2-28-2011. February Twilight

February Twilight

I stood beside a hill
Smooth with new-laid snow,
A single star looked out
From the cold evening glow.

There was no other creature
That saw what I could see--
I stood and watched the evening star
As long as it watched me.
Sara Teasdale

2-28-2011.

February

They spoke of him I love
With cruel words and gay;
My lips kept silent guard
On all I could not say.

I heard, and down the street
The lonely trees in the square
Stood in the winter wind
Patient and bare.

I heard . . . oh voiceless trees
Under the wind, I knew
The eager terrible spring
Hidden in you.
Sara Teasdale

2-28-2011

Afternoon in February

The day is ending,
The night is descending;
The marsh is frozen,
The river dead.

Through clouds like ashes
The red sun flashes
On village windows
That glimmer red.

The snow recommences;
The buried fences
Mark no longer
The road o'er the plain;

While through the meadows,
Like fearful shadows,
Slowly passes
A funeral train.

The bell is pealing,
And every feeling
Within me responds
To the dismal knell;

Shadows are trailing,
My heart is bewailing
And tolling within
Like a funeral bell.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2-28-2011. good bye February.

The last day and the last few hours of February 2011. The month, short as it is, went by exceptionally fast.

It was a rainy overcast but mild day. i got caught up on all the Monday things.. well the same things i generally do every day of the week: kitchen clutter control, which was minimal.  I also Finished up  the last few bills, everyone should be happy to get that pound of flesh a little early this month. 

Met a friend for an impromptu healthy lunch, grilled chicken Caesar salad and a few minutes to discuss the retreat at the end of march.

It was a nice low key day and now dinner time. For this evening, while i could go to a guild meeting, i plan to stay home with family.  Watch some TV, do some reading, and generally relaxing. A good day turning into a good evening.

Good bye February!

2-26-2011, more on friday activities....

There was a time when nothing could be done if the power was out.  Now with all the technology available to us, you can be quite entertained while you wait for the power to come back on.

Andrew mentioned i could watch a DVD in his car as long as it was running and in park.   I realized that i could also use the portable DVD player with the 8 hour battery to entertain myself if i wanted to.  My cell phone was charged so i could chat with friends, and i could actually recharge it as andrews car has an outlet pack that runs from the battery. 

Water for flushing can be crucial, but with all the rain & run off,  the dry creek was flowing and even the fish pond had plenty of water. a few buckets of water sat at the ready. while you can get away with not showering once in a while.. keeping toilets clean and from clogging is a must.

Keeping things warm and cold is probably the biggest concern.  I do try not to open the refrig or the freezer.  Thankful it was not a frigid day as the house never went below 65 degrees. dogs were walked and left outside so they had the benefit of as much light as was available on a cloudy day.

In the end... Like Scarlett O'Hara, i figured i would just deal with the problem later in the day.  Since it was early morning when we had the last outage, i just went back to sleep till the radio and a few lights snapped on.  Then it was time for the day to begin... even if it was after 11a.m.

2-26-2011..The weekend begins on friday

Rain and  wind caused a lot of havoc in Bucks and neighboring Lehigh county all day Friday.

Remember when i wrote of the transformer that was smoldering on ground hogs day? Well Friday morning it decided to make its presence known yet again.

Just a little past 6;30 there was a loud BANG.  Thunder?  Trees falling? And what was that beeping noise?  Still half asleep, i could tell the sound of the morning rush hour traffic was different, Slowing down but still moving.  The beeping was definitely the computer system switching to 20 minutes of battery life before going out for good.  I got up to see what was going on. The electricity was definitely out.

I thought for sure a tree had come down on the road.  Hubby said the fire company was outside, he wanted to give them coffee. Apparently the utility poll just down the highway, the exact same one that had been smoldering at the beginning of the month,  deciders to put on an early morning  display.  A ball of blue fire shot into the sky and sparks were showering the highway.  Once the fire company ascertained that there was nothing they could do but keep people safe, the highway was closed to traffic.  Fire engines at both ends blocking the road and fire people diverting traffic around our section of the highway.  

