The Storm Is Over.

2-17-25 VERMONT: The storm is over, the sky is blue and the sun is out,  but the wind is blowing and gusting. We never lost power, to our surprise, but it could still happen on this windy day. Officially we got 17 inches of snow. It’s hard to tell, actually, because the early snow is compacted by the later snow, to accurately measure you have to check hourly and wipe the surface clear between measurements. It’s cold today, low twenties and windy. The bottom rail of our three rail fence is covered by the snow.

We are getting shoveled now and will be plowed soon, so the storm will soon be yet another distant memory. NJ tomorrow.

Over except for the shoveling.

Cold bench.

In two months it will all be gone.

Snow Storms in Vermont.

2-15-25 VERMONT: The snow has started, just as predicted. We are expecting several inches with wind and cold, and we are stocked up with batteries, food, propane, candles, wood and are ready for the power to go out. 

We came up on Wednesday, a day after a snow storm and a day before another snow storm. We had dinner plans that got canceled with Cousin John the night of the second storm, and tonight we were supposed to have dinner with Jim, Brooke and Lara-Beth, but that too is canceled. 

We are house bound, but I’ve been doing repairs and chores that keep me going up and down stairs, so it’s like a workout. I brought a load of wood in this morning.

I had been watching the birds at the feeders in Short Hills when suddenly they  all vanished into the shrubbery as a hawk flew in. It landed in a tree over-looking the feeders and stayed long enough for me to get pix. The ID from Merlin was either a Coopers Hawk or the much less common Sharp Shinned Hawk. They are virtually identical unless you see them side by side to compare them for the subtle differences.  

There’s two weeks to go in February and then it’s March and the beginning of Spring! Can’t wait.

The red birds stand out against the drab colors of winter foliage.

Here's a goldfinch just with hints of the summer color. He knows Spring is on the way.

The Coopers Hawk. Anybody with a better ID?

Blanca's favorite show is only on once a year. Actually both dogs were watching with Judy.

This woodsman carries a cane instead of an axe.

From a neighbor--horses wearing stocking caps.

Doesn't look like Spring here.

The chairs and tables are set--waiting for the customers.

Caught in Bed With a Blonde Girl.

2-8-24 SHORT HILLS: Judy caught Blue and me in bed this morning. Actually Blue doesn’t climb on the furniture, Judy helped her up on the bed. It wasn’t that late in the morning.

Adventures of Val and Steve.

2-4-24 SHORT HILLS: We were back in NYC to have Sunday brunch with cousins David, Kenny, and Moni at their place on 64^th St. We were there for hours talking about past times and current times. Tonight we had dinner with Lynn and Bill here in NJ. Last week we ate at Eataly in the Mall with Bebe and Ronny.

The exciting news is that Val and Steve are in Finland, northern Finland, to see the Northern Lights. They are sleeping in glass igloos and get roused if there is any activity. They have been lucky, with a nice show, and maybe more to follow. I will post their pix that were on Messages.  

Dog Sleds ready for action.

Another mode of transportion.

Here it is: Aurora Borealis in green and red.

And another shot. [all these pix are from Val.]