Colorado Tornado

It seems the tornadoes are gradually getting closer and closer to the city over the last couple of years (although people swear that there was one that hit downtown in the mid 90's before I got here). This was from Sunday night, the photo taken by Chip from his deck. He does live way out east, but technically it's considered Parker still, and to me, that's way too close for comfort. Somehow there were 4 of these things that touched down on Sunday evening, and they all managed to miss buildings and people.

The Non Camping Post

The Vegetable Garden, originally uploaded by Aaron in Denver.

My initial intent was to post a gorgeous photo of where we camped at the weekend, basking in sunshine, with a beautiful stream flowing next to the tent (or something like that). However, no sunshine, 5 inches of rain and a little sleet and hail meant the stream turned to a river, we sheltered (shivering) in the tent and I never got the camera out. And we left after (just) surviving one night in the elements. It's not often the weather sucks in Colorado, but last weekend wasn't good.

So, instead, I've posted our (or really the wifes) ever growing vegetable garden. If you take a look at this pic, you'll see that the tiny boxes sitting on the table have turned into something a little special. We picked the first cucumber last night, and I can't wait for the tomatoes to be ready - there's something strangely satisfying about picking stuff out of the garden for your tea, even before you realize it saves you dealing with the lines at Safeway.

Spring Time in Denver

A lot of times, various family members come across to Denver in either spring or autumn (fall) - the flights tend to be a lot cheaper than the middle of summer, and they can sometimes get in a first or last ski day, while not being snowbound for the rest of the time they're here. One of the questions I always get asked is "what clothes should I bring? Is it going to be hot and cold?" My standard response is always "well, you can probably sunbathe in your shorts/bikini one day, and we might get a foot of snow the next" to which (unless they've been here) they always laugh, tell me to stop messing around and ask me again what to pack.

So, for all the non-believers, here's a pretty typical example of spring weather in Denver. We're going to hit 80 today, and there's a decent chance of snow tomorrow (or maybe just rain if we're lucky), with more than a 30 degree difference in temperature. Like I said, this is pretty typical - on Sunday I remember it going from 78 to 38 in the space of 4 hours - that was an interesting experience.

Be Green in Winter

Great idea (which I'm kinda tempted to purchase) - it wasn't quite what I thought of for filling the extra space in the garage if I ever get another space (reserved in my head for an Exige, a Caterham, or my daily driver if I can afford a GT3).

Details and a vid over at Treehugger if you're interested.

Weather Forecasters Suck - Panic Over

So the supposed 12 to 18 inches of snow that was still predicted on the 10pm news last night managed to turn into absolutely zero snow (and the sun is now coming out, so it's not like it's just late). The news sites even have their excuses posted, just so people don't get too upset.

Some people say "It's just Colorado - the weather forecast is just too difficult to get right". Personally, I think it's bollox. As I've mentioned to anyone who would listen to me today, it's the only job where you can get something 100% wrong and you don't even get a written warning, never mind escorted off the premises. Do you think these guys have their pay rated against their success in predicting the weather? Of course not - that would imply that they actually did something, as opposed to just have a random guess based on some pretty pictures coming out of the national weather service. I even read one site (can't remember if it's the one that I linked above) who blamed it on the fact that they only sent balloons up to measure the Jet Stream twice a day (even though by my reckoning, 6pm is still plenty of time to adjust your 10pm weather forecast). Shit, why can't they send up their own balloons - they're always presenting their little slot from the "roof" of the studio.

So, rant over - I guess I should be happy I didn't have to dig the car out this morning. I think my next mission in life might be to try and get one of these jobs - if no-one cares whether I'm right or wrong (and when I'm wrong I can blame something or one else), isn't that the perfect job for slacking off?

Gotta Love That Weather!

So not content with blasting us for the first couple of months of the year, the weather has decided to throw a few more punches before winter finally disappears into the history books.

Snow totals on the left are meant to be a forecast for the next 24 hours in Denver - however, they were based on the latest predictions of a mid evening start to the snow, and looking outside now (at 52 minutes after midday), it's started already. So I have a feeling I may end up working from home tomorrow, but we'll see how it goes. I'm just glad I got my little driving trip up North (which I may post about - haven't decided yet) out of the way yesterday, when it was a little windy, but nice and sunny and clear.

And, according to the weather man last night, this storm isn't the big one - the one coming in on Sunday night is the one we should be worried about. Of course, Denver being Denver, there also predicting sunny and 60 degrees on Sunday day time. You gotta love this place - at least it's never boring. And just for the record, Mr Wallace asked my advice 2 weeks ago on whether or not to put his summer tires on, and I recommended no (which of course he ignored, and will be stuck in the house for the next few days, 4-wheel drive or not).

Things you learn on the road

The weather in Atlanta is sometimes colder than Denver (although not very often).

Slingbox works great! (even with crappy hotel service)

Hotel alarm clocks not working can totally ruin your day.

The workday never quite finishes when you're stuck in a hotel room.

And even though it looks like the snow is coming for the 7th week in a row, I still want to be back there.