No electric, no cars, (no heat, no water, but coffee!)   I walked outside to see if anything of interest was going on.  nope, nothing.

During the emergency, the fire chief periodically drove up and down the highway to check on the offending utility poll. The traffic at each end of the road reminded me of angry vikings just itching to attack the enemy at the other end of the pass.  The road was quiet and peaceful, i imagine everyone wanted to know why they had to detour. Strangely enough all the neighbors on the road decided to go about their business as if nothing happened.  Every few minutes  a car would leave and a few actually returned (probably with coffee or water).  a few pick up trucks and even Hubby left going east, passing the utility poll (no wires on the highway).  Eventually even Ross left heading west.

The electric company truck arrived to look over the scene. opened the highway to traffic, then left, only to  return with what they needed to fix the problem. By 11 the power was back on.

what a way to start the day in the country!

2-24-2011 cleaning day

well it was marathon cleaning day again. time sure flies by! i have to admit to starting on monday and i have been vacuming and dusting every day.  i have vacuumed up enough hair to recreate 2 small terriers!  at least it is done for a few days then it will start all over again. 

Wash is never finished just a break in between loads.  our wash,  their wash,  sheets & towels, rugs, and dog laundry ( lets not forget about them!)...

anyway.. rain on the horizon plus wind too.  it will be nice to have a little non cleaning time to read or sew and have a nice lunch.  i see spring bulbs starting to push their way through the frozen ground.  spring is definitely on the way, but not yet in the air.

enjoy the evening !

2-23-2011 wrapping up february

This is the last Wednesday in  February.  A cold day but overflowing with sun.  The sun actually feels warm even as the air temperature is in the 30's.

A friend sent this link weeks ago. Most of the time it is a little boring, after all, all the momma eagle does is sit on the nest.  Periodically there is some action.

There are 3 eggs in the nest, and it will be interesting to see the chicks hatch and eventually fledge.  Check it out now and during the spring & summer.

http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html

2-22-2011... snow again and snow geese.

There are all sorts of obstacles encountered on a dog walk during the day light or the dark of night.  For that reason, I generally watch the ground and where I am going to avoid falls.   When the dogs stop to dig or snuffle about, i always look up to the top of the trees.  Taking advantage of the winter scene, bare branches and no canopy of leaves still make a  beautiful sight.   Drinking in every scene of every season.  Being thankful for them all.... How can you not?

This morning as i was gazing up into the blue sky and bare branches.. i saw a flock of snow geese flying in V formation.  Snow geese, not Canada geese.   I cannot recall ever looking up and seeing such a different sight and i plan to check my 30 years of bird watching notes to see if i have ever noted this sight before.  Does not matter, as  they were  Snow geese today. They were all white underneath with black wing tips.  They were smaller and fatter looking, their necks were not as long, all this even at the distance. Their white was brilliant in the sunlight.  The V formation was a different from the Canada geese V.   There were not as many individuals as the Canads geese usually have and they seemed to be  quieter than the Canada's.   It was a beautiful sight all the same.  

Bird migration starts mid february regardless of the weather, and seeing birds moving into and out of the area is always a sure sign of spring.  Less birds at the well stocked feeders, till the snow the last 2 days and now everyone is back for an easy meal. 

cold cold cold...
but another beautiful day in the country.

2-21-2011 Presidents day.

I woke up this morning and wondered if it was foggy out side.. nope just light snow. i do believe they said no accumulation, just an inch or maybe a little more, but it did cover up all the later winter ugliness.

Over the years i have always enjoyed that spring preview that occurs in  February.  From bitter cold one day to spring like warmth the next, only to return to cold winter weather again.   I  always tell myself it is just mother natures' reminder, giving us hope that the cold will soon be over, and the warm weather just weeks or days away.

It is always quiet when it snows.  Living on the highway, it is easy to be aware of the difference.  Today being a holiday, there were no early school buses rumbling by. I did not even hear the trash truck that comes while it is still dark. People must have off from work today too, the rush hour traffic was light and the shoppers are not out yet.  Price of gasoline and extra cash for impromptu shopping trips has also contributed to less traffic today and  in general.

well it may have snowed again, but i have a tone of clutter control to catch up with after three days of hubby being home. The gray day sheds a kindly light on the mess.

