We got lucky. Well, so far anyway. I suppose things could develop still and we could have some trouble. Still have high wind alerts, though not really very high winds. It's 65 and sort of sunny this afternoon. Whoa. Very strange. Due to get cold, highs in the 40's, which I suppose we should be expecting in November.
The storm was great here--nothing very dramatic, just some noisy wind and a little rain. Whew! Dodged that bullet. I was set to lose power, figured it was a done deal. My poor mother, in RI, lost power and phone, so I can't contact her. I left a message with the person who lives with her that I'm OK and we didn't have much of a storm. Hoping she's fine, fairly certain she is.
I had a really nice evening--dinner at Big Daddy's diner with Fred, Bill and Pat. For P's birthday. Everyone was in rare form and feeling very, very cheerful. We laughed a lot, and the food was actually pretty good.
I feel bad for the flooded areas south of us. Water damage is hard to fix, and rising tides are scary. They kept showing the seawall at Narragansett (RI) on TWC last night. Funny place for them to park, but it was scary enough. I guess there were mandatory evacuations along the coast, not far from my mother's house. Well, a few miles anyway. But she's inland and in the woods and doesn't have flooding with tides.
Haircut tonight (just a trim) then home. I'm still adjusting to the solitude of my normal life. People have been gone for a while but it still seems strange to go straight home and not talk to or see anyone. The dogs like it, and I like them. No sign of Kitty. He came down from the tree last week and disappeared. I'm suggesting he will reappear at Lin's, which is at least 15 miles away.
I've found myself being a little bored at home lately. Too much boring television, not enough activity. I need to get out and walk the dogs. I need to return to camp to shut the power off--that will be a nice dog walk. Maybe tonight. Or not.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Early morning water
Up at 4:30 this morning--excited, maybe about having running water once again. No, not really--it's exciting, but since I went to bed just after 8, by 4 I was ready to get up. The dogs love it when we get up that early, but they pretty much pass out within an hour. Right now they're both snoring on the couch next to me. I'm watching VH1 music videos (what else do you watch at this hour?).
So I have water. The problem was in the foot valve, as predicted, and once that was fixed it took a couple of hours to prime the pump/line, but now all is well. No pun intended. Water level in the well is very low, so I'll continue to do laundry elsewhere, but I have a toilet! That flushes! Very exciting. No more begrudging the dogs their water. No more resenting plants that want to be watered.
It's warm here, very nice. The calm before the storm, apparently. We're supposed to have mostly a wind issue, with some rain but not too much, not as much as we had with last year's big storm. Winds are an irritant--power outage is almost a certainty. Swell, now that I finally have water again I'll lose it when the power goes out. I have lots of jugs of water, and can cook on my propane camp stove, but OH NO there will be no TV. I have books to read. I have a wood stove to keep me warm. I have dogs to play with. How bad can it be? Boring, that's all.
I talked to my sister this morning--one of the advantages of having a relative in Europe is that you can call them at 5 in the morning. We had a nice chat. They're doing big things with their house, which is very exciting. New floors. Should be great, and I'll get there to see it all one of these years.
What's up for today? I'll do laundry at the Holts, put away my kayak, clean out the camp fridge, finish clearing off the deck (get rid of potentil projectiles--who wants a planter flying through their window in a hurricane?), will visit Pat & Jim at noon, and probably fall asleep this afternoon. I'm not too worried about the storm, just wish it would hurry up and get here. The anticipation is sometimes worse than the event.
All is well with me. Life is returning to normal.
So I have water. The problem was in the foot valve, as predicted, and once that was fixed it took a couple of hours to prime the pump/line, but now all is well. No pun intended. Water level in the well is very low, so I'll continue to do laundry elsewhere, but I have a toilet! That flushes! Very exciting. No more begrudging the dogs their water. No more resenting plants that want to be watered.
It's warm here, very nice. The calm before the storm, apparently. We're supposed to have mostly a wind issue, with some rain but not too much, not as much as we had with last year's big storm. Winds are an irritant--power outage is almost a certainty. Swell, now that I finally have water again I'll lose it when the power goes out. I have lots of jugs of water, and can cook on my propane camp stove, but OH NO there will be no TV. I have books to read. I have a wood stove to keep me warm. I have dogs to play with. How bad can it be? Boring, that's all.
