This is Cody. He is the teenager that helps around the farm and he is standing on a snowpile trying to knock some of the ice off the roof. He doesn't even need a ladder. I am SO ready for spring!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
58/365
Snowstorm? What snowstorm?
Snowstorm? What snowstorm?
The daily routine. Breakfast, pee & poop, nap in front of the fire. Move to another couch. Nap. Stretch, go out to pee. Take another nap. Pester human by climbing into her lap when she is doing something. Nap. Supper. Bedtime--complete with cookies. That's what we do during a snowstorm. (The little dog peed on the porch so as to avoid going into the snow...)
Friday, February 26, 2010
57/365
The sun is finally out and we have blue skies and it makes me so happy after nothing but snow for over 24 hours. I have done the driveway 5 times in 24 hours because it is easier on the snowblower. The driveway is 2/10ths of a mile long so it is a godsend to have the tractor and I won't take a chance on screwing up the snowblower.
I shoveled this out at about 2 AM and by daylight it was drifted back in, not a good sign.
When the sun came out I was tackling this, after having shoveled out in front of the garage and around both barn doors. There is a huge snowdrift on the porch where the firewood gets loaded. The top of the snow drift is at least 4 feet high and since there are two steps off the porch the snow there is probably over 6 feet high. I did what I could from the other side with the tractor and am shoveling my way from the porch side. Not fun, but I'm doing it a bit at a time
Butch is in town dealing with a leaky roof, while my nephew helps him by shoveling off our roof. I'm hoping I can get down into town after the snowplow comes up again (usually by 2 PM--they only do the road twice a day because it dead ends at the driveway. The road goes on for several miles, but the snowplows don't go any further than the driveway to the farm.)
The sun is finally out and we have blue skies and it makes me so happy after nothing but snow for over 24 hours. I have done the driveway 5 times in 24 hours because it is easier on the snowblower. The driveway is 2/10ths of a mile long so it is a godsend to have the tractor and I won't take a chance on screwing up the snowblower.
I shoveled this out at about 2 AM and by daylight it was drifted back in, not a good sign.When the sun came out I was tackling this, after having shoveled out in front of the garage and around both barn doors. There is a huge snowdrift on the porch where the firewood gets loaded. The top of the snow drift is at least 4 feet high and since there are two steps off the porch the snow there is probably over 6 feet high. I did what I could from the other side with the tractor and am shoveling my way from the porch side. Not fun, but I'm doing it a bit at a time
Butch is in town dealing with a leaky roof, while my nephew helps him by shoveling off our roof. I'm hoping I can get down into town after the snowplow comes up again (usually by 2 PM--they only do the road twice a day because it dead ends at the driveway. The road goes on for several miles, but the snowplows don't go any further than the driveway to the farm.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
56/365
Casper, Boomer and I are alone in the blizzard. We have everything that we need, and I have been on the tractor 3 times today since it is easier on the snowblower to not have to do a lot at once. I'm debating about going out again later and doing it once more before morning, but I'm not sure I want to.
Casper has been limping today, I think she may have tried to jump up on the bed when I was outside and it's much higher than ours. She keeps barking and I go to look to see if she has to go out and instead of standing in front of a door to go out, she is standing in front of one of three sofas, needing some assistance in getting up. This is her in a deep sleep on the futon. She didn't even wake up when I took the picture. I hoisted her up there. I'm just her little servant.
How she manages to sleep on her face, I will never know, but she does it all the time.
Casper, Boomer and I are alone in the blizzard. We have everything that we need, and I have been on the tractor 3 times today since it is easier on the snowblower to not have to do a lot at once. I'm debating about going out again later and doing it once more before morning, but I'm not sure I want to.
Casper has been limping today, I think she may have tried to jump up on the bed when I was outside and it's much higher than ours. She keeps barking and I go to look to see if she has to go out and instead of standing in front of a door to go out, she is standing in front of one of three sofas, needing some assistance in getting up. This is her in a deep sleep on the futon. She didn't even wake up when I took the picture. I hoisted her up there. I'm just her little servant.
How she manages to sleep on her face, I will never know, but she does it all the time.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
55/365
Today has been a weird day. I've been motivated about some things and totally unmotivated about others. Motivated to try a new recipe for dinner, but not so motivated to take pictures for today's projects. I should have just taken my camera with me earlier today when I was out and about. I've had a lot on my mind, there is an impending storm and even though I don't have anywhere to be, it means that Butch will stay in town rather than take a chance on us both being stranded up here. I love the solitude and I have Casper, but I think I can see how people could go stir crazy without another human voice around once in a while.
