TugHillMatt

The desire to complain and be frustrated with all of the lows NOW setting up just perfectly in April and May is REAL....so maddening. I have refrained from making any comments on it....but after seeing Mid-May possibilities...................................................... lol

Thanks. My Christian faith is a huge driver in my life. I sometimes get very disappointed and saddened by the mindsets and actions of some other Christians...but then am reminded of how human I am and the "own planks I have in my eyes." Still, I will call out others of the same faith if I feel they are ready to hear it. Otherwise, it's just like talking to a brick wall.

Interesting perspective. I understand what you're saying, while at the same time I respectfully disagree. There are things I appreciate about Pence, but this is not one of them. To me, it shows a real lack of consideration towards the facility, as well as the mandates made from local and state governments. Trump said that he was going to allow the state Governors to lead and said they are competent, but then disregards their own requests. I find it akin to going to somebody's house as a guest and then intentionally leaving your shoes on in their house after they have made it clear they wish for you to take them off. But, it's true...I'm a soft-hearted and sensitive guy...so I am always trying to consider everybody else. It's my "filter" for how I see things in life. Both a blessing and a curse.

Yup, I've made it pretty clear that I don't take party sides and use my own logic/moral compass to determine where I stand.

With as much scrutiny and media attention that Trump and Pence have, why would Pence NOT wear a mask in the Mayo Clinic?!?! I tire of the media constantly finding anything to pick at with these two, but seriously!?! It is CRAP like this that just encourages more hostility and frustration, particularly from liberals. The policy is to wear a mask, but you are the only one going in there without a mask? How do they expect a cooperative society when examples of this are clear signs of defiance? Maybe I am missing some validated reason as to why he did that?

Lol. Yes, some young people are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to start serving in society in great ways....rather than sitting at a desk for 6+ hours a day. We have already been talking about ways we are going to implement Google Classroom and other online schooling options within our in-school lesson plans for next year.

Maybe I will come up with a new Curriculum called the "Common Corona Standards."

Interesting thoughts. I'm not sure I agree with all of them...but you're right about making all the excuses. I agree that some subjects may not be as high of a priority in the education system, but I hardly think many of the subjects that teachers are passionate about teaching are BS. Much of it depends on how the teacher teaches as well. I teach my students with a passion that they can apply what they learn to their lives and the world around them. Some of what you might be referring to is an issue with Common Core Standards.

Yeah, I mentioned this week that I have seen MANY people coming out of "hibernation" this week. I think many of us Upstaters are getting increasingly restless and eager to get back into things.

There's been much talk about school districts across New York state requesting to continue schooling through the summer. I'm not sure how New Yorkers will take this. I have seen the stress it has caused on my students and especially their parents, who are trying to manage schooling for 1 to up to as many school-aged children as they have. Many of these parents have jobs they are still working too. My school jumped right into online schooling immediately (the day of) that school was shut down. It was a very tough first week, but I think we're doing well now. I teach ELA and assign 1 to 2 assignments a day. Any more than 2 and parents begin to stress and panic. Many homeschool parents do a great job...but many parents during this pandemic don't have the skills and patience for teaching subjects. One of my colleagues suggested we end school earlier this year and start up earlier in August (hopefully in person) for the next school year. I thought this was an interesting idea. I do know one thing: This has definitely caused me to think about next year and how I will be doing some tutorials with parents to help them prepare for future school closings.

Many of those democratic politicians "claim" they care about businesses needing to open back up and the economy getting better, but I have my doubts. I wouldn't be surprised if some of them would be happy with businesses failing so they can have more control of individual finances as more people rely on the government. P.S. and I have to note this any time I make a political statement because people assume "YOU STAND WITH ONE PARTY"... I do not agree either with Republicans who are like "We have the freedom to do whatever we want! 'Merica." That's just as selfish. It's all in balance.

Don't hurt your head too much.

Wow, why are some incapable of having a conversation without being so aggressive and combative. Relax. People on this board ARE NOT the problem. Just adds more toxicity to an already high-stressed society. On another note, if we continue to hibernate in our homes and lock down indefinitely to save 1 to 2 million Americans...there will be deaths in other ways. Poverty,, potential war (as was already stated), depression/suicide, increased crime, and a generally more chaotic society. Humans are a social breed and our world runs on relationships, mutual deals, service, etc... Even around here, signs are real that people are struggling and getting restless. Traffic seems to be back to where it was before this all started, people are out all over....just many seem to be being more proactive about public spacing and wearing PPEs. In a way, I think parts of Upstate New York have already started their own "back to business" practices.

I love your photo journals for the seasons. Thanks for sharing!

Yeah, cases around here have very slowly been increasing. It's been slow enough that it hasn't put a heavy load locally. Tough to stay strong on locking things down locally for so long with minimal cases. I have seen many people supporting the local businesses in ways that they can. The restaurants doing takeout have been thanking patrons via Social Media for helping to keep them operating and looking better financially than they were expecting.

How maddening that NOW all the cold air AND systems come.... Seasons really haven't been seasons this century.

It was in the low 60s here today with beautiful sunshine. We went to walk at Onondaga Lake Parkway, which is miles of trailway along the lake here in Syracuse. It was SO busy! With all the parking lots closed, we are forced to park in the same area, which seems sort of contradictory to spacing people out. Despite that, it was still a glorious day and it was sort of refreshing to see so many people out trying to breathe while while also working to be respectful toward everybody else's space.

Same situation here. I REALLY want kids, but my wife is not interested. The big 4-0 is getting way too close.

Star Wars UV Light Saber?

When everything all started going down...and working in a school...any time a colleague asked how I was doing, I told them I just wanted to spray Lysol down my throat, but then I would be dead.

Ha! Just not our winter(s)

From Binghamton's latest discussion...It will probably be in the elevations...as this has clearly been an elevation-dependent fall/winter/spring. We shall see! This upper level low will then slowly pivot through the area Saturday night through Sunday, which will bring periods of rain to the area. As the upper level low drifts east of the area Sunday afternoon, temperatures may be cold enough to change this rain to snow. This will have to be watched as accumulating snow could be possible late Sunday/Sunday night. Due to uncertainty in temperatures/exact track of this low, went with the NBM or slightly cooler (National Blend of Models) for temperatures, which led to highs on Sunday mainly in the 40s with mostly rain, changing to a mix of rain and snow Sunday night.

About the 9th coating for April. Apparently if I want to see legit lake effect snow I need to move to the Buffalo area....say, Springville? Er.......... Looks like Syracuse proper got more than here. Think the strong winds blew the heaviest inland...as Oswego and the Lakeshore look to have nothing.

It's been graupel/snow showers here during the front and ever since. I really think we've seen more snow falling from the sky in April than we did in January. I would love for a defined band of snow overnight to give us a lead over Rochester...even though ROC will probably get flurries and somehow still report 6 inches.

It all depends on whether cases rise quickly here. The only way I see that happening is AFTER we open back up again. Really, I think Upstate is at a point where exposure and "herd mentality" is our next step.