It was -10 this morning, which doesn't qualify as COLD, just a dip in the temp. It doesn't feel cold when it's -10, -20 is different, and beyond that it's really cold. The dogs don't differentiate among subzero degrees, they romp and roll in any weather. funny girls.
I had a good weekend, but the neighborhood was a little crowded on Sunday. The only people I saw on Sat. were Dump Girl and my friend Annie. Dump Girl was very cheery, as always. She's a peach. Annie, too was cheery. She cooks me good dinners. She wanted to talk about Egypt and Tunisia, though, which I didn't want to look into. A Hawkeye neighbor and I agree (unfairly) that world affairs have little to do with life in Hawkeye. We have different issues to deal with day-to-day. And for this we are thankful. Do I have my head in the sand? probably, but it's pretty here.
Sunday I didn't do much in the morning, some cleaning & organizing. I seem to be getting bored (AT LAST!) watching TV shows I've recorded, and even new shows. What? A sign of maturity? An intellectual awakening? Who knows. Anyway, I took the dogs for a walk in the afternoon; I was dressed in my baggy, fuzzy Santa Claus pants and my hair was so greasy it looked gelled. Anyway, at the end of my driveway was Bevin, who is living in his family's camp this winter. His dog Lucy was there, too, and she & my dogs love to romp. OK, then there was Dennis, the caretaker of one of the camps. Catching up on things with Dennis--I see him every couple of months. Turns out Dennis knows someone I used to work with in RI. Small world, getting smaller. OK, I walk to our camp gate, accompanied by Lucy and my dogs. I wanted to take pictures but camera battery wouldn't cooperate. I walk back to my driveway. There's a group of people just coming out of the bog. Tess befriends them. They turn out to be people I know. They snowshoed to the top of the bluffs, which must have been very nice but way too much work for me. OK, then Donny drives by with his plow. He's a neighborhood standard, and is my plow man. He just "cleaned up" my driveway, bless him! There wasn't enough to really need to be plowed, but it's a drag to walk through snow all the time. So Donny & I have a long conversation--about weather, the neighborhood, the neighbors, our lives. We like our lives. Dennis and Bevin like their lives, and like their jobs. "So here we are, all 3 of us liking our jobs!" I was pleased. Also happy to talk to Donny, but that just made it seem as if I live in a densely populated place. Of course there are those who would disagree.
Today I spent most of the day working on things that weren't particularly enjoyable--old high school yearbooks from places that no longer exist (nursing schools, secretarial school). I suppose that, if I were in a different mood, these would be entertaining, but mixed with the Final Report of the Champlain Tercentenary Committee (pub. 1909) it was just not fun. Oh suffer, suffer. This is my job, and didn't I just say I like my job? Of course I do.
Cold spell coming, plus big storm allegedly arriving soon. Run for cover! I'm supposed to go to Burlington on Weds, Tupper Lake on Thursday. I'll probably march on regardless of the weather but wouldn't it be nice if it were in the 20's & sunny?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
20 below 004
Yes, this was this morning. I slept in the living room last night to be sure I'd stuff the stove with wood during the night. It wasn't anywhere near as cold as was predicted (luckily). We were told it would be -40, or -60, or something that dramatic.
This is not dramatic. It's not even the first time this winter we've had it this cold. The indoor temperature, well, that's a real drag. On a sunny day the living room gets up to 65 or so, but mostly it hovers in the upper 50's. When you think about it, though, 50 degrees isn't bad when it's the outdoor temp. So I don't suffer. Except when it's 41 and my nose is cold.
I have 2 friends who are here now, leaving tomorrow. They're staying in their camp, down the hill from my house. They come each winter for their "extreme, extreme" visit. Guess they got pretty extreme this year, huh. They spend their time climbing mountains, and I spend my time worrying about them. Duncan checks in with me every day to assure me they're fine and to tell me of the day's adventures. I went there for dinner Sat. night. They have a new, fantastic wood stove that warms up the living room to mid-60's. or more. Duncan was embarrassed last night when I told him that my house was in the 50's. "I hate to tell you what the temperature here is ... " They insist on sleeping in the upstairs bedrooms, where there's no heat. Did they sleep there last night? News people gleefully anounce that, in this weather, you could get frostbite in ten minutes. I didn't, though, when I went out to get wood this morning. Nor did the dogs, who romped in the snow. My wet hair froze..
