously between patches of cloud as RantWoman walked home. There were also enough snowflakes, to mean it in spite of the sunshine but unlike some other area weather extravaganzas friends reported, not enough snow to cover anything. By the time RantWoman walked the 2 blocks home, the temperature already started to drop!
RantWoman opted not to do all the adjustments that prudence requires to turn on the heat in her apartment. Instead, RantWoman decided to pretend to relive a few winter months in grad school in Leningrad / St. Petersburg. The dual names are mostly a date reference. Dorm room windows were, um, not tight. Local bedding was duvets rather than full length blankets common in the US. RantWoman definitely remembers sleeping in more clothing than she does at home--except for severe Arctic blast conditions.
That was fine for the first night. It probably is going to hold for the second night but tomorrow, when RantWoman is home more of the day, the heat WILL definitely get turned on.
RantMom reports that heat in her apartment is fine. The rest of her building has old building problems that are definitely one factor behind a looming relocation for RantMom and tear down and rebuild of the building. RantMom reports fortunate food arrangements and offerings of hot tea. RantMom also opted not to venture out. Little sister is alive and well and responding to RantWoman's silly gifs in texts habit so RantWoman has not yet checked whether Little Sister also experiences the small bouts of cold weather giddiness.
Also on RantWoman's mind: a definitely not securely housed friend with PTSD and views about the second amendment that are not compatible with rules in some housing options. This person lives in their car. RantWoman checked and today friend has a place to be warm. Friend is VERY resourceful and, RantWoman can offer hangout space over the weekend.
Tonight RantWoman warmed up her kitchen turning a bunch of ingredients into enough chicken black bean corn stew for several days.
Yesterday, RantWoman went down a list of contacts who might appreciate the King County Public Health latest email with its MANY resources in multiple languages. Check especially for recommendations to avoid Carbon monoxide poisoning.
RantWoman also inventoried her collection of cords and adapters and will be able to make her crank radio charge things if necessary. RantWoman's laptop battery does not hold a charge very well, but RantWoman realized her building has a generator. If power goes out there are a few circuits besides the elevators that still work. So RantWoman WILL relax..and go to sleep...
Will RantWoman go anywhere in the morning. RantWoman has one in-person item on her calendar that involves easy bus rides to and fro. BUT with the most severe temps promised on Saturday, RantWoman may walk back the in-person option and suggest a virtual alternative.
Will RantWoman do laundry? Maybe?
Will RantWoman wash her hair? Ummmm
Happy Saturday
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