More Rain To Finish A Wet Year!!

What would 2018 be without more rain☔

Fog and drizzle, damp and yucky, again

But, not enough to get us in flood

Just more saturated soil, that's mud!

At least the temp is on the rise

By morning, we should see the sunrise

Looking back at '18, lots of change

Retirement is fine, no alarm is not strange

If you're a Holladay, been practicing for years

From teaching to blogging, shed no tears

Hope you've had a fine eighteen

Joy and happiness mostly seen

There will be more change coming soon

Partial solar then total eclipse of the moon🌕

And storms are likely to grow stronger 

While fire seasons just keep getting longer

Ice is melting which means oceans will grow

Tides and waves, farther landward will go🌊

Just the Earth doing its thing

We glutinous humans still on a fling

We don't get it but we soon will

Gonna have to change, not just take a pill

Time for me to take a dog out for a stroll

Into the misty forest, we're ready to roll

Celebrate well, at home or getting out

But, be careful, it's crazy night, no doubt

Seeeeeya soon, we'll raise a glass of cheer

Today on Earth, have a Delightful New Year!🎉

A Brain Shutdown!

As we move into week two with large chunks of the totally republican controlled federal government shutdown, there is nothing to lead anyone to believe the idiot, baby "in charge" will stop whining and blaming everyone but himself and reopen the government. Clueless supporters continue to cruise the Egyptian river flowing through the heartland - Da Nile! If I believe it, it must be true! Sorry, the Earth doesn't care about human beliefs! Add CO2, the atmosphere holds more heat; heat up a system, ice melts and all atmospheric turbulence gets more extreme, birth carelessly children you can't feed, some die, live on flood plains, get wet. The Earth doesn't care what humans do, not today, not a hundred years from now, not a million years from now. The lovely pale blue dot, third rock out from a medium sized star doesn't care about any of the lifeforms on it. Every creature has to follow these simple rules: Adapt, Migrate or Die.
To continue my tirade, as we close in on two years of totally republican controlled government, the only "plans" we have seen is to give big tax breaks to huge corporations, undo regulations put in place to begin to deal with climatic and environmental changes - again, to increase money going into the pockets of big corporations and the super rich. Greed, greed, greed. And, blame the democrats. But, for all of the Obama years, spent with ideas and plans to clean up the mess left by the last Republican administration, successfully, the only Republicans idea was NO. That's not an idea, that's more blame and more da Nile. In two years, all we've seen is greed and still blaming the Democrats, but they have been in charge and calling them dysfunctional would be an insult to people that are just a little dysfuntional. Clueless is not a good thing to show off in public! But, as usual, change is coming and, though much blamed, when Nancy and the Democrats take back the House next week, they will have plans, thought out and putting pressure on the party of denial and NO, to actually vote on an idea and hold liars accountable, not good news for the liar, denier in chief. Donnie Jonny the Chump's days are truly numbered.
There have been almost 50 quakes in the last 24 hours, scattered all over the planet, only 4 at magnitude 5 or above but lots in the mid and upper 4's. Shutdown has volcano check beyond where I'm going today. Yesterday was lovely, in the 60's with sun, today it's hazy sun and much cooler, more December like, with more rain coming tomorrow to finish out the very wet year, 2018. 77.3" so far!!
If you are sick of crap that's been going on in DeeCee, realize you can change without them. Change is going to have to happen from the ground up, everyone of us making changes that make things better not worse, it's not likely to come from DeeCee. No money for the greedy in our using less, spending less, being nicer.
Here's to being healthier and happier in 2019! Change is coming, Today On Earth.

And, We're Back To Rain!!

Today's inch plus of rain, so far, has pushed my yearly total to over 77"...and it's still raining with even more to come. Forecasts call for today's mess to move offshore later on with a clear and warmish day tomorrow. Clouds are back Sunday, likely rain will stay south of here, before another good little soaking comes through on Monday; seems right for a finish to 2018. The promised warm front has finally moved into Louisa, 42 degrees when I started dog walk #1 and 52 degrees when we returned, warmer but much wetter.
Cleanup and searches continue in Indonesia after the erupting, collapsing Anok Krakatau created a tsunami that trashed the Sunda Straight region, separating the ends of the islands of Java and Sumatra. Warnings, being heeded, have caused thousands to move inland out of a potential tsunami strike zone. Not sure what that volcano, or others, are doing with the government shutdown. USGS/Smithsonian volcano site has not been updated and with congress gone and a New Democratic house coming in, it is unlikely that will change with the big, whiny, happy to shut it down, baby pretending to be in charge.  Etna was in the news a couple of days ago, blasting ash and oozing lava, forcing evacuations and diverting air traffic near the island.

If you are looking around

As your chips are going down

And you wonder who's the easy mark

Let me help get you out of the dark

Before you lose another money lump

You're the idiot, the mark, the Chump!

The last 7 days of quakes show some hot spots (yea, it's a volcano term but...) with the big shake scene, again, at the Pacific/Australian plate boundary zone. The Caribbean is pretty shook up, too and the aftershocks continue in Alaska and up Kamchatka way after a 6+ quake earlier in the week. Meso and South America have also, not unusually, been shaky. Today has been rather shaky but nothing major - unless it's near your house!!
There is a momentary lull in the rain here but I don't think we are done yet. Maybe it will be clear by early tomorrow morning to see the, by then, last quarter moon as it approaches brilliant Venus. Antares, Scorpio's heart and Jupiter are below Venus and Mercury is fast fading from view. Mars is the only planet in the evening sky but has lots of bright company in the winter sky. The Summer Triangle still high up in the west after dark as the Winter Hexagon is rising in the east. Get out for a peek before the clouds return Sunday and linger into the new year.
No real excuse for no TOE on Boxing Day or yesterday, just never got there. I bet you did just fine for 2 rotations! If not, get up and out, rain or dry and roam about on your big planet, Today On Earth.

Just one more Donnie Johnny the Chump thought:

Quickly a lame duck

Can't find anyone to hire

No one left to blame

Happy Christmas!!

