At 6 am, with great trepidation, we opened the kitchen door. How much snow would be piled up? How much snow would we have to shovel in order for Scout to do her thing?
Apparently, none.
There’s only an inch or so of snow out there. The big old nor’easter, though still pounding away at the eastern reaches of the Northeast, was a bust here.
Hurrah!
I am not one to berate our local weather guys, who are the ones I rely on for a sane, thoughtful forecast. All of the models predicted a major event and, to their credit, they predicted a large amount of snow, but always referenced the instability of the forecast and the fact that it could change. I’m just grateful that people in my neck of the woods are safe and have power.
Armchair quarterbacking on weather forecasts is not for me. Yes, the Weather Channel tends to run toward hype. But even in their case, I have to believe the intentions behind all of it are basically sincere.
I say all this because our local guys have a Facebook page where they post updates in addition to the ones on their website and there are lots of snarky comments there this morning. In response, I posted one that said: Shut Up. Be grateful that these guys work for hours and hours trying to give us the best possible information. Be grateful that we dodged a bullet. Be grateful you are safe.
I’m sick of snarky. Everyone’s a critic nowadays on the internet. Everyone has a snarky comment or two or three. Everyone says hurtful things. It’s so easy, in these days of a keyboard, a mouse, and a public forum where everyone can spout supposed witticisms that really only serve to hurt.
From the Urban Dictionary: Snark. Noun. Combination of ‘snide’ and ‘remark.’
Snarky is lazy. It masquerades as wit, but isn’t funny at all.
One of my favorite lines from The Newsroom, and one that creator Aaron Sorkin has used in interviews, as well, is:
“Snark is the idiot’s version of wit, and we’re being polluted by it.”
Amen. We are being polluted by it.
Mean-spirited comments on blog posts. Mean spirited comments on forums. Mean spirited comments on news sites. Mean spirited comments on sports sites. And mean spirited comments on 24 cable news programming.
And of course, I don’t mean literally ‘everyone.’ But there’s sure a lot of it out there.
Noel Coward, a true wit, would be turning over in his grave.
Hey, I don’t mind a reasoned and fair critique. That kind of dialogue can be valuable for all concerned. We need that.
But snark? No and no. Snark is just a cheap shot. Snark has no intention other than to hurt.
End of sermon on this miraculously blizzard-free, snow-free morning.
I am grateful. I know that weather can turn on a dime. I thank everyone for doing their absolute best to forewarn us of possible danger.
Mother Nature can be fickle. I get it.
Happy Tuesday.
You don’t have to eat the canned mac-n-cheese!!!! Oh happy day!!! I agree with you on snarking. Far too much of it going around. It hurts and causes so many problems. Thoughts do not always need to come out of your mouth or your fingertips! Learning restrain and manners seems to have flown out the window! Ugh…I am glad you are safe and sound. Have a good day! Hugs and pets :)
Deb
No canned mac and cheese. As Don says, now we have a lot of cans of stuff we don’t want to eat. But, I say, it’s there in case we need it in the future, right?
Happy you missed the bullet.
I have such a hard time with manner-less people. I know they have a huge unhappiness in their lives, but that is no excuse. I firm;y believe we choose happy. Why be nasty when you can be nice? We are all in this life together.
God bless the three at MHC.
I agree. Ultimately, there is no excuse for it.
Choose happy – perfect!
Well, I’m in the Boston Metrowest area and we are BURIED. Still coming down. We dug out our back door and a path to the birds. They’re grateful for the seeds and peanuts. Can’t wait to start on the driveway. Maybe at noon. New Louise Penny book announced for August: The Nature of the Beast. Can’t wait. Maybe we’ll be snow free by then!!
I was just reading about the weather up in Boston, Linda. Oh boy, you guys did get clobbered. I hope you’re safe and warm!
I am so relieved for your family and all the others who were not looking forward to a tremendous snowfall. It’s 49 here in Fl today but it feels cooler when you get out in it. Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Thank you, Janie!
So glad you guys are not under an avalanche of snow! Yes, I agree about snarky comments. What is the purpose of it? Hurtful and mean. I too choose to be ha ha Happy!
