Time To Stop Complaining, eh?

But, that would be uncharacteristic, so I’ll have to switch to complaining about winter, especially with the deep cold coming.

Had to drive to J’ville for a derm. appt. at 7 this morning. Not exactly a sleigh ride or what you would call easy sledding, but with new tires and all-wheel drive, pretty much a piece of cake.

Above, dough ready for forming into q pizza crust. The dough turned out good, but the rest of the pizza making should be left to the experienced experts.

Bag Man

First try at sourdough/yeast baguettes. Still too hot to handle, but looking better than expected.

And, once tasted, crunchy and chewy, and pretty tasty.

Odds and Ends

Collected a few bits and bobs while doomscrolling.

Slush

Total less than 3 inches. Maybe not a reason for a snow day?

Heavy going with the blower, but the machine is capable, and a lot better than shoveling. Slush is heavy.

Snow Hype

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.

TV?

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.

Trial Run…

…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.

Another Spring-like Day…

…in Wisconsin, in January.

COVID patient on the mend. Un-infected one still dodging the virus.

Jolly Green Neighbors

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.

R and R

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

Bummer

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.

Day One

Happy 2024. Let’s hope. Swoosh card game for breakfast this morning.

Colder. In fact, coldest night of the year.

Happy Hogmanay

Last day of the year. As they say in Scotland.

Edible, At Least

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.

Lower Levels

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.

Trying To Be Winter…

…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.

Picnic in a Park…

…and, later, dinner (leftovers) with the neighbors.

Fowler lake wide open with fishing boats.

Boxing Day ’23

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.

Great Christmas Party…

…at Antler Circle. .

Football, a play about trapping Santa, presents, and lots of good food.

Merry Christmas Eve

Games, music, food and fun.

Mimi’s hand-sewn ornaments