It's dark now and Mars is ruling the night, no moon rise yet, but the real sky show is early morning when Venus rules the eastern sky - with the waning gibbous moon settling into the west. Venus is SOOOO bright, it's gotta be a plane, spacecraft, it's just too bright. Without the moon there would probably be Venus shadows. Below Venus, which is sitting between the two main stars in the balance that is Libra (but named as the claws of Scorpio), is bright Antares, the heart of Scorpio. Didn't see it this morning for clouds, but below Antares is Mercury. Early risers (dog walking here...) enjoy the brilliant pre-dawn sky.
Calm-ish day with earthquakes, but Indonesia is still edgy after the volcanic landslide induced tsunamis from the Anak Krakatau ongoing eruption. 135 years ago the big daddy, Krakatoa's eruption with island demolition sent tsunamis around the world, twice. Not an island to be trifled with or ignored.
You likely had to bundle up to go out on your xmas rounds today, mostly sunny but mid-forties was it here. Tomorrow will be a little warmer as will Thursday when clouds fill back in ahead of a rainy mess overnight and into Friday. What would 2018 be without another 1"+ rain event!!
Hope you had a lovely December 25th and all your wishes came true, Today on Earth.

Winter Sun, DeeCee Idiocy & KRAKATOA

Anak Krakatoa blew up today

And sent tsunamis Indonesia's way

With 222 dead along Sunda Straight 

Hundreds missing, a real count must wait

The volcano has been rumbling for awhile

Anak is Krakatoa's unruly child

As mentioned there is nothing but change

Volcanoes and quakes constantly rearrange

With no concern for life on Earth

A wild, rowdy planet from its birth 

Pretty calm weather-wise today

Chilly start but sun now at play

While the idiot in chief shut the government down

Then likely headed to golf, get out of town

He doesn't care if workers don't get paid

But, ain't no way his wall gets made

And, soon, it's coming, his arrest for treason

Kissin' Putin's butt, Russky collusion the reason

Then he'll quit, run, hide in Moscow Chump tower

As usual, someone will have to clean up his mess

Perhaps the new group of women entering congress

Our own little volcano will blow steam no more

When his large ass is hit by the slamming jail door

Now you've heard my xmas wish list this year

A year without Chump would bring us all cheer

And, here's hoping all your dreams come true

As I bid Happy Holladay's to all of you!!

What signals Chump lies

Are his puffy lips moving

Then he is lying:)

Sun Then The First Full Moon of Winter

The rain is long gone

So the sky was back

Today and now tonight

With a full moon attack🌕

The bright orange disc

Through the trees in the east

An eerie glow first seen

Out walking my wild beast

Now listening to the blues show

The annual Christmas edition

Sipping on a seasonal brew

My regular Saturday tradition

A quick check of the quake list

Showed a 5.5 quake in Zimbabwe

And more after shocks 

Up Kamchatka and over Alaska way

With Vanuatu hit with a 6.0 quake

Crazily, a pretty normal thing

For that plate boundary archipelago

Gotta be tough on the Pacific ring!

The lead up to xmas and beyond

Will have the feel of a Va. winter

Chilly but not too cold

Hope you get to your family center

And, have a Happy Holladay

On this and every day

Get out for a look and some play

On our sweet planet, Earth, today!!

More Like A "Spring" Solstice

Earth's northern end will be tipped as far from the sun as it's going to get this year in about 3 hours; at 5:23pm EST. So far today, the low temperature has dropped to 57 degrees with much more time spent in the 60's, much more spring-like than anything resembling winter. We know that will change, and soon. The rain of yesterday and overnight was part of a complex system that included the intrusion of a warm front into the mid-Atlantic, hence the spring-like start to winter. But, at the winter solstice, cold air is never far away and the chill will return tonight with the first full day of winter feeling like a sunny version of winter, tomorrow. No snow in the forecast so a white xmas in out of the picture.
Today's warm is accompanied with some of the lowest barometric pressure I've seen without a hurricane or monster summer storm: 29.21" of mercury. My old school glass barometer actually has water flowing out of the bowl on top; first time I've ever seen that. And, the center of the low is to our west. Today's breezy conditions are a direct result of that low pressure.
It being the Winter Solstice, I did a little look back through 23 years of weather journal records to see how often it's this warm (or close) on the first day of winter. Half as likely as feeling like winter, I discovered. 12 of the years it was cold and winter-like, with only 6 in what I determined to be the warm category; five years I deemed average - lows chilly but getting near 50 during the shortest day of the year. 16 years of rain records puts our yearly average above 44". This year and 2003 both saw (or have seen, so far) over 70 inches. The lowest still above 30". My 44" average over 16 years matches averages for both Richmond and Charlottesville.
More aftershocks up Kamchatka way after the 7.3 quake yesterday but, as usual, the big shake action is the Indonesia and PNG collision zone where the Australian plate is slamming into the Pacific plate. And, that's where the volcano action is, too. Darwin figured out how change happens with life on the planet; Al Wegener, Harry Hess and others unpuzzled the continental movement scene and gave us a handle on how things really work on Earth. Humans had figured out the solstice thousands of years ago; no doubt, there was quite a crowd at StoneHenge today to celebrate (in amazement) the marking of the southernmost point of the sun's yearly movement: the Solstice, when the sun stands still. Pretty cool.
Just was reminded that today is Frank Zappa's birthday, would have been 79. Another guitar hero(and friend) of mine, Jay Gillespie, would have been 60 today. This evening we will gather to celebrate Jay's life and continue to work through our sadness at his untimely death a month ago. A toast to Jay, Frank and the Solstice of Winter!!🍻

Longest night this year

The Winter Solstice is here

Celebrate with cheer!

