Kay's Daily Journal
February 2009
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since February 1, 2009
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2009 Old Farmer's Almanac Predictions for the Mid-Atlantic Region
February 2009
Temp. 32.5° (0.5° below avg)
Precip. 3" (1" below avg. North, 1" above avg. South)
1-4: Snow, cold.
5-7: Sunny, seasonable.
8-12: Snowstorm North, rain South.
13-18: Rainy & snowshowers, then sunny, cold.
19-24: Snow, then sunny, milder.
25-28: Showers, mild.
Historic Records For This Month
Historic Record High Temp: 77° Date - February 1, 2002
Historic Record Low Temp: 16° Date - February 6, 2007
Historic Record Rainfall: 0.0" Date -
Note: The Record Temperatures are for my area in Virginia over the period 1996 - 2008.
I will add more inclusive records over a larger geographic area at a later date as well as my own records at my own house started during this year, 2008.
Important February Dates
| Holidays Etc: |
Anniversaries: |
Birthdays: |
Miscellaneous: |
| February 2 - Groundhog Day |
February 16 - Jim & Kay |
February 11 - Emily |
Birthstone - Amethyst |
| February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday |
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Flower - Violet, Primrose |
| February 14 - Valentine's Day |
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Color - Purple |
| February 16 - President's Day |
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Full Moon - Snow Moon - February 9 |
| February 24 - Mardi Gras |
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Meteor Showers - none we can see in USA |
| February 22 - Washington's Birthday |
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| February 25 - Ash Wednesday |
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Earthquake Note:
The statistics used for the Daily Worldwide Earthquake Totals includes the latest Earthquakes Magnitude 2.5 or Greater in the United States and Adjacent Areas and Magnitude 4.5 or Greater in the Rest of the World.
February 28, 2009 - Sabbath
Temperatures: Hi - 55° Lo - 33° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):29
Temperatures have been dropping since midnight. The predictions are ominous. Alerts have gone out about several inches of snow, maybe accumulating ice for our area too. Time will tell. If the low comes up the coast in the "slot" as we call it, well, who knows. One thing is for sure, sounds like March is going to come in as a Lion.
Raining as of 4:30 pm and by 9:30 pm sleeting hard. Predictions are for ½" ice/snow tonight, 1-2" snow tomorrow and Sunday night into Monday morning 3-7" more, with a 50% chance of snow also Monday.
We've also had some very bad news tonight. Those who need to know are being told. Keep our whole extended family in your prayers.
Nothing new with the volcano, still being monitored 24/7. And there was an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale in the SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION today.
Seems so insignificant now to add this into my journal, but as I have done it every month, will continue even now.
Accomplishments for February 2009:
Bible Read (CW-The Clear Word - 1425 pages):
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Home Studies:
Online SS Lessons: 2009 - 1st Quarter:
02/06 - 6. Testing the Prophets
02/13 - 7. The Work of the Prophets
02/20 - 8. The Authority of the Prophets
02/27 - 9. The Integrity of the Prophetic Gift
Note: Online SS Lessons are available at: Current SS Lessons
Daily & Continual Readings:
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, February 1- 28
Guidepost Daily Devotional 2008 - February 1 - 28
Daily Devotional - The Word for You Today - February 1 - 28
Religious Books - Readings in Progress:
The Great Controversy by E.G. White, 594 pgs (chapters 20-42, pages 315-594)
Books Read - Fiction:
Texas Ranger, Runaway Heiress - Carol Finch
TV Specials:
Nostradamus: End of the World 2012
Black Blizzard
Isaac's Storm
TV Movies:
Anna's Storm
Stormcell
The Good Witch's Garden
The Story of Ben Carson
Before you Say I Do
The Nanny Express
Other:
The Big Bang Theory, Season 1
Bright Ideas:
Tons & Tons!!!
Contests:
Total Contest Entries for the Month: 43
Total Contest Wins for the Month: 0
Weather/Skywarn/NWS/KG:
Reports: February 3, 2009, snowfall, 0.D" (dusting)
Reports: February 16, 2009, flurries, 0.F"
Reports: February 18, 2009, rainfall, 0.T", also flurries
Reports: February 22, 2009, rainfall, 0.T", also flurries
Reports: February 28, 2009, rainfall, 0.T", sleeting hard
Monthly High Temp: 74° - February 8, 2009 & February 11, 2009
Monthly Low Temp: 14° - February 15, 2009
Monthly Total Rainfall: 0.1" if we count every drop!
Disaster Reports:
Total Earthquakes: 779
Classes/Training:
Bob Ross Oil Painting - 02-15-09
Webpage Updates - kayurie.com
Daily Journals (dailies)
News Archives (end of month standard)
Index (end of month standard)
Oils: 2
Holidays:
Holiday Projects - February 2 - Groundhog Day
Holiday Projects - February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday
Holiday Projects - February 14 - Valentine's Day
Holiday Projects - February 16 - President's Day
Holiday Projects - February 22 - Washington's Birthday
Birthdays: 1
Anniversaries: 1
Art:
Artwork Projects - Oil paintings: 2 done;
18 x 24 Oil; Purple Waterfall, 02-15-09;
16 x 20 Oil; Appalachian Stream; 02-25-09
Note:
If you are interested in reading or listening or watching any of the listed items above, please check with your local library. Most of these books, audiobooks, CD's, cassettes or DVD's can be found on their shelves. The household, craft and hobby projects are mostly my own and many can be found on these webpages under the same category. If not my original ideas, then credit is given, if known, where due. For instructions, corrections, criticisms, additions or comments, please email me at the address listed at the bottom of this webpage. Hope you have enjoyed my entries.