Hugs,
Debbie
Southern Calif.
Thanks, Debbie. I fear our neighbors to the East are not faring as well as we did. Say a little prayer for them.
Will do!
I’m so glad you guys dodged the snow bullet – hooray! You could always donate the canned food to a local food pantry.
We’ll keep it around, Melanie. There’s still a lot of winter left. And remember, we were hit by two hurricanes a few years back!
I guess I fall somewhere between “snarkiness” and “shut up”. I’m not brave enough to be overtly snarky, but I AM tempted sometimes :)
Oh, I am, too! But as I grow older, I realize that it’s too easy to be snarky. So I refrain.
we too, are happy to be situated above and to the west, of where juno is venting her wrath. and I am just glad that our forecast turned out to be less, rather than more, than we were told.
I so agree. down with snark. enough already.
I also admit to having indulged in it. way too much. to my chagrin. but we can change. we can see our mistakes, and work on eliminating them.
so happy for both of us, to have come through the blizzard of 2015, on the lucky side.
gentle hugs,
Tessa~
Happy for you, Tessa.
By the way, in my younger days, I had rather a sarcastic tongue, though I wouldn’t necessarily call it snarky. Nevertheless, I indulged in it, too. Thank goodness, there is room to grow and change. And it’s indeed never too late.
I’m glad you are storm-free for now. Agree with you about snarkiness; sometimes difficult to ignore but I try to pay no attention to it and focus on positive.
Good idea, Wendy!
Bottom line – just SO happy I no longer live in Massachusetts/New Hampshire! We went through several storms with that much snow back in the ’60-’70’s – fortunately young enough to be able to handle the manual labor involved, and the fun it brought playing outside with the children! Couldn’t do any of that now!
So glad all is well with you Claudia – no digging is great, no canned food – well beans are OK in my book. Thanks for the good wishes for Bob – he’s floating somewhere in anesthesia induced dreams now – luckily they have WI-FI here in the waiting room, my home for the next few hours! Then we’ll head for the cottage with our bank account severely depleted – enough said!
Hugs – Mary x
Oh, boy. It’s definitely expensive, this stuff! Hang in there, Mary and Bob!
I agree with you. I always say to my children ‘If you can’t say something pleasant, remain silent’. X
And you are very wise, Penny.
I am with you Claudia. When the horrible weather misses you, you do a happy dance and celebrate. No snarky. Just happy! Thank you weatherman for making sure we get prepared and thank God that you were missed. Now you need to push the canned M&C to the back of the cupboard for the next storm!
It will be pushed back. Most definitely! It’s there in case we need it, but thank goodness we don’t need it now.
Hear, hear! People hide behind their computers and say things they would never say in public, but the more they do it, the more they become it and then most likely are negative and pessimistic day in and day out. Really a very sad state of mind. Glad your weather is good. Best wishes, Tammy
Thanks Tammy! We are relieved. I’m suffering from a cold and/or sinus and the thought of shoveling holds no appeal.
Yes and Yes again! Thank you for saying it Claudia. I think it has something to do with anonymity maybe? I can’t imagine so many people that I read with their nasty comments could be that bad in real life or no one would be around them. I’m hey you dodged the snow and I’m sure Scout is too.
Blessings,
Betsy
I think you’re right, Betsy. The anonymity somehow gives those who would might think snarky to actually write a snarky comment!
Sorry, I should have proof read. I’m happy you dodged the snow!!!
Betsy
xoxo
I always say that it is better to be prepared for the worst, and have it “fizzle out”, than have the opposite happen. I, too, am tired of all of the snark. Just pull yourself together and move on! It is a true waste of time, and energy, to be so negative~
It is indeed a waste. And you’re right, I’d much rather be prepared than to be taken by surprise!
Sometimes the weather guys miss the mark– I’m not a weather guy myself– so I can’t pretend to know how to do their job. I believe the best way know the weather in your neck of the woods– is just the way you did it this morning… Stick your head out the door and see!
Glad the bad weather missed you – hold onto the mac/ cheese, you don’t know when it might come in handy.