More Rain & A Big Kamchatka Quake

Another big rain storm has moved on in

And, another big quake on the Pacific rim

7.3 quake offshore of eastern Kamchatka

But, no tsunami warnings or watch'ya

Two volcanoes nearby in the Aleutians

Blastin' out rock, Earth pressure solutions

Same issue at 14 other mountains this week

Gas, ash and lava oozing outta each peak

Kinda like the spew coming out of the Chump

Today he's ok onto fed employees dump

Send 'em home for xmas without any pay

Cause who needs the jobs they do anyway

Well, we all do ya clueless moron

Their hard work keeps our country moving on

Despite the stupid crap you keep pullin'

Like locking up little immigrant children

A bit like local idiots that won't let go

Of the fiasco mega-site that they just voted no

Bad decisions often just won't go away

Better be careful, when others will pay

Thirsty Thursday attendance doubled again

We'll have to see what the new year will send

But, now it's late and the rain is still fallin'

And, this blog rambling, attention span sprawling

No look at the sky tonight nor likely tomorrow

When we celebrate Jay-bird, with joy and with sorrow

Hope your Holladay season's going well

Tomorrow's the solstice, give Ullr a yell

Will he bring us snow or more of this rain

Today it's Fall, tomorrow winter again!!

Closing In On Solstice Season

Just had a visit from two biblical con men

Thought they's stop in during this season

Sent them away, keep your beliefs to yourself!

Their tale holds up 'bout like the elf on a shelf

Because original celebrations were about winter

Surviving together the long nights, at center

With patriarchal religion's power and greed

It helped with conversions to meet a need

To celebrate, so they had to keep intact

The old party times, to pull off their act

Xmas in place of solstice celebrations

Easter eggs as pagan spring imitation

Men took power to protect ag production

Safeguarding stores lead to war introduction

Women in charge wouldn't go for that

And, thousands of years later, here's where we're at

But, women are rising up and pushing back

It will take time to reverse the male attack

There is nothing but change

Time allows forces to rearrange

Today on Earth, a reminder for all

Early humans mark the day the sun hit stall

Solstice means the sun stands still

And starts tilting back ending winter's chill

That's why we party, get together, the true reason

It's the solstice, marking the advent of the winter season!

'Twas the Week Before Xmas!

A cool start and bright sun is rapidly warming the tire house so I'm going to finish my coffee and take the easy way out on the blog today... here's a Holladay take on a seasonal classic I shared at Board of Supervisor meeting last night to both thank and remind them that we are willing to help but are also watching much more closely these days.

‘Twas the week before Christmas and folks were feeling quite grand

Not a protester was stirring, wise men hadn’t spent millions on land

While stockings were hung, in hopes of filling with cheer

Some were not going to be filled with tax dollars this year

I know I’m sleeping better, relaxed in my bed

Without mega-site visions dancing in my head

But, what happens now, beyond all the clatter

How to proceed on the issues that really do matter

We’d all like internet that works in a flash

That might be worthy of spending some cash

And, water is coming to Ferncliff we know

Then on to Zion Crossroads it’s going to go

But, what if at Shannon Hill it does appear

Residential growth is what you seem to fear

With cheap, easy water, growth could be quick

But, you agree that would make our tax base quite sick

Yet you’ve heard ideas from the speakers that came

From all corners of the county, first stating our name

Now Bumpass, now Zion, now Gum Spring and Cuckoo

On Mineral, on Louisa, on Quail and Gordonsville, too

To the top by the Lake, and down 64 way

We came, concerned and all had our say

While often we forgot to say thanks to each of you

For your time, consideration and the hard work that you do

And, reminding us to stay involved and show up right here

Well, I’m back to say my offer of help is sincere

And, while I look ridiculous in my earring and hat

Serious dialogue and sustainable growth’s where I’m at

How will we get there, fast growth or slow

Some many ideas, so many ways we can go

Again, thanks for not having made up your mind

Honest representation in America’s sometimes hard to find

So, I’ll be laying a finger aside of my nose

No chimney trick just a standard close

But, let me exclaim, for now, and I’ll get out of your sight

Happy Holladay’s to all and to all a good night.

Land Day #21!!

Twas the week of the solstice

And all though the wood

Something seemed quite amiss

The sun was back and feeling quite good

Today dawned all shiny and bright 

With a warm southern wind

And no rain or snow in sight

Looking like a good day to spend

Outside!

On the land I purchased 21 years ago

Today!

21 years watching the trees a-growing

And (certainly this year) the water a-flowing

A dream back then, now it's a home

Snug in my tire house, moss paths to roam

With a second brown dog wandering free

This one wild and hard headed as can be

And, he needs to get out very soon

Well before moon rise this afternoon

An average quake day but a Nevada explosion?

Likely a mining blast stirring a commotion

So off we go while the wild leaves do fly

Hoping the sun will scour the haze from the sky

But, hear me exclaim as I head out sight

Get up and our for a walk, alright?!

Today, on Land Day # 21!!

Soggy To Very Soggy

The rains of 2018 continue on

Fog, rain, drizzle, sun long gone

But, this weekend it's rain not snow

With temps near 50 or so

And hope that the sun will return

With one more Earthly turn

During this last worldly spin

Quake numbers jumped up again

With lots of action in the western Pacific

In China, Taiwan, Indonesia and PNG

Off western Australia and again Tennessee

The broken planet shakes and shifts

Through the sky the moon still drifts

On past Mars waxing toward full

But, setting before Venus' morning rule

Get up, get out, enjoy your world

In hopes the sun is soon unfurled

We all know only change is coming

Except in DeeCee, the prez still slumming

But, that too will change, he'll be gone

Still lying, denying, the same ole song

I try and ignore it but it won't go away

Need to get out for a dog stroll today

Hope you're enjoying today's ride

Today on Earth, get outside!!

ATNA

All Talk No Action

Describes the Chump nightmare team

Blame, deny, lie more!!

Waiting For The Next Deluge

Still got lots of snow on the ground

Just waiting for the rain

To come a pourin' down

And, fill up the creeks and streams

Flooding is coming back it seems

A massive upper level Low

Cut off from the jet, moving slow

Closing in on a record rainfall year

After '17's serious drought with fire fear

But, what is normal? How'd we know?

More rain or heat or storms of snow

What we know is when CO2 is this high

That lots of heat is trapped by the sky

But, we just keep burning those fossil fuels

We're so clever, fire builders, makers of tools

Hey, I didn't do it, it wasn't me

To stop would hurt the economy

A wise man once said, and it's true

That when all fresh water is sour 

And, the sky is no longer blue

We can pile all that money in a tower

And, it will feed no one...

