This is really typical of RI woods in spring (early spring). Lots of fog/mist deep into the woods. We rarely have this effect here, and I miss it.
Friday, March 18, 2011
wakefield 03 2011 005
We like to pretend this is our house. Mark & I walk to the end of the beach with the dogs, and this house is one at the end. It's a very nice house and we try to guess how many bathrooms, where the kitchen is, etc. each time we're there. He always suggests that we rent it some summer.
wakefield 03 2011 009
The ocean, of course. The waves are brown because they're filled with sand. Which will fill up the beach, we hope, so there will be a nice, wide beach for us this summer.
Mark is the Beach King. One year he bought each of us a beach chair (a must-have on RI beaches), with tags on each with our initials. They're pretty, very summery green, white and blue. White frames. We love them, and take them to the beach every t;ime we go. Some people put their chairs right in the water, at the edge. I've been known to do that, but I grew out of that habit I think.
Mark feels strongly that you should never crowd the people around you--leaving a polite amount of space between sites is crucial. He's right, of course, we've listened to far too many details of peoples' lives, marraiges, divorces, whining children, etc. Almost never is there a radio being played--this is the Town Beach, very family-oriented. Orientated, as some like to say. Anyway, last summer Mark was able to go to the beach every day and often scoped out a spot for us. We lay our towels (or, in his case, a big comforter) stretched out all around the chairs to mark our territory. It was a good beach summer, except for that yucky red seaweed that kept appearing. Weater was perfect, though. Water good temp. It was all good.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
The big snow
We had a big storm. duh, like who didn't. I can't complain about how much snow we have--my Midwestern friends wouldn't appreciate that. It started snowing on Sunday, snowed all day yesterday. We ended up with 27" of new snow. This makes the snow almost waist-deep for me. Which wouldn't be a problem except that my plow man couldn't plow to the house because he'd been stuck too many times at other places. So I have to slog through the snow, with my ashtmatic wheeze, to get to my car at the end of thte driveway. I won't even talk about what getting wood from the shed entails.
The ladder in the picture is about 5' high.
We were closed yesterday so I pretended to be productive but then gave up on the whole idea. I did the dishes and wached old Sopranos shows. A total waste.
I felt redeemed, however, because on Sunday I moved a trunk downstairs to the living room. It was full--no, really, full, of photos. Documenting the last 26 years. I know I've always liked taking pictures, but why do I have a picture of each Chistmas tree, sans label telling me what year it was? I threw those out. There were an historic number of photos of ex-husband, which I did NOT keep. I made a huge pile to send to his parents--there are lots of pictures of their grandchildren as babies, etc. Plus J's brother & sister. Had to tactfully exclude any shots that had ANY image of brother's ex-wife The Evil One. I love hearing 2 sides of a marriage split--no, wait, were these people married to EACH OTHER? Or are they talking about 2 different marriages? I know J's memories of our marriage and my memories are different--I have lots of good memories, he (apparently) doesn't. Who cares. I'm also ever so much happier & peaceful living alone. ahhhh...solitude. Nothing like it.
Anyway, I threw out a huge pile of pictures, made a small pile for Jenica, kept a huge pile (to do what with? wallpaper the bedroom?) and made a big pile for J's family. Like, pictures of his dog from 1984, when Dave was a puppy, before we had him destroyed because he bit someone. Lots of pictures of now-dead dogs. And places we used to live. And chickens, lots of pictures of chickens. It was amazing to me that I wasn't the least bit emotional going through those. Just a chronicle of my life, nothing more. No big trauma in sorting through them. Life is good, no?
snow mar 2011 012
No, Chances doesn't have giant dandruff flakes. That's what she looked like after about 2 minutes outside.
snow mar 2011 014
Here's what it looks like in front of the house--deck railing, big hump is the snow, up around my waist.
snow mar 2011 016
Here's what it looks like if you turn to the left--the sea of snow is my driveway.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
National hero
NJ congressman tops 'Jeopardy' computer Watson
WASHINGTON – Turns out it really does take a rocket scientist to beat Watson, the "Jeopardy"-winning computer.
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey — a five-time champion during the trivia show's original run 35 years ago — topped the IBM computer Monday night in a "Jeopardy"-style match of congressmen vs. machine held at a Washington hotel.
Though Holt isn't the first human to beat Watson, the victory adds to the 62-year-old Democrat's already-impressive resume: a former State Department arms control expert and ex-leader of the federal Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
"I wonder if Watson wasn't having a low-voltage night, because I certainly didn't expect to score higher than the computer," he told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday.