This picture is a close-up of David's saddle. It has been in the house on an old round topped trunk for two years now. It is pretty much just a decoration.
I have also been trying to deal with a loss--one of my co-workers died unexpectedly. He was only a few years older than I am, and I don't think he was seeing a doctor for some things he probably should have. He had fallen recently and his arm was still badly swollen, but he wouldn't go see a doctor for that. I have no idea what happened and he was alone at the time. It's just strange, I just can't quite wrap my head around the fact that he won't be there when I get back from vacation. We weren't particularly close or anything, but he always made me laugh and he was smart and well read and he got some of the more subtle humor and I will miss that. Not being there is making me feel somehow removed and the whole thing not really real and I'm not sure why. Another reminder that life is precious people.
Today has been a weird day. I've been motivated about some things and totally unmotivated about others. Motivated to try a new recipe for dinner, but not so motivated to take pictures for today's projects. I should have just taken my camera with me earlier today when I was out and about. I've had a lot on my mind, there is an impending storm and even though I don't have anywhere to be, it means that Butch will stay in town rather than take a chance on us both being stranded up here. I love the solitude and I have Casper, but I think I can see how people could go stir crazy without another human voice around once in a while.
This picture is a close-up of David's saddle. It has been in the house on an old round topped trunk for two years now. It is pretty much just a decoration.
I have also been trying to deal with a loss--one of my co-workers died unexpectedly. He was only a few years older than I am, and I don't think he was seeing a doctor for some things he probably should have. He had fallen recently and his arm was still badly swollen, but he wouldn't go see a doctor for that. I have no idea what happened and he was alone at the time. It's just strange, I just can't quite wrap my head around the fact that he won't be there when I get back from vacation. We weren't particularly close or anything, but he always made me laugh and he was smart and well read and he got some of the more subtle humor and I will miss that. Not being there is making me feel somehow removed and the whole thing not really real and I'm not sure why. Another reminder that life is precious people.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
50/365
I am officially on vacation but feeling a little down in the dumps. Today is my dad's birthday and four days from now is the anniversary of my mom's death. My birthday is right in the middle but I never feel much like celebrating it anymore. I think it's the winter too, and the promise of spring all conspiring against me. I am hoping to counteract some of the sadness by having a sisters weekend. My two sisters, Katie and Sheila and my "sister of the heart" Jackie, have been talking about doing this for a while. Katie's best friend from college tried to arrange it at her place last year but we could never coordinate. So this year we are having it here at the farm. I just need to get everyone up here before the weather gets too bad. Jackie had to cancel at the last minute, but she may come up one of the other weekends. Let's just hope these girls keep me laughing!
The hat stand is David's, at the farm. The stained glass window of the tree in a splint used to hang in the front door to his office. He was an orthopedic surgeon. Some of my followers will remember my cousin Kimmy, who died of breast cancer, and may even remember the sombrero story. Kimmy had lost her hair and we were all going to lunch so we all agreed to wear a hat. I showed up in the sombrero, walked down the street in it even. The look on Kim's face was so worth it. She and her mom couldn't stop laughing. I got some funny looks since I was wearing it in an Irish pub, but I really didn't care. I guess my sentimental Irish side is showing today.
I am officially on vacation but feeling a little down in the dumps. Today is my dad's birthday and four days from now is the anniversary of my mom's death. My birthday is right in the middle but I never feel much like celebrating it anymore. I think it's the winter too, and the promise of spring all conspiring against me. I am hoping to counteract some of the sadness by having a sisters weekend. My two sisters, Katie and Sheila and my "sister of the heart" Jackie, have been talking about doing this for a while. Katie's best friend from college tried to arrange it at her place last year but we could never coordinate. So this year we are having it here at the farm. I just need to get everyone up here before the weather gets too bad. Jackie had to cancel at the last minute, but she may come up one of the other weekends. Let's just hope these girls keep me laughing!
