Friday, February 14, 2014
Digging out
These photos are backwards, but that's okay. Hubby came to my rescue this morning. He was at work last night. He drove as far as the barn and then stopped and rode the tractor the rest of the way home.
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| Poor fellow came in for a kiss and then went back to it. |
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| Pushing snow is hard work, even if you are sitting in a heated cab. |
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| The big blade digs a little deep and we only use it for bad snows. |
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| My husband is a whiz at snow removal. |
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| There he goes. |
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| Later he had to come back and do it again because it snowed more. |
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| Here he is on the initial run up the hill. My knight in a blue steed, with a big blade, coming to my emotional rescue. |
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| Even this big monster Ford has to inhale deeply in this deep snow. |
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| But he made it without problem. |
Measurable Snowfall
Our snow began around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, and continued until sometime after 3 p.m. on December 13, 2014. We received a total of 19 inches on the back deck.
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| At first it was just a few inches. |
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| As daylight waned, I could see Mr. Gnome as he stood guard. |
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| When I got up at 6 a.m. this morning, all I could see was the little tip of Mr. Gnome's hat. Later in the day, even that little tip was gone. |
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| Snow piled up on the grill. |
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| I plopped a ruler out when I got up; it said 14 inches. |
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| When all was said and done, we had about 19 inches. One of the largest snowfalls in a 24-hour period that I can recall. |
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thursday Thirteen
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| Snow as of 5 p.m. yesterday (2/12/14) |
2. So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending. - J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough. - Earl Wilson
4. Nature has no mercy at all. Nature says, "I'm going to snow. If you have on a bikini and no snowshoes, that's tough. I am going to snow anyway." - Maya Angelou
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| Shoveling was futile. |
5. Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into, the mind. - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
6. The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white. Neither need you do anything but be yourself. - Lao Tzu
7. Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly, Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams go, Life is a barren field, Frozen with snow. - Langston Hughes
Margaret Atwood
9. Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow. - Alice M. Swaim
10. Nature chose for a tool, not the earthquake or lightning to rend and split asunder, not the stormy torrent or eroding rain, but the tender snow-flowers noiselessly falling through unnumbered centuries. - John Muir
11. As soon go kindle fire with snow, as seek to quench the fire of love with words. - William Shakespeare
12. The snow itself is lonely or, if you prefer, self-sufficient. There is no other time when the whole world seems composed of one thing and one thing only. - Joseph Wood Krutch
13. Even in winter an isolated patch of snow has a special quality.
Andy Goldsworthy
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here. I've been playing for a while and this is my 331st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
The Last Time I Went Sledding
So we have a large snow forecast, and I was thinking about the last time I went sledding.
I was dating, so it was long, long time ago. My soon-to-be husband built a big bonfire on the hill near Uncle Bill's driveway and invited all of his friends, family, and neighbors.
This was January 1982. I think up until this year, that was the coldest January on record.
Anyway, back to the party. Soon we were all gathered on the hill, roasting marshmallows and drinking beer and hot chocolate (hopefully not at the same time). People produced sleds from everywhere and they went racing down the slope. This was a hay field so there were no frozen cow pies to worry with, no ditches, and no rocks. Just a nice, fast run.
James tied a big car hood on the back of his tractor, and as people went down, they would pile on the car hood and he would roar back up, pulling them and their sleds behind.
I remember much laughter, lots of shouting, and giggles. I remember the cold air racing down the nape of my neck as I rode behind James when we took our turn on the sled run. Whoosh! He held me tight, keeping me safe, and I expect I fell more in love with him then, if that was possible.
By the next Christmas, I was married. It may not have snowed much, I can't recall. In fact, I recall some snows in the 1980s but the next big snow that stands out in my mind didn't happen until 1993. By then I was too out of shape for sledding, and our old friends were married and scattered to the winds.
Youth - so glorious when you're living it, and you're too young to appreciate it.
These days the only sleighing I would consider would be the one-horse kind, or a ride in the cab of the tractor with the husband.
I was dating, so it was long, long time ago. My soon-to-be husband built a big bonfire on the hill near Uncle Bill's driveway and invited all of his friends, family, and neighbors.
This was January 1982. I think up until this year, that was the coldest January on record.
Anyway, back to the party. Soon we were all gathered on the hill, roasting marshmallows and drinking beer and hot chocolate (hopefully not at the same time). People produced sleds from everywhere and they went racing down the slope. This was a hay field so there were no frozen cow pies to worry with, no ditches, and no rocks. Just a nice, fast run.
James tied a big car hood on the back of his tractor, and as people went down, they would pile on the car hood and he would roar back up, pulling them and their sleds behind.