After that– you can donate it to a food pantry. ;)
Yep. Though, we did get a couple of hurricanes a few years back. So it may stay here for the foreseeable future.
And WE were to have flurries yesterday and ended up w/ about 3 inches along with freezing rain. But, just about 25 miles away in Madison they only had an inch. So, forecasting to people who are in an about 150+ radius watching, can be tricky. As you said, you were spared, but the dire warnings for those not too far away were correct. I guess we expect neighborhood specific forecasts now.
Glad you dodged this one, but as you said, never say never, as we are always going to be in the path of some sort of weather no matter what our location may be!! If only we could learn to laugh a few things off and simply carry on. My mom always told me if I couldn’t be nice I should go sit by myself in my room and think about things for a bit. You know, that really isn’t a bad idea. Everyone is so connected w/ social media and FB-ing and tweeting, that we simply don’t take time to think before we react. Thinking….. turns out mom knew that it’s a good thing!!!
I think there are all sorts of micro climates within climates…makes forecasting tricky. Also, it just ends up (in the case of this storm) being about the final track of the storm, which is a bit of a wild card.
Your mom was right, Chris!
I just want to know, did Don still have his pie? :)
It seems that some folks don’t know how to filter their mouth. It is easy to hide behind the computer screen and lash out hurtful things.
My mom taught me a valuable lesson and it is if you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all. Simple courtesy.
Glad you are safe!
xo
Yes, he did. And so, unfortunately, did I!
Our moms were very wise, weren’t they? Thanks for the good thoughts, Becky!
Well said. No need! Thank you.
You are most welcome!
My rule of thumb is “If Phila and Washington get it…we don’t” Almost always true..Let it go out to sea..Good place for it..I guess the meteorologists have to broadcast in a CYA fashion..:) Good post..We usually see eye to eye!!!
I do believe Long Island and Rhode Island, Boston and points north are really getting the brunt of it. All because it tracked further east.
Glad to have dodged it, Missy!
Claudia, Thank you for defending the weather people. Weather is not an exact science. I would sooner they are error on the side of safety….people stayed home and the streets got cleared in NYC. Saw that on the news. You are right about people just being mean, thinking they are funny. So glad to read you are safe and have your power. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
They can only do what they can do with the information they get from computer models. And it would be irresponsible not to warn us of the possible outcome! Thanks, Susie.
I am so glad to hear that you didn’t receive all the snow predicted. I live in Fort Worth, Texas where winter is relatively, mild compared to your area. I have been watch the forecast for your area the last couple of days and have been sending good weather vibes to y’all and Miss Scout.
Aw, thanks for the vibes, Deanna! They worked!
So happy that you dodged the bullet. I hate all of the snark. I just see it as poor manners run amok. xo Laura
And you’re so right, Laura!
Well, I’m so glad you weren’t forced to eat that canned mac & cheese. LOL
Me too, Dawn!
Well said! I’m glad for you and hope everyone east of you get through it safe & sound. W
I hope so, too. There’s a lot of wind out that way, along with the snow.
Road rage and internet trolling (with variations from snark to cruelty) show a lack of social filters, an absence of respect and those courtesies and manners that ease interactions. Occasionally when reading an online newspaper article or watching a clip on Youtube my eye strays to the comments. I am too often horrified. I’m so glad you spoke back to the grumps. I hope other people took your lead and did the same. In terms of a storm, how much better to be warned than not and one unexpectedly arriving.
Yes, I’m happy to say that others spoke out about it, too. There’s always more good than bad, thank goodness!
I have to stop myself from reading comments on newspapers articles, etc., because I end up getting angry at those who are snarky and negative.
I 100% agree Claudia! Excellent post.
I’m so glad this big storm missed you.
Thank you, Debbie.
I’m glad you dodged a bullet! I would normally think that anyone who received less snow would be grateful…you would think…I sadly would be wrong. Weather forecasting is not an exact science…and I doubt it ever will. People should be glad for the opportunity to prepare for a storm…and if it doesn’t happen, so what. If the storm does occur…then they were prepared…they were on top of the situation. It should be perceived as a win win situation. Why is there always the need to lay blame on something…or someone? I don’t understand…maybe someone could explain it to me someday. ;)
I wish I could explain it to you, Donnamae, but must admit I have no idea why the ‘blame game’ seems to be prevalent in our society!