Remembering the presidents that made our country great.

enjoying the remainder of February in the country.

2-20-2011.. just a sunday morning.

I have been up for hours. have had my fill of coffee and read the newspaper.  Time for some of the Sunday morning shows.  i like to have an idea of what is going on in the nation and the world.  Commentaries from the pundits.  You can agree or disagree but for me i like to at least have an idea

After more than 24 hours the high winds seems to have finally died down.  I cannot remember a time when we had sustained winds for so long, over 24 hours of the continued sound plus all sorts of things blowing down the highway to new locations. 

The telltale signs of downed trees are up and down The highway. One area between 563 and clymer road was particularly hard hit. pile after pile of freshly cut trees and saw dust.  Our electricity blinked out a few times, and was off for 20 minutes at one time, but we were lucky to loose neither power for a long time or any trees.

Saturday was Bee day.  We met at a friends home. it was a little tight, we squeezed in and everyone got something accomplished.  We are finally starting to spend  less time eating and more sewing... but.... for women, a shared meal is part of any gathering. 

I am so fortunate to have the dear friends i have. Country or city, it is what makes life worth living.  Right now, We are all abuzz with thoughts of our sewing retreat. A vacation with girlfriends is a fabulous opportunity to relax. Women care about women in a different way than even the most attentive spouse.

Only one more Sunday and February will be over.
have a warm and wonderful Sunday regardless of what you do.

2-17-2011 thursday warm and sunny

 Everyone enjoys a sunny warm day...

I opened the front door of the house to allow the built up heat on the enclosed front porch to enter the house.  That little front porch is 84 degrees!  With the sun streaming in and temps in the low 50's, i decided to oblige the cat, sister, and let her out for some fresh air and sun. 

Of course when you see the perfect picture you never have a camera in hand..  Sister was sitting inside the garage on the window sill, her favorite spot.. with just her head outside the window watching the snow melt run off the roof.  it was a cute shot.. and of course as soon as i had camera in hand she went back inside to groom.  i got a photo to give you the idea.

Sister, outside after a long winter inside.

2-17-2011 We all get bored some days...

Juliette rarely destroys her soft toys. But she has had help in dismantling 2 dog beds.  It would seem as if it was a bid for attention that went unheeded.. and the shaking game got out of hand.  When my son asked if i was allowing the 3 (one field, 2 terriers) to destroy the bed... all activity stopped including my computer time just 3 feet from the dogie bed demise. What can you do.  We all get bored some days.

2-16-2011-mid week

The temperatures have been on the rise this week.   Some  melting has finally occurred. There is lawn visible out front where the sun hits, and the creek is flowing from the melting.  The Air is warming when there is not a gale force wind blowing.  It is ugly out there!

Ugly you say?!  the snow is dirty along the highway and streets in town. still head high in some places like parking lots, but with a covering of black and gray. Exhaust from cars and trucks.  Gravel from pot holes is in evidence.

Here at home.. the snow is peppered with pine needles, bits of bark and twigs and piles of dog dirt. The path we walk is ice just covering the surface, but the ground all around is still covered with  several inches of soft dirty snow.   lots of branches down that will need to be picked up eventually.  The open ground is ...squishy.. melt that has no place to flow just lays on the surface. 

This is the " things get worse before they get better" time.  Spring is coming. with a few more days of melting the snow drops will be up and open.  people are talking about the height of the daffodils under the snow.

February is more than 1/2 over. every day is one less day of winter and one day sooner for spring. I hope we have an average spring,  not too cold or wet. Looking forward to flowers blooming.

2-9-2011.... my day started at 6:30 a.m.

Hubby had a dentist appointment this morning so the usual 5:30 a.m. wake up alarm was silent. but the dogie version of early morning wake up call was working well.  I jumped up at about 6;30, got dressed and took julie out, for a quick walk. Then, even though i was still basically asleep,  I walked the little girls too. 

Before heading back to bed,  I spent a few minutes looking at the most incredible sun rise.  The hills were black yet, but the sun showed a florescent  pink shot through with orange.  It was stunning.   What  a beautiful mix of colors, pulled from mother natures crayon box.

