There's bare ground in Plattsburgh after the unusually warm spell we just had. It's only lasted about 24 hours, but the change is dramatic. We still have plenty of snow in Hawkeye, but I noticed on the way to work this morning that there's plenty of snow-free land in the Champlain Valley. This used to be a big deal to me, seeing bare ground in January and February. One year we drove through Vermont, getting to Rutland before we saw bare ground. Now I rely on winter trips to Rhode Island for my "bare ground fix." I'm off to RI in 2 weeks--let's hope there's no snow there, just to make me feel better.
The trip to Tupper Lake was uneventful. I did go the long way around out of the neighborhood, thinking I might have trouble getting up hills down the road in the next county. They're notoriously poor at road maintenance, and I didn't want to risk getting stuck. So I took a little longer (what? getting wise in my 60's?) but got there without incident. I weeded all day, which is a lot of work. Their collection needs attention but isn't as bad as I'd expected it to be.
Yesterday I didn't make it to work until nearly 11:00. I got to the end of my road and encountered my plow man and a county snowplow, both stopped there. Donny (plowman) told me the road was all glare ice--he had just fallen down trying to walk across the road--what Ken used to call "like a bottle." Donny said there were cars all over the place and people couldn't make it up the smallest hills. Say no more! I turned around & stayed at home until the temperature rose above freezing. It got to 40 by 10:00, so I left for Plattsburgh. Trip was fine though the first 7 miles--which are always a winter issue--were slushy and icy. My intrepid Civic with it's expensive snow tires, coupled with what I like to think is maturity on my part, does amazingly well in the winter. So no incidents or scares.
It rained during the night, clearing up my deck stairs nicely. Bare wood. Ah, the luxury. We had had some snow earlier in the week and I (lazily) didn't shovel, expecting the miracle of rain in January. Was not disappointed. It's now very windy and temps are dropping dramatically. This should make things interesting--wet surfaces will freeze by the time I have to go home.
Treasure has some sort of problem with one of her legs--she won't use it most of the time, but because every now & then she puts weight on it I'm not worrying. Concerned, yes, but not really worried. She jumps on the furniture easily, runs on 3 legs apparently without minding. I tried to find out where the problem was, but she made no sound when I explored her toes, paw, leg and shoulder. So she remains a Drama Queen and I leave her alone. Let's hope that's the right approach.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Hot, sooooo hot
I have hot water--when I got home Friday night & turned on the faucet, amazing of all amazing things, hot water came out. So that's settled. Guess turning up the ($$) heater in the cellar hole did the trick. That was a relief.
It's warm today, +10 this morning, which feels great. Due to get snow/ice tonight & tomorrow, which may impinge on my trip to Tupper Lake, scheduled for 9 tomorrow morning. I don't like driving in ice. Or on ice, or however it is.
Had a good weekend--Saturday was the Big Burn in the neighborhood, which I attended for the first time. Big brush pile reduced to ashes in 5 or so hours. I only lasted about 4, then the sun disappeared and I got cold. Wussed right out. Went home, got under my down throw & shivered until I dozed.
I got to see Annie over the weekend, but Rush had some flu-like malady so we agreed I didn't want to go to their house. She came yesterday afternoon & we had a good visit. That's about all I did over the weekend--Friday I stopped at Pat & Jim's to visit with Joe, who was up from Georgia for the burn. Yesterday at noon I returned to P&J's and visited with the crowd there. Really nice to be with everyone. I thought it would warm up over the weekend, which it sort of did--it was -7 Sat. morning and -4 Sunday morning, but with bright sunlight during the day it warmed considerably.
And for now it's work. I'm slightly anxious about the weather but don't want to worry about that over which I have no control. There's not much I DO have control over.
Dogs are fine, had a good weekend, too.
It's warm today, +10 this morning, which feels great. Due to get snow/ice tonight & tomorrow, which may impinge on my trip to Tupper Lake, scheduled for 9 tomorrow morning. I don't like driving in ice. Or on ice, or however it is.
Had a good weekend--Saturday was the Big Burn in the neighborhood, which I attended for the first time. Big brush pile reduced to ashes in 5 or so hours. I only lasted about 4, then the sun disappeared and I got cold. Wussed right out. Went home, got under my down throw & shivered until I dozed.
I got to see Annie over the weekend, but Rush had some flu-like malady so we agreed I didn't want to go to their house. She came yesterday afternoon & we had a good visit. That's about all I did over the weekend--Friday I stopped at Pat & Jim's to visit with Joe, who was up from Georgia for the burn. Yesterday at noon I returned to P&J's and visited with the crowd there. Really nice to be with everyone. I thought it would warm up over the weekend, which it sort of did--it was -7 Sat. morning and -4 Sunday morning, but with bright sunlight during the day it warmed considerably.
