Blizzard warning!

[altivo]

Well, so much for the early prediction that this would be a milder winter with less precipitation than last year. Last year we broke all records for snow here, and we're already well on our way again if this storm meets the predictions. I'm not quite convinced, since often when they predict a really bad one for us, we get little or nothing.

However, starting yesterday with a forecast of "up to five inches" of snow, they have gradually escalated it to a full foot and pushed pack the starting time to after rush hour today (which is undoubtedly a good thing.) South of us they're expecting ice, which is much worse in my opinion. Send in the snow.

So we get two cords of firewood delivered, since we had put it off until now. Fortunately, Gary called before the place was open so he was first in line. He stacked about two thirds of it before I got back from the dentist, but I finished while he tuned up the emergency generator and made sure it was working. While this was occupying us, a truck with a slant load trailer pulled up next door (the Brits) and loaded their three horses. I assume she sent them somewhere to board for the duration of the snow since she has no barns. All three were wearing blankets and she went with them in the truck, so I assume she wasn't selling them.

Tess is grumpy about being indoors all day, but we already have four to five inches of snow on the ground and she doesn't like to be out in the snow with no grass to occupy her either. If I put hay on the snow, she's fine until it's gone and then starts yelling for me to come get her. Spoiled girl, but I can't let her do that either. Someone hearing might decide I'm being "cruel" to her. She's loud!

Now off to the supermarket. Normally I'd shop on Saturday, but if I can get what we need today, it will save trying to frog around in the snow perhaps. If the storm is as bad as predicted, and runs into the morning hours, also as predicted, the library will have to open late or not at all tomorrow. The boss is on vacation in Wisconsin, and we'll have to decide for ourselves. Fun.

Oh, and my dentist wants to replace two old fillings. I said yes because I know one of them is probably 29 years old. She said it's no emergency and she can do it next time I come for a check up, so that won't be until June.

Comments

[quickcasey.livejournal.com]

We are gearing up for the storm. Everyone called in for midnight. We'll be open.

[jmaynard.livejournal.com]

There's not one, but two, winter storms headed for southern Minnesota tomorrow and Saturday. Guess when I'm driving home, then back to the Cities? I'm going to have to fight several inches of global warming to do it. Whee.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

Last time I visited the dentist, he told me:

"you have great teeth, but if you don't start looking after your gums, it won't matter."

I really need to brush more.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

More than brushing is needed. Brushing does clean tooth surfaces nicely, but doesn't get into the spaces between the teeth or down into the crevice between the tooth and the gumline. Dental floss and/or a pulsing water irrigator such as the "WaterPik" make a huge difference, as I've learned. They also make your mouth feel a lot cleaner. It's not just advertising hype, it really makes a lot of improvement.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

Aye. I also need to get some mouthwash.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yep. Look for a brand that contains thymol and eucalyptus, or even better, sanguinaria extract. These are generally labeled "antiseptic mouthwash" as opposed to just "rinse" or "mouthwash" over here. Those particular herbal extracts do a significant job of clearing harmful bacteria from the gumline. Products without them are little more than flavored alcohol solution in my opinion.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

I usually use Corsodyl. ;)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Chlorhexidine is by prescription only here. Should be good though if you can get it. Rather overpriced judging by prices here in the US.

A few years ago we used to be able to get an oral rinse made with Sanguinaria extract that really did a good job of controlling dental plaque. Unfortunately it was linked by some research to a high incidence of pre-cancerous lesions. I suspect misuse was a factor in this but the product is no longer available.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

I think drug control here are more lax than the US, but our food safety standards seem to be more stringent. Odd.

Corsodyl is available over the counter.

Rather overpriced judging by prices here in the US.

This is Britain. EVERYTHING here is overpriced compared to...well...just about everywhere to be honest.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

My dentist was too busy listing the cavities to the assistant for 15 minutes.

Going to have 14 fillings in january and february time.