It reminded me of an art project from grade school. Everyone had to cut out a copy of the skyline of the Vatican.  This was cut from black construction paper.  We then did a water color wash on white paper.  pinks and oranges were what i used.  Once dried, we added our black Vatican skyline and had some interesting sky line scenes hanging around the room.

I would have tried for a photo of this mornings view, but knew i could not do justice to the sight before me.  Back to bed for me, with everyone else here starting their Wednesday morning.  My day eventually got underway at 8: 30 which is only fair if you are on call for dog walking at all hours of the day and night.

2-8-2011.. the wind howls

One of the things i love about winter is the absence of leaves on the trees.  Everything is much more open, and you see things you just cannot see, might not notice in summer. 

On my recent trek through town i took note of  a little enclave of twins sporting sheds at the back end of their property.

This area had been a horse corral when we first moved here thirty years ago. The occupant had been a horse like Roy Rodgers,  "Trigger", a palomino.   As the owner aged,  the property was eventually sold to a developer and 2 sets of twins went up in its place.  Neat Homes, small yards enclosed by fences, common driveway, but no garages.  Everyone had a shed....then  2.  Then there was a fabric garage that  popped up also.  

What was so interesting to me, was the smoke coming from one of the sheds, a heat source.   OK, if you are spending any amount of time in an outside building you definitely need heat.  but these sheds are not that big...
unless you  attach 2 or 3.  Then you have a nifty little home away from home.
Honestly, this area, behind the neat houses, is  looking more and more like a hobo camp, and now with heat too!

I guess this is the country way to have a man cave when there is no basement or garage.

2-8-2011 Black clouds, blue sky

We got no snow last night, just rain and that rain went a long way toward reducing the amount of snow still in evidence. This morning there have been breaks of blue sky peeking through the gray and black clouds.  It  will be a wild day weather wise as one front drifts by and another barrels in with high winds and dropping temperatures.  The high temp for the day was 40 degrees at 10 a.m.   Now, with the front here and the winds increasing.. 30 feels like 20! if it was not so cold, it would be great to open the windows and air out the house.. but not quite yet, too cold.

Monday was a great day to be out and about. It has been quite some time since i drove through Quakertown at a leisurely pace, instead of trying to beat the next snow storm. I had heard there were quite a few trees down after the ice storm, but only one or 2 small piles of brush were in evidence.

I always say   ''God loves quakertown''.    We were lucky not to suffer too much destruction with the weather.
Winter continues....