And for now it's work. I'm slightly anxious about the weather but don't want to worry about that over which I have no control. There's not much I DO have control over.
Dogs are fine, had a good weekend, too.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Things could be worse
I have no hot water right now, but I DO HAVE WATER. This is crucial. I can sure handle the absence of hot water, but I'm hoping that's as far as it goes. I have no idea where the freeze is--could be between the hot water heater & the faucet, could be between the line from the pump to the hot water heater. Oh, I just realized I should have turned off the hot water heater this morning. As well as the pump. Too late now and I refuse to worry about things I can't control. Well, this one anyway. I worry about things all the time, often to no avail.
Anyway, last night I had to go to Holts because the alarm they have that notifies them by phone when the temperature in their house drops did not work. The temp inside their lovely Hawkeye house was 30. Big emergency, try to keep pipes from freezing. The caretaker showed up, too, and he took care of things. Problem with the furnace but he solved that (tripped breaker) and got it started again. Who knows what happened, but sometimes when there's a power outage their furnace doesn't start up again. Which means I feel as if I should have been checking the house more often. Oh well, can't do anything about that now. They're planning to come up today and I think things will be OK--ice in the toilet but no busted pipes, apparently.
This cold snap, tiring as it is, hasn't been unbearable. I can go out in -15, get wood, entertain the dogs (briefly) but haven't been able to drag myself to the bird feeder. Poor birdies, just when they need energy the most I neglect them. Call the ASPCA.
This weekend is The Burn, when people gather to burn the huge brush pile that's been set up behind Ken's house. Joe comes from Georgia just for this. I actually was invited last year (a first) but didn't go--too much snow to slog through. Doubt that I'll make it this year, either, but you never know. I think it's supposed to be sunny and cold but above zero and maybe even double digits. I'm planning to go to the movies with Lin in the afternoon--I'd like to see Silver Linings Playbook, in spite of the fact that it's about a bipolar man having problems. Not sure why this film appeals to me but I really want to see it in the theater. So maybe we'll go. I'll shower at Lin's house--went to Barb's last night. I do know how to accommodate my house issues, don't I.
I'll stop at Pat & Jim's tonight to see Joe, then go home for the weekend. I had Monday off and spent hours watching the inauguration while I finished a gift (basket). It turned out well and I'm pleased with it. I should be making baskets more often--obviously, the more I make the better I get.
This week seems to have taken a month to get through, but I'm sure that's just because of the weather. I'm looking forward to seeing some sunshine and having a warmer house.
Anyway, last night I had to go to Holts because the alarm they have that notifies them by phone when the temperature in their house drops did not work. The temp inside their lovely Hawkeye house was 30. Big emergency, try to keep pipes from freezing. The caretaker showed up, too, and he took care of things. Problem with the furnace but he solved that (tripped breaker) and got it started again. Who knows what happened, but sometimes when there's a power outage their furnace doesn't start up again. Which means I feel as if I should have been checking the house more often. Oh well, can't do anything about that now. They're planning to come up today and I think things will be OK--ice in the toilet but no busted pipes, apparently.
This cold snap, tiring as it is, hasn't been unbearable. I can go out in -15, get wood, entertain the dogs (briefly) but haven't been able to drag myself to the bird feeder. Poor birdies, just when they need energy the most I neglect them. Call the ASPCA.
This weekend is The Burn, when people gather to burn the huge brush pile that's been set up behind Ken's house. Joe comes from Georgia just for this. I actually was invited last year (a first) but didn't go--too much snow to slog through. Doubt that I'll make it this year, either, but you never know. I think it's supposed to be sunny and cold but above zero and maybe even double digits. I'm planning to go to the movies with Lin in the afternoon--I'd like to see Silver Linings Playbook, in spite of the fact that it's about a bipolar man having problems. Not sure why this film appeals to me but I really want to see it in the theater. So maybe we'll go. I'll shower at Lin's house--went to Barb's last night. I do know how to accommodate my house issues, don't I.
I'll stop at Pat & Jim's tonight to see Joe, then go home for the weekend. I had Monday off and spent hours watching the inauguration while I finished a gift (basket). It turned out well and I'm pleased with it. I should be making baskets more often--obviously, the more I make the better I get.
This week seems to have taken a month to get through, but I'm sure that's just because of the weather. I'm looking forward to seeing some sunshine and having a warmer house.