I talked to my sister this morning--one of the advantages of having a relative in Europe is that you can call them at 5 in the morning. We had a nice chat. They're doing big things with their house, which is very exciting. New floors. Should be great, and I'll get there to see it all one of these years.
What's up for today? I'll do laundry at the Holts, put away my kayak, clean out the camp fridge, finish clearing off the deck (get rid of potentil projectiles--who wants a planter flying through their window in a hurricane?), will visit Pat & Jim at noon, and probably fall asleep this afternoon. I'm not too worried about the storm, just wish it would hurry up and get here. The anticipation is sometimes worse than the event.
All is well with me. Life is returning to normal.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Dog pictures
I just deleted a semi-obscene comment posted about my dog pictures. From anon., of course. It beseeched me to never write about how they don't like to have their pictures taken together again. Well, too late, I did that today. But noted, I won't do it again. Pardon me for thinking it's funny that they walk away every time I try to pose them together. But, boring to some, OK. Offensive? I don't think so. But then you never know who's reading your blog.
It's a beautiful day today, sunny and warm. Really, really nice, especially for late October. There have been lots of predictions about what a terrible winter we're going to have, so let's enjoy what we have now. The weekend is supposed to be warm, also, but maybe rainy. I'll have to finish my chores--YES!! FINISH MY CHORES! this weekend. I had some time off yesterday afternoon and did about 10 minutes' worth of chores, then lay down on the couch. Must break this chain!
I still don't have water, am sort of used to it but also tired of it. Am hoping that this weekend will bring Steve to my house. Meanwhile, the Holts has become my 2nd home. The dogs are patient and wait outside while I fill my water jugs or do laundry or shower. They probably think the whole thing is very entertaining. Well, in some ways it is.
I no longer have a cat. He lasted at 58OHR for one day. Monday when I came home he came right to me when I called, but then I let the dogs out & they treed him. He came down from the tree but hasn't been seen since. I left food for him but the dogs ate it the next morning, as he didn't eat it that night. Funny kitty. I sometimes feel as if he's watching me from the woods around the house, but that's probably not the case. I warned my friend Lin that he might show up in Peasleeville yet again. She said if that happens she'll welcome him in.
I went to Burlington this week for my mammogram. Always nice to get to Vermont, always nice to be reminded that I don't want to live in a city. Even if the city only has a population of 50,000. So many cars, so many people. It was a nice trip and I resisted the impulse to shop at their giant, beautiful Goodwill store. I DON'T NEED ANYTHING. Except now I realize I'll have to dig out some wineglasses for the boat house, since Animal X broke some.
Lin & I cleaned & closed the boat house last weekend, in record time. She's a great friend and makes me work diligently and quickly. We cleaned up the mess and more, then took 2 giant bags of garbage to the dump, then had lunch at the local diner. She's pretty sure the hamburgers they serve are the same one's you can buy at Sam's, and I suspect she's right. But I like going there anyway. Am taking Pat there for her birthday celebration on Monday.
Not much else going on. Work is fine. Back to inventorying & weeding, no big projects ahead for now. I need to schedule a trip to Wadhams, which will be a nice trip. They have a bunch of local history stuff that they'd like to have me look at and maybe catalog. Am I surprised that I work with local history materials so much? I suppose it makes sense, since I did major in history in college, and originally wanted to do original research for a living. I think it's more of a lucky coincidence--I'm a cataloger and that's what needs attention right now.
We're supposed to/maybe get the hurricane (Sandy) next week. The rain would be fine--great, even, but the wind could be a problem. I don't want to lose power. What little power I have. I haven't turned the heat on yet, have been very conscientious about having fires at night instead. And feeling very self-righteous about it. I have good dry wood that starts right up. Need to order more.
What's up for next week? Not much. Hard to believe it will be November. We didn't get our usual October snow this year, though it's been cold at night sometimes. 29 the other morning when I got up. Too cold to pee outside.