I remember much laughter, lots of shouting, and giggles. I remember the cold air racing down the nape of my neck as I rode behind James when we took our turn on the sled run. Whoosh! He held me tight, keeping me safe, and I expect I fell more in love with him then, if that was possible.
By the next Christmas, I was married. It may not have snowed much, I can't recall. In fact, I recall some snows in the 1980s but the next big snow that stands out in my mind didn't happen until 1993. By then I was too out of shape for sledding, and our old friends were married and scattered to the winds.
Youth - so glorious when you're living it, and you're too young to appreciate it.
These days the only sleighing I would consider would be the one-horse kind, or a ride in the cab of the tractor with the husband.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Pyrex Explodes
Last night I baked chicken in my Pyrex dish. I sat the dish on top of the oven, removed the chicken and sat down to eat.
Suddenly there was a loud bang behind me.
My Pyrex dish had exploded.
The dish actually melted the rug I have had for 27 years. My mother-in-law gave me those rugs when we moved into our home. We had to throw it away.
It broke into large pieces, but also into little pieces that were as fine as sand.
It took us a long time to clean up so that we felt like we had all of the glass removed. We had to move the refrigerator and everything on the counters.
This is the second Pyrex dish I have had break. Another dish broke into four large pieces once while it was in the oven cooking.
This was my favorite dish, now a distant memory. I used it for everything.
I'm just glad I had left the area, because if one of those shards of glass had hit me in the throat, I'd have lost my head.
Suddenly there was a loud bang behind me.
My Pyrex dish had exploded.
The dish actually melted the rug I have had for 27 years. My mother-in-law gave me those rugs when we moved into our home. We had to throw it away.
It broke into large pieces, but also into little pieces that were as fine as sand.
It took us a long time to clean up so that we felt like we had all of the glass removed. We had to move the refrigerator and everything on the counters.
This is the second Pyrex dish I have had break. Another dish broke into four large pieces once while it was in the oven cooking.
This was my favorite dish, now a distant memory. I used it for everything.
I'm just glad I had left the area, because if one of those shards of glass had hit me in the throat, I'd have lost my head.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Crazy About Cranes
I have a confession to make. I find machinery fascinating.
A few miles down the road, the state is installing a bridge and making changes at an intersection. They have a big crane. I look at it every time I drive by.
Sunday evening I made my husband stop so I could take pictures of it.
A few miles down the road, the state is installing a bridge and making changes at an intersection. They have a big crane. I look at it every time I drive by.
Sunday evening I made my husband stop so I could take pictures of it.
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Love Yourself First
From Sunday Stealing
Cupid's Questions Meme
1.)Do you like Valentine's Day?
A. I don't have a problem with it. My husband is good about not forgetting the holidays.
2.)Are you going to celebrate it?
A. We have made plans for the weekend.
3.)Celebrate Valentine's Day with Friends or someone Special?
A. I will celebrate with my Pookie.
4.)Pink or red?
A. How about blue? Or purple? Or yellow?
5.)Candy Hearts OR cards?
A. Candy hearts. You can't do anything with a card but read it and recycle it.
6.)A short kiss or a big hug?
A. How about a big long wet smooch?
7.)What are your plans for V-day?
A. We are going to a murder mystery dinner.
8.)What would be the best gift to receive?
A. Good health.
9.)Would get back with any of your ex's for V-day?
A. No. But then I'm so old and have been married for so long I hardly remember any ex's.
10.)Is there a food or beverage you associate with V-day?
A. Chocolate.
11.) What are your thoughts on "Love at first sight"?
A. I believe in it, because I knew from my first date that I would marry the man I live with.
12.)Do you think people who have dated can stay friends?
A. I suppose so. It depends upon their maturity level.
13.) If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice about dating or relationships what would it be?
A. You can't change anyone but yourself. If you think someone will change for you, you are sadly mistaken. Love yourself first, and the rest will take care of itself.
Cupid's Questions Meme
1.)Do you like Valentine's Day?
A. I don't have a problem with it. My husband is good about not forgetting the holidays.
2.)Are you going to celebrate it?
A. We have made plans for the weekend.
3.)Celebrate Valentine's Day with Friends or someone Special?
A. I will celebrate with my Pookie.
4.)Pink or red?
A. How about blue? Or purple? Or yellow?
5.)Candy Hearts OR cards?
A. Candy hearts. You can't do anything with a card but read it and recycle it.
6.)A short kiss or a big hug?
A. How about a big long wet smooch?
7.)What are your plans for V-day?
A. We are going to a murder mystery dinner.
8.)What would be the best gift to receive?
A. Good health.
9.)Would get back with any of your ex's for V-day?
A. No. But then I'm so old and have been married for so long I hardly remember any ex's.
10.)Is there a food or beverage you associate with V-day?
