I certainly did not explain myself in the Blaaah post as to what a Chinook is. My family is continually reminding me that they can't read my mind!
Here goes, according to Wikipedia:
"A Chinook wind (is) where the Canadian Prairies and Great Plains end and the mountains begin...In popular myth Chinook is supposed to mean 'snow eater', as a strong Chinook can make a foot of snow all but vanish in one day. The snow melts, and partially evaporates in the dry wind. However, the true origin of the name is that 'Chinook Wind' in the local argot of the fur trade era meant that the wind came from the direction of the country of the Chinook (Indians). Chinook winds have been observed to elevate winter temperature, often from below -20 degrees C (-4 F) to as high as 10 degrees C to 20 C (50 degrees F to 68 degrees F) for a few hours or days, at the end of which, the temperatures plummet to their base levels."
I remember as a kid walking to school in subzero temps bundled up like a snow creature and coming home to water running down the alley and playing in short sleeves. Sometimes the euphoric temperatures lasted a couple of days or sometimes only hours. That's what I meant about the winter drug. It was an amazing break from the bleak cold. I wish the Atlantic waters could be a giving as the Pacific so you in New York could enjoy this winter treat!
Have a great day and I certainly enjoy your posts, your humor and all you have to give.
Cheryl
Here goes, according to Wikipedia:
"A Chinook wind (is) where the Canadian Prairies and Great Plains end and the mountains begin...In popular myth Chinook is supposed to mean 'snow eater', as a strong Chinook can make a foot of snow all but vanish in one day. The snow melts, and partially evaporates in the dry wind. However, the true origin of the name is that 'Chinook Wind' in the local argot of the fur trade era meant that the wind came from the direction of the country of the Chinook (Indians). Chinook winds have been observed to elevate winter temperature, often from below -20 degrees C (-4 F) to as high as 10 degrees C to 20 C (50 degrees F to 68 degrees F) for a few hours or days, at the end of which, the temperatures plummet to their base levels."
I remember as a kid walking to school in subzero temps bundled up like a snow creature and coming home to water running down the alley and playing in short sleeves. Sometimes the euphoric temperatures lasted a couple of days or sometimes only hours. That's what I meant about the winter drug. It was an amazing break from the bleak cold. I wish the Atlantic waters could be a giving as the Pacific so you in New York could enjoy this winter treat!
Have a great day and I certainly enjoy your posts, your humor and all you have to give.
Cheryl
