Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

February 12, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in TGIF · 94 Comments

“Looks like another cold one, Lucy.”
“Yup, Little one. Another fly the couch day.”

Friday’s here and we are calling it Freez Day. We have temps no higher than the 30s until Wednesday with projections for nighttime temps in the teens or lower. On top of everything they are saying up to 4 inches of snow. As I write this, there is thunder and lightning with rain.

There have been countless accidents on the freeways. In Dallas there was a 100 car pile up. Here in Austin there is a 25 car mess which has the freeway blocked.

Needless to say we are not prepared for this kind of mayhem. The protracted temperatures below freezing will no doubt cause water pipes to burst so that will be another problem for folks.

There is not much we can do about the weather. I would say. “I guess we will stay home,” but that’s what we have been doing since last March.

Today’s John Ku talks about the weather. I hope you all have a super weekend.

Sometimes the weather,

Makes us feel something is wrong . . .

Then it seems so right.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, Haiku, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, JohnKu, My GRL, Our Justice, TGIF, The Contract with Gwen Plano

94 comments

Gwen M. Plano · February 12, 2021 - 4:26 am ·

I hope you and yours stay warm through this cold spell. It’s freezing in Missouri as well. Your Haiku reminds us that soon the weather will shift and the sun will draw us outside again. Beautiful. 🌞

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Yes, that is the story in the Haiku. For us, it won’t be until a week from now. 😳
  
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  1. Gwen M. Plano · February 12, 2021 - 7:51 am ·
    
    Yep, the Texas snow has hit us as well. Another week of chills projected. 🙄
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:14 pm ·
    
    Oh so sorry. Please don’t send it back. Have a super weekend, Gwen.
    
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Writer Lori · February 12, 2021 - 4:39 am ·

Yikes! That’s pretty unusual weather for you all, John. Stay safe!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:14 am ·
  
  Yes indeed. Thanks, Lori. 🥶
  
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Jill Weatherholt · February 12, 2021 - 5:23 am ·

The accident in Fort Worth was so horrific. I can’t even imagine. Stay safe and warm, John. Your JohnKu gives us hope.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:20 am ·
  
  It was horrific, Jill. The idea of the Haiku was to look forward. Our issues will be over in a week. It will be 71 degrees a week from today.
  
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  1. Jill Weatherholt · February 12, 2021 - 8:23 am ·
    
    Nice! Perfect patio weather. 🙂
    
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Charles Yallowitz · February 12, 2021 - 5:41 am ·

Good luck staying warm. I heard about a massive accident in Texas. Didn’t realize it was so big. Was that due to the weather?

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:27 am ·
  
  Yes, it was due to ice on the road.
  
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harmonykentonline · February 12, 2021 - 5:42 am ·

The 100-car accident is on the UK news. So sad. We have cold and windy weather here. Keep warm and snuggled up at home. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:28 am ·
  
  That seems to be the only smart thing to do. Thanks, Harmony. 😊
  
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Keith Edgar Channing · February 12, 2021 - 5:46 am ·

Sounds like you won’t be needing your air-conditioning for a while, John. Stay warm, well and above all, safe.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:29 am ·
  
  So true, Keith. 😁
  
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Staci Troilo · February 12, 2021 - 5:54 am ·

The south just isn’t prepared to handle that kind of weather. Stay safe!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:30 am ·
  
  Nope, we are like sitting ducks. Thanks, Staci.
  
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karenringalls · February 12, 2021 - 6:02 am ·

Oh my goodness! Shame on me for complaining when our highs were in the 60’s for three days here in central Florida. People in the South are not prepared for cold weather, especially if it lasts more than a day. Bundle up, have some hot chocolate, and stay safe.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:31 am ·
  
  Thank you, Karen. This is going to be here for a week so there will be a lot of hot things consumed. 😁
  
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Dan Antion · February 12, 2021 - 6:02 am ·

Soon it will be right again. I hope you guys hunker down and relax until Wednesday. I saw pictures from the pileup in Dallas. That was awful. Stay safe. Maddie send warm hugs to Lucy and Twiggy.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:32 am ·
  
  Tell Maddie thank you. The girls are making no sudden moves to the outside. 😁
  
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  1. Dan Antion · February 12, 2021 - 10:00 am ·
    
    Maddie does, but unfortunately, she won’t go outside without one of us. So it’s a game of “I don’t hear the dog.”
    
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shoreacres · February 12, 2021 - 6:05 am ·

I saw that increasing nastiness in your area yesterday, including that 25-car pile up. It seems we’ll stay above freezing for a few more days, until the 20s show up on Monday, along with sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Maybe. It’s nasty, that’s for sure. A couple of fishing tournaments scheduled for this weekend have been cancelled — I wonder why?

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:33 am ·
  
  Hard to fish with mittens on. Stay warm, Linda.
  
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GP Cox · February 12, 2021 - 6:14 am ·

I would find it unusual if Texas was prepared for that weather – the same would happen here. You’ll have the heat back soon enough and the girls will be looking for shade.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:35 am ·
  
  I know you are right, GP. Thanks. Just hoping a random pipe doesn’t freeze. 😊
  
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Liz Gauffreau · February 12, 2021 - 6:21 am ·

We’re in the deep freeze as well, in the single digits. Best for everyone to just hunker down in the house.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:36 am ·
  
  I agree.
  