A. Chocolate.
11.) What are your thoughts on "Love at first sight"?
A. I believe in it, because I knew from my first date that I would marry the man I live with.
12.)Do you think people who have dated can stay friends?
A. I suppose so. It depends upon their maturity level.
13.) If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice about dating or relationships what would it be?
A. You can't change anyone but yourself. If you think someone will change for you, you are sadly mistaken. Love yourself first, and the rest will take care of itself.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
A hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top
Saturday 9: Why Don't We Get Drunk?
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here. (I know who Jimmy Buffett is but I'd never heard this song.)
1)This week's song was once named the favorite love song of Bud Wiser, the godfather to this humble blog. With Valentine's Day coming up, what's your favorite love song?
A. The Wedding Song (There is Love), by Peter, Paul and Mary, along with Longer, by Dan Folgerberg. Both were played at my wedding, more than 30 years ago now. Nothing I've heard since sticks in my heart like these two songs.
2) When this song was first released back in 1973, the "Why don't we get drunk and screw?" refrain was considered shocking. With the explicit sexual content in many of today's songs, it now hardly raises an eyebrow. When is the last time you were shocked? (Not just by a song, by anything at all.)
A. I was playing my guitar during an electric storm back in early summer and lightning hit close and bounced through the guitar strings into my fingers. (I know that is not the kind of shocked you're talking about, but nothing much shocks me in that other way anymore.)
3) Buffett named his first daughter Savannah, presumably after his favorite city. Tell us about your favorite city.
A. I don't like cities so I don't really have a favorite. I will tell you about Roanoke, VA, though, because that is my city (though I'm 30 minutes out from its heart). Roanoke was initially called Big Lick (1852). It was named for a big salt lick down by the Roanoke River. In 1882 it became the town of Roanoke (supposedly an Algonquin name for "shell money") and eventually it became the largest city in southwest Virginia (current population about 95,000 or so). It was a railroad town initially and Norfolk Southern still has a presence in the city. Roanoke has a downtown that stagnated significantly in the late 1970s and 1980s, but it is currently undergoing a revival of sorts. Downtown is host to a farmer's market that is the longest-running farmer's market in the state. The city is generally a blue spot surrounded by red during elections. Roanoke's most famous citizens include Wayne Newton and Debbie Reynolds.
4) Mr. Buffett opened a Margaritaville Casino in Atlantic City. Have you ever gambled in Atlantic City? What about Las Vegas?
A. I have never been gambling. The closest I have come to that is scratching off lottery tickets. I have, however, been through Las Vegas. When I was 12, we took a driving trip to CA and passed through Las Vegas on the way home. I remember nothing about the city because my mother and father were fighting the entire time we were passing through and my mom kept saying "stop the car so I can get a GD quickie divorce" and so I was sobbing in the back seat.
5) Saving Florida's manatees is a cause near and dear to Jimmy Buffett's heart. If we were to make a $100 contribution to any charity in your honor, which would you choose?
A. The American Cancer Society.
6) If today was your birthday, your astrological sign would be Aquarius. How often do you check your horoscope?
A. I read mine almost every day, in print in the newspaper. I don't check it other places very often, though sometimes I grow curious and look at tarot.com or astrologyzone.com.
7) On this date in 1974, the show Good Times ("Dy-no-mite!") premiered and, much to Sam's confusion and chagrin, still enjoys an audience in syndication. Tell us about a pop culture phenomenon that you just never got into.
A. I never watched Seinfeld. I thought it was the most stupid thing I ever saw.
8) Is there a home improvement project on your list of things to do?
A. We need to finish the master bathroom. We installed a new walk-in shower and a new tile floor and the walls need to be painted. I am allergic to paint, though, so we are waiting on warmer weather when we can open the windows for a while.
9) A warm-weather choice to consider on a February day: Ice cream sundae or banana split?
A. A hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top and loads of whipped cream. I haven't had one since I was 12, when it was determined that milk products made me wheeze. I hope I get up the courage to eat another one before I die.
1)This week's song was once named the favorite love song of Bud Wiser, the godfather to this humble blog. With Valentine's Day coming up, what's your favorite love song?
A. The Wedding Song (There is Love), by Peter, Paul and Mary, along with Longer, by Dan Folgerberg. Both were played at my wedding, more than 30 years ago now. Nothing I've heard since sticks in my heart like these two songs.
2) When this song was first released back in 1973, the "Why don't we get drunk and screw?" refrain was considered shocking. With the explicit sexual content in many of today's songs, it now hardly raises an eyebrow. When is the last time you were shocked? (Not just by a song, by anything at all.)
