Manana MONDAY @ the MSC

[Rabbitz]

The heatwave continues unabated.

Yesterday topped out at 118.5°F (48°C). The highest "feels like" temperature I saw was 124°F (51°C).

Today will be a degree or two lower but with the added bonus of gusty winds and dry lightning storms. Unsurprisingly, we have a Total Fire Ban with an Extreme Fire Danger rating.

It is not yet 7AM but the mercury has already touched 92°F.

The fruit picking and preserving has accelerated due to the heat. The apricots and white peaches are finished, the plums and nectarines are now taking up all of the bench space in the kitchen.

Toni has almost run out of preserving jars and the tomatoes haven't even started yet!

[bodypainter]

Rabz, it's so nice to read a crop report! That heat index is incredible. Folks here wilt if it get's above 90.

[Rabbitz]

Rabz, it's so nice to read a crop report! That heat index is incredible. Folks here wilt if it get's above 90.

We're doing our fair share of wilting!

This is our first proper Barossa Valley summer - the previous few years have been quite mild. I guess it should be said that it is really only a bit over an hour's drive to what is considered the edge of the "Aussie Outback", so this weather is par for the course.

We are a little surprised at the amount of fruit from our small orchard this year, it has been a tough season - no measurable rain since early December and drought conditions for the past three or so months. Annual rainfall has been well below average for three years.

[SMLCHNG]

YAY!! I got 5 new smoke detectors!!!

[bodypainter]

I have a vicious cycle with apple trees. I prune one every year and 1 every 2 years. Neither bear much fruit which is good, because it draws deer in the winter. I used to put feed out for them and other critters, but lately many have been hit on the road in front of the house. So, I prune for the apples, then gather every one I can and haul them 2 miles to a wood lot I own for those deer (and possibly bears.

[Caribbean Soul]

We're expecting a little more snow tonight. I went to shovel at midnight and there was about 2 feet on the ground! Rooting for the Pats to win this Super Bowl! Unbelievable comeback after the last few years.

We have a plow guy, but the deck needs clearing, so I did it this morning... we had about 20", near as I could tell. Then in the afternoon I "cleaned up" the stuff said plow guy left... including lopping off about 3 feet of a very large pile in front of my husband's garage door so he can get his car out if necessary!

Right now it is snowing again... but it is January in New England - the way it USED to be!

Right there with ya, Jerry. They are my #2 team... being a native NYer, my heart is still with the Giants first.

I had hope Vrabel could turn things around, but I sure was not expecting it to happen this quickly!

[Caribbean Soul]

YAY!! I got 5 new smoke detectors!!!

GOOD!!
When I read about your detector issue, I was going to ask you how old they are. I had mine go off once, and I was not sure why!
I told the kids to get out of the house while I dragged our cat out from her hiding spot under the TV and put her in my car, which was brand new at the time, and I was not about to leave it in the garage in case there was an actual fire! I pulled down the driveway as I phoned 911. The firemen were very nice and explained to me that smoke detectors have about a ten-year life span, and after that, they can go off on their own. Until then, I had not lived anywhere that long, and never knew this!

[big john]

YAY!! I got 5 new smoke detectors!!!

GOOD!!
When I read about your detector issue, I was going to ask you how old they are. I had mine go off once, and I was not sure why!
I told the kids to get out of the house while I dragged our cat out from her hiding spot under the TV and put her in my car, which was brand new at the time, and I was not about to leave it in the garage in case there was an actual fire! I pulled down the driveway as I phoned 911. The firemen were very nice and explained to me that smoke detectors have about a ten-year life span, and after that, they can go off on their own. Until then, I had not lived anywhere that long, and never knew this!

While the useful life of a smoke detector is about 10 years, the radioactive half-life of the americium-241, the radioactive isotope
used in most smoke detectors, is approximately 432 years. You might want to contact your local waste management company,
without giving your name, and ask them the best way to dispose of them.

[big john]

At the same time I do want to point out that americium-241 is an alpha emitter and the alpha particles
can be blocked by paper, skin, or even a few inches of air. So the detectors are safe around people as
long as you DO NOT TRY TO PHYSICALLY REMOVE THE ISOTOPE.

[SMLCHNG]

While the useful life of a smoke detector is about 10 years, the radioactive half-life of the americium-241, the radioactive isotope
used in most smoke detectors, is approximately 432 years. You might want to contact your local waste management company,
without giving your name, and ask them the best way to dispose of them.

These are probably 15 years old.. and the maintenance team here at the apartments will be disposing of them.

[big john]

While the useful life of a smoke detector is about 10 years, the radioactive half-life of the americium-241, the radioactive isotope
used in most smoke detectors, is approximately 432 years. You might want to contact your local waste management company,
without giving your name, and ask them the best way to dispose of them.

These are probably 15 years old.. and the maintenance team here at the apartments will be disposing of them.