The hat stand is David's, at the farm. The stained glass window of the tree in a splint used to hang in the front door to his office. He was an orthopedic surgeon. Some of my followers will remember my cousin Kimmy, who died of breast cancer, and may even remember the sombrero story. Kimmy had lost her hair and we were all going to lunch so we all agreed to wear a hat. I showed up in the sombrero, walked down the street in it even. The look on Kim's face was so worth it. She and her mom couldn't stop laughing. I got some funny looks since I was wearing it in an Irish pub, but I really didn't care. I guess my sentimental Irish side is showing today.Thursday, February 18, 2010
49/365
Winter is still going strong. I had to drive through several inches of snow and a lot of little snowdrifts to get to work this morning, after snowblowing the driveway. At one AM. The driveway is 2/10ths of a mile long and it takes about a half hour to do one pass up and back because you have to go so slow. The road isn't plowed until 5 AM as a general rule, and may not get plowed again after 2 PM. There are pretty much just two houses on a two mile stretch of road that ends at the farm's driveway, so it's not a high priority. I love my snowplow guys.
This is what happens to icicles on a metal roof. As it melts it slidesof the edge and starts to curl under, giving the icicles an Edward Scissorhands look.
This was taken looking out the garage door up the driveway. The trees you see in the distance are on the road, so that gives you an idea of how long the driveway is.
Winter is still going strong. I had to drive through several inches of snow and a lot of little snowdrifts to get to work this morning, after snowblowing the driveway. At one AM. The driveway is 2/10ths of a mile long and it takes about a half hour to do one pass up and back because you have to go so slow. The road isn't plowed until 5 AM as a general rule, and may not get plowed again after 2 PM. There are pretty much just two houses on a two mile stretch of road that ends at the farm's driveway, so it's not a high priority. I love my snowplow guys.
This is what happens to icicles on a metal roof. As it melts it slidesof the edge and starts to curl under, giving the icicles an Edward Scissorhands look.
This was taken looking out the garage door up the driveway. The trees you see in the distance are on the road, so that gives you an idea of how long the driveway is.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
46/365
HA! It wasn't as hard as it looked. Well, the edge, which looked like the easiest part, was actually harder mainly because they were basically the same two parts all the way around. It was a fun puzzle because the pieces don't really interlock, they just sort of fit together. It was still very challenging and I'm glad I had the day off because I wanted to keep working on it.
HA! It wasn't as hard as it looked. Well, the edge, which looked like the easiest part, was actually harder mainly because they were basically the same two parts all the way around. It was a fun puzzle because the pieces don't really interlock, they just sort of fit together. It was still very challenging and I'm glad I had the day off because I wanted to keep working on it.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
45/365
I like to do puzzles, but haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in quite a while. Nathaniel's godmother gave me this one for Christmas. The edge pieces are all normal shaped, but the rest of the puzzle is every possible shape but standard puzzle shaped. I have been saving it for my farm stay, because I will be here for a month and two of the weeks I will be off work. Most of the time I will be here by myself so it helps to have things to do. This however may prove to be more of a challenge than I can handle. I'm having a dickens of a time just getting the outside edge done.
Diesel & Feezle are with me, and Rhiney, and I grabbed Kenneth at the last moment and shoved him in a bag. You never know when you might need a 3 inch gorilla...
I like to do puzzles, but haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in quite a while. Nathaniel's godmother gave me this one for Christmas. The edge pieces are all normal shaped, but the rest of the puzzle is every possible shape but standard puzzle shaped. I have been saving it for my farm stay, because I will be here for a month and two of the weeks I will be off work. Most of the time I will be here by myself so it helps to have things to do. This however may prove to be more of a challenge than I can handle. I'm having a dickens of a time just getting the outside edge done.
Diesel & Feezle are with me, and Rhiney, and I grabbed Kenneth at the last moment and shoved him in a bag. You never know when you might need a 3 inch gorilla...Saturday, February 13, 2010
44/365
After going over and playing with the grandkids for a bit this morning, we came home and found Casper cuddled up with a pillow on the couch. She likes to be comfy.
The birds are tormenting me. I have had Carolina Wrens at my feeder every day but they will not come around if I have a camera. I swear they taunt me. I filled the suet feeder today and stood as still as I could and in no time at all this little Downy Woodpecker came and had himself some fresh suet. A Chickadee buzzed in and out without stopping and I could hear the Nuthatches, but finally had to go inside because my fingers were getting cold. I didn't even get my coat off when the Carolina Wren showed up and tipped it's little tail towards me. I can't take pictures through my window because there are built in screens and I just can't take a clear picture through them. Anyway, the Downy has a funny way of eating. He pecks at the suet, then tips his head to one side and the other, back and forth and then does the whole process over and over. I'm so glad I go this particular feeder, the suet is easy to load and the birds seem to love it. One is plain, one has peanut butter added and one has blueberries added.