Cold morning at 58 OHR
Well, it's been cold all right. Only down to 0 tonight, then back to sub-zeros, but single digits. I can stand that. I think.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Life goes on
Well, it's been -18 and -16 yesterday and today. I slept on the couch last night ("slept" is a generous term--the dogs hated it and wouldn't be still). There's a problem with my hot water--ice blocking the pipe somewhere but I don't know where to begin looking for it. I still have cold water, which seems like a luxury. But boy is it COLD water! I'll shower at a friend's house tonight after work, then maybe use the Holts' facilities if this goes on. Why don't I call someone for help? Because I don't like to ask for help, even if I'm paying for it. This doesn't make sense, but it's how I've always been.
This morning, when the living room temp was 49 and I was listening for the gushing of burst pipes (which, thankfully, never came) I thought..."Why do I live this way?" I often feel I don't deserve to own a house because I'm so bad at basic maintenance. If I lived my life in a different way I'd have good insulation and a new wood stove. This wood stove is more than 30 years old. It's a good one and I like it, but my chimney man says it's inefficient and should be replaced. Well, I guess my philosophy has always been "If it's not doing any damage, don't bother with it." Not a good life philosophy, but it's what I do. I'm feeling discouraged (oh, can you tell?) and unhappy about myself and my dealing with tough situations. I can function, but at my age shouldn't I be doing more than just functioning? I was out & about in the yard this morning, getting wood and chasing the dogs. I can stand the cold (in fact, I've always said I prefer cold to snow--maybe I'm changing my mind about that--let's wait until we have another foot or two of snow) and don't feel particularly proud of my ability to be out in it. But I just wonder how I let things get this bad. The insulation under the house is falling down. I can't afford to hire someone--or even buy the insulation and do it myself--to put in new insulation. This comes up every winter, then spring & summer come along and I forget about the urgency of the situation. I'm a procrastinator. I may apply for a special energy loan thing (I got information from Ex-husband) but hate to take on any more debt. And of course there's the embarrassment factor of having someone come to my house to do an energy audit. Well, get over that, girlie.
Other than the cold, life is fine. Lunch with Barb today, which will be nice. I finally finished the presents for her daughter's children and even managed to wrap them this morning so I can give them to her today. That feels like a big accomplishment.
The dogs don't seem to mind the sub-zero weather much. They've taken themselves for long walks the last 2 mornings, waiting until I'm ready to leave for work before disappearing. Honestly!
This morning, when the living room temp was 49 and I was listening for the gushing of burst pipes (which, thankfully, never came) I thought..."Why do I live this way?" I often feel I don't deserve to own a house because I'm so bad at basic maintenance. If I lived my life in a different way I'd have good insulation and a new wood stove. This wood stove is more than 30 years old. It's a good one and I like it, but my chimney man says it's inefficient and should be replaced. Well, I guess my philosophy has always been "If it's not doing any damage, don't bother with it." Not a good life philosophy, but it's what I do. I'm feeling discouraged (oh, can you tell?) and unhappy about myself and my dealing with tough situations. I can function, but at my age shouldn't I be doing more than just functioning? I was out & about in the yard this morning, getting wood and chasing the dogs. I can stand the cold (in fact, I've always said I prefer cold to snow--maybe I'm changing my mind about that--let's wait until we have another foot or two of snow) and don't feel particularly proud of my ability to be out in it. But I just wonder how I let things get this bad. The insulation under the house is falling down. I can't afford to hire someone--or even buy the insulation and do it myself--to put in new insulation. This comes up every winter, then spring & summer come along and I forget about the urgency of the situation. I'm a procrastinator. I may apply for a special energy loan thing (I got information from Ex-husband) but hate to take on any more debt. And of course there's the embarrassment factor of having someone come to my house to do an energy audit. Well, get over that, girlie.
Other than the cold, life is fine. Lunch with Barb today, which will be nice. I finally finished the presents for her daughter's children and even managed to wrap them this morning so I can give them to her today. That feels like a big accomplishment.
The dogs don't seem to mind the sub-zero weather much. They've taken themselves for long walks the last 2 mornings, waiting until I'm ready to leave for work before disappearing. Honestly!