It's a beautiful day today, sunny and warm. Really, really nice, especially for late October. There have been lots of predictions about what a terrible winter we're going to have, so let's enjoy what we have now. The weekend is supposed to be warm, also, but maybe rainy. I'll have to finish my chores--YES!! FINISH MY CHORES! this weekend. I had some time off yesterday afternoon and did about 10 minutes' worth of chores, then lay down on the couch. Must break this chain!
I still don't have water, am sort of used to it but also tired of it. Am hoping that this weekend will bring Steve to my house. Meanwhile, the Holts has become my 2nd home. The dogs are patient and wait outside while I fill my water jugs or do laundry or shower. They probably think the whole thing is very entertaining. Well, in some ways it is.
I no longer have a cat. He lasted at 58OHR for one day. Monday when I came home he came right to me when I called, but then I let the dogs out & they treed him. He came down from the tree but hasn't been seen since. I left food for him but the dogs ate it the next morning, as he didn't eat it that night. Funny kitty. I sometimes feel as if he's watching me from the woods around the house, but that's probably not the case. I warned my friend Lin that he might show up in Peasleeville yet again. She said if that happens she'll welcome him in.
I went to Burlington this week for my mammogram. Always nice to get to Vermont, always nice to be reminded that I don't want to live in a city. Even if the city only has a population of 50,000. So many cars, so many people. It was a nice trip and I resisted the impulse to shop at their giant, beautiful Goodwill store. I DON'T NEED ANYTHING. Except now I realize I'll have to dig out some wineglasses for the boat house, since Animal X broke some.
Lin & I cleaned & closed the boat house last weekend, in record time. She's a great friend and makes me work diligently and quickly. We cleaned up the mess and more, then took 2 giant bags of garbage to the dump, then had lunch at the local diner. She's pretty sure the hamburgers they serve are the same one's you can buy at Sam's, and I suspect she's right. But I like going there anyway. Am taking Pat there for her birthday celebration on Monday.
Not much else going on. Work is fine. Back to inventorying & weeding, no big projects ahead for now. I need to schedule a trip to Wadhams, which will be a nice trip. They have a bunch of local history stuff that they'd like to have me look at and maybe catalog. Am I surprised that I work with local history materials so much? I suppose it makes sense, since I did major in history in college, and originally wanted to do original research for a living. I think it's more of a lucky coincidence--I'm a cataloger and that's what needs attention right now.
We're supposed to/maybe get the hurricane (Sandy) next week. The rain would be fine--great, even, but the wind could be a problem. I don't want to lose power. What little power I have. I haven't turned the heat on yet, have been very conscientious about having fires at night instead. And feeling very self-righteous about it. I have good dry wood that starts right up. Need to order more.
What's up for next week? Not much. Hard to believe it will be November. We didn't get our usual October snow this year, though it's been cold at night sometimes. 29 the other morning when I got up. Too cold to pee outside.
005
If you pretend you've got food, Treasure at least looks interested. Tess knows it's not really food and is just bored.
Monday, October 22, 2012
I think his name is Gus.
This is what arrived at my house this weekend. I don't know how old he is. He was someone's pet but was dropped off near Lin & Ralph's. They don't want him and I'm not sure I do but I'm giving him a shot. He's a neutered male and was obviously loved by someone sometime.
He loves me and lives upstairs.
He won't go near the dogs. The dogs think he's a way cool moving target toy.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Rainy day
Raining pretty hard today, which is nothing but good for my well. Which is low. But it doesn't matter because the pump won't pump water into the house anyway. What's wrong? I hope to find out soon--last weekend I found out that the problem is most likely a problem in the well, with the check valve--or there might be a leak in the line between the house & the well. That would really suck, since it would require cutting trees and backhoe work to find and fix the leak. Yikes! It's bad enough that someone will have to go into the well to check the valve. Augh. So for a week I've been without running water, which is made OK because I have easy access to the Holts house, where there's plenty of water, warm and cold. I've been showering there, having done my laundry there for weeks to save water in my well. They're very generous and don't seem to mind that I help myself to their water. They have plenty.
