Yesterday afternoon & this morning were a bit like bicycling through a warm sponge. In a good way, if that makes any sense. As everyone probably knows by now, we are heading into a couple of days of potentially record-breaking warm weather.

Although at the moment, all that hot sunny weather looks entirely theoretical. It's warmer, warm enough that I wore a t-shirt, no jacket, but still quite overcast. I guess the weather peeps know what they're talking about, though.

So don't forget to bike safely: dress lightly, carry (and drink!) plenty of water, and take breaks when you need to. And an extra tip: don't give blood & then expect to ride later in hot weather. I learned that the hard way last summer! I ended up begging a ride home from a co-worker.

On that note: my bikes are both a little too oddly shaped to carry on the bus (grumble grumble grumble) but I do have a couple of co-workers with larger vehicles who have standing offers to take me & my bike home in an emergency. Or if chad360 is around, he can come get me. Or, according to company policy, I think I could check out a company car, although I wouldn't want to put my bike in it! Or, worst case, I can bring my bike in the building and get myself home on the bus.

It's good to have some backup plans, because sometimes stuff happens. So far I've needed a ride 3 times: the aforementioned day, a rainy evening, and the day I almost got hit by a semi on the way in. That time, I thought I was fine, then somebody asked me about it, and I pretty much dissolved.

Anyhow, be safe out there!

So today is way out beyond gorgeous. Supposed to get up close to 70, and looking out the window right now...not a cloud to be seen. It's a joy to ride in nice weather, which I suppose is why they run the Commute Contest in May, rather than, say February or August. :)

The last couple of years, I've hung up my bike (for commuting anyway) in November and not picked it up again until late February - early March. And then I'm really erratic with the spring rain. I rode one really clear day in January, which was exhilarating, but whoa! cold. Got to work with ice in my hair, on my knuckles, my knees, my forearms.

I think about riding in the rain, because it's not like it usually pours around here as it does some places. Right now, I just haven't gotten around to getting new rain paints, but I've also had the experience of getting my glasses entirely fogged over.

Which leaves me in the lousy situation of either not being able to see because my glasses are covered in mist or not being able to see because I can't see without my glasses.

I've heard that a longer helmet visor or a cap with a long brim could help. Does anybody have any suggestions for riding on days that are, well, the opposite of today?

The oatmeal is cooking and I just wanted to write a note to say that it's foggy outside, so please take it easy if you commute. And be safe. Do you have any special, exciting or just plain interesting plans for today? What's cooking for you?

The National Weather Service is predicting some much lower temps for us soon - low Sunday night of 21, Monday night 19, and that isn't taking wind chill into account.

If you can help Bread and Roses out with winter needs, give them a call at 360.754.4588.

Although we are not a clothing bank, we do run a Winter Clothing Drive every year. Keep us in mind for your good-condition jackets, sweaters, hoodies, sweatshirts, heavy pants, boots, scarves, gloves and knit hats. We accept blanket donations year-round as well as donations of tents, tarps, and other camping related materials.

I have lived here through the Columbus Day Storm, the '65 and '01 quakes, the '96 Ice Storm, and Mt. St. Helens blowing up real good. This one is up there in the same league, especially for those folks in Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pacific counties. Here in McCleary I heard what could be a rural legend-- supposedly dead livestock are hanging from trees down south of here. But then again we are a town of storytellers. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone out there who can confirm this tale.

(Olympia, WA) Olympia Mayor Mark Foutch has declared a state of emergency due to localized flooding and potential damage to City infrastructure from today’s rain and wind storm. The declaration allows the City to suspend normal bidding procedures and make emergency arrangements with private contractors for services. The City of Olympia fully activated its emergency operations center (EOC) at 10:30 a.m. this morning to monitor and respond to storm related events.

Garfield Nature Trail Closed Garfield Nature Trail is closed due to mudslides across portions of the trail and a sewer line separation.

Garfield Sewer Trestle A portion of City sewer line suspended by a trestle along the ravine at Garfield Nature Trail has separated. The City is using its emergency powers to arrange for a contractor to evaluate and repair the line.

Decatur Street The City of Olympia is temporarily opening Decatur Street at Caton Way for emergency vehicle response only.

Roads Close The following streets are closed due to flooding: Both Cooper Point Road and Black Lake Boulevard from the Highway 101 intersection to Capital Mall Drive. Grandview Avenue at Madison West Bay Drive between Brawne Avenue and Raft Hill

Motorists are reminded: Always obey and do not go around “road closed” signs. They are there for your protection. If you see excessive water in the roadway, avoid the area if possible. Never drive through flowing water, a foot of water can float most cars. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Listen to the radio for traffic updates, and follow recommended routes. Avoid unnecessary trips.

For information about road closures contact Olympia Public Works at 753-8588 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or visit our website at www.olympiawa.gov for updates or information on road closures and flooding.

Grays Harbor County got hammered this morning, sounds like the winds are picking up now in Oly-town.

Good way to stay on top of weather and road conditions (when you have power) is to keep us updated here and keep an eye on the WSDOT site and the National Weather Service.