Thank you!

I knew I was right.

Are these the same ones that celebrate Thanksgiving by seeing who can get Grandma to go sit in the car for two hours?

No, that's my Dad's side of the family.

Okay, Anne. I missed the grandma-in-the car story. Share, please.

I'm glad your family isn't without power. It is terribly cold. On the Boston news this morning, they said about 4000 people are still without power--I think that was South Shore or Cape-wards.

Today's an official snow day here, but I told the kids not to count on going to school last night, because the roads are treacherous, anyhow. We live within walking distance, but there was so much snow, most of the sidewalks aren't shoveled, and it just wasn't worth it, and too dangerous.

Cat tetris stacking is the crack. How many levels are there. I can't get past level 10. My kids are now reminding me to blink, occasionally.

Julian McMahon is going to be on Charmed's 150th episode.

How wrong is it that Charmed gets a 150th episode?

How wrong is it that Charmed gets a 150th episode?

How wrong is it that they get Oded Fehr?

Infinitely.

No, that's my Dad's side of the family.

Ah, right. I have to say, I giggle immensely every time that story comes up on BRQG.

Timelies!

Good news: I got a snow day today!

Bad news: Once again Salem was the biggest snow magnet in the storm with a grand total of 38". If I don't get my car at least dug out at some point today, I fear it's going to be there until a thaw hits. I don't need to take it out on the road, but I'd prefer it not become a piece of art for the rest of the winter, especially with my move coming up over the next few weeks.

Still, snow day and the Pats are going to the super bowl again! Whee!

Wow, the insane weather just keeps coming! Snow-ma to those in the way.

It's just raining here, but of course I'm parked about a kilometer from the embassy and left the walking shoes in the car. I will be soaked. In my defense, I was distracted by finally realizing why so many Greeks have been gesturing at me at pointing at the front of my car: they've been trying to tell me my lights are on! Finally a guy pulled up beside me today and yelled "Your lights are on!" I don't know how to explain DRLs in Greek, so I just said, "OK, thanks."

A first! Government offices are closed until at least noon! Unfortunately, I am working from home. Feh!

Now they're closed all day. (Though it doesn't look too bad out.)

Megan, stop working!!! Go out and make a fort.

I missed the grandma-in-the car story. Share, please.

My stepgrandmother is a delightful person who has some very deep convictions and a wonderful sense of outrage. Winding Grandmother Trudy up and watching her explode is considered high entertainment.

Political and religious discussion is something of a party game on that side of the family. Things will sometimes get a bit heated--not nasty--but intense. People will start arguing in favor of truly outrageous things, not because they believe them, but simply because they get caught up in the argument or wish to play devil's advocate. It's not an official rule, but getting things to the point where Grandmother Trudy storms off to cool off somewhere before saying something regrettable is considered something of a win.

Having her go out and sit in the car for two hours was something akin to the Red Sox beating the Yankees in the pennant race.

It's a weird dynamic, but somehow people manage to get riled up but without getting truly offended, if that makes sense.