I've lived without water before, for months the year Ken died, in the winter. It's amazing how readily one can adapt to it. It's much easier now because of the Holts--I walked down there last night with Tess to fill a jug, and it was very pleasant and pretty. Where was Treasure? She disappeared with Tess and didn't come home. I started to worry, then though maybe she was stoopid enough to shut herself in on the porch at camp, which is exactly where she was. Why can't dogs learn from experience? Does she think that ONE time the door will magically open for her once she gets shut in there? Well, does she?
I traveled a bit this week, which was nice. Spent an afternoon in Port Henry, working on mining journals and brochures of the 350th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain in 1959. And postcards, always old postcards. The drive there was really pretty, still plenty of color in the hills. Lots of golds, yellows and pretty browns. In my neighborhood there are a lot of bright yellows, and the tamaracks are starting to turn gold. The last hurrah.
I spent an afternoon in Saranac Lake working on their Adk collection. Cataloged Robert Louis Stevenson's dictionary. Signed by RLS. Should that be a thrill? Because it wasn't, not really. But I like working in that library and being in that town.
Just got back from a meeting in Champlain, on the lake at a director's house. Very nice place, right on the water, nice people at the meeting, tons of good food as well.
This weekend I'll be cleaning & closing the boat house. Yes, yes I will. Lin is going to help me and she's not just a great worker but nudges me hard to get things done. I'm looking forward to having that job FINISHED. Then what can I obsess about?
Dogs are doing well. Aside from Treasure's stupidity. Tess was very worried when Treasure didn't come home, which was strange because the left together, so didn't Tess know where Treasure was? Tess went to Holts cheerfully, the opposite direction from where her sister was. Oh if only they could talk.
Had book group at my house on Sunday. We barely talked about the book (Pat Tillman story) but had a really nice time anyway. Lots of good conversation and laughter. And good food. I cooked the ham Fred's way (crock pot) and it was good. Next book is The night circus, which I haven't started yet. I'm reading a bunch of different things right now and need to pick one and work on it. I've been reading The New Yorker in bed at night, which means it takes weeks to get through a single issue, and they come every week. So that's not a good plan.
I don't know what the weekend will bring (but I hope it's water in my pump) aside from cleaning the b.house. Will go to P&J's on Sunday, visit with Bill there. Watch TV. Read a book or two. I've been watching less TV because there's not much on that's worth watching. No, I didn't watch the debates. It makes me nervous when people argue, so why would I spend my spare hours watching that? I don't need to know what an ass Romney is.
I've lived without water before, for months the year Ken died, in the winter. It's amazing how readily one can adapt to it. It's much easier now because of the Holts--I walked down there last night with Tess to fill a jug, and it was very pleasant and pretty. Where was Treasure? She disappeared with Tess and didn't come home. I started to worry, then though maybe she was stoopid enough to shut herself in on the porch at camp, which is exactly where she was. Why can't dogs learn from experience? Does she think that ONE time the door will magically open for her once she gets shut in there? Well, does she?
I traveled a bit this week, which was nice. Spent an afternoon in Port Henry, working on mining journals and brochures of the 350th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain in 1959. And postcards, always old postcards. The drive there was really pretty, still plenty of color in the hills. Lots of golds, yellows and pretty browns. In my neighborhood there are a lot of bright yellows, and the tamaracks are starting to turn gold. The last hurrah.
I spent an afternoon in Saranac Lake working on their Adk collection. Cataloged Robert Louis Stevenson's dictionary. Signed by RLS. Should that be a thrill? Because it wasn't, not really. But I like working in that library and being in that town.
Just got back from a meeting in Champlain, on the lake at a director's house. Very nice place, right on the water, nice people at the meeting, tons of good food as well.
This weekend I'll be cleaning & closing the boat house. Yes, yes I will. Lin is going to help me and she's not just a great worker but nudges me hard to get things done. I'm looking forward to having that job FINISHED. Then what can I obsess about?
Dogs are doing well. Aside from Treasure's stupidity. Tess was very worried when Treasure didn't come home, which was strange because the left together, so didn't Tess know where Treasure was? Tess went to Holts cheerfully, the opposite direction from where her sister was. Oh if only they could talk.