Not many quakes on Earth today

Couple of aftershocks down Knoxville way

With 5.1 in China, the biggest so far

In a clear sky, you might see a shooting star

Tonight is the peak of the Geminid shower

A reliable show after the midnight hour

Alas, rain will block any viewing here

But, check it out if your sky is clear

Or the near Quarter Moon just below Mars

Both outshining the bright winter stars

Time for me to get out ahead of the rain

And, let a wild dog get all muddy again

Happy Friday, a week 'til the Solstice

The real reason

For the season!

Take a walk on Earth today, you can't miss!!

35 Year Eruption, Done!

Kilauea's eruption began in 1983

Three months and no lava to see

For vulcanologist, that ends an eruption

For an active volcano, meerly seduction

Yet, still the lava pools and stirs

Tiny quakes, the living Earth purrs

For at least 80 million trips round the sun

Basaltic lava's oozed out, Kilauea's not done

And, neither is Veniaminof, Krakatoa or Etna

Or Mayon, Manam or Sabancaya will get ya

The volcano numbers are down this week

Earth's still hot and out that heat will leak

But, not causing many quakes today

Way fewer aftershocks up Anchorage way

While lower quake numbers may seems strange

We all know, there ain't nothing but change

And a weather change is coming soon

With more rain by tomorrow noon

That should wash away much of the snow

And, load up waterways with major flow

Another flood, that's a 2018 shock

Wash out the leaves, move more rock

Last night Mars and the moon shown through the haze

But, with rain coming, won't be visible for days

You know the rules, better outside than in

Get out there, wander, a low stress win

This Thirsty Thursday, Today On Earth. 

Random Thoughts From Randy

The clouds moved in last night and temps did not drop quite as low as yesterday morn. 23 vs. 17!
Those same clouds are not allowing the solar gain at the tire house that happened yesterday, still throwing wood in the fire. Blue Jays and crows appear during snowy times, run off the smaller birds and are obnoxious in voice. Bird action is hot at the feeders, the brown dog likes grazing the seed, too.
He also likes anything dead and disgusting; yesterday, a deer skull. He had dragged the head, spine and some ribs into the side yard after discovering the remains in my neighbor's woods (hunts only, doesn't live here -and apparently hunts like many - most? - in Louisa, and elsewhere, shoot it, cut out he prime cuts and leave the carcass- thanks); a very proud dog. I tossed it into the giant burn pile remains, and thought I'd buried it with my skid loader. Not! Dog's can smell and are persistent and this one doesn't listen. I wasn't going to battle him for the skull but did cut back on his dinner; he was a very stuffed, uncomfortable but proud dog last night.
The waxing crescent moon was lovely in the sunset afterglow last evening. One (the only?) good thing about a clear cut is the sky view is opened up, can't see stars, etc. from the woods even with leaves mostly gone. Took a bit of sky darkening to spot suddenly bright Mars, never did spot low and dim Saturn. Did spot Venus before dawn yesterday, sparkling in the east, well, planets don't really sparkle but it was bright. The moon and Mars will get closer tonight, alas, clouds may cut into views of that and the cloud cover will only get worse for Thursday with today's Pacific coast storm evolving into our Friday evening rain event - again, little or no sky viewing until maybe Sunday.
The 10" of snow melted to 0.48" of liquid when I brought the rain/snow gauge inside.
A magnitude 4.4 quake shook things up in the southeast corner of Tennessee this morning. Took a lot of moving and shaking to make those old mountains around there, should really be no surprise to still have a shake or two around. The rest of the earthquake map is pretty normal Ring of Shake stuff.
The Chump administration continues to show its disdain for all things good in favor of corporate greed. News yesterday of rolling back of clean water regulations upgraded by both Bush administrations and added to by Obama will, once again, make it just fine to destroy wetlands and pollute any small streams with any chemicals the farmer, industry or developer wants. Oh, but can't pollute big waterways. Because those wetlands, small streams and groundwater couldn't possibly be connected to the big waterways. And, who needs clean water anyway. Long as gas is cheap and profits are high. This moron, "sure let's shut down the government", as I mentioned even before he came into office, will do more damage to the world in 4 years (he's fast becoming a lame duck) than W. did in 8 years.
My xmas cards were mailed yesterday. Red oak leaves had blown into the snow covered ruts in the driveway and sped up melting making for a casual cruise out the driveway. Gotta give Subaru some props for building a fine snow machine. The deep but fluffy snow is going away, but slowly. Forecast high temps are always too high with snow cover reflecting so much light; just won't get very warm.

Random thoughts are done

Time for a snowy dog walk

You should get out, too!

Red Oak Leaves & Poplar Seeds

There is a lot of brown today

Lying on top of the snow

Red Oak leaves every which way

Litter the white surface, ya know

I knew the reds where still hanging on

They were easy to see from the clear cut next to me

Still hanging on up top of the each Red Oak tree

While the white oak leaves were long gone

And, why didn't yesterday's snow knock 'em down

Why'd they wait till today's north wind came aroun'

Northern, Southern, Scarlet, Turkey, Black, or Pin

All seemed to wait for today to let gravity win

And, single blade helicopters seeds

From long leafless poplar weeds

Share the snow surface with leaf litter

How's that fit into the poplar's needs

Curious this natural selection, Earth's heavy hitter

All the while the crazy brown dog

Chasin' birds at a jog

Or knocking over window plants

Whimper, bark, obsessive pants

Yesterday's 10" inch "dusting" of white

Forecasters not anywhere close to right

Has my world shut down today

So, once more out in the snow to play

Hope your snow day was a good one!!

A Little Off On That Forecast..

When the calls are easy

Mild temps, a little breezy

The weather guy's get it right

But, when it really matters

Big snow and lives in tatters

They just don't seem very bright

"We'll know more when it gets closer"

It's here now and still wrong, you poser!

First a trace or no accumulation

Then one to three, the situation

But, we're at 6" and snow's still falling

On the road, any drivers best be crawling

There'll be no school for days

Slowing the xmas shopping craze

Snow loving teachers are all grinning

A pre-xmas xmas break: Winning!!