February 27, 2009 - Friday
Temperatures: Hi - 69° Lo - 48° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):27
Busy day today, but typical all the same. I was working at my computer earlier this evening and would you believe it, I fell asleep. I was working on my email and trying to "downsize" it somewhat, moving individual letters to different folders that I wanted to save and I fell asleep. I suspect there are some emails in the wrong folders. I seem to recall having difficulty putting them in the folders...... Guess I'm tired....
I also seem to have some folders open on my desktop that I don't recall opening, nor why I would've opened them. At least I didn't fill the screen with zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Don't laugh. It has happened on occasion in the past....
SATELLITE DEBRIS UPDATE: US Strategic Command is still cataloguing debris from the Feb. 10th collision of Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 over northern Siberia. Orbits have been measured for more than 350 fragments.
And here we are, almost to the end of another month! Where DOES the time go??? I've got earthquakes to count, charts to print out for March, temperatures to log, and so much more! Well, Sunday is the 1st of March, so it will get done at some point.
And the latest on Mt. Redoubt is as follows:
Restless activity at Redoubt Volcano is continuing. The volcano has not erupted. Seismicity is dominated by small discrete earthquakes. The web cams showed clear views of the volcano today. The dark area on the north flank of Redoubt in the HUT web cam image appeared during a brief episode of strong tremor late yesterday afternoon. The dark area is evidence of a water rich flowage event coming from Drift Glacier. Field work today consisted of a gas measuring flight and installation of temporary GPS receivers. AVO is monitoring Redoubt Volcano closely, and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
February 26, 2009 - Thursday
Temperatures: Hi - 64° Lo - 33° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):17
Bright sunny morning and warmed up nicely, quickly! The air still feels cool however. The actuals have been less than the predicteds every day this week. What you ask? The temperatures, of course!!!
Sky Happenings:
On Friday evening, Feb. 27th, the 10% crescent Moon will glide by Venus, forming a gorgeous and mesmerizing pair of lights in the sunset sky. Moon-Venus conjunctions are not unusual, but this conjunction has some special qualities:
(1) Venus is at maximum brightness: magnitude -4.6. The planet is twenty times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. It is so luminous that it can actually shine through thin clouds and cast subtle shadows on the ground.
(2) As seen from North America, the Moon-Venus separation is only a little more than 1o. Stick up your thumb and hold it out at arm's length. Venus and the Moon will fit comfortably behind the thumb-tip. Tight conjunctions like this are the most beautiful of all.
(3) Not only is the Moon a crescent, but so is Venus. A small telescope pointed at the glittering planet will reveal a slender 20%-illuminated disk.
Venus is a crescent because, like the Moon, it has phases. The planet can be be full, gibbous, new, or anything in between. The illuminated fraction we see on any given date depends on how much of Venus' nightside is turned toward Earth.
It might seem odd that Venus is brightest now when it is a crescent. That reverses our commonsense experience with the Moon, which is brightest when it is full.
The crescent phase of Venus occurs when Venus is close to Earth, very big and bright. The full phase of Venus, on the other hand, occurs when Venus is on the opposite side of the Sun, far away and relatively dim.
Crescent Venus is so bright, you can see it in broad daylight. During the day on Friday, scan the sky for the crescent Moon. Hint: Stand in the shadow of a tall building to block the glare of the Sun. At noon, the Moon will be due east of the Sun's position. Got it? Look a few thumb-widths around the Moon and—voilà!—Venus pops out of the blue. The planet is surprisingly easy to see when you know where to look.
Once daytime Venus has been located, you might feel tempted to examine the planet with binoculars or a telescope. Don't. The nearby Sun can damage your eyes if you accidentally point your optics in that direction.
Wait until the Sun sets and behold the pair framed by deepening twilight blue, first with your unaided eyes, then with a small telescope. On the Moon, you will see mountains, craters, and a vast expanse of nighttime lunar terrain gently illuminated by Earthshine. On Venus, you will see a delicate little crescent of impenetrable clouds.
And here's the latest bulletin on Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Volcanic tremor decreased substantially beginning yesterday afternoon. Small discrete earthquakes dominate the seismic activity today. During an overflight this afternoon, geologists noted vigorous steaming from the base of the 1989-1990 dome and from a melt hole on Drift Glacier. No other significant changes were noted. AVO is monitoring Redoubt Volcano closely, and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
That's all for tonight folks.
