Sunday 26 March 2017

Dog Days

We took the dogs out for a nice walk in the woods.



Frey did a lot of rolling around in the snow; he wasn't especially energetic otherwise, but he had an excellent snow bath.



Ollie was delighted to be out; he's always happiest when he can plunge ahead of everyone. Valla and Frey don't offer too much of a challenge.


The sky peeked through the trees, a startling blue. The day looked as though it was going to be cloudy, but it brightened up nicely. Later this week, the cold snap ends and warm weather begins: spring!

Saturday 25 March 2017

Power Hour

It's actually quite difficult to get the house lit up dramatically; all the lights are modest in power and the lighting is so generally low-key that it is hard to make a statement. I'll try the wide angle--it's very bright and might do a better job.What a time for the camera battery to give out! It's ironic: I need MORE POWER!!


This is still too DARK! Better, though.


Electric Hour

Electric Hour is upon us again--funny how they co-opted the Feast of the Annunciation (and the Downfall of Sauron). This time I'm making preparations early: extra lighting. With any luck, we will be visible from space. It is also a major wood-hauling day: the rack is empty and it is STILL sub-zero.

Hesed and rahamim.

Saturday 18 March 2017

New Woodstove

We installed a new woodstove--it went smoothly, a result of upgrade planning built into the previous installation: the clearances were sufficient, the slab was more than large enough, and the double-walled stovepipe was adjustable.

It's very nice--the top is a massively thick plate, and the stainless steel reburner system looks promising. I think it should stop the deterioration of the roof resulting from creosote.

Monday 6 March 2017

Last of the Cold Weather?

After some tremendous nor-easters and shattering cold, the season seems to have resumed its march toward spring. The sky still has that intense blue I associate with the dead of winter, but there are encouraging signs.
 We have reached the point at which the sunporch is comfortable when the sun is high, and one can even sit out on the deck--until a cloud passes by. The air still has a definite chill, but spring approaches--gradually.

Sunday 5 March 2017

Blast of March



February ended and March began with a chill recalling the horrible winter during which we replaced the footvalve. The temperature was above zero for a few days, and we dug up all the pipes and laid them out in the driveway. We packed it all back into the well, and then frantically called Johnny to bring over the loader to bury it again. Immediately afterward it dropped to -20. It's been around that temperature for the last few days, but tomorrow will take us back near zero, with warmer days to come. Perhaps this was the very last of the truly cold days of the year! For the last two days the wind has been howling; all night it was like an endless train going by. This morning was calmer, but the wind continued to gust at intervals. The snow is rock-hard once again.