Had book group at my house on Sunday. We barely talked about the book (Pat Tillman story) but had a really nice time anyway. Lots of good conversation and laughter. And good food. I cooked the ham Fred's way (crock pot) and it was good. Next book is The night circus, which I haven't started yet. I'm reading a bunch of different things right now and need to pick one and work on it. I've been reading The New Yorker in bed at night, which means it takes weeks to get through a single issue, and they come every week. So that's not a good plan.
I don't know what the weekend will bring (but I hope it's water in my pump) aside from cleaning the b.house. Will go to P&J's on Sunday, visit with Bill there. Watch TV. Read a book or two. I've been watching less TV because there's not much on that's worth watching. No, I didn't watch the debates. It makes me nervous when people argue, so why would I spend my spare hours watching that? I don't need to know what an ass Romney is.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Whew! Quite a week.
I've had a great week. It was Columbus Day weekend, and foliage was just barely past peek for all the visitors to Hawkeye. I had the usual flutter of activity and social contacts, but not as much as some years, so it wasn't overwhelming. Didn't get to visit with the Nadals for more than a few minutes, but we'll keep in touch. Got to spend a lot of time with the Neels, which was extra special. CUTE grandson pictures. I visited them on Sunday morning for a little while, wanting some one-on-one time. That was really nice, sitting in front of the fire.
Had dinner with friends from Baltimore that I didn't see all summer, which was a treat. They have one of the camp buildings, a very pretty place.
Linda hosted a duck dinner, which was a big success. She cooked the duck to perfection, slowly at low heat. Used up much of her produce. She's leaving on Saturday, which will leave a big hole in my day-to-day routine, but it's inevitable, no?
Monday morning I hosted a meeting of the Hawkeye Conservationists, which was a nice gathering. We talked about business, then spent good time visiting. By then I had the house nice & clean. Dusted, even.
I took Tuesday off, ostensibly to close the boat house, but never made it down there. I had been to camp on Monday, to visit with Jim & Keela, and help go through the myriad crap left in the fridge by summer visitors. Why do people think we want their leftovers? Most of it went to the dump. Later I inherited a bunch of leftovers from campers (some of which were actually edible and desirable). Ken always used to be the depository for the contents of campers' kitchens at the end of the season. I've inherited this, to a certain degree. I don't get it all, but I have my regulars.
Tuesday night Linda hosted a nice pork dinner, which was a special and unexpected treat. A very nice evening with "everyone in the neighborhood." Before leaving for Linda's I let the dogs out and they disappeared. I went to Linda's anyway, feeling confident that they would be waiting for me at home when I returned. Three hours later they were STILL missing. This (needless to say) was distressing. They both have collars and ID tags so should never be mistaken for strays, but it's not like them to be gone for that long, especially at night. I walked around, I drove around, I called and cajoled but all to no avail. The light finally came on, however, and I drove to camp, where the fools were stuck on the back porch. The door opens inward and they know how to get onto the porch, but don't have those handy opposable digits that make it possible to open a door from the inside. So there they were, with their 4 glowing orb-eyes when I drove down the driveway. Big relief for them and for me. Treasure took great pains to remind me that she does, indeed, love me more than almost anything.
Yesterday I went to Canton for a meeting at the library system there. It was a pretty drive, though we're way past peak with colors. The meeting was good and worth the trip.
I have water problems (again)--or maybe that's not the best way of putting it. I have NO WATER problems. Recently the pump ran constantly but no water came out of the faucets, which signals an empty well. That was resolved overnight, though, and there was fine water for a while. Now the pump won't come up to pressure, runs constantly and there's no water coming out of the faucets, but it didn't refresh itself overnight. RATS! I don't know what this means--other than "I have no water." I did laundry at the Holts and can shower there. But this situation has to be resolved, doesn't it. I will check it out tonight when I get home, then call Steve if it's still a bad situation. I'm hosting book group on Sunday, but they're all hardy souls and have met plenty of times sans water.
