The Seasons ~ Winter

 As we started 2023 I was hopeful that we would get away with less snow than usual. This would lighten our plowing bill. Alas, this was not to be. The last snowfall was 6-8 inches of weighty snow, and today (Monday) it is snowing again, and in the end, we have 18 inches of new snow. This is the most two-day snowfall we have had in many years.

January SnowstormOn the left was this morning and on the right was this afternoon.

It’s pretty, but to get it functional we will need plowing, sanding, and an area to be snow blown for the dogs.

I took Heidi out on the small path I had shoveled, and she felt feisty and leapt into the snow. This would have been fine, but the snow is so deep she disappeared! Just her little black nose stood above the frosty white snow.

I laugh now because it was so funny, to see Heidi’s surprised little snout come to the surface. But the poor little baby did not like that deep, wet, cold, snow!

My work all day was to rake the roof some and keep the satellite dish clear, as well as encourage Heidi to use the snowy yard for all her important needs. I’ll tell you, it is a wet and cold job.

We are supposed to drive to Manchester tomorrow. That will depend on the road conditions. I am not looking forward to that hour-long drive down and back.

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Brrrrrrr!!!!

Well, I’m quite simply, ready for Spring!

I woke on Saturday morning to -14 degrees! I put on my down parka, hat and gloves, Then dressed Heidi in her sweater, hooked on the leash, and went out for our first walk of the day. Heidi took three steps and quickly did her business and then ran back inside, and curled up in the blanket. I followed. At 5:30 AM, I wasn’t quite ready to get up.

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Later on, I saw that I had a ton of mail. As much as I didn’t want to go out, I bundled up and went to get the mail. I was happy that I had brought my tote bag as I had a full mailbox plus packages. (One package contained 2 Covid 19 tests I had ordered before the Biden Give-a-way!

I finally started back on my healthy eating plan, and so I have been a bit grumpy. I think the first week off of all sugar products is the hardest.

20220122_124917Heidi is doing very well. She is almost sleeping through the night and despite the bitter cold, she is asking to go out.

Those of us in the deep freeze, stay warm, and everyone else, I am jealous of your warm temperatures!

 

November 1st

Here we are. It’s November first and before you know it, 2021 will be over. I am still astounded at how we actually got to November so quickly. For me, this year has simply sped by!

On Friday I went into my hairstylist’s salon and had a morning of beauty. I had my first manicure in years, and she revived my hair and by the time I left, I felt wonderfully renewed!  I am always grateful when I can take a few hours and get spoiled like this! And I thank my stylist, Rebecca. She always makes me feel spoilt!

After that, I took off to go and see Mandy, Matt, and the kids! It had been a while, and I’d missed them a lot.

251199180_636648094160564_8142376043744435376_n (2) copySavi & Oma

The kids showed me their games and we talked a lot. And after dinner, and a movie the kids and I crashed while their parents had a date night.

251222051_1763565073836476_1942447775671063765_n (2) copyOma & Quinn

I do admit to falling asleep during the movie. It seems lately I am just not getting enough sleep. So when a cartoon movie comes on, it is “snore city” for me!

The next day I left as the kids were getting ready for their Karate Class, as I needed to go and get gas ($308. a gallon) and get some food items at a cheaper, and better-stocked grocery store.

Of course, this was all done in the pouring rain, but I look at it like this, at least I got my car clean!

Of course, the next day was Halloween and the kids had so much fun dressing up and going out to Trick or Treat with their friends.

249588294_10227411726260542_4336663325132952949_nSavi & Quinn in their ghoulish costumes!

248085682_10227411727020561_7013899046720677103_nGhostly Savannah Skeleton Ghoul!

248439760_10227411725780530_3645333722983690242_nNinja Monster Ghoul Quinn!

Once again, we had no trick or treaters at our house. With a 600 ft. driveway, which is pitch black at night, none of the kids dare come down to see us. Jack insisted we get candy “just in case”, so I bought his Reeces Peanut Butter Cups. We had no trick or treaters once again! So Jack gets lucky and has his favorite candy.

So, November is starting on a happy note and for that I am thankful! Here’s wishing you all a wonderful and joyous November!

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And The Wind Blew!

Wow! Late on Sunday night, the winds blew in. At first, it wasn’t too bad, but by Monday morning we were having 50+ mph winds, at times sustained, and it was simply crazy around here. I swear I saw the Wicked Witch of the West fly by in our backyard!

