Protecting Pipes In Freezing Temperatures

I thought this was an interesting article that I just found on MyMotherLode.com:

December 29, 2010    03:11 pm

Sonora, CA-- With freezing temperatures predicted in the Mother Lode tonight, the Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is reminding customers to make sure their home and property are properly prepared.

"People need to be aware that if they do have outside pipes, that they could burst if they're not well insulated," said TUD Spokesperson Lisa Westbrook. "We recommend customers insulate their pipes as soon as possible."

To prevent freezing, TUD recommends wrapping pipes in insulated material. Pipes should also be covered with plastic and secured with tape, string or wire. Garden hoses should also be disconnected, and it's important to store water just in case a main break or frozen pipe cuts off your water supply.

It's important to know where your main water shut-off valve is located so that if a pipe does break, excessive water loss and flooding can be stopped by turning off the main shut-off valve. Finally, never leave water running to keep pipes from freezing since it could create a bigger mess if a pipe breaks.

For more information visit the TUD website at www.tudwater.com

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com

WINTER STORM UPDATE

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Sierra Nevada through Monday 4 PM.

The snow levels will continue to fluctuate between 3000 and 5000 feet.

Three to six inches of additional snow accumulation is possible between 3000 through 4000 feet. Eight to sixteen inches of snow is likely above 4500 feet. One to two feet of snow is forecast above 7000 feet.

Winds speeds of fifteen to thirty-five mph have also been occuring in the Sierra Nevada with some gusts reaching as high as forty-five to sixty mph.

A Flood Warning also remains in effect for the Sierra Nevada through Tuesday 8:15 AM.

An additional three inches of rainfall is forecast below the snow line through Tuesday.

Flooding is possible along with localized rock or mud slides. Rising waters are affecting the smaller mountain rivers and streams.

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.

Another round of snow is due Wednesday.

SOURCE: MyMotherlode.com

For the latest traffic conditions, click here.      (http://www.mymotherlode.com/traffic/)

MONDAY'S WEATHER REPORT for HWY. 108

IN THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AREA & SIERRA NEVADA

HIGHWAY 108 IS CLOSED FROM 7.2 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY TO 5.3 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 /SONORA PASS/ (TUOLUMNE,MONO CO) - FOR THE WINTER - MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM 6 MI EAST OF SONORA TO 7.2 MI EAST OF STRAWBERRY (TUOLUMNE CO) 

CHAINS OR SNOW TIRES ARE REQUIRED FROM 5.3 MI WEST OF THE JCT OF US 395 TO THE JCT OF US 395 (MONO CO)



6.15 a.m.: 
On the Klipple's deck:  about 3" of snow overnight.  No precipitation at 6 a.m.  Temp: 31.5 F.

SATURDAY'S WEATHER REPORT

Dusting of snow overnight followed by rain this morning.

8 a.m.:  40 degrees F.

Winter storm warning in effect until Monday afternoon, 4 p.m.

Gray sky.  Breezy.  And we do have power!!!  LOTS of pine needles on the ground waiting for the spring rake out.  (Sorry.)

TRAFFIC INFORMATION

Current road conditions can be found on the Caltrans Highway Conditions website or by calling 1-800-427-7623.  Note:  There are two boxes for selecting your area of interest, one on the left (Area), the other in the center (Searches: Custom Regions).  The closest area for our area seems to be Merced-Sonora.

California Highway Patrol Traffic Incidents can be found HERE.  Note: Just enter the highway number that meets your needs.

WINTER STORM WATCH THIS COMING WEEKEND

A winter storm watch has been announced for this coming weekend, Friday, December 17th through Sunday, December 19th.

Do you know the difference between a Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning?

Winter Weather Advisory

 

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when a low pressure system produces a combination of winter weather (snow, freezing rain, sleet, etc.) that present a hazard, but does not meet warning criteria.

Winter Storm Watch

 

A winter storm is possible in your area. A Winter Storm Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when there is a potential for heavy snow or significant ice accumulations, usually at least 24 to 36 hours in advance. Tune in to radio or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning

 

A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area. A Winter Storm Warning is issued by the National Weather Service when a winter storm is producing or is forecast to produce heavy snow or significant ice accumulations. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.


More weather information as it becomes available or obvious!

Thursday, December 16th, temperature in Mi Wuk:  30.4 F.   Sunny.  Watch out for icy decks, walkways and roadways.

COOKIE EXCHANGE AT M.W. LIBRARY/COMMUNITY CENTER

Thursday, 3 p.m.

Community Center / Little Library in the Woods

Sierra Park Drive

Bring 2 dozen cookies and take home a variety of 2 dozen other cookies.

The exchange will begin as soon as 

Adult Stampin' at the Library is over at 3:00.

So,  this is another reminder:  join us for Stampin' at the Library, 1-3 p.m, third Thursday of the month: December 16th.  