Dogs are well. Colors are still pretty but fading fast. Had my chimney cleaned on Tuesday and he complimented me on how clean it was. YES!! Burn dry wood, dear, and amazing things happen. All of wood for the winter is under cover (thanks to Bill and the PINS) and I have plenty. I need to order 2 loads for next year but have to get finances straightened out first. It's always about money, no?
Had dinner with friends from Baltimore that I didn't see all summer, which was a treat. They have one of the camp buildings, a very pretty place.
Linda hosted a duck dinner, which was a big success. She cooked the duck to perfection, slowly at low heat. Used up much of her produce. She's leaving on Saturday, which will leave a big hole in my day-to-day routine, but it's inevitable, no?
Monday morning I hosted a meeting of the Hawkeye Conservationists, which was a nice gathering. We talked about business, then spent good time visiting. By then I had the house nice & clean. Dusted, even.
I took Tuesday off, ostensibly to close the boat house, but never made it down there. I had been to camp on Monday, to visit with Jim & Keela, and help go through the myriad crap left in the fridge by summer visitors. Why do people think we want their leftovers? Most of it went to the dump. Later I inherited a bunch of leftovers from campers (some of which were actually edible and desirable). Ken always used to be the depository for the contents of campers' kitchens at the end of the season. I've inherited this, to a certain degree. I don't get it all, but I have my regulars.
Tuesday night Linda hosted a nice pork dinner, which was a special and unexpected treat. A very nice evening with "everyone in the neighborhood." Before leaving for Linda's I let the dogs out and they disappeared. I went to Linda's anyway, feeling confident that they would be waiting for me at home when I returned. Three hours later they were STILL missing. This (needless to say) was distressing. They both have collars and ID tags so should never be mistaken for strays, but it's not like them to be gone for that long, especially at night. I walked around, I drove around, I called and cajoled but all to no avail. The light finally came on, however, and I drove to camp, where the fools were stuck on the back porch. The door opens inward and they know how to get onto the porch, but don't have those handy opposable digits that make it possible to open a door from the inside. So there they were, with their 4 glowing orb-eyes when I drove down the driveway. Big relief for them and for me. Treasure took great pains to remind me that she does, indeed, love me more than almost anything.
Yesterday I went to Canton for a meeting at the library system there. It was a pretty drive, though we're way past peak with colors. The meeting was good and worth the trip.
I have water problems (again)--or maybe that's not the best way of putting it. I have NO WATER problems. Recently the pump ran constantly but no water came out of the faucets, which signals an empty well. That was resolved overnight, though, and there was fine water for a while. Now the pump won't come up to pressure, runs constantly and there's no water coming out of the faucets, but it didn't refresh itself overnight. RATS! I don't know what this means--other than "I have no water." I did laundry at the Holts and can shower there. But this situation has to be resolved, doesn't it. I will check it out tonight when I get home, then call Steve if it's still a bad situation. I'm hosting book group on Sunday, but they're all hardy souls and have met plenty of times sans water.
Dogs are well. Colors are still pretty but fading fast. Had my chimney cleaned on Tuesday and he complimented me on how clean it was. YES!! Burn dry wood, dear, and amazing things happen. All of wood for the winter is under cover (thanks to Bill and the PINS) and I have plenty. I need to order 2 loads for next year but have to get finances straightened out first. It's always about money, no?
Giant pumpkins--they're for sale if anyone wants them (ca. 350 lbs each)
Giant pumpkins--they're for sale if anyone wants them (ca. 350 lbs each), a photo by woodsrun on Flickr.
Lots of my friends came across these as they went on their foliage tours over the weekend. I drove past them yesterday. They're most impressive--giant pumpkins, about 350 lbs each. Yikes. What does one do with something like that?
One year I took a picture like this that was really pretty. Not so great this year.
One year I took a picture like this that was really pretty. Not so great this year., a photo by woodsrun on Flickr.
Sometimes a picture like this is really pretty, and effective. This year I think I waited too long.
Something got into the boat house & left it looking like this. Raccoon, most likely.
Something got into the boat house & left it looking like this. Raccoon, most likely., a photo by woodsrun on Flickr.