Claudia,
So happy to hear you aren’t buried in snow. The old saying about walking a mile in another’s shoes applies here. Don’t criticize what you haven’t done. I wouldn’t want to be a weather person during a weather event!
On a side note, I follow Susan at TParty Antiques. http://www.tpartyantiques.com/ Are you familiar with her? I ask because I see things on both of your blogs and instagram accounts that I think, “Oh, Claudia would like that.” Or, “Oh, I wonder if Susan has one of those?” Just wondering!
Yes, I am familiar with her, Cindy, and I’ve been following her since I started blogging. In fact, Susan is the one who recommended my studio space to the editors of Studios. She’s a doll!
Why does your connection with her not surprise me? Great to hear!
I am also glad you were spared the horrible blizzard that was predicted. My concern lies with “next time” – I fear people will recall this incident, and ignore a future prediction due to the “crying wolf” syndrome. I agree that better safe than sorry, but not everyone will think that when the next prediction for treacherous weather is announced. Hopeful all will listen and prepare.
If they don’t, Ranee, they have only themselves to blame!
It seems to me Claudia,That these are the VERY people that will freak-out and sue, if they hadn’t been warned! Bad habit to get into ,that negativity! Glad your dry! -Judy A-
Very true, Judy.
We’re very glad we’re dry.
There’s an awful lot of “snarky” in my workplace. Perhaps people mistake it for being witty or clever or it’s a result of the high-pressure environment, but it does get awfully tiresome. It may not be perceived as strong, but I’d rather try to be nice.
Have you been able to watch any of Broadchurch Season 2 yet? I watched episode three the other night and was dismayed that they had suddenly decided to film in what I call videotape, rather than movie film. I don’t like that look – it reminds me of soap operas or the old Star Trek.
Your Mac n Cheese in a can certainly elicited some comments! None of us at work had ever heard of it before. Yesterday we were talking about storms and provisions and (definitely sounding snarky) one of my co-workers suggested that when they found the Donner party they also likely found several unopened cans of Mac n Cheese. (Seriously, this is what passes for witty banter in my workplace..)
I am just thankful the storm passed you by – we saw some terrible sights on the news.
Snarky seems to be almost required in the workplace. I’ve certainly seen my share of it. Is it because everyone is around the same people all the time? In a closed environment? Who knows!
I think the Mac & Cheese in a can is a new thing. I’ve never seen it before, but I have to say with all honesty, if we had no power, no way of cooking (which would be the case) I wouldn’t think twice about eating it. It isn’t on my wish list, for sure, but what is stranger about M & C in a can than, let’s say, spaghetti? Or chili? None of it is preferable. Maybe it’s the cheese?
Strange, the reaction it elicited.
We won’t be able to see Broadchurch here on BBC America until March, I believe.
Claudia..I remember buying mac & cheese in a can for my son when he was a kid..He was born in 1989 and I’m pretty sure it was out before that..I tried to Google it to find out how long but couldn’t find an answer..
Ah, then it isn’t new! Thanks, Nancy.
You’re exactly right, Claudia. I’ve read a lot of thought-provoking comments on various blogs and sites [like yours], and lots of them were things that needed be to said. But being able to hide behind the anonymity of the Internet makes a whole lot of people very “brave” – and some unbelievable statements get made online these days too. Things that would never be said to someone’s face, or printed by a respectable newspaper on the op-ed page. What’s worst, I think, are the “haters” – people whose views seem unnecessarily intense, even violent. The Internet gives these individuals confidence, and makes it extremely easy for them to pop off anytime they want -about any topic. But I tell myself it’s all about location, because these folks couldn’t present a coherent argument on “Meet the Press” to save their lives. PS – glad to hear the storm basically missed you. The people out there faulting the weather guys because things turned out better than expected would be the first ones screaming if they had underplayed it. And these people are never pleased with anything, no matter what happens. Gotta have something to yell about. Enjoy your day – we have sun in Rochester!!