Friday, January 18, 2013
-18 or so
I have 3 thermometers to measure the outdoor temperature and they recorded different temps this morning. Two were -9 and one was -18. I pick -18 because I get extra credit for having it be so cold. I'm not sure that was right, though, because I was outside for a little while and it didn't feel that cold. More like -9. Anyway, I was going to take a picture of the thermometer but the battery in my camera died because I left it in the car and it got too cold. When will I learn? My good boots are also in the car, which is great when I'm traveling, but sucks when I need to get to the car from the house and there's fresh powder on the ground. When will I learn? I'm hoping to empty the car tomorrow, when temps are supposed to be in the 30's. I have 35 lbs of birdseed in the back seat (in a bag, not to worry) that I need to put in the bin so I can actually feed the poor birds. It's been there for days. It's just hard to get motivated to do much in the dark when it's cold. So I leave things in the car. I did remove the soda, though, before it froze. Yay me.
We have a 3-day weekend, which is great. I'll finish the presents for my friend's grandchildren so I can finally pass them along. Almost, almost done with them. Why has it taken me so long?
I'll go to the dump, I hope. I'm thinking of going to the movies on Sat., to see something dumb. I went last Saturday to a matinee with Lin & Ralph. We saw Lincoln, which was great but a tad long, I thought. Very interesting, though, and the acting was great. There were 7 of us in the theater, and Lin pointed out that I was the youngest, which meant there was no one under 60. Ah, some people can be so cruel.
It's been a pretty quiet week, I've worked 9-5 for 3 days running, which is fine--I enjoy the time in the morning, especially when it's as cold as it was today. I like having the extra time to warm the house--it was 53 at 5:30 when I got up and didn't get much warmer but at least I had time to get a decent fire going. The sun should make a difference in warming the living room.
I had dinner with Fred & Bill one night--the beginning of fried perch season at our favorite restaurant. Yum. I ate plenty but have been really careful about counting points all week. Lost 2 pounds, which is a good start. I gained 10 pounds last year, after having lost nearly 30 the year before. Up and down, isn't that the way. So now I'm dedicated to losing weight this winter. I know it's not really hard to lose weight--knowing how to do it isn't the challenge. It's changing your behavior that's the trick.
I had a great time listening to Jenica's webinar during the day. People kept interrupting me and I wanted to say "Shhhh--can't you hear: it's JENICA!" She did a great job and it was a good webinar.
Book group is Sunday. I'm not getting any books ready because Martha says she's got one for us to read. I usually spend time poking around, looking for books on the Friday before book group. Rats--what will I do instead?
I just finished listening to Richard Russo's latest work, which is a memoir. It's nicely done but is pretty much depressing because it's about growing up and dealing with his mother's mental illnesses, as well as his helping her when he grew up & had his own family. I'd recommend it to my mother, who loves Russo, but I don't think she'd like it much. Barb and Steve might enjoy it, but should know in advance that it's not a Gloversville story the way his others are. He does go into some detail about writing his books, which is nice.
Now I'm moving on to Barbara Kingsolver's latest, which is long so will take me a long time to listen to. I just picked up CBC on the radio this morning, between books, so will have to choose: literature or interesting Canadian news and music?
Dogs are doing well. They like our mornings together and are pretty tired when evening comes. They're full of energy when I get home but crash pretty early, which is a blessing. I mostly just watch TV these nights. Watched some of Lance Armstrong last night. I'm such a sucker, I thought he was likable. A cheater and liar, but likable anyway.
We have a 3-day weekend, which is great. I'll finish the presents for my friend's grandchildren so I can finally pass them along. Almost, almost done with them. Why has it taken me so long?
I'll go to the dump, I hope. I'm thinking of going to the movies on Sat., to see something dumb. I went last Saturday to a matinee with Lin & Ralph. We saw Lincoln, which was great but a tad long, I thought. Very interesting, though, and the acting was great. There were 7 of us in the theater, and Lin pointed out that I was the youngest, which meant there was no one under 60. Ah, some people can be so cruel.
It's been a pretty quiet week, I've worked 9-5 for 3 days running, which is fine--I enjoy the time in the morning, especially when it's as cold as it was today. I like having the extra time to warm the house--it was 53 at 5:30 when I got up and didn't get much warmer but at least I had time to get a decent fire going. The sun should make a difference in warming the living room.
I had dinner with Fred & Bill one night--the beginning of fried perch season at our favorite restaurant. Yum. I ate plenty but have been really careful about counting points all week. Lost 2 pounds, which is a good start. I gained 10 pounds last year, after having lost nearly 30 the year before. Up and down, isn't that the way. So now I'm dedicated to losing weight this winter. I know it's not really hard to lose weight--knowing how to do it isn't the challenge. It's changing your behavior that's the trick.
I had a great time listening to Jenica's webinar during the day. People kept interrupting me and I wanted to say "Shhhh--can't you hear: it's JENICA!" She did a great job and it was a good webinar.