I'm sitting pretty, retired with beer

Enjoying the Holladay seasonal cheer

In quake news Taiwan and Japan

Had some big shakes again

While off Vancouver Isle this morning

A 5.4 shake, a little subduction warning

And, still Alaskan shudders with aftershocks

I need to go out replenish bird feed stocks

While a goofy male cardinal bang the glass

Ok now, at 6am a pain (pane) in the ass

If you are deep in a snow day, enjoy!

Snug inside or out romping with joy

Only so many snow days till death from birth

Get out and have snow fun, Today on Earth.

Snow Coming?

The TOE returns after a very confusing poem about the earliest sunset... I was even somewhat confused, especially about how to get out of the mess I had created, with rhymes. The position the Earth is in 2 weeks before and after the solstice is the ideal position to block the sun's light as we turn away from(Thursday) and as we turn toward (Jan 4th)the sun. I'm betting there are diagrams on the wild and wooly web to explain it better than I did, sorry. I had fun writing the poem, so...
The last couple of days have continued the late fall trend of quite chilly mornings and not really warm afternoons.  Today, with clouds moving in ahead of the storm, stayed a little cooler than yesterday. Tomorrow, will likely bring some snow here; how far north will the storm get? That will either make this a bust or shut down school and normal life for a day or two.  There will be weather and we'll know (as I've been saying about these events for decades) by Monday what happened. What ever falls, be fine with me! A nice little snow would settle the leaves I have just cleared (hopefully the last fall blowing) off the trails; the moss, freshly revealed, would love a little snow, or any moisture.  Sunday will likely not be fun in North Carolina and southwest Va. We will probably skate by.
Since the 7.5 quake near New Caledonia earlier in the week and Alaska's 7.0 quake last week, the planet has seen mostly aftershocks in those locations and quakes in the 4-5 range around he Pacific rim. Same with volcanoes: Veniaminof in Alaska, Popo in Mexico, Krakatoa in Indonesia are the stars on the week's list of 19 active volcanoes with none in Guatemala (no Fuego!)but two in Costa Rica and now well over a month with no action from the Big Island of Hawaii.
The New moon was yesterday, early. A ridiculously thin crescent was next to Saturn very low in the southwest tonight (not seen here with clouds) and will continue waxing, the growing crescent sliding by Mars (maybe clear by then) by midweek. A month from now, the next New moon will graze the sun's shadow for a partial solar eclipse for the northern Pacific and northeast Asia. Two weeks past that (January 21st) the moon will move into Earth's shadow for a total lunar eclipse visible in the America's. Details to come as we get closer to that event. Until then, get out and check out your, potentially snowy world, Today (or tomorrow) on Earth.

If you are listed

Xmas card is coming soon

Be on the lookout!

The Earliest Sunset!

The earliest sunset was today

For the entire year

Not at the solstice, you say

I'll try and make it clear!

Now the solstice is the shortest day

With the least amount of light

That's when Earth's most tipped away

And, we have our longest night

To get this you'll have to think in 3'D

And, imagine us circling the sun

While also spinning round daily

So the sun rises then sets, what fun!

We both rotate and revolve west to east

Counter-clockwise from above North Pole 

Sunset, the earth blocks the radiation feast

Sunrise spins us back toward life giving Sol

The other piece to imagine is the latest sunrise

That's January 4th, two weeks past solstice

Say what! you exclaim in surprise 

Hang in there, almost done explaining this!

So about two weeks on either side

Of winter's start, sun gets the biggest block

Today's position caused the early sun hide

Four weeks hence, darkest morning on the rock

I've rambled into Friday morning

And, clear I have not made it

I should have made an early warning

Before I started this rambling bit

Maybe I'll be clearer later today

But, I make no guarantee

Hang with me, as I end this say

Check back later and we'll see...

Likely, another chilly one, Today on Earth

Morning Flurries, Clearing & Cold

Today kicked off with a snow globe look✼

Sugar coating mostly cedar needle nooks

Or frosting the late season spider's nest

But, mostly melting on all the rest

Snow gone for now, cold here to stay 

But snow may be back by this Sunday

It's still late fall, but with a winter feel

A biting north wind, cold as steel

Looks like we're locked in for a chilly ride

But, just bundle up before you head outside

There was a 7.5 quake near New Caledonia

Along the Australia Pacific plate boundary zonia

Still aftershocks in the 49th state

Before it calms they'll have to wait

The volcano list was not out yet

Likely a dozen and a half, I bet

Tonight's clearing sky is ruled by Mars

Soon to be joined by bright winter stars

With Venus still ruling the pre-dawn sky

Nearly New, the moon has gone bye-bye

While cold tomorrow, there'll be sunshine

So, in the cozy tirehouse I'll be fine

Hope you stay warm, layer up well

'Cause when you see tomorrow, all will be swell!

Feelin' Like December!

Did you catch the early morning moon show?

Near, Virgo's Spica and Venus' bright glow

One more day to see the trio, tomorrow strung out

Before the moon nears the sun on its monthly route

But, if you live near me, likely the sky won't be clear

A better chance that in the air, snow flakes will be here

Not too many and not too long

If the midweek forecast isn't wrong

A better chance for more flakes could be this Sunday

When a storm, now in the Pacific, seems headed our way

Southern moisture riding up and over cold, northern air

Brings us our biggest snows, best to be aware

And, aftershocks continue on, up Alaska way

As well as a bunch of shakes in California today

And, Indonesia, PNG, and the Mariana Isles

But, nothing major should bring boundary dwellers smiles

The sun has popped back out here at my tire home

A brown sleeping dog is snoring, birds free to roam

The ground beneath the feeders, picking up loose seed

Before a seed munching dog eats it like he's in need

About time to make a run to town

Library, vet, and taxes paid... a frown

But, it's all good, gotta play the game

Although we're all different, mostly all the same

So, I hope you're smiling out all bundled up

Get out Today, wander Earth, find out just wuz'up!!

What a Lovely Spring Day!

The cold northern wedge has been eroded out

And, sunshine and warm, austral air is about

A few leaves still tumble down, red oaks holding on

While white oak's, hickory's and poplar's are long gone

And, young beeches leaves cling on, dead brown

Blocking sight-lines, with branches low down

But, high above the trees, not far from the sun

A tiny waning crescent moon, wrapping a monthly run

Hard to spot through the racing, high cirrus haze

What a lovely day, fine in so many ways!