A. I was playing my guitar during an electric storm back in early summer and lightning hit close and bounced through the guitar strings into my fingers. (I know that is not the kind of shocked you're talking about, but nothing much shocks me in that other way anymore.)
3) Buffett named his first daughter Savannah, presumably after his favorite city. Tell us about your favorite city.
A. I don't like cities so I don't really have a favorite. I will tell you about Roanoke, VA, though, because that is my city (though I'm 30 minutes out from its heart). Roanoke was initially called Big Lick (1852). It was named for a big salt lick down by the Roanoke River. In 1882 it became the town of Roanoke (supposedly an Algonquin name for "shell money") and eventually it became the largest city in southwest Virginia (current population about 95,000 or so). It was a railroad town initially and Norfolk Southern still has a presence in the city. Roanoke has a downtown that stagnated significantly in the late 1970s and 1980s, but it is currently undergoing a revival of sorts. Downtown is host to a farmer's market that is the longest-running farmer's market in the state. The city is generally a blue spot surrounded by red during elections. Roanoke's most famous citizens include Wayne Newton and Debbie Reynolds.
4) Mr. Buffett opened a Margaritaville Casino in Atlantic City. Have you ever gambled in Atlantic City? What about Las Vegas?
A. I have never been gambling. The closest I have come to that is scratching off lottery tickets. I have, however, been through Las Vegas. When I was 12, we took a driving trip to CA and passed through Las Vegas on the way home. I remember nothing about the city because my mother and father were fighting the entire time we were passing through and my mom kept saying "stop the car so I can get a GD quickie divorce" and so I was sobbing in the back seat.
5) Saving Florida's manatees is a cause near and dear to Jimmy Buffett's heart. If we were to make a $100 contribution to any charity in your honor, which would you choose?
A. The American Cancer Society.
6) If today was your birthday, your astrological sign would be Aquarius. How often do you check your horoscope?
A. I read mine almost every day, in print in the newspaper. I don't check it other places very often, though sometimes I grow curious and look at tarot.com or astrologyzone.com.
7) On this date in 1974, the show Good Times ("Dy-no-mite!") premiered and, much to Sam's confusion and chagrin, still enjoys an audience in syndication. Tell us about a pop culture phenomenon that you just never got into.
A. I never watched Seinfeld. I thought it was the most stupid thing I ever saw.
8) Is there a home improvement project on your list of things to do?
A. We need to finish the master bathroom. We installed a new walk-in shower and a new tile floor and the walls need to be painted. I am allergic to paint, though, so we are waiting on warmer weather when we can open the windows for a while.
9) A warm-weather choice to consider on a February day: Ice cream sundae or banana split?
A. A hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top and loads of whipped cream. I haven't had one since I was 12, when it was determined that milk products made me wheeze. I hope I get up the courage to eat another one before I die.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Books: The Heist
The Heist
By Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Copyright 2013
Unabridged Audio read by Scott Brick
8.5 hours
Kate is an FBI agent; Nick Fox is a con artist. Kate chases Nick and finally catches him. Nick cuts a deal with Kate's boss, and suddenly Kate and Nick are working together.
They create a massive con to catch an international embezzler, with the FBI's blessing.
That's the basic premise of this story. I am not sure how one classifies this, as it is neither mystery nor romance. It reminded me a little bit of David Baldacci's King & Maxwell series of books, and I don't have a genre for those, either.
At any rate, this was fun to listen to in the car. It sounds like it could become a series - or not. As I listened to this, I found myself trying to figure out the parts that Evanovich might have been responsible for. I am not familiar with Goldberg so I couldn't pick him out. There were a few turns of phrases that I thought sounded like classic Evanovich, but not many.
I would consider this a good beach read. If it were summer. And I was at the beach.
The audio is available at the local library (or will be when I turn it back in).
By Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
Copyright 2013
Unabridged Audio read by Scott Brick
8.5 hours
Kate is an FBI agent; Nick Fox is a con artist. Kate chases Nick and finally catches him. Nick cuts a deal with Kate's boss, and suddenly Kate and Nick are working together.
They create a massive con to catch an international embezzler, with the FBI's blessing.
That's the basic premise of this story. I am not sure how one classifies this, as it is neither mystery nor romance. It reminded me a little bit of David Baldacci's King & Maxwell series of books, and I don't have a genre for those, either.
At any rate, this was fun to listen to in the car. It sounds like it could become a series - or not. As I listened to this, I found myself trying to figure out the parts that Evanovich might have been responsible for. I am not familiar with Goldberg so I couldn't pick him out. There were a few turns of phrases that I thought sounded like classic Evanovich, but not many.
I would consider this a good beach read. If it were summer. And I was at the beach.
The audio is available at the local library (or will be when I turn it back in).
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