This is not dramatic. It's not even the first time this winter we've had it this cold. The indoor temperature, well, that's a real drag. On a sunny day the living room gets up to 65 or so, but mostly it hovers in the upper 50's. When you think about it, though, 50 degrees isn't bad when it's the outdoor temp. So I don't suffer. Except when it's 41 and my nose is cold.
I have 2 friends who are here now, leaving tomorrow. They're staying in their camp, down the hill from my house. They come each winter for their "extreme, extreme" visit. Guess they got pretty extreme this year, huh. They spend their time climbing mountains, and I spend my time worrying about them. Duncan checks in with me every day to assure me they're fine and to tell me of the day's adventures. I went there for dinner Sat. night. They have a new, fantastic wood stove that warms up the living room to mid-60's. or more. Duncan was embarrassed last night when I told him that my house was in the 50's. "I hate to tell you what the temperature here is ... " They insist on sleeping in the upstairs bedrooms, where there's no heat. Did they sleep there last night? News people gleefully anounce that, in this weather, you could get frostbite in ten minutes. I didn't, though, when I went out to get wood this morning. Nor did the dogs, who romped in the snow. My wet hair froze..
20 below 007
Nifty, huh. Not nifty in terms of what a house should be doing in the winter, but iciciles are pretty. As long as the dogs aren't under them when they fall. Imagine being hit by one of these.
Actually, these aren't too bad. Most years I have HUGE ones. Oh, give them time, give them time. I love the incredible THUMP you hear when iciciles let go and fall. The dogs don't like the sound, they bark and fuss.
Actually, these aren't too bad. Most years I have HUGE ones. Oh, give them time, give them time. I love the incredible THUMP you hear when iciciles let go and fall. The dogs don't like the sound, they bark and fuss.
20 below 009
There's always something beautiful to see here.
Much debate in Hawkeye over whether it's safe to walk on Silver Lake right now. How could it NOT be? I don't go by myself, but am hoping Annie will come this weekend so we can go together. Does it really make a difference if you have someone with you? Yes, I figure at least someone will know what happened to me.
I love to take the dogs to the frozen lake--they run as fast and as far as they can. It's better than the beach, apparently--fewer scents to distract.
Much debate in Hawkeye over whether it's safe to walk on Silver Lake right now. How could it NOT be? I don't go by myself, but am hoping Annie will come this weekend so we can go together. Does it really make a difference if you have someone with you? Yes, I figure at least someone will know what happened to me.
I love to take the dogs to the frozen lake--they run as fast and as far as they can. It's better than the beach, apparently--fewer scents to distract.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
My next dog? not, but interesting, a new AKC breed
I'm looking forward to the Westminster Show in Feb., I'm just goofy enough to get a kick out of this. 6 toes on each foot? Ears that fold every which way? Tipping the head to the backbone? How can you NOT want one of these?
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small and agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog. Features such as six toes on each foot; prick ears that fold closed, forward or backward at will; and the ability to tip the head backward until it touches the back bone all helped them perform their job as Puffin hunter. Their dense coat ranges from fallow to reddish brown to tan in color, with black hair tips and white markings, or white with red or dark markings.
A Look Back
The Lundehund originated on the remote islands of arctic Norway, where it was used to wrestle and retrieve live Puffin birds (a meat and feather crop for the Norwegian farmer) from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. The breed has also been described in writings as far back as the 1500s. When the Puffin bird became a protected species in the 1800’s, the dogs were no longer useful to the farmers and breed numbers dwindled. The breed was saved from near extinction after World War II through the friendship of two concerned Norwegians, but even today the numbers are limited.
Right Breed for You?
Today, the Lundehund is a loyal and playful companion. Their superior personality, even disposition and small size make them an ideal, easy-to-live-with pet, although they may be wary of strangers. The breed’s coat requires minimal upkeep.
•Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 2011.