He built a lead in categories including "Presidential Rhyme Time," in which the correct response to "Herbert's military strategy" was "Hoover's maneuvers." The congressman also correctly identified hippophobia as the fear of horses.
Watson beat him to the buzzer with "love" when prompted on what Ambrose Bierce described as "a temporary insanity curable by marriage."
Holt played the first round along with Rep. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican. At the end of the round, Holt had earned $8,600 to Watson's $6,200.
But the computer ultimately triumphed in later rounds against the other representatives: Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y., Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Jared Polis, D-Colo. Watson amassed a combined $40,300 to the humans' $30,000.
Watson, designed specifically to excel at the type of answers-and-questions format used on "Jeopardy," took 25 IBM scientists four years to create.
Humans have beat Watson before, including sparring matches with various players held in the fall to prepare for a televised match with top human "Jeopardy" champs Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter; and during rehearsals, when Jennings won at least once.
Holt received a round of applause Tuesday at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee for besting the computer. He thanked the crowd and gave a shout-out to "neuron-based thinking, instead of semi-conductor thinking."
Holt said it was fun to beat the heralded computer. But he also said it's important that Americans realize how crucial math and science education is to the nation's future.
"I jumped at the chance to do this, not only because it would be fun, but as a way to highlight our national need to invest in research and science education," he told the AP. "It's something I've been talking about for decades."
The match shows "that so many people are interested not so much in Watson but what the possibilities here are," said IBM spokeswoman Lia P. Davis.
"That said, Watson still won the match," she said. "So I think we can all be proud of that. It demonstrates that humans are very smart and computers are very smart."
Holt has a doctorate in physics from New York University and was elected to Congress in 1998.
WASHINGTON – Turns out it really does take a rocket scientist to beat Watson, the "Jeopardy"-winning computer.
U.S. Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey — a five-time champion during the trivia show's original run 35 years ago — topped the IBM computer Monday night in a "Jeopardy"-style match of congressmen vs. machine held at a Washington hotel.
Though Holt isn't the first human to beat Watson, the victory adds to the 62-year-old Democrat's already-impressive resume: a former State Department arms control expert and ex-leader of the federal Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
"I wonder if Watson wasn't having a low-voltage night, because I certainly didn't expect to score higher than the computer," he told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday.
He built a lead in categories including "Presidential Rhyme Time," in which the correct response to "Herbert's military strategy" was "Hoover's maneuvers." The congressman also correctly identified hippophobia as the fear of horses.
Watson beat him to the buzzer with "love" when prompted on what Ambrose Bierce described as "a temporary insanity curable by marriage."
Holt played the first round along with Rep. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican. At the end of the round, Holt had earned $8,600 to Watson's $6,200.
But the computer ultimately triumphed in later rounds against the other representatives: Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y., Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Jared Polis, D-Colo. Watson amassed a combined $40,300 to the humans' $30,000.
Watson, designed specifically to excel at the type of answers-and-questions format used on "Jeopardy," took 25 IBM scientists four years to create.
Humans have beat Watson before, including sparring matches with various players held in the fall to prepare for a televised match with top human "Jeopardy" champs Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter; and during rehearsals, when Jennings won at least once.
Holt received a round of applause Tuesday at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee for besting the computer. He thanked the crowd and gave a shout-out to "neuron-based thinking, instead of semi-conductor thinking."
Holt said it was fun to beat the heralded computer. But he also said it's important that Americans realize how crucial math and science education is to the nation's future.
"I jumped at the chance to do this, not only because it would be fun, but as a way to highlight our national need to invest in research and science education," he told the AP. "It's something I've been talking about for decades."
The match shows "that so many people are interested not so much in Watson but what the possibilities here are," said IBM spokeswoman Lia P. Davis.
"That said, Watson still won the match," she said. "So I think we can all be proud of that. It demonstrates that humans are very smart and computers are very smart."
Holt has a doctorate in physics from New York University and was elected to Congress in 1998.
Great to have smart friends--from NPR
Congressman vs. the Machine: Rocket Scientist Rep. Rush Holt Bests Watson
By: Jenny Marder
Two weeks after IBM's computer Watson trounced Jeopardy! masterminds Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, Rep. Rush Holt dealt the upstart trivia champion computer a defeat on Monday.
