Solstice

Solstice is officially tomorrow morning around 4AM Pacific standard time. That makes tonight the longest night of the year.

And with a week of snow behind us, more coming down, east winds ripping up the Gorge and forecasts for more snow, freezing rain, sleet, and yet more snow... all I can say is: Thank God, at least the days will start getting longer now.

Portland has not seen snow like this since January 2004, almost five years ago. Most of the city's emergency budget for the winter has already been spent (on plowing and de-icing). All of Portland's public schools were closed at least three days this week and some were closed the whole week. It's been worse in some of the outlying areas, especially the east county.

I went for a short walk early this morning, when the snow was fresh and not too deep and the wind hadn't started blowing. It was a different look at a neighborhood I know well. I won't be going out again today, nor probably tomorrow if I can help it.

It's going to be a long night indeed.

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