February 16 Snowstorm

  It's been pretty much a winterless winter. I've recorded just 2.9" of snow here in Farmersville so far and that's probably the least I've written in my weather books since I began taking readings in April 1974. In December we had no snow at all.

 By the way, this is the Golden Anniversary of my weather recordings. 50 years. 18,250 entries.

So when the NWS began forecasting a decent snowstorm on February 16, we all took notice. As the day progressed they warned of possible heavy snow, especially just north of me. And they issued a Winter Storm Watch late in the day.

 The snow began just after 3:30 PM and continued into the evening. We didn't get much - just 2.5" -  but it seemed remarkable after looking at brown lawns for so long.

 After sunset on February 16,  the snow fell at quite a clip for a short while. I went out and enjoyed the view for a few minutes. And the temperature had fallen from a high of 36° and was dipping into the 20's.

 This is my first view the next morning (February 17). There wasn't much snow but it certainly changed the view.

 From the second floor bathroom window I could see that Clayton Road was somewhat clear. Plows had passed the house all through the night. School was cancelled. When Tom drove home from his house he said he almost went off the road on Farmersville-West Carrollton and barely missed our mailbox while he was trying to turn into our driveway.

 A view from  the second floor window at the top of the stairs.

 Tom's car got covered by the falling snow. Parker had been out for her late day constitutional about 9 PM and left tracks.

 I'll admit it: I  brought our patio furniture out of storage too soon. But we've had very pleasant spring-like weather. On 02/07 we topped out at 57°; on 02/14-15 we recorded 53° and 52°. So I had reason to think winter was over.

 

 

A view from one of our security cams on the morning of 02/17.

 Two days later (02/19) I took my first walk in Millie's lane. It was just 12° at 8 AM as I headed back for one lap. I delivered the newspaper and a slice of cornbread. She was surprised to see that I was out and about on such a bitter morning. But I was bundled up and stepped carefully and already saw that the drifts were coming from the southwest. Warmer weather ahead!

 And so yesterday (02/20) we topped out at 59° and most of the snow has melted. Today we're expecting 60°. And next week the forecast promises our first 70°.

 Is winter over now?

Bathroom Faucet Replaced

  Our old bathroom faucet on the first floor has been slowly dripping for some time. The last time I had a plumber here I asked if the washers could be replaced. No, the Sears faucet was made in the 1980's and parts are no longer available.

Sears faucet - 1980's style

 Mom always loved that faucet with the porcelain handles that said Cold and Hot. But most of the lettering on the hot side had worn away, And the drain was non-functional. The only way to hold water in the sink was with a rubber stopper. And the drain hole had begun to rust.

 So it was time to have it replaced. A few days ago when I was in  the car repair shop I asked Greg if he knew of a good local plumber, someone who was working independently. He did. With a replacement faucet on order from Amazon (thanks Eric!), I now had a way to have it replaced as a reduced cost.

 Could I have done the work myself? Possibly. But would I have known the sink lifts off the vanity so it can be more easily worked on? Not on your life. And I have neither the proper tools nor the proper attitude to do plumbing. So I was happy to have a local guy do it.

 The new faucet is also in a brushed gold (Mom's choice to match the wood paneled bathroom) and comes with a popup drain (my choice).  The plumber had everything installed quickly and cleanly. Why did I wait so long?

 Total bill: $80. That was $60/hour for the labor plus $10 each for two new supply lines. I wrote the check for $100 and consider even that amount an embarrassment (but I'll get over it).

 If I get even a decade of use out of the new faucet I'll have gotten my money's worth and more. Mike (the plumber) said parts of this sort are now usually replaced, not repaired.  Since I'm 74 this faucet will likely outlast me.

Coconut Cake

  For many years every January Meijer had a special in their bakery of Coconut Cake. They'd have them out on tables by the doors. For the past two years we've not been able to find them. Tom mentioned how much he missed them so I set out to make something close.

 The whipped cream icing is very close but I think I baked the cake a bit too long and I'd have to describe it as more than a bit "dense".

 I use this Simple White Cake recipe for the cake and I used this Cool Whipped Frosting recipe for the frosting.

 I baked the cake in a 9x9" aluminum pan. My oven is hotter in the back so I turned it at the 20 minute mark. I do believe a 40 minute bake time is too long in my oven but when I checked it at the 30 minute mark the center looked wet.  Next time I'll compromise at 35 minutes.

All I had was Aldi flour and I've found that not a good choice in the past. I far prefer King Arthur Bread Flour for most everything.

 The batter is easily mixed with a spoon.

 After baking, you can see that the center square seems less baked than the rest. And yet I found the cake "tough" and think the suggested maximum bake time is too long.

The frosting is perfect and very close to Meijer's. I suppose the addition of the vanilla pudding mix (instant, not cooked)  allows the frosting to set up a bit. It is still basically whipped cream with a little extra body.

 I thought the cake turned out very pretty with the addition of sweetened flaked coconut.

 This is an easy recreation of the Meijer offering. It's not really white but a light yellow. And Meijer's was definitely a more delicate cake and actually preferable ... if it was only still available.