The New Jersey Democrat beat the scrappy computer $8,600 to $6,200, though no money was exchanged in the mock match.
Holt, a five-time Jeopardy! champion, had a leg up on other contestants and a home-court advantage -- the match was on Capitol Hill. And being a nuclear physicist couldn't have hurt.
Earlier, Watson defeated Holt's fellow members of Congress: Reps. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Jared Polis, D-Colo., Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y.
Himes and Polis tweeted as the match unfolded and their chances of winning fell into a tailspin.
By: Jenny Marder
Two weeks after IBM's computer Watson trounced Jeopardy! masterminds Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, Rep. Rush Holt dealt the upstart trivia champion computer a defeat on Monday.
The New Jersey Democrat beat the scrappy computer $8,600 to $6,200, though no money was exchanged in the mock match.
Holt, a five-time Jeopardy! champion, had a leg up on other contestants and a home-court advantage -- the match was on Capitol Hill. And being a nuclear physicist couldn't have hurt.
Earlier, Watson defeated Holt's fellow members of Congress: Reps. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Jared Polis, D-Colo., Jim Himes, D-Conn., and Nan Hayworth, R-N.Y.
Himes and Polis tweeted as the match unfolded and their chances of winning fell into a tailspin.
Dawn greets the mountain
Here's what I got to see yesterday on my way to Albany, at 6:30 in the morning. The sun just coming up, shining on the bluffs at the back of Silver Lake Mountain. See? I said we measure all things extenal by this mountain. I knew it was going to be a bright and sunny day as soon as I saw this.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
2011 feb mtn 003
The view from my road, looking toward my driveway. I think that's Tess, though she doesn't usually walk in the road. She likes to walk on top of snowbanks, maybe so she can look me straight in the eye. No, I think she just likes the novelty.
I'm leaving work early today so I can meet my stove cleaner. I'm on his "will call in Feb." list because when he last cleaned up he decided I needed the extra help of twice a year cleaning. How embarrassing. I'm hoping it's no too bad but I have my suspicions. I'm fearful of burning the house down so I seldom burn the fire hot enough. My mother suffers from the same malady. Anyway, if you don't burn it hot enough creosote builds up. I'm the Creosote Queen.
Because he's coming to clean it, I couldn't have a fire for the previous 24 hours. Of course it would be subzero temps then, -11 yesterday and -4 today. The house was 41 degrees when I got up at 6. Luckily the sun is shining this morining--we built the house at the right angle for good solar heat. One of the few things we actually planned ahead for. The dogs and cat will survive, I'll be home soon. The fish are the warmest beings in the house, there's a heater in the tank.
All is going well these days--had Monday off and did some cleaning. Cleaned the upstairs bathroom, which I don't use (except for the shower). It was dusty and dirty. Now it's sparkling and inviting. I even washed the floor. Now I have to work on the "guest" bedroom. The master bedroom is now my storage facility, so there's only one bedroom upstairs that can accomodate company. My friends the Nadals said they might come in March so I invited them to stay with me. I told them they should be flattered beyond belief because I let NO ONE stay in my house. I barely let people visit. Not because I like to be alone (though that's part of it) but because it's so disorganized and cluttered.
I was hanging out on Sunday, wearing my baggy red Santa pants and a scuzzy top I'd slept in, when a couple of friends showed up. Yegads I guess I should always dress for company. People stop by to visit more often than people are invited. These two have a camp up the lake from ours. She's British, so always a joy to listen to. I was either lonely or nervous because I couldn't shut up, just talked and talked. They like that, though, spared them from having to make conversation and made them feel I was happy to see them. Which I was (sort of).
I'm leaving work early today so I can meet my stove cleaner. I'm on his "will call in Feb." list because when he last cleaned up he decided I needed the extra help of twice a year cleaning. How embarrassing. I'm hoping it's no too bad but I have my suspicions. I'm fearful of burning the house down so I seldom burn the fire hot enough. My mother suffers from the same malady. Anyway, if you don't burn it hot enough creosote builds up. I'm the Creosote Queen.
Because he's coming to clean it, I couldn't have a fire for the previous 24 hours. Of course it would be subzero temps then, -11 yesterday and -4 today. The house was 41 degrees when I got up at 6. Luckily the sun is shining this morining--we built the house at the right angle for good solar heat. One of the few things we actually planned ahead for. The dogs and cat will survive, I'll be home soon. The fish are the warmest beings in the house, there's a heater in the tank.