February 25, 2009 - Wednesday
Temperatures: Hi - 53° Lo - 18° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):19
Gloria & I had a really good time today!!! We painted all day!!!! I've posted my latest painting on my "Oils" webpage. Each time I try stuff it helps. I also posted our last class photos too. I'll keep adding more as I paint more.
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Volcanic tremor and occasional discrete earthquakes are continuing this evening. There was a brief period of elevated tremor today between 3:45 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. Clouds began obscuring the web cam views of the volcano just after noon today. AVO is monitoring Redoubt Volcano closely, and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
It warmed up good today, up to 53°, but it was only 18° this morning!!! The weather men are talking about a warm up for another day, then rain, cold rain for a couple days, then instead of feeling like "spring" it's going to feel more like "winter". His words, not mine!
February 24, 2009 - Tuesday
Temperatures: Hi - 41° Lo - 21° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):34
What can I say? I'm working on stuff around the house, and it's slow going. But at least I'm working on it!!!!
Nothing new on Mt. Redoubt. Volcanic tremor and intermittent discrete earthquakes continue. And they are still monitoring 24 hours a day. So nothing else new yet on the possible explosion!
Busy day, tired. Going to check Facebook and call it a night!!!
February 23, 2009 - Monday
Temperatures: Hi - 41° Lo - 23° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):14
Well, I uploaded 20 photos, old photos, to my W.C. Moffett Alumni group on Facebook. I have many more to upload, but I was hoping I could set up "albums" in the group, but apparently not. So I hate to just upload all yearbooks at random. I put the oldest one, 1958, up there, because it is only 4 pages, counting the cover. But when you view the photos, they don't even come down in order. (and I had them in order when I uploaded them...). So, I'm not happy about that. I'll have to figure out what I need to do.
I also had a bunch of requests and I didn't have a clue what I was supposed to do with them. So I clicked on them and they told me to pick out some friends to send them to, so I did. So have no clue what they were, since nothing is now on my page.... I'm SO confused. Oh well, next time I have some extra time I'll see if I can figure it all out. Looks like some sort of game or such...
And now I've received "flair" from a couple friends, again on Facebook, and I can't get them to show up on my pages. I set it to publish but for some reason, it's not showing up. Hm-m-m-m-m, I guess I'll figure it out eventually!!! It's so nice connecting with old friends!!! Carolyn was my first roommate at academy and we corresponded during the summer before arriving. We hit it off right away, but the school had overbooked the rooms and they stuck 3 more girls in a 2 girl room. Very bad. I ended up moving out and that was ok, it's just that Carolyn & I didn't get to hang together as much, plus we had different work and class schedules. We lost touch with each other after graduation and now we've re-connected!!!! It was so great!!! We "chatted" for quite some time on Facebook and I can tell you we will "chat" some more!!! Hey, Carolyn, it was great, GREAT hearing from you!!!!
COSMIC COINCIDENCE: What are the odds? On Tuesday, Feb. 24th, Saturn and Comet Lulin will converge in the constellation Leo only 2 degrees apart. At the same time, Comet Lulin will be making its closest approach to Earth--the comet at its best!-- while four of Saturn's moons transit the disk of the ringed planet in view of backyard telescopes. Oh, and the Moon will be New, providing dark skies for anyone who wishes to see the show.
The best time to look is around 1 a.m. Tuesday morning (your local time) when the planet-comet combo ascend high in the southern sky. To the unaided eye, Comet Lulin looks like a faint patch of gas floating next to golden Saturn. Point your backyard telescope at that patch and you will see a lovely green comet with a double tail.
Nothing new on Mt. Redoubt. Volcanic tremor and intermittent discrete earthquakes continue. And they are still monitoring 24 hours a day. Interesting.
And on top of this busy day, I'm still trying to file papers. I've actually cleared a rubbermaid tub sized space on my floor. Miracles do happen!!! I'll just keep "chugging" away at it and one of these days, I'll actually find my carpet. Let's see, what color was it, anyway? Hm-m-m-m-m. I'll tell you when I find it.
February 22, 2009 - Sunday
Temperatures: Hi - 46° Lo - 28° Rainfall Amounts: 0.T"(inches)Light rainfall and one minute of snowflurries
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):31
No changes in the volcano status today. And cloudy so we, at least in this part of the state, cannot see the comet. Well, maybe in the early morning it will be clear, but this gal won't be up.
Easy Sunday, worked on more filing and some odds 'n ends. Didn't get it done, like I thought I would, but hey, there's always tomorrow, right??? It's not going anywhere and neither am I, so it will get done before the week is out! I'm determined to stay the course!
There was an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale today in KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA.
February 21, 2009 - Sabbath
Temperatures: Hi - 49° Lo - 19° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):29
Snow is in, then it's out, then it's back in again. Who knows what it will do? Obviously not the weather-people. I know, I know. The Mid-Atlantic areas is one of the hardest areas to predict. That's true. So many factors involved. So here's my UNeducated guess. We won't get snow. At least nothing measureable. Now ask me why. Why, you ask? Because, it's a so-called "Alberta Clipper" and a dry one at that. They move fast, come in from the Northwest and don't have time to saturate the atmosphere in order to drop appreciable amounts of snow here in the Mid-Atlantic. If there was a Low forming off the coast of South Carolina or even North Carolina, well, we might get a shot at it then. But unless that happens, if you see a dusting of snow, then you're lucky. Sorry.