•Ranging in size from 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
•Puffin retriever.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norwegian Lundehund Breed Standard
Non-Sporting Group
General Appearance
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. Originating on remote islands of arctic Norway, the dog was used to wrestle and retrieve live puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. To enable the dog to climb, descend, and brake on these cliffs, unique structural characteristics have evolved and must be present as they define this breed: a minimum of six toes on each foot and elongated rear foot pads; an elastic neck that allows the head to bend backward to touch the spine, letting the dog turn around in narrow puffin bird caves; and shoulders flexible enough to allow the front legs to extend flat to the side in order to hug the cliffs. This shoulder structure produces a peculiar rotary movement. Finally, the ears close and fold forward or backward to protect from debris. The temperament is alert but not expected to be outgoing toward strangers.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size: The desired height for adult males is between 13-15 inches and 12-14 inches for adult females. Size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes. Proportion: length of body is slightly longer than height at the withers. Depth of chest is approximately one half the height. Substance: The Lundehund should be athletic and agile, never coarse or heavy. Bitches are distinctly feminine but without weakness.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, of medium width and clean. The skull is slightly rounded with prominent brows. There is a pronounced but not deep stop, and the bridge of the nose has a slight arch. The muzzle is of medium length and width, tapering gradually to the end of the muzzle. Length of the muzzle is approximately two-thirds the length of the skull. Nose and lips are black. Teeth: Scissors bite is preferred, but level and reverse scissors bite are permitted. Missing premolars on both sides of the upper and lower jaws are common and allowed. Eyes: almond-shaped, yellow-brown to brown with a brown ring around the pupil. Light eyes are preferred. Eye rims are dark and complete. Ears: medium-size, triangular, broad at the base, carried erect and very mobile. The ear leather can be folded and turned up, backward or at right angles so that the ear openings are clamped shut.
Neck
The neck is clean, of medium length and strong without being thick. NOTE: The judge should never ask the handler to demonstrate the characteristic flexibility in the ring, as the dog can not relax sufficiently at a dog show.
Body
Level back, short loin and slightly sloping croup, slight tuck up. Ribs are carried well back, well-sprung but not barrel-shaped.
Tail
High-set, medium length with a dense coat. When the dog is moving, the tail may be carried trailing or in a graceful arch over the back with the tip touching the back. A tightly curled tail or one that falls too far to either side is undesirable. When at rest, the tail hangs with a slight curve.
Forequarters
Moderate angulation with very elastic shoulders so that the front legs can extend out to the side. The legs are straight with slightly outward-turned feet. The feet are oval with at least six fully developed toes, five of which should reach the ground. Eight pads on each foot. The additional toes consist of one three jointed toe, like a thumb, and one two-jointed toe along with corresponding tendons and muscles that give the foot a strong appearance.
Hindquarters
Moderate angulation in balance with the forequarters. Strong muscular upper and lower thighs. Feet: Oval, slightly outward turned with a minimum of six toes, of which four support the dog's weight. There are seven pads with the center pad elongated. When viewed from behind, the rear legs are close but parallel.
Coat
Double coat with a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. The coat is short on the head and front of the legs, longer and thicker around the neck and back of thighs. It is dense on the tail with little feathering. The male typically has a thicker ruff around the neck. The Lundehund is presented naturally with no trimming.
Color
Fallow to reddish brown to tan with black hair tips and white markings or white with red or dark markings. More black hair tips with maturity. Dogs with a completely white head or with 50 percent of the head white should have complete dark eye rims and lashes.
Gait
Light and elastic. As the Lundehund is designed to climb steep cliffs and work into narrow crevices, the front assembly must be flexible and wide. This produces an elastic gait with a unique rotary front movement. He moves close but parallel in the rear.
Temperament
A Lundehund is alert, very energetic, loyal and protective. He can be wary of strangers but never aggressive toward people.
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Norwegian Lundehund
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small and agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog. Features such as six toes on each foot; prick ears that fold closed, forward or backward at will; and the ability to tip the head backward until it touches the back bone all helped them perform their job as Puffin hunter. Their dense coat ranges from fallow to reddish brown to tan in color, with black hair tips and white markings, or white with red or dark markings.
A Look Back
The Lundehund originated on the remote islands of arctic Norway, where it was used to wrestle and retrieve live Puffin birds (a meat and feather crop for the Norwegian farmer) from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. The breed has also been described in writings as far back as the 1500s. When the Puffin bird became a protected species in the 1800’s, the dogs were no longer useful to the farmers and breed numbers dwindled. The breed was saved from near extinction after World War II through the friendship of two concerned Norwegians, but even today the numbers are limited.
Right Breed for You?
Today, the Lundehund is a loyal and playful companion. Their superior personality, even disposition and small size make them an ideal, easy-to-live-with pet, although they may be wary of strangers. The breed’s coat requires minimal upkeep.
•Non-Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 2011.