2/7/2011........ The year of the rabbit

The Rabbit Rabbits are private individuals, a bit introverted and withdrawn. People e born into this sign would rather work behind-the-scenes instead of being the center of attention in any situation. Do not misunderstand…the Rabbit is not a recluse. In fact, he is a reasonably friendly individual who enjoys the company of a group of good friends whether at a business dinner or a holiday party. Rabbits just like to be a part of the gang as opposed to the leader of it. Years of the Rabbit Rabbit Years are fourth in the cycle, following Tiger Years, and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Rabbit Year actually begins. THE SIGN OF THE RABBIT Rabbits, like their animal counterparts, are quite calm people who do not exhibit aggressive behavior and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, a Rabbit will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising his voice or becoming visibly annoyed. Because of their serenity, Rabbits seem to miss things, whether they are confrontational in nature or not. However, the Rabbit is quite keen and pays close attention to the situations developing around him. He is intelligent and quick and can talk himself in or out of most situations with no problem. The Chinese Rabbit is one of the most stylish creatures of the Chinese Animal Signs and finds interest in different cultures. He is classy and sophisticated, and can be found adorning one of the latest fashion magazine cover looks. Rabbits also like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They love top express themselves, which is evident when joining them at home for a function or a cup of coffee. RABBIT FACTS: People born in the Year of the Rabbit share certain characteristics. The Rabbit Sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the Sign of the Rabbit. Fourth in order, Chinese name-TU, sign of peace Hour—5am-6:59am Month—March Western Counterpart—Pisces CHARCTERISTICS Keen, Wise, Fragile, Tranquil, Serene, Considerate, Fashionable, Sneaky, Obsessive IN YOUR ELEMENT The characteristics of the Rabbit are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle. THE METAL RABBIT 1951 AND 2011 Metal gives Rabbits a more resilient demeanor than the other more quiet Rabbit. These Rabbits are very ambitious and can be quite crafty in their dealings with others. They throw themselves and their emotions into everything they do, making them intense lovers, but not outwardly affectionate lovers. Their determination can affect their work as well, whether through personal relationships with colleagues or with the work itself, a Rabbit can be known to immerse himself in his projects…business and personal. THE WATER RABBIT 1903 AND 1963 Delicate and docile, Water Rabbits will pretty well go with the flow to avoid any conflict or argument. These situations hurt them and bother them because they are such sensitive creatures. They are usually sociable and relaxed, although sometimes they get withdrawn and introspective. They are supportive with family and friends as well as business partners and display an empathy that makes people flock to them for friendly advice and comfort. Sometimes, they can easily be taken advantage of because they are so generous with themselves and their emotions. So they have to be careful not to let their guards down so quickly. THE WOOD RABBIT 1915 AND 1975 Wood Rabbits tend to be the least bit indecisive. This is probably due to their always wanting to play the peacemaker and not wanting to hurt other people’s feelings. Wood Rabbits are incredibly generous souls and like to avoid the spotlight instead preferring to live amongst others. These people are always kind enough to help you move into a new house, make you a hot cup of coffee or to listen while you rant and rave about your latest character flaw. The Wood Rabbit can sometimes be too kind for his own good, thus causing him to be taken advantage of and sometimes even used by others unknowingly. Rabbits have to learn to say no and to out their feet down or their cups will overflow. THE FIRE RABBIT 1927 AND 1987 Fire adds an unspoken magnetism and mystery to the Rabbit. These creatures have a burning desire to get out there and live life to its fullest. They are active and adventurous and love anything that sparks their creativity or curiosity. They can throw tantrums here and there, if provoked, but most of the time they work very hard to avoid conflict or unpleasant confrontations. Fire Rabbits are charming and tend to push their emotions into the backs of their minds, but will speak up if necessary. THE EARTH RABBIT 1939 AND 1999 The Earth element gives these Rabbits a sense of reality and practicality that others don’t illustrate so freely. They are able to give sound advice, which in turn gets them respect and trust from those who solicit their counsel. They take pride in their homes and work diligently to make them a place of security for their loved ones. In the same breath, Earth Rabbits put a great deal of value on material comforts and like to make money. HEALTH AND HABITAT HEALTH Rabbits are apt to be sensitive to ailments and to have bad allergies. Stress or conflict will detriment the Rabbit’s health. Exercise could take off unnecessary stress and strengthen the Rabbit’s physical condition, but he tends not to work out regularly. Rabbits have to learn to incorporate more action into their everyday routines. AT HOME WITH THE RABBIT A Rabbit will become depressed and withdrawn if his home does not consist of beautiful possessions that make him comfortable. They are extremely organized and the best way to throw a Rabbit off is to remove something from its sitting place. They are so orderly and their homes and offices so clutter-free that it is sometimes a point of humor with their friends. Rabbits are modest in their decorating choices and choose different shades of green such as sages and turquoises. CAREER AND FINANCE THE RABBIT ON THE JOB Rabbits have really good communication skills and are best utilized in positions of management. They make great teachers and PR people because they are so diplomatic and well-organized. Even so, they can also make great painters or musicians due to their sense of beauty and their love of creativity. MONEY AND THE RABBIT Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. And that lucky rabbit foot didn’t just come out of nowhere…Rabbits are pretty lucky folks! They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture. They would rather invest their money in gadgets and things than in the stock market. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things. RABBIT CAREERS Those born in the Year of the Rabbit share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Rabbit are listed below: RABBITS MAKE EXCELLENT: Therapists Psychiatrists Doctors Ophthalmologists Writers Masseurs Teachers Publishers Designers Actors Musicians Administrators PR agents Fashion designers CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS Whether Rabbits are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partner. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful. Rabbits ruled by Benefit From Are antagonistic to Metal Earth Sheep Fire Dragons Water Metal Dogs Earth Roosters Wood Water Rabbits Metal Horses Fire Wood Snakes Water Tigers Earth Fire Pigs Wood Monkeys Leisurely activities and pleasures LIKES AND DISLIKES Since Rabbits are born under the same Animal Sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Rabbit personality. Color Preference: Pale Green Gems and Stones: Crystal, Emerald, Pearl Suitable Gifts: Tapestry kit, CD, fine wine, easel, lyrics book Hobbies and Pastimes: Writing poetry, hiking, planting gardens and trees, chatting with friends Rabbits Dislike: Touchy-feely people, abrupt curves in their routines, disorganization THE RABBIT ON VACATION Rabbits love to indulge in different cultures and spend a lot of their lifetimes trying to find inner peace. Sensitive and careful by nature they would be just as happy shopping for hidden treasures at the local flea market or yard sale to display in their delicately decorated homes. Rabbits tend to want to travel to traditional places such as Europe and Asia when they have time off. In addition, taking a course to release their creative energies such as photography or instrument lessons would make the Rabbit feel well-rounded and accomplished. FRIENDS AND ENEMIES Rabbits, although outgoing, are definitely not the leaders of the pack or the spotlight thieves. They like to be associated with a group or a club, where they find comfort in the company of others. Rabbits just happen to be low-profile people. Perhaps this is because they tend to be rather picky about who they pal around with. Rabbits love their friends and offer them all a warm refuge and a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. They enjoy catching up and hanging out more than anything. Compatible Friends Best Friends: Sheep and Pigs Mortal Enemy: Roosters a few of my favorite rabbits. Alice's white rabbit