The latest on Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. No eruption has occurred. Seismicity remains elevated and consists of low-amplitude tremor and occasional small discrete earthquakes. AVO personnel working at the volcano today repaired a seismic station and installed a pressure sensor. A gas measurement flight is in progress. Clear views of the volcano from the Hut web camera show nothing unusual. AVO continues to monitor Redoubt Volcano closely and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
And the latest on Comet Lulin:
Now growing brighter, Comet Lulin is headed for its closest approach to planet Earth early next week. There is substantial ultraviolet emission opposite the Sun, in the direction of motion and the comet's tail. The ultraviolet emission is from the OH molecule derived from the breakup of water, an indicator of the copius amounts of water produced by this extremely active comet. In fact, astronomers estimate Lulin was releasing about 800 gallons of water each second, enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool in less than 15 minutes.
I had an enjoyable day today and now I'm tired. I have plans to finish filing paperwork, cleaning up miscellaneous stuff and generally catching up on some overdue housework this week. I want to get 'er done, so I'll have time to "play". You know, paint, genealogy, paint, scrapbooking, paint, well, you get the gist of it.
Hopefully, the more I practice, painting that is (as well as music of course) the better I'll get? That's what they tell you when you're young. I believe it is true. So I'm a gonna practice, practice, practice. All of it, of course!
February 20, 2009 - Friday
Temperatures: Hi - 41° Lo - 19° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):24
Another earthquake measuring 2.7 on the Richter Scale in New York today. This one was essentially in the same area as the one on February 18th.
Update on Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. No eruption has occurred. A series of small earthquakes occurred this morning beginning at 6:34AM AKST and lasted for about 10 minutes. Tremor amplitudes are relatively low and small discrete earthquakes are common. The web camera just refreshed and shows a somewhat clear view of the volcano. Ice crystals on the camera lens obscure the view a bit. AVO continues to monitor Redoubt Volcano closely and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
As for me, well, typical day. Some housework, dishes, cook meals, a little grocery shopping, etc. What can I say? It's a normal day for me. I'm hoping to have some of my filing and such done so that next week I can spend some time painting. Not the walls, but canvas...
February 19, 2009 - Thursday
Temperatures: Hi - 56° Lo - 28° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):21
Something is about to happen on Saturn that is so pretty, even Hubble will pause to take a look. Backyard astronomers can see it, too. Four of Saturn's moons will transit Saturn and cast their shadows on the planet's cloudtops at the same time. Click here for the FULL STORY.
Nothing new happening at the volcano. I'm still checking the website for new updates and they are watching the volcanic activities 24 hours a day. I'll post any changes that I see on the site here, when I see or hear it.
Started out fairly warm this morning, reached 56°. But in about a 3 hour period, the wind switched directions and began to get blustery from the North. So our temperatures are falling. Currently, they have taken snow OUT of the forecast for Saturday night. But it's been there and then been gone on several occasions, so we'll just keep an eye out.
I'm working on sorting through stuff. Man, it's a slow, S-L-O-W process. One of the worst habits I have is jotting down something important on a small scrap-size piece of paper and then it goes in a pile. Now I have a basket of those small pieces of paper.
February 18, 2009 - Wednesday
Temperatures: Hi - 49° Lo - 31° Rainfall Amounts: 0.T"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):26
There was a little flurry or two mixed in with the rain this morning as well as a short burst of sleet. But no accumulation at all and the rain had stopped by around 1 pm.
There was an earthquake today measuring 6.9 on the Richter Scale in KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION. That is out in the ocean about 188 miles from Raoul Island (Southwest Pacific). Based on the earthquake magnitude and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts. At coastal locations which have experienced strong ground shaking, local tsunamis are possible due to underwater landslides. That statement is directly from the NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center.
And on the lighter side, there was a 2.7 in New York today also. The epicenter was about 10 miles North of Medusa, NY. Just keepin' y'all informed.
COMET LULIN UPDATE: Comet Lulin is approaching Earth and brightening rapidly. Observers say it is now visible to the naked eye as a faint (magnitude +5.6) gassy patch in the constellation Virgo before dawn. Even city dwellers have seen it. Backyard telescopes reveal a vivid green comet in obvious motion. Just yesterday, amateur astronomers watched as a solar wind gust tore away part of the comet's tail, the second time this month such a thing has happened. Lulin's closest approach to Earth (38 million miles) is on Feb. 24th; at that time the comet could be two or three times brighter than it is now. Browse the gallery for the latest images: Comet Lulin Gallery.
SATELLITE DEBRIS: More than a week has passed since the Feb. 10th collision of Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 over northern Siberia, and the orbits of some of the largest fragments have now been measured by US Strategic Command. Today's edition of http://Spaceweather.com features global maps showing where the debris is located. Only 26 fragments are currently plotted, but that number will grow as radar tracking of the debris continues.