•Ranging in size from 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
•Puffin retriever.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norwegian Lundehund Breed Standard
Non-Sporting Group
General Appearance
The Norwegian Lundehund is a small rectangular and agile Spitz breed with unique characteristics not found in any other breed. Originating on remote islands of arctic Norway, the dog was used to wrestle and retrieve live puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. To enable the dog to climb, descend, and brake on these cliffs, unique structural characteristics have evolved and must be present as they define this breed: a minimum of six toes on each foot and elongated rear foot pads; an elastic neck that allows the head to bend backward to touch the spine, letting the dog turn around in narrow puffin bird caves; and shoulders flexible enough to allow the front legs to extend flat to the side in order to hug the cliffs. This shoulder structure produces a peculiar rotary movement. Finally, the ears close and fold forward or backward to protect from debris. The temperament is alert but not expected to be outgoing toward strangers.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size: The desired height for adult males is between 13-15 inches and 12-14 inches for adult females. Size consideration should not outweigh that of type, proportion, movement and other functional attributes. Proportion: length of body is slightly longer than height at the withers. Depth of chest is approximately one half the height. Substance: The Lundehund should be athletic and agile, never coarse or heavy. Bitches are distinctly feminine but without weakness.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, of medium width and clean. The skull is slightly rounded with prominent brows. There is a pronounced but not deep stop, and the bridge of the nose has a slight arch. The muzzle is of medium length and width, tapering gradually to the end of the muzzle. Length of the muzzle is approximately two-thirds the length of the skull. Nose and lips are black. Teeth: Scissors bite is preferred, but level and reverse scissors bite are permitted. Missing premolars on both sides of the upper and lower jaws are common and allowed. Eyes: almond-shaped, yellow-brown to brown with a brown ring around the pupil. Light eyes are preferred. Eye rims are dark and complete. Ears: medium-size, triangular, broad at the base, carried erect and very mobile. The ear leather can be folded and turned up, backward or at right angles so that the ear openings are clamped shut.
Neck
The neck is clean, of medium length and strong without being thick. NOTE: The judge should never ask the handler to demonstrate the characteristic flexibility in the ring, as the dog can not relax sufficiently at a dog show.
Body
Level back, short loin and slightly sloping croup, slight tuck up. Ribs are carried well back, well-sprung but not barrel-shaped.
Tail
High-set, medium length with a dense coat. When the dog is moving, the tail may be carried trailing or in a graceful arch over the back with the tip touching the back. A tightly curled tail or one that falls too far to either side is undesirable. When at rest, the tail hangs with a slight curve.
Forequarters
Moderate angulation with very elastic shoulders so that the front legs can extend out to the side. The legs are straight with slightly outward-turned feet. The feet are oval with at least six fully developed toes, five of which should reach the ground. Eight pads on each foot. The additional toes consist of one three jointed toe, like a thumb, and one two-jointed toe along with corresponding tendons and muscles that give the foot a strong appearance.
Hindquarters
Moderate angulation in balance with the forequarters. Strong muscular upper and lower thighs. Feet: Oval, slightly outward turned with a minimum of six toes, of which four support the dog's weight. There are seven pads with the center pad elongated. When viewed from behind, the rear legs are close but parallel.
Coat
Double coat with a harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. The coat is short on the head and front of the legs, longer and thicker around the neck and back of thighs. It is dense on the tail with little feathering. The male typically has a thicker ruff around the neck. The Lundehund is presented naturally with no trimming.
Color
Fallow to reddish brown to tan with black hair tips and white markings or white with red or dark markings. More black hair tips with maturity. Dogs with a completely white head or with 50 percent of the head white should have complete dark eye rims and lashes.
Gait
Light and elastic. As the Lundehund is designed to climb steep cliffs and work into narrow crevices, the front assembly must be flexible and wide. This produces an elastic gait with a unique rotary front movement. He moves close but parallel in the rear.
Temperament
A Lundehund is alert, very energetic, loyal and protective. He can be wary of strangers but never aggressive toward people.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
From Urban Dictionary
I'm weeding my Favorites; found this site, which I really like--Urbandictionary.com It has definitions for phrases--
"when the economy picks up"
January 10 2662 up, 298 down
1. provide an excuse for why one has not yet done something.
2. suggest a vague intention of doing something later (similar to how Spanish speakers use the word "mañana.")
3. add minimal credibility to an idea that is a pipe dream.
1. There's no point in looking for a job until the economy picks up.
2. I'll start my business when the economy picks up.
3. Unemployment levels will go back down to the levels they were in the late 1990s when the economy picks up.
"when the economy picks up"
January 10 2662 up, 298 down
1. provide an excuse for why one has not yet done something.
2. suggest a vague intention of doing something later (similar to how Spanish speakers use the word "mañana.")
3. add minimal credibility to an idea that is a pipe dream.