Up in Alaska, the aftershocks are slowing

Up next far a shaky planet, no way of knowing

Just that more quakes are coming

Volcanic rumbles, bass drumming

And the cool, boreal air is back tomorrow

Snow? coming soon, ending skier sorrow

Time to get back out on this gorgeous day

Maybe a little work or more brown dog play

That's my take, for what it's worth

Enjoy the spin, Today on Earth!

How 'bout the Chargers!

All but out in Steel City

You just never know!

The Wedge Rules Here!

Today's weather map shows a wedge of cold air

Coming down the east coast, stuck right here

With the forecast predicting rapid change

But, we know wild swings aren't really strange

And, neither are aftershocks up Alaska way

Like a boat at Anchorage, the Earth will sway

Lots of quakes in the Fiji region today

With some movements keeping Chile in play

There is one thing that isn't going to change

The plates of our planet will shift and rearrange

Shifting ground

Spinning around

One day hot

The next, not

And, my wandering dog

Sniffin' in sun or fog

We've reached the last month of the year

Often a month with a peaking of cheer

Get out and enjoy what comes your way

Fun and wonder awaits, On Earth Today!

'Tis the Holladay Season

Wild Planet, Cont.

With over 200 quakes listed today

Anchorage is aftershocking

But, after a 7.0 quake came their way

That place is gonna keep rocking

For days and days the earth will shift

That's what happens at junction zones

On a planet where the continents are adrift

Rocks crumple and shimmy; Earth moans

The atmosphere keeps sliding on by

Yesterday warm while today's cool

Few drops then from the sky

More today, wetness the rule

Tomorrow we could break a record high

Upper 60's to over seventy degrees

One day only then to warmth say bye

Back to chilly, the Earth decrees

Recently, I was called out from Texas

About slacking on the Holladay TOE

It's tough being retired, I'm doing my best-est

Sometimes rhymes come hard, don't 'cha know?!

All is well, the water in Louisa is safe to drink

After a day of closure and much confusion

The gas in the water has been flushed, they think

Not a problem for me, rain water in profusion

My wandering dog has drifted next door

And, GHW Bush has moved on to where...

Well, no one knows, that is for sure

Lots of ideas, but evidence is rare

The great mystery, we must each decide

About our amazing life, our impending death

How we really feel, deep down inside

But, life is what we got now

Just trying to make everyday a Holladay

The best that I know how

Hope you got out to do it right, Your way!

You had a good run Herbert Walker

Your heart was always in the right place

Can't say that about our current big talker

Who'll shove his rudeness, in your face

But, DJ Chump has quickly gone lame duck

Pleasantness, camaraderie will come on back

Not much longer will we hear the orange guy cluck

Smile, laugh, work for good, no need to attack

Winding down a football game, a hot blues show

Then out to da O

Dinner with folks I likely know

And, food that is...Whoa!!

Happy weekend, it's the Holladay season

Get out and check it out, Today on Earth

You're alive, do you need another reason

And, so, Miss Wose, was the wait worth??

Blue Jay Invasion & Crazy Dog

Suddenly, Blue Jays are at all the feeders

Wild, digging dog, got a scraped nose bleeder

Another butt cold but sunny day

Winter seems here, not just on the way

Hard to believe it might hit 70 by Sunday

With showers coming, still time to play

The week's volcano list has just come out

And, I'd be leaving Guatemala, too, no doubt

With three volcanoes gassy and blasting

There's ash, lava and boulders outcasting

In the Aleutians, Veniaminof has warnings raised

To highest levels, planes don't want to be ash grazed

Krakatoa and four others still rumble in Indonesia

But, Kilauea's still quiet, Hawaiians that should please ya

While volcanoes numbers are up, quakes, today, are down

With less than 30 shakes all the world round

The gibbous moon rise last night was stunning

Leaving C'ville last night with the heater full running

After the equally stunning Richard Thompson show

Had heard he was amazing but now I know

The old English rocker ripped it on the guitar

Just lovin' to play, showing off, best I've seen so far

The scraped nose dog has returned again

Waiting for me to finish this poem and then

Take him for his official morning walk

And, birds are gone, a passing hawk?

It's Thursday, the work week almost done

And, might be the last day with much sun

So, while not working, I still know the day

And, you can bet, I'll get out and play

I hope you do, too! Today On Earth!

Sunny & Chilly With Wild Wind

We got a big storm over New England

And, high pressure over the Great lakes

To create wild wind, that's what it takes

For low wind chills and blowing sand

Or leaves flying all about

With a dog waiting to go out

Pretty average day for quakes

Mostly along plate boundary zones

And, only 4 magnitude 5+ shakes

Sending out energy in Earth tones

Thought I might spot the moon out now

But, alas, it's down but I'll tell you how

You can check it out late tonight 

Hanging with Regulus in Leo, that's right

For early risers, Venus is the bright morning star

With Virgo's Spica to the west, but not far

I know this has been a crazy mix of rhymes

I never know what coming out, crazy times

Hope you stay warm, don't let the wild wind bite

Still no excuse to stay in, get out, enjoy the sights

Today On Earth!!

And, Mo' Rain, Then Warm, Now Cold

The roller coaster ride that is November continues, 60's Sunday, little rain and 50's for half of Monday, cold front whips through and Tuesday starts in the 20's creeps into the 40's but with Boreas, the god of the north wind kickin' it, feels more like the 30's. Back into the 20's tonight with another chilly day coming tomorrow. Mild air and rain are likely back for the weekend, which kicks off December. They're skiing in Colorado and still digging out from a little blizzard from KC to Chicago.
8 of 38 of the quakes in the last 24 hours have been magnitude 5 or above: near the equator on the Mid-Atlantic ridge, Fiji and New Caledonia are all shook up today, offshore Mexico had some subduction zone activity and PNG was rocked again, with a good little shake just off Madagascar...and, thanks oil industry: Oklahoma.
The moon is gibbous, shrinking toward 3rd quarter and Mars is it for planets in the evening sky, joined earlier and earlier by the brilliant stars of winter with the Pleiades and Aldebaran leading the way up from the eastern horizon. The Milky Way and Summer Triangle, clouds willing, should be lovely in the northwest after sunset. Bundle up and get out and check out your planet, Today or Tonight on Earth.
How about a little haiku...