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. No eruption has occurred. Elevated seismicity continues, consisting of low levels of volcanic tremor and occasional discrete earthquakes. The hut web camera is currently showing a clear view of the volcano.
So that's the latest happenings around the world, at least that I follow and post in this journal. Still trying to file some papers and stuff. It's totally amazing to me that I could accumulate so much stuff. And it's stuff that I don't want to part with, since alot of it is genealogy type stuff. So, I just have to deal with it. I have a bad habit of stacking papers and then stacking some more of other stuff that needs to be filed, until the stacks get big enough to put in tubs to be sorted at a later date. Well, I've decided ENOUGH. I'm going to conquer this mountain (actually more like the Rocky Mountains in their entirety) and get this paperwork filed. It's a big job. Trust me. I'm NOT exaggerating.
I want to paint and work on other hobbies, so that will be my reward. Someday......
February 17, 2009 - Tuesday
Temperatures: Hi - 44° Lo - 26° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):28
A little laundry and a little sewing to mend things and that is a good summary of my day, plus Facebook time. I joined some groups and stuff today. Don't really know what that means, hopefully it means hearing from others with the same interests? But time will tell.
And now I have created a couple groups. Also don't know what all that will mean, but I started a Rock & Mineral Collectors group and a Sand Collectors group. Yes, I do collect those things. Haven't you been reading my webpages?
I think I need to start another group for W.C.Moffett alumni. I can't find it anywhere in the groups so, if I get chance, maybe tomorrow!
There was an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale in the KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND today. Nothing on the news about it.
The latest on Volcano Redoubt:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues. No eruption has occurred. Tremor amplitudes have decreased over the last six hours. Clear web camera views of the volcano this afternoon show no significant activity at the volcano. AVO continues to closely monitor Redoubt and the observatory is staffed 24 hours a day.
February 16, 2009 - Monday
Temperatures: Hi - 44° Lo - 28° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):22
President's Day !!!!
Happy Anniversary, Jim & Kay !!!!
Have you heard the news about some of the "space events" that have occurred the last few days? Look at these:
WEEKEND FIREBALLS: A daylight fireball over Texas on Sunday, Feb. 15th, triggered widespread reports that debris from a recent satellite collision was falling to Earth. Those reports were premature. Researchers have studied video of the event and concluded that the object was more likely a natural meteoroid about one meter wide traveling more than 20 km/s--much faster than orbital debris. Meteoroids hit Earth every day, and the Texas fireball was apparently one of them.
There's more: On Friday, Feb. 13th, people in central Kentucky heard loud booms, felt their houses shake, and saw a fireball streaking through the sky. This occurred scant hours after another fireball at least 10 times brighter than a full Moon lit up the sky over Italy. Although it is tempting to attribute these events to debris from the Feb. 10th collision of the Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 satellites, the Kentucky and Italy fireballs also seem to be meteoroids, not manmade objects. Italian scientists are studying the ground track of their fireball, which was recorded by multiple cameras, and they will soon begin to hunt for meteorites.
And the latest update on Mt. Redoubt sounds like things are steppin' up abit! Here's the report:
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Elevated seismicity is continuing and is dominated by ongoing volcanic tremor and occasional small earthquakes. Starting around 9:00 AM AKST, the amplitude of tremor increased and has remained somewhat elevated. A regional earthquake at 10:50 AKST, located 45 miles NW of Anchorage, can be clearly seen on Redoubt webicorders. This earthquake has a preliminary magnitude of 3.6. Web camera images are currently obscured by ice and clouds. AVO continues to monitor Redoubt 24 hours a day.
So that's the latest news on the Astronomy and Geological fronts. Here at home we took an "easy" day. Did a few things, housework and such in the morning, then watched a couple episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" (a funny sitcom). Then, honestly, took a nap! How's that for lazy??? But it felt good anyway! Don't know why I'm so tired......
OH,Yes. And on the Meteorlogical end of things, we had about 30 seconds of snow flurries today. That's it. Nothing on the ground, not even heavy flurries. Just a few floating down quietly. Then nothing.
And here's the painting I did yesterday in class.
February 15, 2009 - Sunday
Temperatures: Hi - 46° Lo - 30° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):85
There was an earthquake registering 6.2 on the Richter Scale NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN PERU. I actually did here this one in the news! And a busy day for other locations with the higher than norm earthquakes. Ranging from 2.5 to the 6.2, that's a lot of "shakes"!!
The latest on Mt. Redoubt is still the same. Continued volcanic tremors and earthquakes etc. Today the mountain had snowy conditions so the visual on it was unavailable. They are continuing to monitor the mountain 24 hours a day! Will post an official update tomorrow.
Today was a fun day! I took another painting class! So tomorrow or so, I will put the new photo on the website so you can see the latest artwork! I learn stuff each class. It may not be reflected yet in my paintings, but I hope as time goes on that you will be seeing a big difference and hopefully see the improvements!!! I need to practice, practice, practice what I'm learning and I hope to do so in the next few weeks!
Well, I'm tired and going to call it a night.....
February 14, 2009 - Sabbath
Temperatures: Hi - 53° Lo - 28° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):28
Happy Valentine's Day !!!!