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coldhandboyack · February 12, 2021 - 6:42 am ·

Staying down and having a snow day sounds wonderful. Looks like I need four-wheel drive to get to work this morning, but I’m going.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:40 am ·
  
  I can’t imagine living in Utah without a four-wheel vehicle. Take it easy.
  
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Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · February 12, 2021 - 6:59 am ·

I saw the 100-pile mess on the news. Crazy! Stay safe … and I can tell those two seem eager to do something.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:41 am ·
  
  I think they are eager for a nap. Thanks, Frank
  
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  1. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · February 12, 2021 - 8:21 am ·
    
    After all, they have a difficult life.
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:13 pm ·
    
    They do, Frank.
    
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Teri Polen · February 12, 2021 - 7:24 am ·

We dodged an ice storm in our area. I read about the horrific pile ups in TX. Stay safe and warm, John!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:44 am ·
  
  Thank you, Teri. 😊
  
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Dale · February 12, 2021 - 7:27 am ·

When I saw the picture of Lucy and Twiggy, I burst out laughing… Have they moved since yesterday? 😀
That is some cold weather for you folks… Keep it up and you’ll be acclimated to come over here 😉
Happy Friday! Yipee!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 7:45 am ·
  
  I know right. Happy Friday, indeed.😁
  
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  1. Dale · February 12, 2021 - 7:47 am ·
    
    Love it! Thank, it will be! 😊
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:14 pm ·
    
    Of course it will. 😁
    
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Mae Clair · February 12, 2021 - 8:45 am ·

I saw that horrible 100-car pile up on the news last night. Just devastating.
And four inches of snow coming? So strange when you’re experiencing a thunder storm.
The weather has gone insane. Stay safe down there. I think you’re wise staying indoors!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:13 pm ·
  
  Yes this is like 2020 is not wanting to let go. 😳
  
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Sorryless · February 12, 2021 - 9:15 am ·

I read about that horrible pile up on the freeway. Your temps are rivaling ours here in the Northeast. Yikes.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:12 pm ·
  
  Sad to say. Thanks, Pilgrim.
  
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  1. Sorryless · February 12, 2021 - 5:21 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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Debbie · February 12, 2021 - 9:33 am ·

Yuck. The good thing is, you won’t have months and months of this misery (it’s just going to feel like it!). And hey, you’re already a seasoned veteran of the stay-at-home recommendation, right? Hang in there, John. At least your home is warm and surrounded by your favorites!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:12 pm ·
  
  So true. Thanks, Debbie.
  
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Jan Sikes · February 12, 2021 - 10:15 am ·

This too shall pass. 🙂 We are not equipped for these kinds of temperatures for sure and the huge pile-up here yesterday is a great example. What a mess. Yes! A great time to stay home!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:10 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan. Stay warm.
  
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portmanguy · February 12, 2021 - 10:40 am ·

It’s been really cold here too, John. Seems Global Warming’s on vacation. A great time to stay at home indeed.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:09 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Guy, Have a great weekend.
  
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Baydreamer · February 12, 2021 - 10:43 am ·

We had rain last night, John, and today the sun is gloriously shining. Such a contrast and that accident was horrific. Stay warm and your haiku is lovely and ends on a hopeful note. Happy Friday and the girls are so darn cute!

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:09 pm ·
  
  Thank you. Lauren
  
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D.L. Finn, Author · February 12, 2021 - 12:14 pm ·

Very scary all the car accidents. I’m glad you can stay home. I won’t drive in those icy condtions anymore. Anytime we get in the 20s, or under, pipes burst. The worst was on Christmas Eve and a house full of people. I got my miracle to get a plumber’s dad to fix it. Stay safe and warm.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 1:07 pm ·
  
  We are worried about the same thing, Denise.
  
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The Coastal Crone · February 12, 2021 - 2:21 pm ·

Another couch day for the girls for sure! We are bracing for freezing weather by Sunday night with sleet and the slight possibility of snow. And you know we are not accustomed to that down here. We did pick-up from HEB yesterday so we are hunkering down, as usual no matter the weather. I’ll bring in some plants and cover others. All we had last year was a little frost on the roofs a couple of times. And it had been mild so far this year. Cheers! TGIF to you.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 5:13 pm ·
  
  Yes stay warm down ther . We had 30 degree temperature all day with a low of 27 tonight. The ice we got yesterday has caused some damage around town. Stay warm. 😁
  
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kethuprofumo · February 12, 2021 - 2:25 pm ·

Lucy & Twiggy preparing a warm welcome for frosty Friday! Hot drinks are included.
PS: It is a real winter for us. about – 25 will last at least the whole week, hard frost, hard wind & snow! So, stay warm & near the fireplace, dear John.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 4:59 pm ·
  
  That does not sound like good weather. Hot potato and leek soup is my favorite in the cold. I’ll bet it would go well there. Stay warm, Dear Maria.🤗
  
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  1. kethuprofumo · February 13, 2021 - 6:06 am ·
    
    😁😁😁 True, dear John. It sounds like a typical Russian winter. Thank you! I will do my best!
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 7:07 am ·
    
    Well, in thinking of Napoleon that winter is a form of protection. 😁
    
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  3. kethuprofumo · February 13, 2021 - 11:57 am ·
    
    😁😁😁 or a form of a total defeat, dear John!
    