All is going well these days--had Monday off and did some cleaning. Cleaned the upstairs bathroom, which I don't use (except for the shower). It was dusty and dirty. Now it's sparkling and inviting. I even washed the floor. Now I have to work on the "guest" bedroom. The master bedroom is now my storage facility, so there's only one bedroom upstairs that can accomodate company. My friends the Nadals said they might come in March so I invited them to stay with me. I told them they should be flattered beyond belief because I let NO ONE stay in my house. I barely let people visit. Not because I like to be alone (though that's part of it) but because it's so disorganized and cluttered.
I was hanging out on Sunday, wearing my baggy red Santa pants and a scuzzy top I'd slept in, when a couple of friends showed up. Yegads I guess I should always dress for company. People stop by to visit more often than people are invited. These two have a camp up the lake from ours. She's British, so always a joy to listen to. I was either lonely or nervous because I couldn't shut up, just talked and talked. They like that, though, spared them from having to make conversation and made them feel I was happy to see them. Which I was (sort of).
2011 feb mtn 005
Hawkeye's favorite mountain. Silver Lake Mtn, by which we all measure height, location, weather and time of day. This is the view from the end of my driveway. There's somethig to be said for clear cutting.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Ferry to Vermont
To get to Burlington, where lots of us do lots of things (me, mostly doctorly stuff) we take a ferry from north of Plattsburgh across Lake Champlain to Vermont. Three ferry crossings, and this one runs all year, 24-hours a day. Very handy. The bridges are at either end of the lake, and one of them was demolished last year anyway. The shortest distance between Hawkeye and B'ton involves this ferry.
Sooooo I went to B'ton this week. Here's what the ferry looks like. Mostly the trip is uneventful and calm, but sometimes there are huge waves that break over the bow and onto the cars. That's a combination of terrifying and way cool.
One time in March I took the ferry to trade in my car & buy a new one. I was with my friend Julie and the wind and waves were so bad that the ferry couldn't go straight across. It went way up the lake, into the wind, rocking and rolling. It sat in one place for a really long time, then finally, slowly, turned toward the Vt. shore. I've never been afraid on the ferry except for that one time. When I got to the dealership my car was encased in ice. Very dramatic, and did we want to take the ferry home? That ride was much better. While we were sitting there, bobbing in the waves, Julie and I said nothing, not a word. Except I said "Maybe they should call the Coast Guard."
Sooooo I went to B'ton this week. Here's what the ferry looks like. Mostly the trip is uneventful and calm, but sometimes there are huge waves that break over the bow and onto the cars. That's a combination of terrifying and way cool.
One time in March I took the ferry to trade in my car & buy a new one. I was with my friend Julie and the wind and waves were so bad that the ferry couldn't go straight across. It went way up the lake, into the wind, rocking and rolling. It sat in one place for a really long time, then finally, slowly, turned toward the Vt. shore. I've never been afraid on the ferry except for that one time. When I got to the dealership my car was encased in ice. Very dramatic, and did we want to take the ferry home? That ride was much better. While we were sitting there, bobbing in the waves, Julie and I said nothing, not a word. Except I said "Maybe they should call the Coast Guard."
ferry 2011 004
And coming back we played icebreaker and were outside of the channel. It's way cool when that happens--you can hear the ice chunks hitting the bottom of the boat as you go along, and the momentary channel closes right up behind the ferry. Sometimes the ice chunks are a foot thick and make a really lound THUNK. This year the ice isn't that thick I guess.
ferry 2011 002
That's Mount Mansfield in the distance. Although our view of Vermont is pretty, they have a much better view looking across the lake at the Adirondacks.
ferry 2011 006
Not even close to how beautiful it was. Sometimes the sunrises in Hawkeye are just amazing, and I get to see them from my house.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
ice palace 2011 007
I went to Tupper Lake yesterday--I'm (slowly) cataloging their local history/special collection. It's intense and a lot of work. It's a long-term project. I leave from home in the morning--it takes about an hour to get there from my house (45 miles). Yesterday it was raining when I left but snowing like hell all the way home. Roads weren't great, got behind a plow at one point, took forever to get home. But I don't mind winter driving--I have no choice.