No experience required.  

All supplies provided.  

Success guaranteed.

$2 for 2 cards/envelopes

(Led by an experienced stamper: me!)

OVERNIGHT 'SNOW'

As if saying "nyaaa nyaaa nyaaa nyaaa nyaaa", yesterday's rain turned to snow overnight and we awoke to about 1" of crunchy snow this morning. 

The pickup truck snow plow has been through at least my part of Mi Wuk (Lama-Hisum) -- twice.  And the sun is breaking through so I'll bet this white stuff is gone by this afternoon, except for shady spots perhaps.

Next weather is due in on Friday, the 17th,  and is scheduled to last throughout the weekend, ushering in a new bunch of storms.  Stay tuned. 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14th...... weather

NO SNOW!  Nice. 

It's been raining most of the day, cold, grey.......great day for a book and hot chocolate (or toddy) in front of the fireplace. 

Nothing else much happening up here the last few days or the next few days. 

Happy holiday preparations everyone.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7th

Nice day.....sunshine, 46 degrees at 8.45 a.m. 

Tonight:  Firefighter Appreciation Dinner put on by the Mi Wuk / Sugar Pine Fire Protection District Auxiliary.  Tonight's dinner will be at the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Sugar Pine and will be catered by Any Event.  Each of our firefighters will be presented with a gift from the Auxiliary as a thank you for all that they do throughout the year.  Tickets are sold out.  Details for next year's appreciation dinner will be here on this blog around September 2011.  Stay tuned!


The "Brick Program" will be awakened in the spring, once the snows have gone away.  This is an on-going fund raiser for the Fire Department.  We have two sizes of bricks for sale:
8" x 8" brick for $100:  6 lines of text available, 20 characters per line.
4" x 8" brick for $50:  3 line of text available, 20 characters per line.

Come over to the fire station at your convenience and check out the two walls of bricks that have already been installed.

Phase I of the brick program:  installation of the first orders of bricks.  L > R:  Russ and Blythe Klipple, Jeanne Crawford, Margie and Denny Bowen. 

Forms can be found in the 'mail box' (really a 'form' box) to the right of where Denny is standing, on the side of the fire house facing the bays.  Or, by request, I can mail a set to you.  Just leave a comment below or send me a private email (blythek@mac.com) and I'll get them to you.

In case you're wondering, yes we do have some 'already received' forms, $$, and bricks ready to order.  Last summer was just kind of a bust as far as volunteer labor (we were all extra busy) but we'll be back on duty in 2011!  Anyone who would like to join the fun when it comes to installing bricks---let me know and we'll put you to work.  We really do have fun!!!!!

MAHA CHRISTMAS GATHERING

Despite the threat of rain -- no snow -- a large handful of Mi Wuk residents took part in the MAHA holiday gathering.  Where on earth were the rest of you?????  :)

Sitting around the table with part-time Mi Wuk residents Tom, 8-month old Violet, and Reneé.  Reneé's family have been cabin owners since the mid 50s.  Newer part-timers, 'him', Edna, and sons Reeve and 'other son' joined us as well.  It was so nice so see and talk with new folks!  I'm just sorry I can't remember their names right now.  If you know the blanked out names please let me know (comment below) and I'll put them next to the other family members.  I didn't forget because I wasn't interested.  Just reality.  :)

Left to right:  Denny Bowen (Fire Board Member), Arlen Richardson (MAHA board member and former MAHA board president), Russ Klipple (volunteer for whatever he gets roped into) , and Art Sloper (volunteer/electrician) solve the world's problems as well as what to do with excess snow.  Our party took place in the area of the library that once was home to two fire trucks.  Volunteers spent many hours converting the area from a typical "garage" to a homey Community Room.

Blythe Klipple (MAHA board member, Earleen (MAHA board member) and Bob Chinook, and Kirk Wallace (former fireboard member and current Jamestown resident) had some nice chats and laughs.  The corrugated roll up doors in the background are remnants from the fire truck bays.  Someday they'll be replaced by real walls.

It was a fun gathering--(editorial) I only wish more people had attended.  We're already planning for next year's gathering, most likely the first Saturday of December 2011.  Ideas for attracting more residents and part-timers are realllllly welcome!  :)  Put it on your calendar.

Back to the busy December holiday preparations now.  Tonight is the Firefighter Appreciation Dinner.

MAHA CHRISTMAS GATHERING IS TODAY!

The MAHA Christmas Gathering is today at the Community Center (old Library).

Please stop by if you're in town.

2 - 4 p.m.

Bring a sweet or savory appetizer of any type.

A canned or non-perishable food item to be taken to Interfaith Community Services is also requested.

We'll have ornaments and small Holiday Items for sale as a MAHA fundraiser.

