It was a gorgeous day today

[barrysharp]

Today was a good day. It was white everywhere. Haven't seen this kinda stuff around since back last March/April in Norway after picking up our XC70 from FDC.

The XC70 sure showed its colors especially going icy downhill stetches. The ABS and AWD was working overtime. It was also a good chance to coax the DSTC into action and see that flickering orange triangle at work. The ABS is quite uncanny in its operation and pulses the brake pedal nicely to let you know it's trying/working hard for you.

Had a chance to check out the W button as well -- worked beautifully.

The 17 mile run back to home from the office was done in comfort and without me feeling stressed that I wouldn't make it. I even passed up my last turn up the hill to my house to make the trip a little longer to buy some groceries in case the weather turned really bad -- at least this was my excuse to 'she who must be obeyed . Hmmm -- they are forecasting freezing rain tonight.

It was a good day.  

['03 XCer]

Today is a good day indeed.  Barry, we're practically neighbors, I'm in Kenmore.  

I worked from home today because of the weather but I managed to get to the grocery store to pick up some "much needed" bread. To be honest, I was a little disappointed.  I car performed flawlessly.  I hit the brakes and the ABS kicked in right away to produce a gental controlled stop.  I made a complete stop on the side of a hill, hit the gas, wheels spun for about 1/2 a sec then I was powering up the hill.  All this without the "W".  Took a corner a little too fast the broke the tail end loose a little bit (no DSTC) but the car quickly came back under control.

I loved the car and the fact that it is so boring .  Now I can focus on where I'm going.

[Big]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (barrysharp @ Jan. 06 2004,19:35)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Today was a good day. It was white everywhere. Haven&#39;t seen this kinda stuff around since back last March/April in Norway after picking up our XC70 from FDC.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I talked to a friend in Bellingham and they are house-bound until the ice melts. Good thing they&#39;re retired. People in Portland and throughout the normally rainy areas were panicking.

White stuff is a big reason we moved to the Oregon snow zone. Love it. Probably helps explain why there are so many Volvos here, too&#33;

[Chipshot]

I saw video on the news showing an SUV spinning and sliding down a Seattle hill. &nbsp;Not sure an XC70 would have done any better under those conditions, but it was sure entertaining to watch (especially after it was clear that no one was injured). &nbsp;The anchor quipped &quot;imagine what it would be like if it snowed in San Francisco.&quot;

Sometimes staying home is the best idea, even if you need a loaf of bread.

[Big]

Walked downtown this morning and snapped these shots at one of our many roundabouts. From a low of -1 F the other night, it was 15 F last night and then rose 15 degrees in 2 hours this morning. Major slush very soon, yuck&#33; It was nice while it was cold.

[Chipshot]

I am very impressed by the cleanliness of those two vehicles. &nbsp;Just about everything around here is salt-encrusted these days. &nbsp;

[ORGramps]

Hey Big,

Just reading this forum and saw your photos. &nbsp;I recognize the round-a-bout. We appear to live in the same general neighborhood.

We&#39;ve just finished completing the order w/Smolich for an XC70 for OSD in March. &nbsp;Seriously considered the XC90, but in the end the 70 won out. &nbsp;

How many miles do you have on your 90?

ORGramps

[littlewaywelt]

Barry, how&#39;s the R in the snow? &nbsp;Are you running snows on the R or leaving the summer tires on and leaving it in the garage when the weather turns cold &amp; snowy?

[Big]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (ORGramps @ Jan. 14 2004,15:02)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Just reading this forum and saw your photos. I recognize the round-a-bout. We appear to live in the same general neighborhood.

We&#39;ve just finished completing the order w/Smolich for an XC70 for OSD in March. Seriously considered the XC90, but in the end the 70 won out.

How many miles do you have on your 90?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Small world. Lots of XCs in the neighborhood&#33; The 90 has 11k. Enjoy Sweden in March. Should be good skiing. The Swedish Vasaloppet race is 3/7 and the Norwegian Birkebeiner is 3/20. Just in case you like a little exercise. &nbsp;

[ORGramps]

Big,

We&#39;ll arrive on March 11th and may be there yet on the 20th. &nbsp;I love to XC tour - short distances, 5-10 miles, so at best might be an observer at the Norwegian Birkebeiner. &nbsp;

We are still getting plans in place for where to go and how long to stay.

ORGramps - Rex &nbsp; &nbsp;