Book group is Sunday. I'm not getting any books ready because Martha says she's got one for us to read. I usually spend time poking around, looking for books on the Friday before book group. Rats--what will I do instead?
I just finished listening to Richard Russo's latest work, which is a memoir. It's nicely done but is pretty much depressing because it's about growing up and dealing with his mother's mental illnesses, as well as his helping her when he grew up & had his own family. I'd recommend it to my mother, who loves Russo, but I don't think she'd like it much. Barb and Steve might enjoy it, but should know in advance that it's not a Gloversville story the way his others are. He does go into some detail about writing his books, which is nice.
Now I'm moving on to Barbara Kingsolver's latest, which is long so will take me a long time to listen to. I just picked up CBC on the radio this morning, between books, so will have to choose: literature or interesting Canadian news and music?
Dogs are doing well. They like our mornings together and are pretty tired when evening comes. They're full of energy when I get home but crash pretty early, which is a blessing. I mostly just watch TV these nights. Watched some of Lance Armstrong last night. I'm such a sucker, I thought he was likable. A cheater and liar, but likable anyway.
It's almost DOG SHOW TIME
American Kennel Club Invites Two New Breeds to the Litter
Getty Images
A Chinook dog sled team
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is the smallest of three sizes of the Portuguese Podengo breed. The dogs have either smooth or wire-haired coats, upright ears and an independent streak. Though new to the AKC, the Podengo breed has a history that goes back to their arrival on the Iberian Peninsula with the Phoenicians from Asia Minor, more than 2,000 years ago. Podengo Pequenos traveled with Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Magellan and others, eating shipboard rodents to protect food and sailors from vermin-borne disease.
The Lagotto Romagnolo and Berger Picard also joined the AKC this year, both as part of the Miscellaneous Class. The AKC requires a certain number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S. and an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders for a breed to become AKC-recognized. After these new additions, the AKC boasts 177 breeds.
Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/01/12/american-kennel-club-invites-two-new-breeds-to-the-litter/#ixzz2IL2LupZv
Monday, January 14, 2013
A true thaw--when the snow melts at the bases of trees
If you didn't know it was January you'd think it was spring in Hawkeye. Usually this doesn't happen until the sap thaws and warms the tree, but this was on a south-facing slope. The sap must be frozen by now, and I hope it wasn't fooled by the warm breeze and high temps into thinking it was spring. It was just a really nice thaw with warm breezes. Now it's back to reality, temps in single digits later this week. At least I got my roof cleared off--huge icicles fell (ka-thump!), startling the dogs and making me laugh.
Barn Swallow with 2 dogs
This is my friends' house, which was built on the site of a camp building named Barn Swallow. All the buildings at the boys/girls camps were named after birds. I think even my mother now identifies buildings she's never seen by their bird names. Well, all buildings in the North Country should have names. My house is named Woods Run but I rarely call it that.
Rattle Brook aka Coca-Cola Creek
This is the brook that's my boundary, down below my land, near the Holts'. Brooks are pretty in the snow.
OHR below my house during the thaw
Yesterday it was slushy and messy, today it was muddy & messier. Very slippery going out to the hardtop this morning, made me a little nervous about getting stuck.
One of my favorite views--Whiteface from Union Falls
I almost always stop on my way to Route 3 through Alder Book to take this picture. It's from the dam at Union Falls, always a pretty site.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
January thaw
Well, it's supposed to be happening, anyway. Warm temps have been predicted for this week but it was 11 at my house yesterday morning. Warmer today, 20's, but not much melting going on. Except INSIDE my house, where there's a leak in the kitchen. I don't know if the water is coming down the outside of the house or inside the wall. I like to think it's coming in from outside. I have 2 dripping leaks above the kitchen sink. Ugh. I always have leaks in the living room--there's one spot on the roof that gets really iced over and when we have our thaw, or when the sun shines it leaks onto the couch. Every year. I think it might be time for me to address some of these house issues--like, it's past saying "Oh, that's just the way it is." I need insulation under the house in the worst way. Can't do it now, there's too much snow. The floor is cold, and that's where the thermostats for the electric heaters are, so I just throw money at the electric company every year. A new stove--there's another thing I need. Money--another thing I need.
It was a pretty quiet weekend last weekend. I saw 2 people on Saturday, my plowman's substitute and the dump man. I got my car stuck in the snow near the house but fortunately the plowman came by to clean up the driveway, and he could push it out easily. So much for a clean record this winter, but so far that's the only time I've been stuck. I always used to get stuck 3 times a year. Sounds as if I did it deliberately, but that's not really true. Or so I like to think.