After going over and playing with the grandkids for a bit this morning, we came home and found Casper cuddled up with a pillow on the couch. She likes to be comfy.
The birds are tormenting me. I have had Carolina Wrens at my feeder every day but they will not come around if I have a camera. I swear they taunt me. I filled the suet feeder today and stood as still as I could and in no time at all this little Downy Woodpecker came and had himself some fresh suet. A Chickadee buzzed in and out without stopping and I could hear the Nuthatches, but finally had to go inside because my fingers were getting cold. I didn't even get my coat off when the Carolina Wren showed up and tipped it's little tail towards me. I can't take pictures through my window because there are built in screens and I just can't take a clear picture through them. Anyway, the Downy has a funny way of eating. He pecks at the suet, then tips his head to one side and the other, back and forth and then does the whole process over and over. I'm so glad I go this particular feeder, the suet is easy to load and the birds seem to love it. One is plain, one has peanut butter added and one has blueberries added.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
42/365
I don't skate or ski or do any other outdoor winter sports. I am very good at getting ice out of a horse trough but that's about the only contact I have with it outside of in a drink. But I do like the winter Olympics. I really do like curling for some reason and will be sure to be watching the hockey because Butch's niece is married to one of the USA players.
I don't skate or ski or do any other outdoor winter sports. I am very good at getting ice out of a horse trough but that's about the only contact I have with it outside of in a drink. But I do like the winter Olympics. I really do like curling for some reason and will be sure to be watching the hockey because Butch's niece is married to one of the USA players.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
41/365
I hate any holiday that involves sending cards through the mail. I guess it's an occupational hazard. I do like getting them, so it's a predicament. We're seeing the brunt of it, lots of pink and red envelopes today, must be from parents and grandparents because lord knows kids don't use snail mail much. When I first started it was wicked because it was the only means of communication for most kids at college, mail and pay phones. I remember one year when I was sorting mail for Cornell getting postcard after postcard for the same kid. We eventually realized that when you put them all together that they formed a picture. Kids don't get really creative anymore. They text and twitter. God, when did I turn into a curmudgeon? LOL
The doubleheaders found a little ceramic heart they want to share.
I hate any holiday that involves sending cards through the mail. I guess it's an occupational hazard. I do like getting them, so it's a predicament. We're seeing the brunt of it, lots of pink and red envelopes today, must be from parents and grandparents because lord knows kids don't use snail mail much. When I first started it was wicked because it was the only means of communication for most kids at college, mail and pay phones. I remember one year when I was sorting mail for Cornell getting postcard after postcard for the same kid. We eventually realized that when you put them all together that they formed a picture. Kids don't get really creative anymore. They text and twitter. God, when did I turn into a curmudgeon? LOL
The doubleheaders found a little ceramic heart they want to share.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
39/365
This is a hat that belonged to my late Aunt Leona, or as we called her when we were little, Aunt Bobo. When we were cleaning out the house after she died, I'm sure my siblings thought I was nuts for the things I wanted. She lived with my grandparents so many of the things belonged to my grandmother first, like an old yellow vase, my grandmother's button box--but this hat was all Leona. It's shaped like a derby, only taller and it barely fits my head. But there is just something about it that is quirky enough for me to like it. You'll never see me wearing it, but I'm keep it.
This is a hat that belonged to my late Aunt Leona, or as we called her when we were little, Aunt Bobo. When we were cleaning out the house after she died, I'm sure my siblings thought I was nuts for the things I wanted. She lived with my grandparents so many of the things belonged to my grandmother first, like an old yellow vase, my grandmother's button box--but this hat was all Leona. It's shaped like a derby, only taller and it barely fits my head. But there is just something about it that is quirky enough for me to like it. You'll never see me wearing it, but I'm keep it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
37/365
Having a little fun with the lil doubleheader and Kenneth pretending to be a jacabunny.