I forgot to mention in Thursday's journal that I did get some of my art photos uploaded to Facebook. I did two albums, one of my oil paintings and the other is of my drawings. I'll eventually add some family and event photos too. Later this month, perhaps.
Well, I've got lists to make, projects to plan and books to read, so I'm off to do just that.
February 13, 2009 - Friday
Temperatures: Hi - 55° Lo - 33° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):52
Friday the 13th !!!!
Did you stay in bed today? Were you worried that everything would go wrong today? I took my chances and went out and about. I survived. And in time to still get some housework done! However, there is another one coming in March. Yeah. Another Friday the 13th. March 13th.
Today's update on Mt. Redoubt:
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Elevated seismicity is continuing, dominated by ongoing volcanic tremor and occasional small earthquakes. The web camera is currently obscured by clouds.
There were at least 20 tremors today ranging from 4.7 to 5.3 on the Richter Scale in the same location that's had several days of mild to moderate shakes, KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA.
Well, yesterday they (the weather-people) had added snow back into our forecast for Sabbath and Saturday night. This evening they've taken it out again. Reminds me of the old "Hokey Pokey" song. "You put your right foot in, you put your right foot out, you put your right foot in and you shake it all about..." Kinda like the weather forecasts these days.
And so help me if I hear someone say "we sure dodged a bullet on that one folks"...... I'm a gettin' tard of hearin' it. Ya know what I mean? Git her done.
OK, OK. I'm tired. For real, so I'll quit while I'm ahead. Yes, I am ahead. My webpages.
February 12, 2009 - Thursday
Temperatures: Hi - 66° Lo - 45° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):52
Here's the latest on Mr. Redoubt:
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted. Elevated seismicity is continuing, dominated by ongoing volcanic tremor and occasional small earthquakes.
More tremors today, some measuring 6.0, 6.0 and 6.3 in KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA. They're really gettin' a shake! Still haven't heard any mention on the news about it! Apparently this location is about 30 km off the western coast of the Pulau Salebabu (Indonesia) in an area that has seen large earthquakes in the past. "Since 1986, there have been two earthquakes with magnitude greater than 7 in this region. Based on the earthquake magnitude and historic tsunami records, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska coasts. At coastal locations which have experienced strong ground shaking, local tsunamis are possible due to underwater landslides." The statement in quotes is from the Earthquake website.
February 11, 2009 - Wednesday
Temperatures: Hi - 74° Lo - 54° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):29
Happy Birthday Emily !!!!
There were 2 major earthquakes today in KEPULAUAN TALAUD, INDONESIA. The first one measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale followed by a 6.0 only 51 minutes later. Haven't heard anything on the news about it.
Now just because I listed the 2 earthquakes near Indonesia, don't think that those were the only ones. Actually, just in that same location there were 10 others ranging from 4.9 to 5.6 on the Richter Scale.
February 10, 2009 - Tuesday
Temperatures: Hi - 69° Lo - 37° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):22
Excitement to report in the sky tonight! Here's the story:
COLLIDING SATELLITES: Experts are calling it an "unprecedented event." Two large satellites have collided in Earth orbit. Kosmos 2251 crashed into Iridium 33 on Tuesday, Feb. 10th, approximately 800 km over northern Siberia; both were destroyed. The resulting clouds of debris contain more than 500 fragments, significantly increasing the orbital debris population at altitudes where the collision occurred. The Air Force Space Surveillance Radar is monitoring the clouds as they pass over the radar facility in Texas. We, in turn, are monitoring signals from the radar and you may be able to hear debris "pings" by tuning in to our live audio feed. This is a story that will unfold in the days ahead as researchers study the evolution of the debris clouds and piece together the details of the collision.
Busy day, just working on paperwork, filing and stuff like that! Still going through old magazines, have a "basket" yet to do. Otherwise, routine.
They've taken the snow out of our forecast for Sabbath. Originally it was supposed to snow Saturday night. However, the rain is supposed to arrive during the day while the temps are above freezing, hence no snow.
February 9, 2009 - Monday
Temperatures: Hi - 54° Lo - 30° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):26
There was an earthquake today measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN PERU. Otherwise somewhat quiet on the earthquake front, at least as far as the larger quakes are concerned.
And the latest report today on Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Unrest at Redoubt Volcano continues, though no eruption has yet occurred. Volcanic tremor and small distinct earthquakes are ongoing. Clear webcam images today showed a steam plume rising up to several hundred feet above the crater throughout the day.
I will continue with at least one daily report until either she "blows" or things simmer down to where they drop the code from ORANGE to YELLOW, at the very least.
Busy day today, did some grocery shopping and that basically takes the day! Well, at least the way I shopped today it did. Sometimes I can go fast and sometimes I'm slow. Today I was slow.
And I'm very tired so I'm going to call it a night. Have a ton of housework to catch up on tomorrow. Paperwork to file, papers to go through, laundry and more general housework. Don't get me wrong. I don't keep at it all day long constantly. I just set some little goals to accomplish each day and some days I'm successful. Other days I'm not. That's just the way it is as you get older. You do what you have to, you rest when you have to. Some days it's more resting than doin' but that's life. Enjoy it whatever it is. So until tomorrow......