Tess disappeared for hours on Sunday, skiing and walking with bog people. I had 2 calls reporting my lost dog, when I wasn't home, so I was a little concerned, but she came home later in the afternoon, tired but happy. She'd had her social needs satisfied. Treasure worries when Tess does that, the way Chances used to worry. But Treasure differs in that she takes advantage of the time she gets to be the Only Dog, and nuzzles and licks and begs for attention.
The dogs showed up with a whole grouse this morning. It was dead, but I don't know if they killed it or found it already dead. Hard to imagine they could catch it, but who knows. Treasure tried to bring half the chewed-on bird into the house but I got it away from her. Tess refused to come inside until she'd pretty much finished her half. Now the driveway looks like a butcher's shop. Feathers & blood all over. Wish I knew how they got the body.
My friend Lin is having a hard time--her father died in December, and her mother died shortly after. They were not in good shape, and Lin says she feels comforted thinking they're in a better place, and are together. I can't imagine losing both parents like that. We all know how much I adore and enjoy my mother.
I went to Chateaugay this week, spent an hour at the library there. That's where the picture of wind turbines was taken. I really like seeing the wind farms, the turbines are very, very graceful. I went up the back way to Chat., through High Banks and Standish. That's where I figure I'll live if my neighborhood gets too populated. It's crowded this year--there's another person spending most of his winter in one of the camps below my house. I try to find it comforting to have someone near, but mostly I just resent the intrusion into "my world" in the winter.
Lots of snow still, with rain predicted. Or snow in higher elevations. Which is me.
Turns out I was supposed to be in Keene this morning, but I crossed out the note on my calendar because I thought the director there wouldn't be around. WRONG. How embarrassing! She called me an hour after I was supposed to be there to see if she had the wrong date. No, I did. I rescheduled for next week, will go there from home in the morning. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get to Saranac Lake in the morning for a quick training session. I'm doing the training, not getting trained. I'm beyond trainable.
It was a pretty quiet weekend last weekend. I saw 2 people on Saturday, my plowman's substitute and the dump man. I got my car stuck in the snow near the house but fortunately the plowman came by to clean up the driveway, and he could push it out easily. So much for a clean record this winter, but so far that's the only time I've been stuck. I always used to get stuck 3 times a year. Sounds as if I did it deliberately, but that's not really true. Or so I like to think.
Tess disappeared for hours on Sunday, skiing and walking with bog people. I had 2 calls reporting my lost dog, when I wasn't home, so I was a little concerned, but she came home later in the afternoon, tired but happy. She'd had her social needs satisfied. Treasure worries when Tess does that, the way Chances used to worry. But Treasure differs in that she takes advantage of the time she gets to be the Only Dog, and nuzzles and licks and begs for attention.
The dogs showed up with a whole grouse this morning. It was dead, but I don't know if they killed it or found it already dead. Hard to imagine they could catch it, but who knows. Treasure tried to bring half the chewed-on bird into the house but I got it away from her. Tess refused to come inside until she'd pretty much finished her half. Now the driveway looks like a butcher's shop. Feathers & blood all over. Wish I knew how they got the body.
My friend Lin is having a hard time--her father died in December, and her mother died shortly after. They were not in good shape, and Lin says she feels comforted thinking they're in a better place, and are together. I can't imagine losing both parents like that. We all know how much I adore and enjoy my mother.
I went to Chateaugay this week, spent an hour at the library there. That's where the picture of wind turbines was taken. I really like seeing the wind farms, the turbines are very, very graceful. I went up the back way to Chat., through High Banks and Standish. That's where I figure I'll live if my neighborhood gets too populated. It's crowded this year--there's another person spending most of his winter in one of the camps below my house. I try to find it comforting to have someone near, but mostly I just resent the intrusion into "my world" in the winter.
Lots of snow still, with rain predicted. Or snow in higher elevations. Which is me.
Turns out I was supposed to be in Keene this morning, but I crossed out the note on my calendar because I thought the director there wouldn't be around. WRONG. How embarrassing! She called me an hour after I was supposed to be there to see if she had the wrong date. No, I did. I rescheduled for next week, will go there from home in the morning. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get to Saranac Lake in the morning for a quick training session. I'm doing the training, not getting trained. I'm beyond trainable.
Plenty of snow at 58 OHR
That's a garbage can in the lower right corner, filled with birdseed. I have to bend over to get the seed. This morning I noticed that the birdfeeder is getting lower. or no, the snow is getting deeper.