We're looking forward to a great turnout!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE UP

Just in time for the MAHA Christmas Gathering on Saturday, December 4th, 2-4 p.m., at the Community Center (old library) the Triangle is lit up:  fence lights, Mr & Mrs Claus and Rudolph and the Sleigh are all up and glowing for the season.  Thanks go to the following residents who 'braved' 12" snow and chilly air:

Above:  Russ Klipple and Denny Bowen

Above: Arlen Richardson and Mike Welch

Blythe Klipple, Mike and Arlen checking the connection for the MWV sign lights.

About 4.30 Thursday afternoon, the lights tested well.

   And now, for the rest of the season, we have a happy scene to meet and greet us as we drive up     

Hwy 108.

Be safe.

HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED MI WUK'S OWN "MI WUK KETTLE CORN" ?

This summer, at the Twain Harte Certified Farmers' Market, Mi Wuk Kettle Corn hit the floor running.  Soon they appeared at Sonora's Farmers' Market and our Mother Lode Fair.  Since then, Mike and Debbie Laurance, Mi Wuk residents, have been requested to take their kettle corn as far away as Weed (Carnivale) and Cloverdale (Car/Street Fair) and Calistoga (Cruisin' Calistoga Car Show) as well as to various local parades and venues (most recently the Home Crafters' Fair at the Sonora Opera Hall).

During December they will be offering gift sized Holiday Bags of this tasty snack for sale:

$3 for a 6 cup bag and $2 for a 3-1/2 cup bag. 

They will deliver your bags on December 9th and 16th in front of the  
Mi Wuk Community Center at an appointed time.  

You can call Mike and Debbie to reserve as many bags as you like:  

586-1225 

(Christmas!  Get it 12-25, December 25th)

and then mail your check to PO Box 1222, Mi Wuk Village, CA

 Above:  $2 bags

Above: $3 bag on left; $2 bag on right

If there is interest, Debbie and Mike will offer the same service for Sonora and Twain Harte locations.

December 4th they'll be at a craft and bake sale benefit for Elijah Mainville, a 3 year old Sonora boy, who is currently at Stanford battling cancer:
Harvest Fellowship, 14240 Tuolumne Road, Sonora
10 a.m - 3 p.m.


Mike and Debbie Laurance
209-586-1225
PO Box 1222
Mi Wuk Village, CA 95346
miwukkettlecorn@hotmail.com

Let's support our local businesses.

 

THOSE CUTE LITTLE MI WUK INDIAN FIGURES YOU SEE ON MANY CABINS

Have you been wondering how YOU can have your own little Mi Wuk Indian figures for your cabin or home?

Contact Denny Bowen, 586-0984.  He has 4 sets of adults on hand and will be making more.

Adult images:  $35/pair (14" tall)    $10 from the sale of each pair goes to MAHA.

Child sized images:  $10 each       Made by request.


Do YOU have any questions about anything that happens in Mi Wuk Village?  Please, just ask me and I'll find the answer.  I'm sure you aren't the only one with your particular question.  

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Little Library in the Woods will be open on Wednesday and Thursday this week, 1-4 p.m.

No Fire Auxiliary Potluck in December.  (normally the 1st Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m.)

Saturday, December 4th:  MAHA Christmas Gathering, 2-4 p.m., Mi Wuk Community Center and Lending Library.   Meet and mingle with your friends and neighbors.   Please bring a sweet or savory appetizer and a non-perishable food item to be taken to Interfaith Community Services for their holiday baskets.  And if you want to join our MAHA fundraiser, donations of handmade or purchased ornaments will be hung on our tree for attendees to purchase.

Tuesday, December 7th:  Firefighters Appreciation Dinner, 6 p.m., Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Sugar Pine.  Must have a pre-paid ticket.

Have a great and safe week.  "Weather" might be coming back in.  I'll post as I know.

HAVE YOU TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER'S 24/7 WIRELESS INTERNET ???

I have been without internet service for about 8 days, once the snows arrived.  This morning I called WildBlue, my satellite internet provider, and got it all fixed.  Rather than snow in the trees, which I thought in my ignorance was the problem, it was my wireless router that lost the IP address.  So.......if you're ever without your internet up here for an extended period of time, call your provider sooner rather than later!

All that said, we have a wonderful resource here in Mi Wuk:  the 24/7 wireless internet sitting right inside our Community Center/Lending Library on Sierra Park Drive.  I sat out there yesterday, for about an hour, and got somewhat caught up on my email.

I want to thank Judy Schuster for bringing some items for the MAHA Christmas Gathering which will be this coming Saturday, December 4th, 2-4 p.m.   Due to the weather, she left them at the Fire Station with my name on the boxes--great idea.  Also thanks to Dan and Carol Heenan and soon-to-be-new residents, the Zbins for their nice comments about this blog.  AND for asking questions,  the answers for which I realize should be shared with all residents.