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I knew that my eye drops would be ready by 11 o’clock, at the Pharmacy, so I left about 10:15 to go to the Post Office and then to get my Prescription.

As I often do, I was on the Cell Phone (hands-free) talking to my friend Gail, when I came to an abrupt stop on my little Lane! This is what I saw!

166512904_10222015753000635_4892759414753516297_nThis picture was taken by my neighbor Steve Ainsworth. And I use it with his permission.

As you can see the tree was old and rotten, part of it was in our road, and the other on the live wires. I remember what a friend, who is an electrician told me. Never go near downed wires! So needless to say, I didn’t.

Lucky for us, we had a side road we could all take to get out. All except for the people who were in the yellow house. Their lines were down until Tuesday morning.

Our power went out at noontime on Monday and stayed off until about 6:30. Thankfully, when we built this house, Jack insisted we install a hardwired generator. I balked at the time. Wasting money, I said. However, after 22 years, I eat my words every time we lose power, and we lose it a lot.

This year we have had so many wind events and it’s only March. It was simply crazy wild. The very best thing I can say is that we now have the connections set up for when we have to use the generator.

The hardwired generator provides automatic electricity to our well’s pump, so we have water, to our furnace, for heat, and to run our hot water heater.

The heavy-duty extension chords come out and while Jack is moving the generator outside and filling up the tank, I go to three places and run the extension chords. With that, we can watch Satellite or Amazon Fire TV, charge the cell phones and computers and even hook up the Internet and do work there. We also hook up the freezer and an extra fridge we have. (The kitchen fridge is on the hardwired system.)

So we made it through another windstorm and today it is so beautiful and calm. Thankfully!

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The Wind Blows

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I was lying in my bed, cuddled with Arnie, pretty much sound asleep, on Friday night. I recall hearing the wind howling outside and an occasional gust that seemed to shake the house.

I took a breath, and turned over onto my other side when the power went out! This means that my cell phone flashed to let me know that it was no longer charging. I waited a few minutes and nothing came back on. I went to the window to see if our neighbors had power and if the homes on the other side of the lake were lit or in the dark.

They had power across the lake, but in my small section of the neighborhood, everyone was out.

Now wouldn’t you know that my flashlight was not next to me, but I know my way around, and I staggered and cautiously felt my way to the door and then into the kitchen to grab my flashlight. I also grabbed our Rolodex with the phone number to call to report a power outage.

Walking back into my bedroom, I sat down to get our landline phone and I started to dial. That’s when the lights came back on. I knew at 1:30 in the morning I needed to lie back down and go to sleep, but it was difficult as I listened to the wind and waited…

The wind has not been as strong during the day on Saturday, but when it is cold, any wind makes it feel even colder.

You see, winter is not over yet!

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A Winter Wonderland

It has been another snowy day here in New Hampshire. It seems that we just get cleaned up from one storm when another comes rushing in. It’s pretty and when I lived in Florida I missed the four seasons. That being said, I love snow for Christmas in December and after that I want Springtime!

20181120_105055I went out with Lili and Arnie to take a short video, which is below. As I write on Monday night, it is still snowing! Thank goodness this year I finally replaced my winter boots (My last pair died several years ago), and have a good down parka with faux fur!

Lili loves the snow, but poor old boy Arnie is not a fan!

Tomorrow I go in for an eye exam and I think I will look for new frames for my glasses. The ones I have are three years old and as much as I love them, I feel like a change.

I hope your Monday was a nice one and that your weather is better than ours!

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An Autumn Thursday Thirteen

Scav SatSince there is so much happening around me I thought I would do an Autumn Thursday Thirteen. Here goes.

  1. It’s been a beautiful Autumn. The leaves were vivid and bright and glorious! Some years, not so much, others, like this year, lovely.30380788381_d20cf8473a_k

    Chalk one good thing up for 2020!