You have snow on your nose and you look stoopid
We got more snow over the weekend, which makes at least 2 1/2 feet on the ground. Doesn't even really slow them down.
She looks like a puppy, not a 9 year old
Not a very good picture--I'm having problems with my camera. But you get the idea--she's cute as cute can be. Tired after all the socializing and skiing she did.
Let them lie
She looks more like a dead dog than a sleeping one...
My father had a great time training the dogs we growing up. He trained his favorite dog to roll over clockwise, counterclockwise, shake hands, sneeze when he wanted to go out, and (instead of "lie down") be a DEAAAAAAD DOG.
I think he would have trained us to do similar tricks, if my mother would have allowed it.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Turbines on wind farm--they look like synchronized swimmers
I always feel guilty when I think that these turbines are pretty--they really are magnificent, but how would I feel if they were central to my vista? I like to think I'd appreciate them (but I doubt it, really).
I went through an amazing wind farm on my way to Plattsburgh from Chateaugay, and when I got out to take pictures the wind was howling.
We're having our January thaw, which is always a nice treat. I'm not sure how much snow will melt, but I'm hoping I'll be able to expose my deck stairs, which are more like a bobsled run than stairs right now, with snow packed on them.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Christmas morning--stockings/baskets. I was the first one up
What I saw when I got up Christmas morning. Mark makes Christmas magic.
Beach walkers in cold wind
That's Anna and Mark. The house in the background was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy and may be torn down.
Angel the horse
This is the coolest Christmas toy. My sister sent it from Italy. It's a battery-operated horse, which trots across the floor to a certain rhythm, then whinnies convincingly. We named the horse Angel and the cowboy Brokeback. It was just too much fun to play with. My mother wanted me to bring it home but I thought it should stay with the ceramic Italian villagers, whose numbers have grown impressively.
Nice one of Anna
That's my girl. She's a sweetheart. Hope she doesn't mind that I posted her picture...
Looking across a barely-frozen lake
The lake froze over while we were in RI--around Christmas Eve, according to one report. It will be a long time before the ice is strong enough to hold even a dog--a blanket of snow keeps it just warm enough to prevent convincing freezing.
Boathouse
I like this picture, which Anna took. Always good to know the building is still standing and waiting for us.
Boathouse porch looking very different from what we're used to
Looks as if the chairs are waiting for a bus.
What it's like at 58 OHR right now
It's amazing how monochromatic it gets in winter--dark green conifers, white snow, black & dark brown trees.
Better picture of a nice looking tree
Here's how my tree ended up. I bought a not-too-tall tree & cut off about a foot to make a nice tabletop tree. I tried to find something on my land but I guess the balsams have been pretty well picked over because I found nothing that was good enough. I'm happy with this one.
I found winter in Hawkeye
It was -13 this morning, which is sure cold enough, but not as cold as it was elsewhere around here: -23 iin lake Placid, -21 in Saranac Lake. I can handle the -13 all right, it's the -20 that gets me nervous. I took the morning off, however, because the temperature in the living room was 44. I stoked the fire, turned up the heat in the kitchen, and finally got it up to 54 before leaving for work. The sun came out, which really makes a big difference because of the big windows in the living room. So I'm confident the house will be warm when I get home tonight at 6 (I have to work until 5). Not supposed to be as cold again in the predictable future. Whew. Dodged that bullet (no frozen pipes). I fed the birds this morning, following the beaten-down path the dogs and I have made to the feeder--they make a path to chase squirrels, I follow their path to feed the birds. The dogs can't put all 4 paws on the ground at the same time when it's this cold, so they stopped in the middle of the path at -12, lifting different paws at different times. MOVE IT!!! I said, but they both claimed they couldn't move. GET IN THE HOUSE I suggested, bumping them in the butts. They finally hobbled to the front door, slowly, ever so slowly. Honestly, sometimes I wonder what their brains are made of.
I got home from RI on Friday (12/28) with Anna. We had a nice Christmas, all went well. Mark & Liza gave me a remote car starter, which is oh-so-handy these days. It's set to keep the car running for 15 minutes, which I discovered isn't quite long enough for defrosting or warming the car, but it sure beats nothing. So I'm playing with the starter any chance I get.
RI was nice, much warmer than Hawkeye, whre temps got down to single digits while I was gone. It rained in RI as it snowed in Hawkeye--we now have at least 24" of snow (more, if you talk to different people). It's cold enough to keep it fluffy, which makes a big difference. My driveway has been plowed 3 times so far. Ca-ching. I don't even know how much it costs for him to plow, I just pay the bill at the end of the season.
