Darth Vadar On Ice

This weather!!!

I actually forget what day I started writing this blog, but it doesn't really matter because this entry describes just one of many days this winter in NW Pennsylvania where the township where I live and that I so love (Erie Co. Wayne Twp.) now holds the record for the most snow in the entire Commonwealth so far this season. I realize that is a dubious thing to be known for, but just think -- it could be much worse.  Anyway ...

In addition to over 12 feet of snow so far this season -- it's not just cold here.  It is brutal. It was -14º (feels like -24º) when I first checked this morning.  Now it is up to -11º,  but it is okay because it only (feels like -11º ) so there must be no wind to at the moment.  And to think that today is the day I simply must make myself go out to run a couple of errands.  At least the temperature is moving in the right direction. I hear that it may reach zero today before it heads back down into the "belows" - as in below zero.  Today will be a hat, scarf, boots and gloves day (thankful here for long underwear), and I will put on my special cold weather coat before I leave… that will be layer number 4. 

This coat is worthy of further description -- this is an ugly down filled puffy coat that goes almost to my ankles. It has served me well for too many years to count. I reserve it for days like this one. It is black, waterproof, and has a rather scraggly looking fake fur lined hood as well -- sort of gives me a puffy fluffy 5' 2" Darth Vader appearance without the hardware. Now I am wondering if lightsabers give off any heat and am sort of wishing I had one to help melt ice as I walk the 200+ feet to my mailbox and then back. (Sometimes I even wear this coat if I drive my Jeep to get the mail.)  It is an impressive winter garb even if on the ugly side.  I can't forget to add that it has so much filler in it that it cushions falls on ice.  I know this from experience. I really should give the coat a name.

If you live in a "colder clime", you tend to think a lot about the weather. In NW Pennsylvania, we talk a lot about it too. Some refer to it as a "character builder" and maybe even take pride in being "hearty stock" or a "survivor".  Personally, however, I am relishing the current forecast of temperatures above 30º.  Around here that is sweatshirt weather. We talk about that too and laugh at people who think 50º is cold or who whine about what we call a dusting of snow... anything under 6 ". One more thing...  in spite of it all -- I must mention -- I prefer North to South.  I can always manage to get warmer.  I find it hard to get cooler. I dislike sweating. Plus -- I am am way past the shorts and sleeveless stage of life. I have become a lover of thick socks, jeans, and baggy sweaters with a scarf around my shoulders. I own at least 7 pair of boots that look worn-out because they sort of are.  This has become my uniform. It is my comfort zone. I have even been known to iron my jeans for dress up occasions.  No apologies. That is just one of the things I love about being my age.  You get away with stuff.

Hanging on here until Spring... Can't wait for  "I wonder where the birdies is...".

Stay warm and take care....   If you see a guy with a snow plow -- say Thank You!  

If you live somewhere around here where you know what it is like to feel like your eyeballs are freezing.  They are.  Time to go inside.

This too shall pass.

Evening at the Museum

It only takes a few minutes to discover that the Corry Area Historical Museum on Mead Avenue treasures tradition and the preservation of memories of the fascinating past of the City of Corry as well as the surrounding area. In fact, the items at the museum document much of the way of life of people within a 250 square mile area.  Recently I was able to tour the museum as part of an event sponsored by Village Friends, Inc. As museum volunteer, Ann Clark, said in her introductory remarks of the tour, “People have done a great deal of work before us to preserve the record of our heritage, and we are working hard to continue that tradition.  That hard work and dedication, past and present, is evident to all who were able to attend. Many of us were even able to explore the record of our own families.  Now that is an amazing and emotional experience.  

The museum is a most “welcoming” place to visit.  Housing 15,000 artifacts arranged in creative ways, it also contains a large archive where newspaper clippings dating as far back as 1880 are organized and stored in a climate-controlled environment.   In addition to clippings is information not only on families from all walks of life, businesses, churches, and schools throughout time, but also many photographs that still need to be identified…just in case you are interested in doing a little detective work. 

Important point -- the museum can always use volunteers to catalog and to arrange new bits of history, to provide tours and to answer questions for the people who visit each year – over 3000 last year alone – 800 of whom came to do research on site.  It is a “happening” place to be sure.  Serious work is being done there and….  it is fun to visit.  Where else can you find such a variety – everything from yardsticks of local businesses to industrial machinery -- including a Climax Engine? 

No doubt about it. The Corry Area Historical Museum is a gift to Corry and the surrounding area.  It is open Thursdays 10-2 and Sundays 2-4 or by appointment.  Check out www.corryareahistoricalsociety.org for more details.