I don't need just brushing, flossing, rinsing or whatever... I need reconstructive surgery :D

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

I have been gifted with Captain Scarlet teeth. Indestructible. Not a single filling or cavity. rustyfox hates me for it.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

All the more reason to floss and brush. Your dentist is right. Those pearly gems will fall out if you don't take care of your gums. ;p

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

Aye. I use smokers toothpaste when I DO brush. I am not a smoker, but it's the best stuff for that bright shine.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

Lucky you. I was cursed with Crohn's :D

[altivo.livejournal.com]

One word: "fluorides." Cavities were common in the US until most city water supplies were fluoridated. If your water doesn't have sodium fluoride or something similar added to it, then you should at least be brushing twice a day with a toothpaste that has fluoride in it.

My teeth are full of old fillings, but I've had no new decay since fluorides were added to toothpaste.

Of course, the fact that I don't eat a lot of junk food, especially sugar, could be a factor too. But I had cavities in spite of that when I was a colt.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

I have too many sweet teeth in my mouth.
My diet is mainly sugars. :D

But I usually try to avoid eating too much junk whenever possible.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

We have no snow here in Finland :(
We haven't got much ice either.
Some packed snow that has become ice when it melts, but that is all.
But apparently it has snowed a lot in Italy.

Finland is kind of crap these days. I want snow!

I wondr if you could build a green house for Tess with lots of grass growing in it... ;)

And have a great day, horsie! :) *nuzzles and hugs tight, then gives you an apple.*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Meanwhile the more narrow minded of "conservatives" here are claiming that there is no such thing as global warming because, look, we have extra snow. Pea-brained idiots. The increase in precipitation in some areas can be an exact consequence of warming trends. Snow is up here, and down for you.

We decided to close the library, so I'm going to be home. Probably not reading by the stove, though. Gary will be clearing snow, because I hate the snowblower. That means I'll be on barn and animal duty. ;p

*hugs back and shares the apple*

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

The way I understand, most Neo-Cons are now no longer claiming that global warming is not happening. They now seem to be moving onto their fallback position of:

"Ok...it's happening, but man's activity is not to blame."

I suspect that the vast majority of deniers know they are wrong deep down. It's not climate change that they fear, but the extent to which their lives will have to change if they are forced to do anything about it.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

You've got it. The whole basis of "conservative thinking" seems to be the personal comfort and convenience of the supposed "thinker." Therefore they deny the existence or legitimacy of anything that makes them uncomfortable or might cost them money personally. They have no trouble at all with deriving personal benefits from other people's money or effort, though.

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

I remember discussing this with someone I know (not on LJ.) He loved his car, taking long haul flights two or three times a year etc. He claimed that the science behind climate change did not add up. I quote Morgan Freeman from the film "The sum of all fears."

"It adds up. You just don't like what it adds up TO."

Hopefully we will either find a way through this crisis some day.

Thought mechanics & the art of self-distraction

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

Nice discussion topic, but beyond the argument of Global Warming is what I like to call, "Thought mechanics & self-distraction"; or the concept behind why such people change their views almost as often as they change socks. People designs a beleif system- which can be anything big (like religion or relationships) or small (like what sportsteam will do well this year)- and put all their faith in their beleif... as long as it gets them what they want. However, the moment their beleif that Global warming isn't an idea Al Gore came up with- or that Obama will magically make all of GWB's missteps over the past 8 years be "fixed"- effectively vanish, they come up with a new system of thought so they can continue to beleive their own BS. Facing reality scares such "conservatives". Maybe they should just keep waiting for the Cold War to come back, so they can feel all nice and safe :P

Filler-up.

[gabrielhorse.livejournal.com]

I'm curious, Alt- do you think any of your fillings may have mercury in 'em?

Re: Filler-up.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

I know they do. I've watched as the amalgam was prepared back in the 60s.

I also think the fear of this has been greatly overblown. Television addiction and video game addiction do far more neurological damage than the tiny amount of mercury in dental work.