Over six feet of

Rain in two thousand eighteen

A wet and wild year!

And...It's Gorgeous

After an inch and a half of rain

Sun and warmth is back again

It is a gorgeous Sunday here

Today's blog will be short, but no fear

You still get a reporting, as the planet turns 

And, there are lots of quakes, many concerns

The southern Eurasian boundary is rock'n today

With a 6.3 quake in Iran leading the way

But, New Zealand, Colombia, PNG, Indonesia

And, China, Venezuela, all with Earth seizures

With snow on the plains, rain calming fires out west

Another turn on our axis, just one more daily test

Can you adapt, go migrating, hopefully not die

I suggest: get out and wander about, happy and spry

Cuz if it's like it is here on this gorgeous day

Inside watching bad football is not a good play

So, I'm done with my typing, outside I'm heading

Jonquils need planting, stove ashes need spreading

Just wandering about in warm air with sun

Today on Earth, can't top that for fun!

Just look at this cute dog!!

Mo' Rain!

The earth was filled with water again

For 2018, that's the way it's been

Another inch and a half of rain today

With runoff, runoff, every which a'way

Streams, rivers, the ground all flushed

Downward, ocean bound, water rushed

With sewage and trash, poisons and drugs

And, sediment and soil, such polluting mugs

We humans use and trash the planet, SO!

Can't see it from my house, don't need to know!

It ain't happening, 'at's what I believe

Not my fault, problem, can't conceive 

But, the water doesn't listen to us

Not concerned with all our fuss

The Earth couldn't care less

About all our nasty mess

In a million years, Earth will be here

Future humans? That remains unclear

So, enjoy your ride, it's all you get

Sun or clouds, hot or cold, dry or wet

Take your chances, place your bet

How do we assure future goals are met?

Be nice, do more and eat less

Say thanks and clean up your mess

Need and buy less, share a smile

Take a nap, relax for awhile

Life is short, but, oh, what a blast

Dream of the future, smile at the past

Give me a hollar, we outta talk

You can't friend me, I'm on facebalk

I hope you, like I, walked in the rain

Another fun day, some much to gain

Trying to get out of life, all that it's worth

Another wild exploration, Today On Earth!!

A Wahoo Choke On A Cold, Grey Day!

Not sure if today put retailers in the black

But, likely billions more debt went into the sack

Of the American shopper today

Spend, spend, spend, off with your pay

While instead of shopping I went to the vet

To help my big dog, medicine I did get

Then, warm the house, hunkered down in the grey

On a very cold and damp November day

And, all while I typed I listened to rhymes

Not just a little but all of the times

From the pen of the amazing Dr. Seuss

And his tale of a Grinch and all of the Who's

So his rhymes go in and these rhymes come out

To tell of volcanoes, quakes, weather I shout

About Today on Earth, 'case you want to know

Just what's up on the planet, how'd it all go

Yes, volcanoes are still erupting all round the Ring

While quakes numbers were low, but, here's the thing

Change is still coming, tomorrow's back to wet

Not what we really need, but what we'll all get

And, more sadly, after a long, quiet ride up I-81

For all Wahoo's tomorrow, no glimmer of sun

With two turnovers late, a chance to put down the hammer

Their coach wimped out, let's put the offense on stammer

And, stammer they did, a choke for the ages

Utter collapse, overtime, a fumble, fan rages

While in Blacksburg, they're laughing and partying on

"Can you believe it, we thought our bowl string was gone"

Well, I guess it was truly a Black Friday

In C'ville, the horror, On Earth Today!!

Hope For A Happy Thanksgiving!!

A slow day on the planet all full of shake

Only Redoubt volcano had a big quake

The real news today is the deepening cold

But, in NYC balloons are flyin', high wind on hold

The crowds are all bundled and smiles abound

Later families will gather, thanks given round

With turkey, dressing and gravy galore

Then dessert, a nap, football, score!!

Got a look at bright Venus, out walking the dog

Early this morning, with no haze, clouds or fog

And, while I know Virgo's bright Spica is nearby

It was not visible in the slowly brightening sky

Tonight's Full Beaver Moon, while not quite at Perigee

Will still be quite large, and bright; go out and see.

But, today is really about family and giving thanks

For all the good things we have, quiet whiners and cranks

So, today when you've eaten for all that you're worth

Take a walk and give thanks, Today on Earth.

Dog in a sunbeam!!

Chilly Times Ahead!

'Twas the day before Thanksgiving

And all the turkeys were in hiding

Trying to lay low and keep on living

While downward temps kept sliding

But, the sky was clear, sun was a'shining

The brown dog was waiting for a walk

Until then, in a sunspot he'd be reclining

Hoping I'd finish with my computer talk

A few quakes today rock the western Pacific

No real surprises there, but northern Idaho

Today's 4.1 shake, perhaps mildly terrific

But in Japan or Indonesia, no shock TOE

The moon will be a little bigger tonight

Now just 37 hours from Full

Bundle up, get out, be quite a sight

But, it's time to shut down this bull

And, take a stroll...Today on Earth

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!!


Surprise! Evanka did what Hillary done
Government stuff on private email, what fun!
But, seems ok if you're a Chump
Excuses, blame soon coming from their rump
While the lies and incompetence continue to flow
Continuing to show off how little they know
And, killing journalists seems a-ok
Just so the money keeps flowing our way
But, the moron
In two years, gone!!