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  4. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 4:13 pm ·
    
    Yes. The Germans learned that lesson in WWII
    
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Vashti Q · February 12, 2021 - 2:42 pm ·

Is this the coldest it’s been in Austin in a while? You’re doing the right thing staying home. Stay safe and healthy! 😀 xo

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 4:56 pm ·
  
  Coldest in 30 years. Thanks, Vashti
  
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markbierman · February 12, 2021 - 4:48 pm ·

4 inches! That’s a blizzard for your area. My sister used to live in Dallas and she would show me photos of “snow days.” I remember chuckling at the green lawn that barely had enough to make a snow ball. I did not envy the thunderstorms (she called our thunderstorms, ‘babystorms’ in comparison) or tornadoes, though.

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 8:04 pm ·
  
  It’s also going to be 2 degrees on Monday. I think we are having a nuclear winter.
  
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  1. markbierman · February 13, 2021 - 5:20 am ·
    
    That’s called a warm day in late March, up here. 🙂
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 7:05 am ·
    
    At times like these, I’m not sure how y’all survive. Stong folks you are. 😁
    
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  3. markbierman · February 13, 2021 - 8:09 am ·
    
    Or just plain crazy! 🙂
    
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  4. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 10:34 am ·
    
    Well, that could be true. 😊
    
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  5. markbierman · February 13, 2021 - 11:20 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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B R Chitwood · February 12, 2021 - 5:10 pm ·

What does the quaint word, ‘snow’, mean???

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1. John W. Howell · February 12, 2021 - 8:02 pm ·
  
  Hahahahaha. You devil.
  
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petespringerauthor · February 12, 2021 - 8:50 pm ·

I think we’ll stay home. What a novel idea!

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1. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 6:57 am ·
  
  Hahahaha. Isn’t it?
  
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patriciaruthsusan · February 13, 2021 - 7:28 am ·

I see the doggies are inside where it’s warm. I don’t blame them. It’s even colder here when the sun is down. I have a small heater near my desk where I sit. Have a great weekend, John. 🙂 — Suzanne.

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1. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 10:16 am ·
  
  I wish we had a heater too. Thanks, Suzanne
  
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circadianreflections · February 13, 2021 - 9:26 am ·

I’m glad you’re safe. Stay warm!

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1. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 10:36 am ·
  
  Yes indeed. The order of the day.
  
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Book Club Mom · February 13, 2021 - 12:33 pm ·

Oh I hope the weather warms up for you! As a previous reader commented, “staying home, what a novel idea.” So true!

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1. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 4:11 pm ·
  
  Yes indeed. I’m fuly checked out in how to stay at home.
  
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  1. Book Club Mom · February 13, 2021 - 7:11 pm ·
    
    Same!
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 7:58 pm ·
    
    😀
    
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Jennie · February 13, 2021 - 7:18 pm ·

‘Fly the couch day’- I love that! When we moved to New England we knew nothing about freezing pipes. We learned! Our old farmhouse had a dirt basement and exposed pipes. I remember the old guy who stopped by to help and give us some advice. He must have thought ‘young city slickers’. We thought ‘the oldest farmer on earth.’ He showed us how to hook up a light bulb next to the pipe. Yes, he was brilliant. We were not. How did you fare in the ice storm?

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1. John W. Howell · February 13, 2021 - 7:49 pm ·
  
  Still okay. We are facing 7 degree temps on Monday morning. 🥶
  
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  1. Jennie · February 14, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
    
    That’s hard to imagine for your area. Do hardware stores even carry ice melt?
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 14, 2021 - 7:28 am ·
    
    No. The road crews have nothing but sand and that doesn’t help much.
    
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  3. Jennie · February 14, 2021 - 8:09 am ·
    
    No, it doesn’t. We’re supposed to get an ice storm Monday night into Tuesday. I’d rather have a foot of snow.
    
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  4. John W. Howell · February 14, 2021 - 11:50 am ·
    
    I agree.
    
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robertawrites235681907 · February 14, 2021 - 10:58 pm ·

Has your weather improved, John. Unexpected cold snaps at the end of winter are always a bit dismal.

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1. John W. Howell · February 15, 2021 - 7:04 am ·
  
  Woke up to 4 inches of snow and 9 F degree temperature. Today’s high only 14F degrees. Wind chill below zero. I would say it has not improved. 😂
  
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  1. robertawrites235681907 · February 15, 2021 - 11:02 am ·
    
    Oh dear, John. I don’t like cold weather. I would like one snow day and one only – just so that I can make a snowman once in my life.
    
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  2. John W. Howell · February 15, 2021 - 4:27 pm ·
    
    That is a good wish. Maybe it will come true. Thanks, Robbie.
    
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