I stopped in Saranac Lake to see this year's ice palace. Every year there's a winter carnival and the 2 main events are the parade and the building of the ice palace. I love the ice palaces. There's no picture that really does justice to just how grand it is. Blocks of ice are cut from the water near the site and they're mortared together with snow. A huge amount of work, all done by volunteers. They used to have inmates help with it but they've closed that prison (it was minimum security so the inmates could work on civic projects). We always thought it was funny that these inmates were being rehabilitated by building ice palaces and doing trail mantenance. Very handy skills for NYC residents.
I stopped in Saranac Lake to see this year's ice palace. Every year there's a winter carnival and the 2 main events are the parade and the building of the ice palace. I love the ice palaces. There's no picture that really does justice to just how grand it is. Blocks of ice are cut from the water near the site and they're mortared together with snow. A huge amount of work, all done by volunteers. They used to have inmates help with it but they've closed that prison (it was minimum security so the inmates could work on civic projects). We always thought it was funny that these inmates were being rehabilitated by building ice palaces and doing trail mantenance. Very handy skills for NYC residents.
ice palace 2011 012
This is the fireplace--the firewood is birch logs. The carving in the foreground is of a roast pig. Very impressive and artistic.
ice palace 2011 014
Here's the view from the top of the stairs. It's the "court", the whole inside of the palace.
ice palace 2011 003
Run! Run for your lives! This is a very impressive sheet of ice that's getting ready to be released from the roof. No one is allowed to stand under this.
Yesterday the ice fell off. I wasn't home for it, but was sure pleased to find out no damage was done. Twice I've had icicles land on my electric meter and bust it. Mr. Electric Man said I should build a roof or covering over the meter. I don't think there's a substance that would survive being hit by my 4' iciciles. So I've done nothing.
Yesterday the ice fell off. I wasn't home for it, but was sure pleased to find out no damage was done. Twice I've had icicles land on my electric meter and bust it. Mr. Electric Man said I should build a roof or covering over the meter. I don't think there's a substance that would survive being hit by my 4' iciciles. So I've done nothing.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Moving along in Feb.
Everyone seems to be enthused because we're almost halfway through February. Almost halfway. February. It sure doesn't sound good, but I'm one of the few who thinks winter sort of ends at the end of February. Meanwhile, January and Feb. have been a little unkind here. I can't complain much about snow because my Midwesterners may have more than we do. It just snows every day in Hawkeye--2" last night, another inch or so during the day. Someone could have told me that it would be 0 this morning. We've had our share of sub-zero temps, the coldest at my house was around -20, which isn't really that extreme.
I have a lot of snow. I'm sick of it. I have to tromp through waist-deep snow to get to the firewood. I have to tromp through snow to get into the house. My deck stairs are like a bobsled run that you can just slide right down. Except you land hard on your butt when that happens. I forget to warn people, and sometimes friends will slip on a stair and away they go. Not very hospitable, is it. Will I complain this much when mud season comes? Not in the beginning, but that gets tiresome too. Oh whine. This is where I chose to live and this is what it's like. I love it here. It is what it is. I'm lucky to have a wonderful life.
I watched some interesting stuff about animals last night. Those of you who find reports of television shows boring should skip this part.
There is a border collie named Chaser who knows 1000 words. Well, I'm not so impressed because the words are the names of her toys. She has Seal, Octopus, Ice, etc. and can pick them out when asked to get a specific one. OK, that's good, but my dog has Teddy, Pony, Roadkill, etc., and she can pick out the one you ask for (sort of). The word she loves most is SOCKS. Anyone who knows her can recognize her obsession with socks. My dogs, like most domestic dogs, know phrases and words. Mine are even multi-lingual about dog biscuits. Biscuits in RI. Milk Bones at home. Treats at a friend's house. They perk right up when you say one of those words. It's true, though, that mostly that works in the context of the location.
And of course they know Let's go for a WALK, Get in the CAR, Get in your CAGE, MOVE!!!, and even LEAVE ME ALONE.
Another part of the show (this was Nova) had great information about dolphins. We all know how smart and trainable dolphins are, but this showed how really remarkable they are. The trainer signalled them to make up a new trick, and they did. They figured out how to make a task simpler: there was a box with a fish in it, and when a certain number of weights were put in the cage the door would open and the dolphin was rewarded with the fish. At first the dolphins put weights in one at a time, but they figured out that if they put all the weights in the cage at once they'd get their reward. I think this is really great.
There was a segment about an octopus that's been trained to open a jar with a treat in it. That was way cool. Lots of footage of an octopus' ability to change colors to blend in with its environment, as camouflage.