1. There's no point in looking for a job until the economy picks up.
2. I'll start my business when the economy picks up.
3. Unemployment levels will go back down to the levels they were in the late 1990s when the economy picks up.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
2010 christmas 030
Snowing in the park. Just after I got to RI, where I'm almost always treated to bare ground, it snowed. Mark & I were sure there wouldn't be as much as was predicted. My mother disagreed. She was right. We ended up with 9". When I got home on Sunday there was less snow here than there still is in RI. so much for visiting the tropics for Christmas.
2010 christmas 032
Let's pretend this is a giant's beard.
When I was a child my sister, having just read Tom Sawyer, pretended that clipping grass around trees in our yard was like cutting a giant's hair. I was as gullible then as I am now, and she was able to turn the unpleasant work over to me. want to try it? It's really fun.
When I was a child my sister, having just read Tom Sawyer, pretended that clipping grass around trees in our yard was like cutting a giant's hair. I was as gullible then as I am now, and she was able to turn the unpleasant work over to me. want to try it? It's really fun.
Berms protecting houses on the waterfront
Chances and Mark walking past a most impressive bunch of stuff. That's someone's summer cottage. Someone with lots of money.
In the North Country, we have something similar to these sand-filled things. They're called gabions and are usually chicken wire cages filled with stones. They keep the roadside safe from falling rocks. I've never figured out why the piles of gabions don't fall apart.
In the North Country, we have something similar to these sand-filled things. They're called gabions and are usually chicken wire cages filled with stones. They keep the roadside safe from falling rocks. I've never figured out why the piles of gabions don't fall apart.
snow and beach
Once I recovered from the distress of the snow I thought it was ok, at the beach at least. Snow on sand melts, but sand also freezes.
Chances taking a winter dip
Chances likes to wade in the water, but she's always disappointed that someone put salt in the water. She tries drinking sea water every time we go to the beach, usually sipping in more than one spot--ever hopeful that she'll find fresh water SOMEWHERE at the beach.
2010 christmas 048
There's an area along the beach called "Carpenter's Beach," named not for a carpenter but a man named Carpenter. This is one of the cottages, sort of cute. The houses sit right on the beach and every year we wonder how many will remain at the end of winter's storms. This is an icky part of the beach.
Little houses made of ticky-tacky
Not all houses are "rustic" or particularly attractive. Not only are they jammed together, they're all the same, I guess.
Mother and dog battle for couch
Big competition for space on the couch. My dogs think lying on the couch transports them to Nirvana. My mother says it's the only place she can sit comfortably for any length of time. OK dogs, Mommy wants to sit on the couch now.
Funerial arrangement for Christmas table
We call this arrangement "Who died?" Mark did it, of course, it was for our Christmas table. Very pretty, but also looked a lot like funeral flowers. White roses and red tulips.
2010 christmas 012
Pretty tree, huh. Mark insists that a tree must have thousands of lights. I think he's thinking of the tree in NYC, but the lights (all white) have a pretty effect.
He also insists that ALL ornaments must be put on the tree. There are some that my mother (and I) don't like. He's suspicious that, every year she culls the collection. He noticed a few missing this year. There are/were 2 ladies' heads--no body, just heads wearing fancy hats. M. hated them, doesn't like floating heads on the tree. This year there was only one lady. hmmmmm...
He also insists that ALL ornaments must be put on the tree. There are some that my mother (and I) don't like. He's suspicious that, every year she culls the collection. He noticed a few missing this year. There are/were 2 ladies' heads--no body, just heads wearing fancy hats. M. hated them, doesn't like floating heads on the tree. This year there was only one lady. hmmmmm...
The wind-ups plan a coup
Christmas tradition: get everyone a wind-up toy. This is the batch we came up with this year. Pretty nifty. We have a battery operated one that's a taxi that makes noise: first, a man's voice calling "Taxi!", then a door slamming, then honking, then engine noise and ending with a SMASH! we really like that one. it's old, very old.
The villagers are revolting! Italian figures charging toward the manger
The villagers are revolting! Italian figures charging toward the manger
Originally uploaded by woodsrun
I used to keep my group up all year but decided I should save them for special occasions. Or maybe I got tired of looking at them all the time. Now they live in the dark, waiting for their next opportunity to be generous.
We give them pet names, like Broccoli Boy, Pizza Man, Boy with dog humping him (that's really a sheep he's leading), Loose Lady (she's swishing her skirt up), etc. There are a lot of them, fer shure.
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