#cold snap

[proteidaes]

Upcoming ko-fi wallpapers! Snow, snow, snow. ❄️❄️❄️

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photoshop

[reasonsforhope]

In Frigid Maine So Many Heat Pumps Were Sold the State Passed its Clean-Energy Target Two Years Early

To continue Maine’s momentum, Governor Mills also unveiled a new target: installing another 175,000 additional heat pumps in Maine by 2027

"Governor Janet Mills announced that Maine has, two years ahead of time, surpassed its goal of installing 100,000 new heat pumps by 2025, a milestone that represents significant progress in reducing Maine’s reliance on heating oil, lowering heating costs, and curbing harmful carbon emissions.

To continue Maine’s momentum, Governor Mills also unveiled a new target: installing another 175,000 additional heat pumps in Maine by 2027, thereby bringing the number of heat pumps installed in Maine homes, businesses, and public buildings during her time in office to 275,000.

If this target is achieved, Maine would have more than 320,000 heat pumps in total installed across the state.

Heat pumps can be thought of as temperature recycling machines. They are filled with refrigerant fluid and contain a compressor, and they work by extracting excess heat and moving it around, either in or out of a house depending on whether it’s hot or cold.

It’s believed they work best in hot weather, but in February, Maine’s temperatures in some places plummeted during a cold snap to -60°F. Efficiency Maine, which aided in the state’s adoption of heat pumps by organizing rebates for customers under the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, did a survey of owners they had helped the previous year.

Many of [the heat pump owners] reported they were comfortable and warm, and offered to bring up the fact that by February they had already saved hundreds of dollars on home heating systems, over boilers, gas furnaces, and heating oil.

“We are setting an example for the nation,” said Mills at the announcement event. ​“Our transition to heat pumps is… curbing our reliance on fossil fuels, and cutting costs for Maine families, all while making them more comfortable in their homes—a hat trick for our state.”

The transition began in 2019 with bipartisan support of the Legislature, when Governor Mills enacted laws setting ambitious targets for transitioning to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

-via Good News Network, July 31, 2023

[cdx1016]

Cove Island break-wall. Stamford, CT 6:30am Wind Gusts up to 25mph. 16° feels like -5°.

[mostro-lounge-menu]

Ah, esteemed patrons!

The kitchen is moving right along! Next on the menu is a House Special for Day 16, featuring the most reliable, rugged protector on campus, Monsieur Jack Howl.

While Leona hides from the cold, Jack confronts it. He is from the Shaftlands; he knows snow, and he knows survival. When a sudden "Cold Snap" catches you off guard, Jack doesn't complain—he acts.

The kitchen has prepared this Manager's Specialty Pasta with a side of oversized jackets and unwavering loyalty. We do hope this "House Special" is to your satisfaction!

Serving: Cold Snap

The weather forecast had said "mild." The weather forecast had lied.

You were walking back from the library with Jack Howl when the wind changed. It wasn't a gradual cooling; it was a violent, instant drop. The sky turned a bruised purple, and a wind cut through the campus like a knife, dropping the temperature by twenty degrees in seconds.

A true Cold Snap.

You gasped, the air suddenly stinging your lungs. You were wearing a light cardigan, which was now about as effective as a paper napkin against a blizzard. You wrapped your arms around yourself, hunching your shoulders, your teeth immediately beginning to chatter.

"Whoa," Jack said, stopping in his tracks. He lifted his head, sniffing the air, his ears twitching. "Pressure dropped. Storm front moving in fast. We need to pick up the pace."

He looked down at you. You were already turning a shade of pale blue, shivering violently.

Jack frowned. "You're not dressed for this."

"I... I d-didn't... k-know..." you stammered.

"Doesn't matter," Jack grunted. He dropped his gym bag onto the freezing ground.

Without a second of hesitation, he unzipped his heavy, fur-lined Savanaclaw vest. He shrugged it off, leaving him in just his t-shirt. The cold didn't seem to bother him; he was built of muscle and inner fire.

"Arms up," he commanded.

You obeyed shakily. He slid the heavy vest over your shoulders. It was massive on you, engulfing you completely. It was heavy, thick, and it smelled intensely of Jack—of cedar, clean earth, and warmth.