February 8, 2009 - Sunday
Temperatures: Hi - 74° Lo - 44° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):24
Still watching Mt. Redoubt, but no eruption yet. Lots of activity, volcanic earthquake type stuff. Most aren't showing up on my reports since I only request the ones that register above 2.5 on the Richter Scale. So here's the latest report:
Redoubt Volcano has not erupted and unrest continues. A pilot reported seeing a white vertical steam plume. Volcanic tremor continues with variable amplitudes. A regional earthquake centered NW of Willow showed up on all of Redoubt's seismic stations. AVO staff members continue to monitor the volcano 24 hours a day.
Busy somewhat today. Ran out briefly to take garbage to the dump and pick up a couple items at the store, gas in the vehicle, that sort of stuff. Otherwise, stayed at home. I ran some laundry and folded clothes. Then I was surfing on the internet for awhile. Looking at some other artists that are still "out there" on a daily basis, trying to sell their paintings. Some are VERY good!
I've got lists of stuff I want to accomplish in the next few weeks, just hope I can get them done. Nothing fantastic or dramatic, just projects that have needed to be worked on for a long, LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG time! Such as cleaning out our bedroom closet, cleaning out the coat closet, cleaning out the cabinets etc. That type of stuff. So my goal is to start on it this week.
I got a little more done on my Facebook stuff. Still haven't figured out all of it but I will eventually. I know it must be simple to do, it's just that I'm used to doing my OWN webpages, where I have COMPLETE control on EVERYTHING. I'm not USED to cookie-cutter type pages where your parameters are so limited....
And now the latest on our comet:
COMET LULIN UPDATE: The plasma tail of Comet Lulin, torn off by a solar wind gust on Feb. 4th, has already grown back. Also, observers in dark-sky locations report that the comet is now visible to the naked eye as a pale "fuzzy patch" in the constellation Libra before dawn. The comet is brightening as it approaches Earth for a 38-million-mile close encounter on Feb. 24th. See the latest images in the Comet Lulin Photo Gallery. Be sure to hit your "back" button to return to this journal page.
So much happening right now, I can't hardly keep up with it all!!!!
February 7, 2009 - Sabbath
Temperatures: Hi - 65° Lo - 27° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):16
Well, summer has arrived. Yep, got up to 65° today. What's with this? It's FEBRUARY folks. Aren't we supposed to get a snowstorm along in here somewhere?????
No wonder we have so many bugs, bees, beetles, moths and spiders. It doesn't get cold enough for LONG enough to kill them. UGH. I'm NOT ready for hot weather. Seriously.
I've had several people contact me to get onto Facebook. So I signed up and filled out the profile stuff, but not sure I know what I'm doing out there yet.... Guess we'll see soon enough.
Here's today's update on Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Continuous volcanic tremor continues at elevated levels this evening. A steam plume was visible in clear web camera views all day. The web camera is now dark for the night. Crew from today's gas and observation flight report no significant changes at the summit of Redoubt since the last overflight on Monday. Data from the flight are being processed. The volcano has not erupted and AVO continues to watch the volcano 24/7.
The two other volcanoes in Alaska have been downgraded from ORANGE to YELLOW, meaning they're watching them but no imminent eruption is expected at this time.
Just keeping you informed....
February 6, 2009 - Friday
Temperatures: Hi - 46° Lo - 21° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):14
Busy day. Went to visit the parents today and it really was nice to see them! But I'm tired for now so that's all I'll say till later.... except....
They still had some snow on the ground!
February 5, 2009 - Thursday
Temperatures: Hi - 27° Lo - 14° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):17
OK, when I said I wanted more winter, I meant SNOW, not windy bitter cold. Snow happens best around the 30° mark or so. But these temps in the low 20's and teens with windchills in the single digits are even too cold for me! Snow, not bitter cold. I must be more specific about what I wish for......
Happenings in the night sky:
COMET TAIL: Comet Lulin (C/2007 N3) is approaching Earth and putting on a good show for amateur astronomers. Yesterday, Feb. 4th, observers witnessed a "disconnection event." A gust of solar wind tore off part of the comet's tail in plain view of backyard telescopes. Photos of the event are featured on today's edition of SpaceWeather. Activity in the comet's tail and atmosphere will become even easier to see in the weeks ahead as Lulin nears closest approach on Feb. 24th. At that time the comet will lie only 38 million miles from Earth and it should be visible to the naked eye. In the meantime, please note that Feb. 5th-7th, is an especially good time to find Comet Lulin in the pre-dawn sky. The comet is gliding beautifully close to the naked-eye double star Zubenelgenubi. Just point your binoculars at the double star and the comet will materialize right beside it. Visit SpaceWeather for photos, sky maps and more information.
Be sure to hit your "BACK" button to return to my Journal page.