This is what I get for a) not closing the boat house when it was warmer, and b) leaving the front doors open and a hole in the screen door.
I've been to the b.house twice since discovering this, each time just shaking my head & walking away. Saturday I MUST get started on this!
This is what I see when I lie down on the couch at night
Tess likes the new couch, though it's not really big enough for the 3 of us.
Friday, October 05, 2012
Pretty color along the Saranac
This is what I get to see on my way to work, along the Clayburg road. Very pretty. I think we had peak color earlier this week. There's still a lot of color but it's not quite as bright. There was heavy rain in Hawkeye yesterday, which probably knocked off a lot of colorful leaves. There are plenty of leaves on the ground now, which is also pretty. I hate to see the leaves go, but it IS time to move on to the next season. Which will happen this weekend, when temps are due to be in the 50's during the day and 30's at night. Maybe snow. But they always say that in October, just to get us used to the idea.
On the way to Saranac Lake
This is the Saranac River outside of Sar. Lake, a nice stop I sometimes make to take pictures. I get to go to Sar. Lake twice this week--once for work and once for an easy appointment with my eye doctor.
Saranac River in the fog
This is a spot I often stop at to take pictures. It's on Rt 3, just outside of Redford and offers a nice view of the Saranac River. It's one of those "how I measure the weather" places.
Monday, October 01, 2012
October!
I greet the new month with mixed feelings. It's wonderful to be close to Columbus Day, when I'll see many good friends. October means we're well into fall, which the foliage is already telling me. I'll post pictures of leaves this week. The color is most impressive this year--brilliant reds and oranges. It's reaching the point where the woods are so bright it looks as if the sun is shining all the time. Even when it's raining, as it has for the last 3 days. I don't really mind rain (good for my well) but hate to have heavy rain or wind that knocks leaves from trees. SAVE THE LEAVES for my friends to see this weekend. We figure it will be peak this week, maybe for the weekend. Will still be magnificent by then, anyway.
Had a good weekend, a combination of lots of activity and lots of down time. Saturday I had coffee with Fred & Linda, then F & I went to Big Daddy's diner for breakfast. yum. From there on to the cider pressing at Lin's, where I spent a few hours. Really nice time, and excellent cider. From there I went home for a bit, then to Linda's for dinner with Joe & Martha, Duncan & Sue, with cocktails with the Berry-Jacks. Linda had a bottle of special wine (1961 vintage) to share. It was great wine--but how would I know, really? I liked it a lot, but it was reported to be excellent. As was dinner.
Sunday I visited with Pat, Jim, Bill & the Atkinsons (+ Katelyn's new beau). K's birthday so we had lots to celebrate. I left there early, picked up Linda & went to Lin's for Day 2 of the pressing. It rained pretty much the whole time, but that didn't stop the crowd from pressing on. Lots of cider was made, lots was consumed. By me especially.
Home in the afternoon to watch TV and nap--I got up at 4:30 on Sunday, having had a bad dream & then being unable to go back to sleep. In the morning I made Katelyn's cake, then some gingerbread for Lin's, then watched TV. Should have walked the dogs--bu IN THE RAIN? They took themselves for a long walk this morning, came home separately, panting heavily (presumably from running in the woods). I knew if I started to make coffee they'd come home so I wouldn't be able to drink it at home. Wasn't late to work, but wasn't very early, either.
The neighborhood is full, full, full of deer and turkeys. The deer are on the move, combination of bucks in rut and people in the woods I guess. They're everywhere, and starting to be a bit reckless. The turkeys are as stoopid as everyone says they are.
I need to get my birdfeeder up and running--Linda has a lot of birds at her feeder right now.
I made arrangements to have my deck stairs re-built. YES!! Haven't had a sturdy railing for a couple of years, and now the steps are getting old. Ken put them on, using wood from one of the camp cabins. So this year I'm having REAL steps put on--can still use the stringers, thankfully. Am also going to get the heater at the back of the house working, or replaced, whichever needs to be done. Again--YES! What I really need is to have the bottom of the house insulated, but that's not happening this year ($$$). I should also order 2 loads of firewood. That might happen, but I need more money for that. It's always about money, isn't it.