2/7/2011 continued...

During the height of the freezing rain, there were some beautiful sights, all covered in ice. The sound and look belies the danger of being struck by falling branches or ice and that which ends up on the highway is treacherous to say the least.
This one particular bush along our walk bent over backwards to attract attention. With a few leaves that held on and dark blue berries for the birds.

.

2/7/2011.... Just another monday before another snow storm....

I have always wondered where, exactly, the deer sleep.  Do they go to the same area every night or travel to a different sleeping area each night?
here are some photo's of  where the deer have been sleeping on our property.  this area is just loaded with shallow depressions.  The snow under the evergreen trees is still soft, not  hard like that which is in the open and covered by ice.

Feb 5th, 2011. The first Saturday in February.

It has been raining all morning. Freezing rain earlier and rain (which is not freezing) for now. I was wondering.. and the weather channel confirmed my suspicions, rain/freezing rain and or snow Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sure does not sound like an early spring yet!!

2011, still thursday, feb 3

this is a shot of the sun set through the woods.

2011...february 3, continued

thought i would post a few more photo's hubby took.  If you double click you should get a larger photo
for viewing.

along a branch of the Tohickon .

February 3, 2011......hello Sun, Hello blue sky!

The sun is shining, the sun is shining! We have had an unusually long period of time in the clouds. it is nice to see the sun and blue sky too!

Here in Upper bucks we have 15 inches of snow, perfectly preserved under an inch of ice. If you stick to the paths that are compacted, you can slip and slide along during the dog walks. but.... if you venture off the path, you break through the crust and sink up to your knees. It is going to take a long time and a lot of warm weather to get rid of this amount of snow!

The little girls are finally able to walk on top of the snow, but Juliette is still heavy enough to sink and while she loves to be out.. she does not particularly like the deep snow.

We (the girl dogs and I) are having a spa day today.  All the dogs are getting to spend time (just an hour) on the enclosed back porch. While facing north and no sun, it is still out of the wind and snow.  they can chase each other around and burn off some of the energy they have stored up from all the staying quiet  inside.  after  a snack, they will go onto the front porch and  enjoy the sun and the warmth.  It is a degree or 2 shy of 80 degrees out there, thanks to the sun. while the girls are out back i have the house door open to take advantage of the warm air now drifting  into the livingroom,.  An excellent way to keep the house warm, and not use  any fuel.