OK, enough about smart and trainable animals. But really--who knew you could train an octopus? And what made someone think of doing it?
Ah, the wonders of life.
I have a lot of snow. I'm sick of it. I have to tromp through waist-deep snow to get to the firewood. I have to tromp through snow to get into the house. My deck stairs are like a bobsled run that you can just slide right down. Except you land hard on your butt when that happens. I forget to warn people, and sometimes friends will slip on a stair and away they go. Not very hospitable, is it. Will I complain this much when mud season comes? Not in the beginning, but that gets tiresome too. Oh whine. This is where I chose to live and this is what it's like. I love it here. It is what it is. I'm lucky to have a wonderful life.
I watched some interesting stuff about animals last night. Those of you who find reports of television shows boring should skip this part.
There is a border collie named Chaser who knows 1000 words. Well, I'm not so impressed because the words are the names of her toys. She has Seal, Octopus, Ice, etc. and can pick them out when asked to get a specific one. OK, that's good, but my dog has Teddy, Pony, Roadkill, etc., and she can pick out the one you ask for (sort of). The word she loves most is SOCKS. Anyone who knows her can recognize her obsession with socks. My dogs, like most domestic dogs, know phrases and words. Mine are even multi-lingual about dog biscuits. Biscuits in RI. Milk Bones at home. Treats at a friend's house. They perk right up when you say one of those words. It's true, though, that mostly that works in the context of the location.
And of course they know Let's go for a WALK, Get in the CAR, Get in your CAGE, MOVE!!!, and even LEAVE ME ALONE.
Another part of the show (this was Nova) had great information about dolphins. We all know how smart and trainable dolphins are, but this showed how really remarkable they are. The trainer signalled them to make up a new trick, and they did. They figured out how to make a task simpler: there was a box with a fish in it, and when a certain number of weights were put in the cage the door would open and the dolphin was rewarded with the fish. At first the dolphins put weights in one at a time, but they figured out that if they put all the weights in the cage at once they'd get their reward. I think this is really great.
There was a segment about an octopus that's been trained to open a jar with a treat in it. That was way cool. Lots of footage of an octopus' ability to change colors to blend in with its environment, as camouflage.
OK, enough about smart and trainable animals. But really--who knew you could train an octopus? And what made someone think of doing it?
Ah, the wonders of life.
2011 feb snow2 007
This is my cabin. It's a small cabin on my property that was used long, long ago to house the riding instructor for the girls' camp. We called him Mr. John and he was wonderful to us when we were kids. It wasn't until we were adults that we realized how gay he was.
The girls had riding classes and John brought about 8 horses with him each summer. I don't know how he got them here, I can just imagine hauling that many horses from Cazenovia to Hawkeye. Anyway, every day my sister and I would walk to the riding ring, or the stable, to watch and learn how to ride. We had our favorite horses, of course. We were sooooo envious of those girls, who knew they weren't terribly happy at camp and probably didn't want to take riding lessons at all.
John couldn't let us ride because of liability issues, I guess, but his last day of his last year he let us ride. It was the most exciting thing we could imagine. He took us to the riding ring and turned us loose. We got to practice everything we'd learned. He sat in the center of the ring with his partner and ignored us. I thought it odd that one man was sitting on another's lap, but what did I know?
The girls had riding classes and John brought about 8 horses with him each summer. I don't know how he got them here, I can just imagine hauling that many horses from Cazenovia to Hawkeye. Anyway, every day my sister and I would walk to the riding ring, or the stable, to watch and learn how to ride. We had our favorite horses, of course. We were sooooo envious of those girls, who knew they weren't terribly happy at camp and probably didn't want to take riding lessons at all.
John couldn't let us ride because of liability issues, I guess, but his last day of his last year he let us ride. It was the most exciting thing we could imagine. He took us to the riding ring and turned us loose. We got to practice everything we'd learned. He sat in the center of the ring with his partner and ignored us. I thought it odd that one man was sitting on another's lap, but what did I know?
2011 feb snow2 002
It probably doesn't show, but these were about 4' long. A perfect way to commit murder--stab someone with an icicile.
Home sweet home
It's even different NOW. Iciciles fell off & now there's a huge chunk of ice that slid down the roof & is suspended. Don't go under that, anyone. I don't have to shovel my roof because it's metal. Or so I like to think. Much activity in the neighborhood of people having their roofs shoveled. It's a huge amount of work.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Cold enough for now
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?
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 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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