Tonight is dinner with L&E, WDL and Stephanie at McDougall's. D&S are leaving later this week (sad) so we're all seeing a lot of each other. They'll be back in Feb.--Duncan in January, Sue in Feb., to ski and be in a Hawkeye winter. That's not really so far away, it's just that so much happens weather-wise during the intervening months that it seems like years away.
Will go to Saranac Lake on Weds. to do some cataloging and consulting. I love going there--it's a wonderful library and great town. Nice people, a lot going on.
FOUR DAY weekend coming up--I'm taking Tuesday off to have my chimney cleaned. $$$. Yikes it just goes out the door & up the chimney, doesn't it.
But life is good. I love the fall.
Had a good weekend, a combination of lots of activity and lots of down time. Saturday I had coffee with Fred & Linda, then F & I went to Big Daddy's diner for breakfast. yum. From there on to the cider pressing at Lin's, where I spent a few hours. Really nice time, and excellent cider. From there I went home for a bit, then to Linda's for dinner with Joe & Martha, Duncan & Sue, with cocktails with the Berry-Jacks. Linda had a bottle of special wine (1961 vintage) to share. It was great wine--but how would I know, really? I liked it a lot, but it was reported to be excellent. As was dinner.
Sunday I visited with Pat, Jim, Bill & the Atkinsons (+ Katelyn's new beau). K's birthday so we had lots to celebrate. I left there early, picked up Linda & went to Lin's for Day 2 of the pressing. It rained pretty much the whole time, but that didn't stop the crowd from pressing on. Lots of cider was made, lots was consumed. By me especially.
Home in the afternoon to watch TV and nap--I got up at 4:30 on Sunday, having had a bad dream & then being unable to go back to sleep. In the morning I made Katelyn's cake, then some gingerbread for Lin's, then watched TV. Should have walked the dogs--bu IN THE RAIN? They took themselves for a long walk this morning, came home separately, panting heavily (presumably from running in the woods). I knew if I started to make coffee they'd come home so I wouldn't be able to drink it at home. Wasn't late to work, but wasn't very early, either.
The neighborhood is full, full, full of deer and turkeys. The deer are on the move, combination of bucks in rut and people in the woods I guess. They're everywhere, and starting to be a bit reckless. The turkeys are as stoopid as everyone says they are.
I need to get my birdfeeder up and running--Linda has a lot of birds at her feeder right now.
I made arrangements to have my deck stairs re-built. YES!! Haven't had a sturdy railing for a couple of years, and now the steps are getting old. Ken put them on, using wood from one of the camp cabins. So this year I'm having REAL steps put on--can still use the stringers, thankfully. Am also going to get the heater at the back of the house working, or replaced, whichever needs to be done. Again--YES! What I really need is to have the bottom of the house insulated, but that's not happening this year ($$$). I should also order 2 loads of firewood. That might happen, but I need more money for that. It's always about money, isn't it.
Tonight is dinner with L&E, WDL and Stephanie at McDougall's. D&S are leaving later this week (sad) so we're all seeing a lot of each other. They'll be back in Feb.--Duncan in January, Sue in Feb., to ski and be in a Hawkeye winter. That's not really so far away, it's just that so much happens weather-wise during the intervening months that it seems like years away.
Will go to Saranac Lake on Weds. to do some cataloging and consulting. I love going there--it's a wonderful library and great town. Nice people, a lot going on.
FOUR DAY weekend coming up--I'm taking Tuesday off to have my chimney cleaned. $$$. Yikes it just goes out the door & up the chimney, doesn't it.
But life is good. I love the fall.
Dexter and Hannah mixing up the apples at the cider pressing
Went to Lin & Ralph's on the weekend for their cider-pressing party (where were the book group women?). It was grand. Lots of fun, lots of fun, lots of time with Lin's grandchildren. They loved playing with the apples, and especially enjoyed dancing in the mash after the cider was made.
And the cider was excellent.
Supervised cider-making
Just a few of the people who were there. It rained pretty much all day on Sunday but wasn't bad on Saturday.
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