The Upslope Snow Effect

Lander, elevation 5,300 feet, sits right at the base of a mountain range. We get a fair amount of snow coming off the high elevation mountains in our backyard. However, we get our largest snowstorms from upslope snows. This is when we get storms from the south or east, coming from the lower elevations and slamming into the mountains that protect us to the west. As a storm rises in elevation (as they do if they're coming into Lander from the east), they build big, nasty clouds that release their anger on the first thing they hit. It is not uncommon for us to get 15-20 inches in one day from these upslope snowstorms. I have been told that back in April, 1999, four years before my time here in Lander, the town got hit with 56 inches of snow over 3 days! I've seen pictures. Holy schnikes, that's a lot of snow.

We are currently experiencing an upslope snow. There's about 5-6 inches right now, but it's supposed to peter out by noon. It's one of those storms where you have to shake the deep snow off your coat after walking from the parking lot to the building. Bring it on!

Popping the big Q

Yes, it is official folks. I popped the big question to Melissa this past weekend, and she said yes. We are officially engaged. I led her on an Easter egg hunt with clues inside each egg directing her to the next egg. I was waiting with the final egg up in Sinks Canyon at the trailhead of our favorite hiking trail. I led her down to an isolated spot by the beautiful PoPo Agie River. The last egg had the proposal written on the clue. So ladies, I'm officially off the market! Thanks to everyone who have already offered their congrats. We really appreciate it.

Fuddy Duddy? I Think Not.

I live in an apartment complex. Fortunately, it's a one-level, and my apartment is on the end. So I really only have to deal with one neighbor. That neighbor just so happens to be one of the most annoying neighbors I have ever had in my life. She's about 21-22 years old, single, seemingly unemployed because she rarely leaves the apartment, and very much into playing loud hip-hop music with mind-numbing bass. Very little gets me more worked up than someone invading my space by blasting that idiotic loud thump of rap music.

It's pretty safe to say that we don't get along too well. She probably likes me even a little less this morning. I called the cops on her for the second time in 2 months last night. She apparently doesn't understand that some people actually get up and go to work in the mornings. I was woken out of a peaceful sleep at about 1:00am to hear a loud party going on next door. This is the fourth she has had in the past two months. The last two have been on Saturdays, so I've let it slide. But the first one and last night's were on a Thursday night. Yeah, I know, last night was St. Patty's day. But that doesn't give her the right to keep me up in the middle of a worknight.

Sure, I may be 30 now and turning into a fuddy duddy when it comes to parties and loud music. But dammit, I need my sleep so I can function at work. I can't wait to buy a house.

Me and Melissa, taken last October at her cousin's wedding. 

Riddle

Ok, time for a riddle. See who can figure it out first. I will post a riddle or puzzle from time to time because it's good brain-food.

My life can be measured in hours;
I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick; fat, I am slow.
Wind is my foe.
What am I?

The Film Critic in Me

Melissa and I saw an absolutely incredible movie this weekend...Million Dollar Baby. At first, I didn't really have an interest in seeing it. The title certainly didn't jump out at me, saying "See me, I'm great!" Even winning a chunk of the Academy Awards didn't necessarily persuade me. What did persuade me was my mom. She sees a lot of movies, so she knows crappy ones from good ones. She also has a similar taste in movies as me. When she told me this was one of the best movies she had ever seen, I knew I had to go. I still didn't know what to expect, other than Clint Eastwood training Hillary Swank to box, which is pretty much all the previews show. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This was a movie I didn't want to end. It was suspensful, thought-provoking, inspiring, well-acted, and with a wonderful, legitimate storyline. It was an emotional roller-coaster that Melissa and I talked about the rest of the evening. With all the junk that makes the big screen these days, it's nice to see a movie with that much of an effect. I highly recommend everyone to make a trip to your local theater while Million Dollar Baby is still there. You won't be disappointed.