More snow and upset electricity gods

After our last post, we got another six inches of snow another 4-8 inches are forecasted for today. The snow is absolutely gorgeous, and I just can't believe how much we have!

However, with lots of snow and ice comes power outages. At one point, close to 70,000 people were without power in the Portland area, and unfotunately the electricity gods were not happy with the Houghton household. The power went out around 8:30am on Monday. Luckily our house is very well insulated so it took a little while for the temperature to go down. Dad also had the propane well stocked just in case this happened. He was actually quite pleased to use the BBQ to cook our lunch that day.

When the power did not come back later in the day, we started to get a bit worried, especially with temperatures dipping into the 20's that night. So, Mick came to our rescue in the FJ and the Houghton clan stayed at the McCully-Posner's for the night.

Power is back on now (YAY!), and we're really excited about our prime rib Christmas dinner tomorrow! Happy Christmas everyone!!!

Anything else weather gods?

The icebox otherwise known as Portland, Oregon has been hit with almost a foot of snow, freezing rain, sleet, and wind over the past week. As long as I can stay home and can head out for walks once in a while, I really enjoy the snow. Its pretty and gives a real quiet feeling in the air, which is nice. However, it makes for quite the commute up to Marquam Hill for work each day. Luckily I was able to stay a couple days with Amanda over at her townhouse in Beaverton, which is conveniently next to the MAX line. I love being out in the snow, but I really REALLY hope that my boss lets me have a 'work from home' day tomorrow! The two-hr commute to and from work is starting to wear on me a bit.

Sean has been in Pennsylvania since Friday and had his interview at Penn State on Saturday morning. He said it went really well and enjoyed the interviews he had! He also said that Penn State would be an exciting place to do a residency as the medical center is quickly expanding, with many new opportunities in the near future. We'd also like to thank Gregg and Jenni for letting Sean stay at their apartment! I haven't seen it (only pictures) but he was really impressed with it! Sean just arrived in Philadelphia this afternoon for his interview at the University of Pennsylvania tomorrow morning. After that, he will head to the airport to come home...well, we hope! Most flights to and from PDX have been cancelled this weekend, which is making me a bit nervous. So everyone, please keep your fingers crossed for a safe trip and on-time flight for Sean! He has been travelling so much lately, and the last thing he needs is to be stuck in an airport.

Dad and I were getting a little bit of cabin fever, so we decided to 'hike' out to the store.

Dad ready to brave the elements

Snow covered cars

Check out this tree. Something tells me its not supposed to be that droopy...

...especially since it almost took out this street sign!

A Good Use of Lab Supplies

Yesterday, the Brooks lab had a beer & pizza party with the Andresen and Habecker Labs. It was awesome! Definitely a great way to spend my Wednesday afternoon.

I knew there was a reason for having that ice machine!!

Sean and Belle go to Mayo...Part 2

Sean and I had a great time in Rochester, despite the cold! Sean's interviews went really well and we both have to say, from both a medical and research perspective, that Mayo is one impressive place! I also found the 'subway' quite memorable. When Sean told me that we were taking the 'subway', I pictured concrete walls and a dodgy train. Oh no, this was a heated, carpeted underground network which linked pretty much all of the buildings (and hotels) associated with the Mayo Clinic. The only exception was St. Mary's Hospital, but instead there was a shuttle bus that ran between the hospital and the clinic. Quite an impressive network if you ask me.

At this point, OHSU and Mayo are at the top of his list, and he has a big decision to make when he submits his rankings in January. After that, its up to the residency match computer to determine where we spend the next 7 years of our lives!

After our visit to Mayo, we drove back to Minneapolis since I had to attend a training session at Data Sciences the next day. We stayed at a nearby hotel and came acorss a great restaurant which had 2-for-one burgers and an impressive beer selection. Sean ordered a pint of the winter ale, but I think the waitress thought he was cute and brought him the 'tall' order.

Seriously, this beer was huge. Here's how it compares to a standard pint.

Sean was also very excited that corn dogs were on the menu, and couldn't help himself. I love the smirk on his face! I title this pic 'Ohhh...so happy....'

Afterwards, we decided to check out the arcade which was attached to the restaurant. There was a bowling alley too, but I think it was league night as all the lanes were taken.

Sean's favorite arcade game of all time, Ms. PacMan.

I have to say for our first Mid-West experience, it was pretty good!