Minnesota / Hawaii

This has been a great week to spend away from Minnesota.  We have heard from many that it is COLD, snowy and windy.  When we have cold, snow and wind we bundle up like Ralphy's brother on "The Christmas Story" and head outside to school, work, or play in the snow.  We are challenged to shovel the walks/driveways, make certain the car is in proper working condition, and then head out to do what we in Minnesota do.

As we have been here in Hawaii, where it is most of the time sunny and warm we were reminded today of a different environment entirely.  To preface I need to tell you that a couple of weeks ago the island of Oahu had a storm that knocked out power to the entire island, as well as knocked down trees and caused flooding.  There was much damage and the state took a lot of flack for not doing something about it.  Yesterday all of the weather forcasters said that there was a mighty strong storm coming on shore and to "batten down the hatches" or prepare for what might be very strong winds (gusts up to 60 miles an hour) and rain.  

As we were preparing for supper last night, John received a phone call from his supervisor that told him he would not have to come in to work today because of the potential of the storm (he works for the State of Hawaii).  That meant that state offices would be closed along with all of the schools on the island.  The news showed kids celebrating a 4 day weekend because of the holiday on Monday.  Today it is windy but nothing that we (Gary and I) haven't seen back home and off and on rain but even sunny weather.

Just seems odd to me that we are in a warm climate and the schools were closed for the day but in Minnesota with the windchill in the -30 degrees range the schools continued.  That's one of those Hmmmmmmm moments.