  2. I had to go for pre-op work yesterday and a Covid test. I was a little nervous because I’d heard the Covid test is terrible. So, as I drove to Concord, and passed two McDonalds, and three Duncan Donuts, my old habits of eating the anxiety hit me. I wanted to call someone to talk me off the wall, but it was so early. So, I sat up tall, straightened my crown, and kept on driving!
  3. Of course, when I arrived at the Out-Patient Surgical Center, I walked into their lobby and what do I see? A Green Mountain Coffee stand with Cider-belly Donuts and treats! Once I checked in, I sat with my back toward the stand and soldiered on!
  4. On my way home…I stopped and had my hair done.50516210111_d0ac0dda55_3k copy After all, I will not be able to be around any chemicals after the surgery during my incision healing. I asked for shorter hair and got the cutest cut! Thank you so much, Becca!
  5. After that, I came home and made lunch. I cooked up several eggplants, ate a little, and then made an Eggplant Parmesan (WW Recipe).
    aubergine-parmigiana_2423-500x500Since I have three more eggplants, I plan to cook them up today and make a casserole of Eggplant Parmesan then cut into portions and freeze for future meals.
  6. Yesterday I woke up early, and I said: “Alexa what is the weather in Meredith, New Hampshire?” Well, Alexa said it was partly cloudy, with breaks.” Well, Alexa lied. It rained the entire day!
  7. I woke early today. I have a lot to do, and although I am isolating here at home, I would like to get caught up on laundry and change sheets, etc. The first load of laundry is already in the wash!
  8. What is it with all this pumpkin mania? This morning they did a story on the news about canned pumpkin shortages! Really? Really? I was just at the store the other day and I was able to buy several cans.
  9. How many of you decided that as we approach flu season it might be a good idea to stock up on a few things? In the last few weeks, I have stocked up on canned soups, vegetables, and pre-packaged potatoes. I have a freezer full of meat, chicken, turkey, and fish, and should the worst occur, we are prepared.
  10. Oh yes, I also bought the jumbo size toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex, and napkins. Needless to say, I have plenty of cleaning aids.
  11. I also just ordered a box of paper masks from the USA Company. So, we will be set to be able to cover up.
  12. I love the yarn I bought for my latest afghan.20201017_114302
    In fact, I love it so much that once this one is done, I am going to make another with the same yarn for me!
  13. And lastly, my favorite Apple is back on our shelves!koru1 It is called Koru and it was originally from New Zealand, although there are places in the USA that now grow it. Oh, I cannot tell you how happy I am!

Autumn in New England

This weekend found me traipsing around town taking pictures and enjoying the last remnants of the fall foliage. It’s already started to fall, and by the end of the week, I think we will be leaf-less once again. Another Autumn is slipping by.

As I drove I could see that “Red Hill” was still ablaze with color, but there was no place to stop, to pull over, and get a good shot. You will simply have to trust me that “Red Hill” was breathtaking!

The day started kind of dark and grey,

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but rather quickly the sun came out and that is what set me off to find the picture!

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It was such a lovely day! And I enjoyed the fresh air and slightly cooler temperatures!

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I’ve not done too much with my photography this year, but today I did just what I wanted!

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Autumn is nearly done and in a month I will be sixty-two. It’s all good. There are so many Seasons in life and on the earth. I think it helps one to stay balanced.

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Apple Blossoms

I thought this morning I would take you for a walk around my yard. The Apple Blossoms are in full bloom and not only does it smell lovely, but it is simply beautiful!

Apple Tree Lady AppleLady Apple Tree

Apple Blosson and bee 2A little bee working the blossoms.

Apple Blossoms 2A lovely group of Apple Blossoms.

Apple Blossom Perfect
A perfect Blossom.

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A Bumble Bee working. It’s funny, but when they are working the blossoms, they do not care about bothering you.

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Another blossom and Bee.

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Apple Blossom.

It’s a wonderful thing, being able to go outside in your yard and walk around in all of this beauty. While I was out there, the birds began to come. They appear to know me now and do not scurry off as they once did. It was lovely and peaceful and for a time I was able to forget about the Virus, and any little problems I might have.

Apple Blossoms

Spring In My Yard

My Blog friend Andrew, gave me an idea. He put photos up on his blog showing various blossoming trees. I thought, my goodness how blessed I am to have this beauty all around me.

I took a few new ones, as things are just starting to blossom, and got some older pictures of the Apple Trees and Lilacs as it’s not quite their time yet.

These are all my own pictures, so enjoy them, but if you use them please ask and give me credit.

April 21 12 011Peach Blossom.

April 24 10 038Peach Blossom with Bee.

 

flowersApple Blossom

April 30 12 004Apple Blossom

May 15 039Apple Blossom with Bee.

May 15 a011Apple Blossom.

May 25 11 014Lilacs

IMG_0952 (2)Lilacs

 

IMG_1436Plums

IMG_1438Plum Blossom.

IMG_1442Forsythia.

I hope you enjoyed a little walk through my yard on this fine Spring Day. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and will also have a splendid week ahead!