Having a lazy day. I had a doctor's appointment today. I didn't make the appointment for a Saturday--I mean, really, who would? But they cancelled my original one and he didn't feel right making some of us wait longer for appointments so opened up today for appointments. I ended up finally getting my flu shots--both of them--and now feel a bit crappy. Flu shots tend to have that effect on me, but it still is better than having the flu. I watched several episodes of "Fringe" that I had DVRed, made a boboli pizza with pepperoni and smoked mozzarella which was OK, but I think next time I'll mix the smoked with regular mozzarella. I did my daily photo shoot with the boys and think maybe some reading or a nap is in order. Or maybe reading until I fall into a stupor. That very well may happen...
Having a little fun with the lil doubleheader and Kenneth pretending to be a jacabunny.
Having a lazy day. I had a doctor's appointment today. I didn't make the appointment for a Saturday--I mean, really, who would? But they cancelled my original one and he didn't feel right making some of us wait longer for appointments so opened up today for appointments. I ended up finally getting my flu shots--both of them--and now feel a bit crappy. Flu shots tend to have that effect on me, but it still is better than having the flu. I watched several episodes of "Fringe" that I had DVRed, made a boboli pizza with pepperoni and smoked mozzarella which was OK, but I think next time I'll mix the smoked with regular mozzarella. I did my daily photo shoot with the boys and think maybe some reading or a nap is in order. Or maybe reading until I fall into a stupor. That very well may happen...Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday 2/5 (I'm not sure what time zone blogr is in. but it is 2 AM on Friday so it's FRIDAY where I am.)
36/365
So I found the perfect use for the toilet--the boys ate a little too much rich chocolate. I seriously thought about adding some yarnbarf but figured I didn't need to go that far. Puking, even fake puking, makes some people queasy. I just want them to laugh.
On a different note, I'm feeling rather sad today because the Mom of my Indy family passed away last night. When we go to the annual reunions of the USSKeokuk every year, I feel like I am going to a family reunion, not a Navy/WWII reunion. The Indy family has hosted it for years and I have come to feel like I have a whole set of siblings out there. So my heart is rather heavy this morning. I do believe that there is a rather large, boisterous party going on in heaven and I can hear Ann laughing all the way here.
36/365
So I found the perfect use for the toilet--the boys ate a little too much rich chocolate. I seriously thought about adding some yarnbarf but figured I didn't need to go that far. Puking, even fake puking, makes some people queasy. I just want them to laugh.
On a different note, I'm feeling rather sad today because the Mom of my Indy family passed away last night. When we go to the annual reunions of the USSKeokuk every year, I feel like I am going to a family reunion, not a Navy/WWII reunion. The Indy family has hosted it for years and I have come to feel like I have a whole set of siblings out there. So my heart is rather heavy this morning. I do believe that there is a rather large, boisterous party going on in heaven and I can hear Ann laughing all the way here.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
34/365
This reminds me of a sunflower, my favorite flower.
One of the supervisors has been coming to work, even though he is obviously sick. Now the PM is sick and he is still coming to work. I am working 10 hour days and not getting enough sleep and now I feel like crap. It makes me crazy that they punish us if we call in sick, because they are too stupid to stay home when THEY are sick and they end up infecting the whole office. I think I'll go have a big glass of lemonade (no OJ here) and go to bed early. I already had chicken vegetable soup that Butch made so maybe I'll feel better in the morning.
This reminds me of a sunflower, my favorite flower.
One of the supervisors has been coming to work, even though he is obviously sick. Now the PM is sick and he is still coming to work. I am working 10 hour days and not getting enough sleep and now I feel like crap. It makes me crazy that they punish us if we call in sick, because they are too stupid to stay home when THEY are sick and they end up infecting the whole office. I think I'll go have a big glass of lemonade (no OJ here) and go to bed early. I already had chicken vegetable soup that Butch made so maybe I'll feel better in the morning.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
32/365
People keep talking about spring. I think it's just wishful thinking. But it made me think about the farmer's market and how I'm going to run out of cinnamon creamed honey soon. I'm trying to stretch it out and bought 4 jars of it before they closed for the season. Next fall I have to remember to buy 6 jars. Thought it would be cute to have the lil doubleheader with their market basket.
People keep talking about spring. I think it's just wishful thinking. But it made me think about the farmer's market and how I'm going to run out of cinnamon creamed honey soon. I'm trying to stretch it out and bought 4 jars of it before they closed for the season. Next fall I have to remember to buy 6 jars. Thought it would be cute to have the lil doubleheader with their market basket.
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