Bring on the Snow

Other than the snow in the face when it is windy - either need a cab or "not blow in the wind" - this is a better winter for snow removal.

We have had several storms and they are saying temps below 0 the next few days.  Another storm forecast for mid-week.  The blower in action:

We do have a truck being delivered soon - and will put a plow on it for next winter (probably).  Stay tuned.

Difficult early winter

Trimmed the tree today - and made the obligatory Chex-mix for munching.  Now, the Tulikivi is burning (as are the lights on the tree), and it is cozy and festive. 

We accidentally left the stove open last night (dampers that is) and it really cooled off which reminded me what a difficult early winter it has been to keep the house in the 70's.  The problem has been lack of any sunshine!  If we can get even a few hours of sun every couple of days, things warm up nicely - but we have had many consecutive days of "drear".  Our solution has been to run the radiant heat in the bathroom zone a couple of hours a day (in the evening so that it is comfortable for my morning shower).  On the days that we had stiff winds and temps in the teens (and lower), we also ran the portable electric radiator in our bedroom.  This combination works well for everyone except Milos - he spends the nights trying to find the coldest tile to sleep on and gets quite aggravated with warm floors. 

We could probably survive without the extra degrees - but just getting too old and like my temps to be at least 67-70. 

Today, we had sun!  and the house came right up to near 80.  Hoping that trend continues. 

Wish they would, Fear they won't

Elections are over for this mid-term debacle.  I am happy to no longer get those D*(#$ robo-calls and no longer watch the lies broadcast via "ads" on TV from nameless money-wells.  But, I have lots of wishes and even more fears with the results. 

I wish they would, fear the won't:

• Pass the DISCLOSE Act -
• End the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans
• Reverse the Citizens United decision
• Establish and defend net neutrality
• Do away with lifetime tenure for committee chairs in the Senate
• Repeal Defense of Marriage Act,
• Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell,
• Stop the wars
• Strengthen and defend the EPA for the good of the environment
• The Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service investigate the political organizations set up to launder millions of dollars in secret cash
• Expand Voter Registration
• Stop partisan bickering

Alas.............

Technorati Tags: midterm_2010

Hallloween - Snow

This morning, we woke to snow on October 31st.  I checked my pictures and the last ones I had of new whiteness were taken on April 17th.  So, this year we only had 5 months without snow - whew.

We have snow, we have wood-fire, we have football - winter seems to be here.  I took some pictures on the morning walk.  They are posted here on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=252727&id=806763755&l=db669bbd65

At least Milos is happy.