The Joys of Home Ownership.

1-18-24 SHORT HILLS: We never did get to NYC for that dinner. We had heavy rain that found a way through the new roof and down the wall in the den to an electrical socket that dramatically shot flames into the room before the fuse blew. Yes, a fuse, we had a secondary electrical box that used fuses. [note the past tense.] The electricians were horrified to see the fuses and insisted that they be replaced with a breaker panel. We agreed. The process destroyed a wall in the kitchen entry room and necessitated replacing three light switches that were local collateral damage. They also replaced all the sockets in the den, six, I think.

The cause of the problem—a nail in the roof worked it’s way up through the   shingles and let the water in. The roofer repaired the damage. 

Now that all the systems are working, Judy decided the cosmetic damage needs attending to, and since the painters are going to be here anyway, lets take care some problems elsewhere. Several elsewheres as it turned out. 

So a loose nail is going to end up costing thousands.

Otherwise, the rain washed away the snow, followed by cold and then another two inches of snow. At least half of January has passed. I see the winter as December, January and February, so we’re halfway to March 1.

We were  supposed to visit baby Emmett this week, but Anna had a cough, so we cancelled. We’ll try again this weekend.

White-throated sparrow and Junco under the feeders. This was taken through the window which explains the blur.

When the water is frozen, you can eat snow.

Southern magnolia dusted with snow behind the feeders. As you can see, everybody likes sunflowers seeds, but not thistle seeds.

Judy and Maizie are on a therapy visit. When ever Judy is out of the house, the dogs all wait at the front door for her to return.

2024.

1-8-24 SHORT HILLS: Our Xmas Day party for neighbors on the road in Vermont and for Alison, Dan and Lily was another huge success for Judy. Beverages were imbibed, many empty glass bottles went to re-cycling. Food was devoured, but left overs fed us for days. 

We put the house back in order the next couple of days and then came back to NJ on a dry travel day a little before New Years Eve. Our NYE dinner was the same as usual—king crab, wine, Peach Melba—and we were in bed to watch the Ball Drop. I guess all those people in Times Square were having a good time, but glad we were snuggly tucked away.

So 2024 has begun, more PT for me. I am doing stairs now, and am able to take a few steps on my own without walker or cane. The big snow storm dumped about 2-3 inches on us, just enough to cover the grass

We had dinner with Lynn and Bill a few nights ago at a Turkish place in Madison. Alison and Dan are meeting us for dinner at Gramercy Tavern this week for my 86^th. 

Junco hopping across the snow.

Feeders in the snow.

Cardinal sheltering in the brush.

Enough snow to cover the terrace.

Maizie posing during a visit to Beth Israel MC.