Ice, Ice, Baby
In which we spend a chilly week contemplating the inevitability of an unwanted tradition. Plus podcasting has happened, and other stuff.
It seems that there is a new tradition that has developed here in Central Texas over the last few years. To celebrate this event we involuntary spend a day or two, or in some cases more, huddled under blankets in our dark houses trying to keep warm while the infrastructure that serves us with electrical power decides to take a nap during the coldest weather.
The date of this strange holiday from light, heating, and wi-fi, seems to be, somewhat reminiscent of certain religious celebrations, a shifting one; but it has become an almost predictable event in our lives happening as it does during the first few months of the year. Predictable that is to everyone but the power companies and those who like to profit from them by refusing to actually invest in an infrastructure that works in the many states north of here that have much colder winters than we do in the Lone Star State.
For this year’s event, we were woken at four in the morning by the wonderful sound of the trees around our house bending and branches snapping under the weight of ice on them*. As most power lines in Texas are strung up from poles rather than buried to protect them from the elements (it’s quicker and cheaper - and hey it’s always sunny here - right?) they also get coated in a sheath of ice, and then, surprise, surprise, are often brought down by falling tree limbs.
I will admit the fringe of icicles above our deck did look sort of neat, but it wasn’t a safe place to be.
And of course, we were without power - for around 40 hours as it turned out. Thankfully we have a gas fire and stove top, so could get some heat and basic hot meals. After last year’s ice celebrations, we also invested in several hurricane lamps and a propane portable heater. But once again it did highlight just how dependent we have become on a single source of power to lead our regular, connected lives. Not just connected to the power grid, but connected to each other.
A quick side note to those folks from outside Texas who did manage to reach out and make contact in the few spots when we had sufficient battery power and signal on our phones to be able to text - every “How are you guys doing?” was appreciated.
After things thawed and we regained power, a quick survey around the house shows that pretty much every tree we have has some degree of damage. I think we will have lost one totally, but our favorite, a big old oak, stood firm. It has four cracked and damaged branches, including one that came down very close to the side of the house, but appears to be structurally sound.
And we are far from alone in having that amount of damage. Driving out to the store today was like driving through an arboreal armageddon, as undamaged trees are few and far between.
Talking of which, it’s about time I go grab my branch trimmer, saw, and step-ladder and head out to see to our wounded woodland.
(* One Austin-based meteorologist posted an informative infographic that shows that a ½” layer of ice on a typical 30-foot wide tree equates to an additional 7,215 pounds of ice for the tree to support!)
Other Stuff
Thanks to the new subscribers who have joined since last week. I really appreciate your interest and support. If you would like to join them you can subscribe below.
Brabazon Bits
Visits to Bristol and Gloucestershire archives are now confirmed for our upcoming UK visit. Both appear to have interesting papers available that relate to the fate of the village of Charlton which was demolished to make way for the Brabazon runway extension in 1947.
Pages and Screens
Books Read in 2023 - “The Apollo Murders” by Chris Hadfield
I really enjoyed Commander Chris Hadfield’s non-fiction work on life as an astronaut and had the pleasure of hearing him speak a few years ago, so was looking forward to his foray into thriller territory.
Overall I wasn’t disappointed. As expected this tale of the secret Apollo 18 mission is full of technical details and procedural information, which does slow the narrative at times, but the space geek in me appreciated it.
Characterization is a little thin, but you read tales like this for the action, and of that, there was plenty with enough of the requisite twists and turns to keep you guessing where things are going.
Overall I’d summarize this as “Andy Weir meets Alistair McLean.”
Podcast Procrastinations
Over on the On Her Majesty’s Secret Podcast network, we recorded the latest edition of the Bond Music: Six of the Best show. For this episode, we took a look back at the 60th Anniversary “Sounds of 007” concert held at the Royal Albert Hall last October. As well as our usual track selections, we were joined by special guests, actor John Moss, and writer Ajay Chowdhury, who shared their recollections of being at the concert in person. The show is all ready to roll and is scheduled to go live on your favorite podcast platform on Monday.
It’s also been a Beatles week as I wrote the script for Episode 22 of the Before They Were Beatles podcast. This episode covers some momentous happenings in the Fab Four’s story that took place from June to August 1962. But you’ll have to wait until the episode airs in March. In the meantime why not join the hundreds of folks who have already enjoyed this month’s episode, “Decca Demos” now available HERE , or on the podcast platform of your choice.
Weekly Web Round-Up
Batman On The Cover - This week we rounded out coverage of September 1967 with covers from Lebanon, Mexico, and Norway.
Just before we slipped into the dark ages for a few days I added a bunch of new titles to our online bookstore at Bookshop.org where you can find links to purchase selected titles from the over 100 listed from my 2021, 2022, and now 2023 reading lists (as well as links to a few things that contain words by me.) - Every purchase through Bookshop.org helps out an independent bookstore.
Well, that’s about to for this week. Thanks again for joining me on my latest Ramble. And if you haven’t yet. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out on future newsletters.
See you next time.
Alan