The Real Global Warming

Many people are under the assumption that global warming means just that - warming. Unfortunately, it doesn't.

I know, strange topic considering this is the first time since sometime in the 1800's that Central Park hasn't seen snow this far into December.

What the term Global Warming does actually mean is a colder climate. Strangely, how cold it gets will depend on how warm it gets. If the ice caps continue to melt at the present rate, a mini ice age that could last hundreds of years may happen within the next decade.

As more and more fresh water is introduced, (which is less dense than salt water) the Atlantic's Great Ocean Conveyor which drives the Gulf Stream will move slower and slower, eventually possibly stopping, leaving tropical air and water where it is instead of pumping it north.
Studies have shown that the surface water of the Greenland sea is dropping 20% slower than it was 30 years ago, and warm ocean current flow toward northwest Europe has declined by 30% since the 1950s.

Some scientists believe that right now we are really out of what is a 'normal' climate for the earth, that it's regular cycle naturally has much colder climates and we are currently enjoying a warmth phenomenon. Aren't we the lucky ducks?

So, the term 'Global Warming' doesn't mean we'll get warmer, but it does mean we'll get colder.
The movie Day After Tomorrow wasn't so far-fetched after all, except that it will take decades instead of days.

Global Warming = ice. So, when someone says Global Warming, I get the urge to dig out the parka. I wish the scientists would stop talking about it and change the dang terminology already.

Devastating

I knew there was something up with Twin Orchards, so I've been trying to keep up with the minutes of the New Hartford Town Board.

They approved development.
We've lost the orchard. They've already cut down the apple trees.

I feel so damn angry. They just built a new shopping center, now we need another 21 acres worth of retail/restaurants on the other side of the street?! Come on!

Twin Orchards has been a staple around here for... FOREVER!
If this is progress, they can keep it. Good Lord, this is one of the most depressed areas of the state. Like we can manage to keep more businesses in the area going? And they wonder why Mom & Pop can't keep up? Gimme a break!

Actually, I just want the damn trees back. At the rate they're wiping out any trace of vegetation, it'll be five years before I'll step out my front door and onto concrete as far as the eye can see. Do these people have any environmental clue? At all? Gimme trees, grass, flowers, something green for pete sake!

UGH!

My Awesome Sugar Cookies

Amy asked about posting the recipe for my (yes, it is my own recipe) sugar cookies, so here it is...

In first bowl, combine and mix:

2 1/2 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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In a second bowl, combine all following ingredients. With mixer at medium

speed, mix until creamed. (approximately 2 minutes):

3/4 cup butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

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Slowly add contents of first bowl to second with mixer on slow speed.

Mix just until well blended.

Drop by rounded spoonfuls (I use a large serving spoon) onto ungreased

cookie sheet.

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Using a glass with an interesting pattern on the bottom

(I actually use a crystal cat food dish that is too pretty to use for

cat food, but beautiful as a candy dish-you can use just about anything),

spread a few tablespoons of sugar on a small saucer. Dip bottom of glass in

water, shake off, dip in sugar on saucer, then use to press cookie to desired

thickness.

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Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are just turning golden brown.

(The thicker the cookie, the longer the baking time). Size of yield will depend

on individual cookie size.

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The less you cook them, the softer they will be. If you cook them long enough, they become very crisp, so make them whichever way you prefer your cookies. If anyone gives them a try, please let me know how you liked them!

Happy, Happy Birthday...Baby...

Happy Birthday to my baby! My youngest is 15 today.
Where did the time go?

I remember when she was only six months and a lady in the mall was chasing her toddler everywhere. She stopped at the stroller to peer in, muttered, "She's adorable," and continued to scurry. The next time her son came streaking by like lightening and giggling his little head off at the fact mom was unsuspectingly sucked into his game again, I mumbled how I couldn't wait for my daughter to start walking.

The woman gave me the most confused look, snickered and said, "You'll be sorry you said that!"
I simply smiled and didn't mention that I already had 3 at home that had been walking for quite a while.

I never understood that really. I never minded the chasing, putting things up high, keeping a sharp eye on the older childrens' toys less they end up in pieces on the floor from a youngers curiosity, locking cupboards with those childproof widgets that really never worked anyway.

I've enjoyed my children's childhoods immensely. Every single aspect of them. Ok, so the trip to the principle's office with my oldest wasn't so peachy-keen, or the runs to the emergency room, but you can't have everything.

So, happy, happy birthday D! May your life be everything you wish. You'll always be my baby!

Crazy, Crazy

This weather has been absolutey insane.

Besides the tulips assuming it's spring, the buddleias I got for Mothers Day have leafed (leaved?) out, as have the weigela that was transplanted from the moving lady's yard in August. Not good! Maybe I should go have a little talk with them and explain about the wacky weather.

The ranunculus on the front steps is still growing. Unbelievable. Maybe I should bring it in and see if I can nurse it through winter. The poor thing struggled all summer and never got big enough to flower, yet, here it is going gangbusters in December! What's up with that?

We did some last minute running around on Friday. It was a weird day...rain, sun, downpour, sun, sprinkle, sun...rainbow! Actually, it was a double within a double, and you could barely make out the very bottom of a third (4th if you count each as a single), which would make a double within a triple? Very, very strange for December 15. D commented that it was odd to see rainbows in the north since we usually see them a lot in summer, but to the south where they belong. Needless to say, no one on the road was really watching where they were driving since they were all way too busy staring at the December phenomenon. People were drifting and yanking their cars back into their own lanes on a consistant basis.

We ran out of fuel and it got cold enough in the house that I lost the rose cuttings. Man, when they decide to croak it only takes hours for them to turn black. Can't say as I blame 'em, we weren't too comfy either. Thank God it isn't snowing and 20 below.

I'll get to start WSing the weekend after Christmas. Woohoooo! I can't wait. I'm so excited to get started! Whoever said patience was a virtue needs to go sit on a pebble.