He zipped it up to your chin, his large, rough hands surprisingly dexterous.

"Better?" he asked, watching your face closely.

"A l-little," you admitted, still shaking. The vest was warm, but the cold had already settled deep in your bones.

Jack made a noise in his throat—a low, unhappy rumble.

"Not good enough," he muttered. "Your lips are still blue."

He picked up his bag, slung it over one shoulder, and then stepped into your personal space. He didn't ask; he just acted on instinct. He wrapped a massive arm around your shoulders, pulling you hard against his side.

"Stay close," he ordered. "Leech the heat off me. I run hot."

He wasn't lying. Pressing against his side was like leaning against a radiator. His body heat radiated through his t-shirt, soaking into the heavy vest you were wearing, creating a sealed pocket of warmth.

"Jack... aren't... aren't you cold?" you asked, looking up at him.

"I'm fine," he said dismissively, steering you toward the dorms, blocking the wind with his own broad body. "I grew up in snow deeper than you are tall. This is just a breeze."

He squeezed you tighter, rubbing your arm briskly through the thick fabric of the vest to generate friction.

"Just keep walking," he said, his voice gruff but his golden eyes soft with concern. "I've got you. We're almost there. Don't you dare freeze on me."

You walked in step with him, guided by his strength. The wind howled around you, biting and cruel, but tucked under Jack's arm, wearing his scent like a shield, you felt completely, utterly safe.

A "dish" served with strength, protection, and a very warm vest! The kitchen is pleased to present this House Special.

— Manager Seru

[transladybev]

Hello lovelies, well hope you are a having a lovely weekend wherever you may be. Well last Friday we had a bit of a cold snap here so it was time to get the opaque pantyhose and woollen mini skirt out again! Here, I am wearing one of my favourites a sand coloured satin blouse, a black and tan mid size houndstooth woollen mini skirt, black textured 7 cm heels and these gorgeous 50 denier matte 'licorice'' coloured pantyhose. The hose are absolutely delightful as they are so I credibly soft, but also they have a hint of dark brown running through them making them a perfect match for the tan in the skirt. I have also not worn these heels in a while and had forgotten how amazingly comfortable they are and always draw a few looks as they are very dangle friendly! The outfit drew a number comments, but most importantly was beautifully warm. Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think. Lots of love Bev ❤️

[strflr]

song art commission for @vyl3tpwny's upcoming album, "Girls Who Are Wizards" !

[phantoms-lair]

Ages in Cold Snap

Been waffling on these, but I've solidified.

Jimmy Olsen: 19, turning 20 soon. The Olsen's lived in the suburbs just outside of Metropolis and the minute Jimmy shifted from Intern to Employee he started getting a living wage*. One he was finished with High School he realized it was easier to just rent an apartment closer to work. His parents were supportive and helped him out finding a place and they still have dinner together at least once a week. Or at least they did until he vanished without a trace.

Danny Fenton: 17 years old. Kept his secret from his parents for about a year and a half before coming clean. He wished he done it sooner because, just like he always told Vlad, their love for him was greater than their hatred of ghosts. They started working with him, challenging their old views and in the process discovered a lot about how they and others had been affected by ectoplasm exposure. Everything was going better than he could have imagined, until the day the GiW got lucky.

Tim Drake: 19, though he still looks the same as when he was 17. Doesn't mind his baby face, except for the teasing from his older brothers. He's lucky, Kon doesn't get to age at all! He's still technically Wayne Enterprise's CEO but he's gotten better at delegating than Bruce ever was, and was honestly looking forward to handing the reigns over to Damian, before Damian decided he wanted to be a doctor instead and Tim is still trying to find and exit strategy that keeps the job in the family. His current goal is to convince Jason to take over. The man runs a (criminal) business, he knows how it works!

*note: Perry WAS paying him as an intern. Just part time job wages. Which is still higher than minimum wage because Perry is a decent human being.

[falcoworks]

Day 28 -- Cold Snap

A drop in soil temperature was thought to be the trigger for certain seasonal fae, such as frost imps, to wake from summer hibernation and leave their burrows.