Yay for sun!
Yes, many of these people just spout off with no facts or common sense behind their ‘argument.’ I put quotes around that because using the word argument is being kind…
We are very happy to be NOT fighting snow and crazy amounts of it at that!
I got on the computer to find out how much snow you got up there..What great news..and then there are people who are upset because they didn’t get it??..Strange..Blaming the weather forecasters for the weather is ridiculous..The weather belongs under that term we discussed yesterday..”It is what it is”..it can change in a heartbeat..If you want to know what the weather is..look out your window..as far as you not getting the snow..at least it was a good excuse to buy a pie..lol..
Apparently they think the weather forecasters are omniscient. Go figure.
Now we have to finish that pie, Nancy!
Good post, Claudia! You’re so lucky that the storm missed you! It’s still snowing here and we’re already at 2-1/2 feet! Schools in Boston are cancelled tomorrow and may also be cancelled on Thursday. People are heeding the Governor’s and Mayor’s “stay off the road” restrictions, so hopefully the clean-up crews will have a bit easier time of cleaning up! Stay warm – even if you didn’t get the snow, I’m sure it’s cold out your way!
Donna
Oh gosh, Donna! 2 1/2 feet already? I’m so, so sorry! I know you feel the same way about winter that I do. Stay safe, my friend. Tell your daughters to stay safe and your husband, too!
Yes, it’s very, very cold here!
Hurrah indeed! So happy for all who dodged the worst of this storm, but it did hit many with force. I hate Snarky, just drives me crazy. Why people think its ok to be rude and cruel is beyond me. Good post!
hugs,
Linda
My friend Donna, who commented just before you, lives outside of Boston and is already at 2 1/2 feet of snow! We are very lucky here.
Yes, yes, I just read that New York, for the most part, got spared other than Long Island. So glad you didn’t have a terrible night. We do get disappointed a lot in California with hopeful forecasts of rain that seem to bypass us. But weather is Mother Nature and she won’t be tamed or explained. The forecasters do all they can do. I know one of them, and you wouldn’t believe the hours they spend pouring over data. It’s a lot of tricky analysis.
(By the way, Susan Branch doesn’t have a generator either! She says they’re noisy, but hospitals seem to have them.)
Snark. What a perfect post about it. I printed off your comments for my husband because, despite my boundless love for him, he can get a bit snide on comments, especially when it is about the subject of sports. I don’t think snide is clever or glib, not at all. Sarcasm can be so negative and hurtful. It’s very, very prevalent on the web, where a commenter can remain anonymous, to lose any shred of courtesy. One of my favorite blog owners who owns a blog about lifestyle and fashion has a caption for her readers, to remind them before they comment: “Kindness is never out of style.” Still, even on her gentle blog, certain commenters are so cruel to not only other readers there but also to her. I’ve been a victim of their hate and it was upsetting. But, alas, it’s not just the internet; we see it in stores, on the street, in lines. People don’t seem to much honor the concept of ‘manners’ anymore although there are the bright spots here and there. Formerly, it seemed like more people kept their opinions and comments to themselves (when they were around other people at least), not vocalizing every single emotion.
We’ve lost the dignity of ‘reserve’ and instead seem to be surrounded with people drowning in negativity, combativeness, controversy and sick competitiveness in too many things. It makes me think there are a lot of stressed-out, unhappy people out there. My dad lived by the rule, ‘why NOT be nice?’ What’s the need or compulsion to intentionally make somebody else feel badly? I guess misery loves company.
You’re so right. Everything has to be expressed, apparently, nothing held in reserve. It probably goes right along with the endless selfies which chronicle the minutia of lives, including every emotion or reaction – without filters.
I’m so glad you missed the storm. I have about 9 inches but consider myself lucky because we did not lose power. I have to say, I was very stressed by the dire weather reports but I know they have to report the possibility of bad weather so you can be prepared. I think I’m just getting too old for this!
I enjoyed your post.
So glad you didn’t lose power. I understand the stress, we felt it all day yesterday as well, wondering what might happen, would we have power, etc.?