What a nice day even though it is still very cold.

Ground Hog day..... 2-2-2011

Seems as if we dodged the big ice storm bullet.  Temperatures are rising and the snow and ice covered branches are shedding themselves of their crystal clear shrouds.  lots of noise out there as the ice  and branches hit each other and then  hit the ground with a boom.

So much to watch from the windows. The big ice pellets and the neighbors utility poll on fire.  must be a branch hung up and smoking like crazy. ( i tried to call the electric co.  1/2 a dozen times and never got through. We'll  Save some drama for later).

We have sprung several leaks that we never had before as the ice dams on the roof are melting and refreezing.  Looks like lots of additional repairs for the spring (if it gets here), and the summer. All in all it is not bad. I and the dogs are warm, dry and fed.  While the electricity has blinked out several times, it continues to come back on.  so we have power and more importantly, HEAT.

Puxatawny Phil saw no shadow this morning which translates into an early spring.  while i don't necessarily believe or disbelieve him, it is a PA tradition to watch and wonder.  we sure could use an early spring.

Tea time....

2nd day of february 2011,..... 2nd day of bad weather

i awoke at 3 and decided to do a little storm prep. first on the list, as always, walk the dogs.

we have several inches of ice on the back walk and driveway. the ice seems to be floating over a hollow area. hard on the top, but soft underneath. walking was not as treacherous as i though it would be, and i made it safely from one side of the driveway to the other. However, i counted my blessings and did not venture up the driveway to retrieve the newspaper.  the dogs were happy to take a walk even in the rain. Juliette was ready for a long wet walk, but the little girls were out and ready to come back in lickety split.

 I heard what sounded like trees falling back in the woods and hope God is kind to us here in upper bucks.  The ice coated branches rattling up high, mixed with the moaning of the wind is as ominous a sound as you will hear.   Lots of dripping, and water pooling on surfaces. We need to do some grooming around the walk way & driveway to keep the water running off and away from the house.

The electricity has already blinked out once.  i decided to turn the heat up (65 is the overnight temperature) and put some water in buckets to use for flushing. (no electric means no pump for the well water).  The local Fox news channel lost it's signal for about 10 minutes.

Dog water dishes are all filled, and since it is imperative for the morning, a fresh pot of coffee is made. lord knows we can deal with a lot if we have coffee to fall back on.

It is just about 5:30. the household is starting to stir for  morning oblations.  Aside from the weather... the next topic will be puxatawny Phil, as it is ground hog day!
stay safe...

February 1, 2011 New month..... same old weather

There was light snow and rain overnight with not much accumulation  by this morning.   There is a thin glaze of ice covering the driveway and walk ways.  The day is gray, with a mist in the air periodically changing to rain and freezing rain.  what a mess!  This is part one of the coming storm. i have already forgotten how many parts this storm has but when  the weather map comes up on TV, it is a pretty big darn storm on the way!  While the weather people have been wrong time and time again about some of the weather we have recently had.. i do hope they are wrong about power outages.  that is always the worry as no electric means we have no heat, as the oil furnace needs  electric to get going.  fingers crossed a a prayer to God that we are spared that.

When we had the coal furnace, it was totally manual. we needed no electric to start it, or keep it going.  Opening it up, closing it down, shaking the grates, shoveling the coal and disposing of the ash was all done by a person and usually me.  It was a lot of heat and a lot of work.  The only time i miss the coal furnace is in a situation like we might be facing... living in a cold house with no electric that drives everything..  is NO FUN! no flushing toilets either.  My friend mentioned putting water aside for emergency flushing, and drinking... i had forgotten we sometimes did that.. and now of course i had better get some together as insurance that we will not have any power outage. (or be prepared if we do)

My plan for today was a little clutter control, and a little sewing. It was a good thing that i realized February 1st probably meant bills due, or near late. got that chore finished up with only a negative $200.00 balance in the check book and only one bill actually due today. by the time  the checks get to their locations,  one more pay check should arrive.  Praise direct deposit!  The late bill should make it to the destination before a late charge
(i hope).

Time to brave the elements and start dog walking for late afternoon. 
Welcome February!