Wild & Mild, Joy & Sadness

What was shaping up as a fun, celebratory weekend, took a sudden sad turn Friday night when my good friend, Jay Gillespie, collapsed during the sound check before a reunion show of the players in the Page Wilson band. He was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered he had suffered a massive bleed, deep in his brain. Stunned family and friends gathered to support his wife Tracy and Jay, an amazingly talented musician, creative builder (my house would likely not exist as it does now without Jay's plumbing, electrical and construction knowledge and skill) and all around fun-loving, positive, wonderful guy. He passed quietly and peacefully onward Sunday afternoon, surrounded by a large, loving group of still stunned, family and old and new friends. I'm still quite shocked and stunned and suddenly even more aware of mortality, turning 64 Saturday. Life on Earth is short, get out and enjoy it everyday!!
On Earth Today, the air is fairly mild but quite wild, with leaves flying and tumbling everywhere. A cold front, dry in Va., is headed our way and tomorrow will be a little cooler before the temp plummets for Thanksgiving, possibly not reaching 40.  Black Friday, a day wise people stay away from stores will also be quite chilly for frenzied shoppers. A slightly warmer but wetter weekend is in the forecast.
The moon, waxing gibbous, will be bright and up most of the evening and likely washed out the dimmer meteors of the Leonid shower over the weekend. With my thoughts with Jay and Tracy, I never came close to remembering one of the more reliable meteor showers of the year. Still could be some out there tonight if the clouds thin. Still be a lovely evening for a moon light stroll.
There is some good news in the greater Quail area and Louisa County as a whole; the proposed Mega-site was voted down last night by board of supervisors, in a two part vote, and is done, for now. We are now engaged and will be watching to see what else they try and pull to extend the water line that was the real, not so hidden agenda behind the debacle.
About 100 quakes at magnitude 4.5 or above with 4 at or above magnitude 6 over the last week; a pretty average week on the planet that features plate tectonics as the driving force. Change will continue, get out and experience it, Today on Earth. Or, like me, take a nap and then get out:)

Here's my closing limerick from the meeting last night; pretty snarky and the one it was really intended for wasn't present, abstaining with his absence on the vote. I, actually, am about to call and apologize to my representative for my tone, he was, most certainly, not involved in the slime that has been oozing around the edges of this sneaky project.

Tonight we find out who’s covered in slime

And, has been lying to us all of this time

Who hasn’t cared what we say

Likely has hidden cash on the way

And, doesn’t think stealing from taxpayers a crime

Finally, Sunshine!!

Another inch and three quarters of rain, pushing the monthly total to over 7" and the year total over 70" but the sun is back and there is no hint of clouds. Today's temps could reach into the mid-50's, a big change after being stuck in the 30's yesterday and 40's before that. As warm as that will feel, it's still below the low 60's average highs for mid-November. The Shenandoah Valley schools are out again today with ice and snow to deal with. The northeast is also dealing with the first winter weather of the season. If the precipitation continues the way it has for '18 into the new year, we are in for a snowy winter. But, as mentioned again and again on this blog, change is the way on Earth and there is no rain in the forecast for at least a week and a warming planet could keep most precipitation in the Old Dominion cold rain this winter; we'll know what kind of winter is was in April.

Yesterday was a quiet day of quakes

Today is rocking with serious shakes

3 quakes above magnitude six

On land, that would mean buildings to fix

But, those big shakes were on the sea floor

Yet, no tsunamis seemed to wash ashore

Still, likely more quakes to come today

And, you never know, could be coming your way!!

The moon was just below and west of Mars last night, no chance of seeing that here, but will still be near the red planet tonight, pin high and just east. Mars is moving (from our view) from Capricorn into Aquarius and is slightly gibbous in its right angle position relative to the sun and Earth. Saturn is getting lower and lower in the west each night, still hanging above the teapot of Sagittarius. The third asteroid discovered, Juno, is as close to Earth as it has been in almost 40 years or will be for another 40+. It's only the 11th largest asteroid but is quite bright, still you'll need a scope to spot it west of Orion and south of Taurus. The next week will be excellent for checking out the late Autumn sky but a waxing moon will wash out dim stars and the galaxy, so, bundle up and get out and check it out - I recommend dusk myself, watch your universe turn on its lights, Tonight On Earth.

70" Of Rain

I'm closing in on 70" (yes, seventy) of rain for 2018, after barely reaching 31" in 2017; far and away the wettest year I can remember. 54" in 2011 is the most I can find in my weather journals - but there are gaps... lots of gaps. Working on filling them and not blogging but will get back... With 10 year average (06, 07, 09,11-17) of 44.71". And, it's still raining. The good news: this will end later tonight and leave us with a cool but dry weekend and into next week.
Today the word is runoff; there is no space in the ground for this rain to infiltrate so it's all runoff. The HersheyDog creek is rolling and roiling along. The paths/trails I just cleared the leaves off are water filled rills today - hopefully not moving to gully status. It's interesting that the water ripping through the creek is fairly clear, has all the small, stream clouding sediment been swept away this year, makes sense with 70" of rain. And, still California burns, although I think they have rain forecast this weekend... which will, of course, now lead to mud slides. A dry, mild climate makes for great living until you realize that your planet is heating up and that lovely dry climate is really an arid region that has fire as part of the normal way of the world. And, if you move into that dry forest and call someplace Paradise, as the Eagles said, you can kiss it good by. Sorry for their loss but be aware you are living in a town made of kindling. Without care, and lower numbers of humans, we can't have our cake and eat it, too. Earth rules will kick in at some point.
A much shakier 24 hour period for quakes and while the volcano list only has 15 mountains on it this week, those mountains are stirred up and blasting new rock and gasses onto the surface and into the atmosphere. Fuego and Krakatoa seem the most fired up; but Indonesia and Central America have others cranking on the list. Still no Kilauea!! And, fortunately no Yellowstone although there were some small quakes in the area.
I did catch a glimpse of the thickening crescent moon last night but the clouds blocked Mars, which was nearby. The moon was at a right angle with the Earth and Sun this morning: First Quarter and neap tides - the opposite pull of the sun and moon mellowing out the ocean, causing less tidal range. Minor relief for the eastern seaboard from ocean flooding, rain will be enough.
The large brown dog and I did a walk earlier and are still drying out. We'll go out again, because it's just rain and we'll both dry out. Be prepared if you make the move to venture out, Today On Earth.
I can't resist...

DonnyJonny the Chump is looking for someone to blame

For the republicans losses, oh what a shame!

Well, check out a mirror

And, you'll see a terror

As well as the reason, you're not very good at the game!

Rex said it the best

He is truly a moron

Slow, thin skinned, bully