10 dollar milk and 5 dollar eggs.. (Marshall: buy, earthquake, stores)

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by lamishra

I was sort of kidding around about the generator. They aren't really necessary for the most part. I was just reminded of the sound of them in the utter quiet after the major ice storm a few years ago, when someone brought up the "hum" of snowblowers!

LOL. Well, you might be kidding, but just next to our master breaker box is an outlet, apparently, just for that purpose. I have never ever seen that before. I'd almost be afraid to plug a generator in there, but it looks well designed and wired. I'm just clueless about the pros and cons of generators and wouldn't really know what to buy if I needed one (I guess a lot of people did some five or six years ago when there was an apparent ice storm that killed power in RDU for a week?).

[lamishra]

Originally Posted by CaliBoy

LOL. Well, you might be kidding, but just next to our master breaker box is an outlet, apparently, just for that purpose. I have never ever seen that before. I'd almost be afraid to plug a generator in there, but it looks well designed and wired. I'm just clueless about the pros and cons of generators and wouldn't really know what to buy if I needed one (I guess a lot of people did some five or six years ago when there was an apparent ice storm that killed power in RDU for a week?).

Yes, there was a mad dash for generators after that ice storm which was extraordinarily bad. I don't think there are any reals "cons" to having one, except that they are expensive and won't get much use.

[lamishra]

Originally Posted by HollyMarshall

I would also add that you're free to disregard the weather. It might not do anything out there at all, but if enough people panic it means everyone has to panic. So if you find yourself out in some simple rain wanting some milk because your corn flakes a truly dry now, you just might be out of luck Thursday afternoon. That's just how it goes here. Now, by Friday they will have stocked back up so you'll eventually get milk....unless the reports are wrong and we get 3 inches of ice. Then you are going to wish you'd gotten more corn flakes AND milk on Wednesday instead of insisting you'd be above the fray and not panic over sleet. Ha.

Thats a pretty good assessment of what usually happens!

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by HollyMarshall

I would also add that you're free to disregard the weather. It might not do anything out there at all, but if enough people panic it means everyone has to panic. So if you find yourself out in some simple rain wanting some milk because your corn flakes a truly dry now, you just might be out of luck Thursday afternoon. That's just how it goes here. Now, by Friday they will have stocked back up so you'll eventually get milk....unless the reports are wrong and we get 3 inches of ice. Then you are going to wish you'd gotten more corn flakes AND milk on Wednesday instead of insisting you'd be above the fray and not panic over sleet. Ha.

I'm sure if the media can make it into a good story, they'll do it with a lot of infectious hype, and panic.

Has anyone tried evaporated or those boxes of dry milk? I remember when I was kid trying both. Neither reminded me of stuff that comes from a cow. Has it improved through the years as a good enough replacement for milk?

[mommiewrites]

Originally Posted by CaliBoy

I'm sure if the media can make it into a good story, they'll do it with a lot of infectious hype, and panic.

Has anyone tried evaporated or those boxes of dry milk? I remember when I was kid trying both. Neither reminded me of stuff that comes from a cow. Has it improved through the years as a good enough replacement for milk?

I remember a box living in my grandmother's pantry for about 20 years. We were never brave (or desperate) enough to try it.

it was 'emergency staples'. I guess we never reached that level of an emergency....lol

[aldamon]

Originally Posted by VaNC

My favorite is seeing the people who paid tons for these big 4 wheel drive SUV's trying to drive in ice...thinking they can. Remember, on ice, 4 wheel drive just means 4 wheels sliding!

My favorite is when I get to work in my little Hyundai Accent and all those folks with fancy SUVs stay home or crash. It must be my low center of gravity.

[RDSLOTS]

Very same thing on the coast. It started about five days before a hurricane 'might hit,' and would hit a frenzied peak about 24 hours before a storm's arrival, if it was imminent. It is nice to have a few things on hand, and unfortunately, I was due to make a trip to the grocery store, but I get tickled at folks who stockpile things like it's the end of the world, or something.

[CaliBoy]

Originally Posted by aldamon

My favorite is when I get to work in my little Hyundai Accent and all those folks with fancy SUVs stay home or crash. It must be my low center of gravity.

I'm forced to drive a sedan here since my SUV is still in CA, but I'd blame the driver more than the vehicle. Though I think the bigger or higher the designated safety rating the vehicle is considered, the more psychologically one thinks they are immune from the elements. I don't have a study on this, of course. I do respect the increased height of the SUV I drive and will not exceed it's safe abilities, or my own.

But, I'd guess your ability to make it to work was due to your sheer moxie combined with good driving skills. Though a low center of gravity does help in icy situation, I imagine (snow drifts, on the other hand, might be a bit more challenging).

[aldamon]

Originally Posted by CaliBoy

I imagine (snow drifts, on the other hand, might be a bit more challenging).

Indeed. Hehe.

[mommiewrites]

heres its ice that is more the concern than snow. weight doesnt matter much on ice...