February 4, 2009 - Wednesday
Temperatures: Hi - 35° Lo - 16° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):15
Yes, I know. I know that within 45 miles of us, they got 2" of snow. We got nothing. Nada. We got sunshine. Oh, yeah, it flurried a few flakes once or twice. But no accumulation. No school delays or cancellations. All I want is one good snowfall. You know, the 8"+ type snowfalls. It can melt away in 48 hours, I don't care. I just want ONE snowfall. Last week's 2" doesn't count. Did you hear that Lancaster, PA got a foot? 12". Yep. I used to live within an hour of there. A whole foot.
I know it's only the beginning of February and if we were still in Westminster, MD, I know that we wouldn't even dream of winter being over until April. Seriously, we had snow in April more than once there! But 100 miles or so south of there, well, it's almost spring in February. Yes, I want CHEESE with my WHINE.
Still watching Mt. Redoubt in Alaska. And here is the latest news release for today:
Seismic activity at Redoubt continues at an elevated level. The volcano has not erupted. Poor weather in the region is obscuring web camera views of the volcano and no visits to Redoubt are planned for today.
And the weather, yes, I'm back on that subject, is going to warm up for the next several days, after today and tomorrow. By the weekend, high temps will be in the upper 50's to mid-60's. Man. Do I have to say it again? I'm NOT ready for SPRING.
Well, I've worked pretty hard to day, moved some furniture around and relocated a bookcase. I'm tired. Good exercise, good accomplishment. Now, tomorrow, I'll have to finish.....
February 3, 2009 - Tuesday
Temperatures: Hi - 44° Lo - 28° Rainfall Amounts: 0.D"(inches)Dusting of Snow
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):26
I was right. They don't know what they are doing. The TV weather-people. We got barely a dusting, which had melted away completely by 10 AM this morning. Yes, we had some flurries for awhile. But then the sun actually peaked through the clouds and the "snowstorm" of February is out to sea and moving up the Atlantic Coast.
So my desire for more snow is not satisfied yet. Nothing else in the 7-day forecase either. So it's not looking very promising for this winter. Well, at least we had a couple inches last week.
This is the update from yesterday of Mt. Redoubt in Alaska:
Redoubt Volcano continues to be restless. Seismic activity continues at an elevated level and is well above background levels. The volcano has not erupted. A gas/observation overflight yesterday reported continued changes in the summit glaciers indicative of heating of the summit area. Photos from both the overflight and the hut webcam showed a small vapor plume at the summit.
Just keeping you informed! It's exciting to watch something like this unfold. I would love to be there to see her when she blows, not too close of course! But beautiful in a horrifying way, I'm sure.
Below is a photo from the eruption that took place in 1990.
Pretty spectacular, huh? The small snow-covered hills at the base of the eruption cloud is the range of 2 mile high mountains. Impressed yet?
February 2, 2009 - Monday
Temperatures: Hi - 61° Lo - 37° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):23
Happy Groundhog Day!!!!
It was bright and sunny here early this morning so guess what? The groundhog saw his shadow in this part of Virginia and that means 6 more weeks of winter! Yeah!!!! Oh, I know, the cold is bothersome to my joints and so on. But I can breath better, I can see better in the woods, I don't have to deal with spiders and bees (at least as much). So I'll take it!
Don't worry however, one more little snow burst and I'll be looking forward to spring! Guess that's why I love living in this part of the country, all the changes of season. By the time you get tired of snow, it's spring. And by the time you're sick of stinking hot, humid, hazy weather, it's fall. Isn't that great?
We're supposed to get about an inch of snow in the next 24 hours. Originally it was going to be a "significant" snowstorm. Then it was downgraded to just a dusting of less than 1/10th of an inch of snow. Today they've upped the totals to about an inch over the 24 hour period. I don't think they know what's coming until it is on the ground.
Note added later: They've upgraded an earthquake that occurred today NEAR THE COAST OF CENTRAL PERU to a 6.0 on the Richter Scale.
February 1, 2009 - Sunday
Temperatures: Hi - 62° Lo - 30° Rainfall Amounts: 0.0"(inches)
Daily Worldwide Earthquakes (greater than 2.5 on the Richter Scale):29
Happy 1st Day of February!!!!
If you are wondering about the two young boys at the top of this webpage, run your mouse across them and you will see they are mine. Well, from a "few" years ago, when we lived up in Westminster, MD, where we actually GOT snow each winter! The photos were taken at night, when the TV announced our county would NOT have school the next day! I believe those are two different snowstorms also, as the one with Seth had just started to snow and the one with Jimmy, there is actually accumlating snowfall on the ground already!
The background photo is of Seth as a baby in his first "big" snowfall when we lived in Laurel, Md. He didn't quite no what to make of it all but thought it was really neat.
The period of February through March is not known for meteor activity, but there are two minor meteor showers active during this interval; however, both only visible to observers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Full Snow Moon - February, Since the heaviest snow usually falls during this month, native tribes of the north and east most often called February's full Moon the Full Snow Moon. Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult.
And as always, if you missed the last couple of entries in the January journal, click on the Archives link at the top of this page to read the words I have written. Wouldn't want anyone to miss one golden nugget!
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Copyright © 2003 Kay Price