We had lobsters Christmas Eve, as is MY tradition. Roast beef on Christmas, as is our tradition. Mark decided we should cook the beef at low temps for hours, which we tried. Unsuccessfully. It was raw, barely warm in the center, so we put it back in the oven & raised the temp. Made the beef a bit tough but it was good. Anna the Vegetarian didn't complain or fuss, just ate her veggie burgers and burrito. She's a peach. I really had a fantastic time with her.
My 2 trips to Montreal (one to pick up Anna, one to drop her off at the airport) were fine, though the roads were messy for both. I can handle bad roads, have driven in far worse than those trips were. I did miss the turn for the right bridge coming home Sat. night, though, which meant I went into the city and took a different bridge home. Oh well, not a problem. I just felt stoopid.
We had a nice beach walk in RI and the dogs loved it. They ran full bore until they got tired, then Tess assumed her usual Official Greeter role and ran to the few other beach walkers who were there. Treasure did get her feet wet but didn't do it on purpose--she was just chasing Tess (who is NOT afraid of the water).
I spent New Year's Eve with friends, having a nice dinner and good visit with them, their son & daughter-in-law and 5-month-old very vocal granddaughter. The son has a dog from the same breeder I use, that looks just like Treasure but is better behaved, I think. I only stayed there until 9, then went home & was in bed by 9:30. Seems pretty typical of my friends and family. Well, except for my sister, who stayed up for the fireworks that are part of Italy's celebration.
This weekend I have some paperwork to take care of, a dump run to make, and mittens to knit for my mother. It's not going to be as cold (I'm SURE of that) so I can do some outdoor stuff. I should walk the dogs--Anna walked to camp from my house through thing-deep drifts, a most admirable undertaking. She liked seeing the white snow (as opposed to the brown snow she saw when living in Milwaukee). Though I find snow to be really inconvenient, it was beautiful. Guess it still is.
I got home from RI on Friday (12/28) with Anna. We had a nice Christmas, all went well. Mark & Liza gave me a remote car starter, which is oh-so-handy these days. It's set to keep the car running for 15 minutes, which I discovered isn't quite long enough for defrosting or warming the car, but it sure beats nothing. So I'm playing with the starter any chance I get.
RI was nice, much warmer than Hawkeye, whre temps got down to single digits while I was gone. It rained in RI as it snowed in Hawkeye--we now have at least 24" of snow (more, if you talk to different people). It's cold enough to keep it fluffy, which makes a big difference. My driveway has been plowed 3 times so far. Ca-ching. I don't even know how much it costs for him to plow, I just pay the bill at the end of the season.
We had lobsters Christmas Eve, as is MY tradition. Roast beef on Christmas, as is our tradition. Mark decided we should cook the beef at low temps for hours, which we tried. Unsuccessfully. It was raw, barely warm in the center, so we put it back in the oven & raised the temp. Made the beef a bit tough but it was good. Anna the Vegetarian didn't complain or fuss, just ate her veggie burgers and burrito. She's a peach. I really had a fantastic time with her.
My 2 trips to Montreal (one to pick up Anna, one to drop her off at the airport) were fine, though the roads were messy for both. I can handle bad roads, have driven in far worse than those trips were. I did miss the turn for the right bridge coming home Sat. night, though, which meant I went into the city and took a different bridge home. Oh well, not a problem. I just felt stoopid.
We had a nice beach walk in RI and the dogs loved it. They ran full bore until they got tired, then Tess assumed her usual Official Greeter role and ran to the few other beach walkers who were there. Treasure did get her feet wet but didn't do it on purpose--she was just chasing Tess (who is NOT afraid of the water).
I spent New Year's Eve with friends, having a nice dinner and good visit with them, their son & daughter-in-law and 5-month-old very vocal granddaughter. The son has a dog from the same breeder I use, that looks just like Treasure but is better behaved, I think. I only stayed there until 9, then went home & was in bed by 9:30. Seems pretty typical of my friends and family. Well, except for my sister, who stayed up for the fireworks that are part of Italy's celebration.
This weekend I have some paperwork to take care of, a dump run to make, and mittens to knit for my mother. It's not going to be as cold (I'm SURE of that) so I can do some outdoor stuff. I should walk the dogs--Anna walked to camp from my house through thing-deep drifts, a most admirable undertaking. She liked seeing the white snow (as opposed to the brown snow she saw when living in Milwaukee). Though I find snow to be really inconvenient, it was beautiful. Guess it still is.
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