Lots of talk of a big snowstorm. Grocery store crowded. But we’ll see.
Me and my E-blower are looking forward to a challenge. But if not up to the task, the old, donated 2-stage clunker sits in Anna’s garage, and, with a little persuasion, might actually start. Perhaps more than a dusting coming this way? Full report tomorrow.
Mild day with a little melting, but Packers on TV, plus college basketball, plus startup of new TV series seasons.
Around here we like to watch an episode after supper before reading. Tonight, new seasons of shows like All Creatures.
And, there is a hint of some actual weather coming our way. Exciting.
…of electric snowblower bought long ago when it looked like winter might be on its way.
In brief, it works. Only about and inch of wet, slushy stuff, but the machine did its job pretty well. After two driveways and a stretch of sidewalk the batteries still seemed to be at full charge. Would love to put this little E-blower up against a foot or two of regular snow.
…in Wisconsin, in January.
COVID patient on the mend. Un-infected one still dodging the virus.
Organizational meeting of a few folks interested in working on climate change. Good guys, interesting conversation, and…something may come of it, but we’ll see. One idea is a group called “Heat Pump Buddies” comprised of all of us in the area who are thinking of upgrading to heat pumps.
Below, my second attempt at sourdough. Haven’t tasted it yet, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.
Rest and recuperation.
The sick one mending, the not-yet-sick one trying to dodge the germ. A new batch of sourdough off to a terrific start, and the keys on the Aerophone seeming to be in the right place.
But, overall, rather quite around here.
Here’s an article from the Nation Magazine from January, 1970, recently sent to me by a friend from that time. Some might find it interesting. Gigline
Chilly and drab, and on top of that, the dreaded and LONG-avoided virus has snuck into the house. Nothing too serious so far, but what a disappointment, and what a pain.
Happy 2024. Let’s hope. Swoosh card game for breakfast this morning.
Colder. In fact, coldest night of the year.
Last day of the year. As they say in Scotland.
Here’s the first try.
First batch of dough was too weak and sticky. But the bread tastes pretty good.
Lots of variables to be managed.
Photo from new next-door neighbors on Serendipity.
Taken over Xmas holiday, typically a time of low water in the annual cycle. But this is way down, and we can only hope for a hard freeze, some snow, and a wet spring.
The low water has reminded me of this article written years ago for the Expositor.
…but failing. E-bike to the basement, however, as the forecast looks less than optimum for riding.
Although late to the party, thanks to Christmas gifts I’m edging into the sourdough realm. Below, starter from Renee. Stay tuned for laughs, I mean loafs.
…and, later, dinner (leftovers) with the neighbors.
Fowler lake wide open with fishing boats.
World famous waffles (not made by me), a little ping pong with new sticky foam paddles, naps, leftovers, a trip to the airport—but no new photo.
Overall, our 23Xmas, though rainy, was good.
…at Antler Circle. .
Football, a play about trapping Santa, presents, and lots of good food.
Games, music, food and fun.
Mimi’s hand-sewn ornaments
…and ready for the sleigh.
…like a snowless Xmas. Light rain all afternoon.
I’m proud of the Colorado Supreme Court. I think the counter argument—that the “the people should decide” not the court—doesn’t hold water.
In the first place, no reasonable person who looks at January 6 and the events leading up to it can deny that Trump’s intent was insurrection. Plain and simple, insurrection was attempted.
The “let the people decide at the ballot box” argument doesn’t work. It might work if we had a functioning electoral system, but with ‘Citizens United’, gerrymandering, voter suppression, the Electoral College, relentless right wing media propaganda, etc. the people’s voice can be subverted. Trump has never won the popular vote.
Across all places and all times, human societies have been susceptible to authoritarianism and autocracy. With all the forces that can work against it, Democracy tends to be “a candle in the dark,” to borrow from Carl Sagan.The strongest defense of it seems to be a solid legal structure, such as the U.S. Constitution, which strives to codify a society of laws, not men.
One of the prime purposes of the U.S. Constitution, in my opinion, was to protect the new country from the authoritarianism/theocracy that had dominated most societies in the past. It was based on Enlightenment principles—natural law, reason, justice, a separation of church and state.
But it wasn’t perfect. When writing a document for the ages it’s difficult to anticipate all circumstances (such as X and Fox). The document was also flawed by being written in a time that accepted slavery, and by compromises such as the Electoral College.
Still, it (with amendments) was/is a remarkable attempt to build a solid foundation for Democracy. And it's reasonable to accept the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision as a Constitutional attempt to preserve democracy..
Finally, the argument that sustaining the Colorado decision would result in political violence is really just an acceptance of terrorism. No place for that in a democratic society.
But, happy solstice, and tomorrow the light begins its return.
These things I ponder as the kettle sings, and the good oak burns to red coals on white ashes. Those ashes, come spring, I will return to the orchard at the foot of the sandhill. They will come back to me again, perhaps as red apples, or perhaps as a spirit of enterprise in some fat October squirrel, who, for reasons
unknown to himself, is bent on planting acorns. —Aldo Leopold
Sunrise (here at latitude 42.834 N) was at 7:22 this morning. Sunset was at 4:23, which made for a day of 9 hours and one minute. Tomorrow, being the solstice, we lose that minute. (But then things turn around.)
A day is somewhat shorter up in Kagawong (latitude 46 N, or roughly 180 nautical miles closer to the pole. (N.B. Above the arctic circle the sun does not show its face until March. But there’s lots more sunlight this time of year way down yonder, in Texas.)
And, speaking of nautical miles, it helps to remember that one minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, and that one nautical mile equals 1.15 statute miles. Therefore, as a result of calculation, Kaqawong is 207 car miles north of W-H2O (and quite a bit to the east). (Driving there form here puts about 750 regular miles on the odometer.)