Today's weather:  SUNSHINE.   33 degrees at 11.15 a.m.  It would be nice if some of this snow could melt before the next storm arrives.

Just one of the many oak branches that fell on our property.

This morning's sunshine.  

You'll see photos from this vantage point frequently since they highlight hillside, snow level and the British phone box my husband built for me several years ago.

Comments or questions?  Either e-mail me directly, blythek@mac.com, or leave a comment below and I'll get an answer for you.  Thanks for reading and following the Mi Wuk Homeowners Association Blog.  

WHY HAVEN'T YOU HEARD FROM 'ME' ABOUT THE POWER OUTAGE??

.......Because we didn't have any power!!  From Sunday evening sometime, until Wednesday evening, we have had no power. There was a 3-hour respit on Tuesday mid-day.  I don't know yet about status this morning.   But, before no power we had no satellite (I use WildBlue) connection.  Therefore, no internet.  And therefore, no updating of information.  Although I'm in Dublin now, for Thanksgiving, we had no internet when I left Wednesday morning. 

Here are a few photos of what you probably know all too well:  S-N-O-W.

 Our backyard, 21 November, 10.30 a.m.

 My car, needing to head off to Castro Valley for a family gathering.

 Lama-Hisum and Susu Court, Wednesday, 24 November, 11 a.m.  

Along Lama-Hisum.

More updates as they become available.  I don't know if I'll have internet once I return to Mi Wuk.  If you have any photos you'd like posted, send them to me in an email:  blythek@mac.com    I'll post them as soon as possible.

 

POWER STILL OUT??? WARMING STATION AVAILABLE IN MI WUK VILLAGE

Just in case your power is still out: Red Cross has opened a Warming Center for PG&E customers experiencing extended outages from the recent winter storm.

Red Cross volunteers will be providing meals and blankets at Word of Life Fellowship, Inc., 24630 CA-108, Mi Wuk Village, CA 95346 (please note: this location has changed from Twain Harte Elementary).

Thanks to the volunteers at Word of Life for helping out. Happy Thanksgiving!

This information is with many thanks to Teri Murrison, District 3 Supervisor, Tuolumne County.  You can follow Teri by clicking here.

COMMUNITY CENTER CLOSED THANKSGIVING WEEK

The Community Center and Lending Library will be closed all of Thanksgiving Week, but will be OPEN regular hours Christmas and New Year's Weeks.
That's Wednesdays and Thursdays 1-4 p.m. 

Free Wi-fi will continue to be available 24 hours a day by parking outside of the building.  If there's no snow, enjoy the picnic table and chairs!

MAHA HOLIDAY GATHERING

Hopefully you received an invitation to "Join Us for a Holiday Gathering" in your November issue of the Smoke Signals.  (Didn't receive a Smoke Signals?  Then you probably aren't a member of the Mi Wuk Area Homeowners Association.  A perk of membership is receiving the quarterly-published Smoke Signals newsletter.  Contact Arleen Williams, MAHA President, for information.  586-5370   But you are still most welcome to come and join us and say hello!)

Mi Wuk Community Center and Lending Library

Saturday, December 4th, 2-4 p.m. 

Please bring an appetizer, Savory or Sweet

"Price of admission":  a non-perishable food item to be taken to 

Interfaith for their Holiday Baskets.

If you want to join out Festive MAHA Fundraiser?

Donations of handmade or purchased ornaments will be hung on our tree for attendees to purchase.....

OR, if your ornaments is really in demand, perhaps we'll take a few bids.

Questions?  Contact Blythe Klipple:  blythek@mac.com  586-1962

THE FIRST REAL SNOW OF THE SEASON IS HERE!

Down on the Lama-Hisum end of Mi Wuk we had about 10" of snow overnight.  Quite a beautiful wake-up.

36 F at 10.30 a.m.  Sunshine.  But if you're coming up, be sure to be prepared for chain control.  There is a break between storms right now with the next one due in this afternoon sometime.  Supposed to be the same intensity as last night's storm.....per the Weather Channel as of 10.45 a.m.

7.20 a.m.

Stay tuned for more.  We have satellite internet so the snow sometimes curtails my ability to post! 

"WEATHER" FORECAST FOR THE COMING WEEKEND

If you're planning a trip up to the Motherlode this weekend, be sure to have your chains in your trunk and good tires on your vehicle.  SNOW is threatened above 4,000 feet.  The exact 'where' of the snowfall is still a bit unclear.  Most of the forecasters have been talking about Plumas County and points north of Tuolumne County but, as winter is upon us, now is the time to always be prepared. 

Friday evening will usher in wind and rain, leading into the snow at higher elevations on Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday morning (Nov 18)  temperature:  49 F at 6 a.m. in the eastern edge of Mi Wuk Village.