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.