Big Cold Moon
Waning, gibbous, but just a day past full. Bitter wind all day.
The planned trip to Manitowoc was postponed because Renee's sister went into labor and we were needed in Oconomowoc.
Coldest Night?
Could be. We are almost a week into the shortest month, after which comes March, the month of transition, so it is possible that tonight's below zero temperature will be the last we'll see for a good long time.
Today we made a two-bird batch of chicken barley soup (with dumplings) , one for the returned Arizonans, and one to take with us tomorrow. Then we took Buddy home to his peripatetic family, where he was welcomed warmly.
I do believe Pax liked having Buddy here, but is also glad to be back as the sole focus of attention and sole recipeint of treats.
Another Two Inches
The Leavers over for some Costal Bend green chili and a few rounds of Sequence. But first a little bartering: computer scanning and resizing in exchange for oil painting tips. I want to experiment with painting over images printed on canvas.
Snow Blind
Brilliant sun, much snow. Sunglasses a good idea.
The streets in town are rudimentally plowed, but, to the benefit of us walkers, so are some of the paths.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"For I am convinced that man has suffered in his separation from the soil and from the other living ceatures of the world; the evolution of his intellect has outrun his needs as an animal, and as yet he must still, for security, look long at some portion of the earth as it was before he tampered with it."
- —Gavin Maxwell, Ring of Bright Water
Blowing and Drifting
We cranked up the snowblower and unlimbered the shovels, but to no avail—continuous snowfall and a driving wind quickly erased our puny efforts. The dogs spent little time outdoors, and poor Buddy found pooping uphill to be something of a challenge. No danger today of confusing Whitewater with either Mexico or Arizona.
The human occupants spent most of the day down below, in the shop or sewing room.
We may be witnessing the end of iceboating for this year.
Heading North
At least, that's what these geese seem to be doing, but perhaps just to escape the snowstorm that seems to be heading up from the south. I'm hoping the storm, over-hyped as was the east coast "storm of the century" will live up to its billing and amount to nothing, or at least stay south so that we can have relatively clear ice around here.
Thinking, or course about Wombat, for which the plank horses have been made and the Kagawong utility trailer adapted, temporarily, until the real iceboat trailer can be rebuilt for two boats.
Not long after breakfast this morning, I went with Jim Leaver for coffee, and and a wee bit of coffee-cake, and then to the indoor farmer's market at Fort, followed by a stop at the art supply store in the same city. I've now got a palette, brushes, and a paint knife, mostly thanks to Jim, along with a beginner's set of water-based oil paints. My goal, with Jim's help, is to print photos on canvas and then paint over them, turning them into priceless masterpieces that I might be able to sell at farmer's markets for a dollar or two.
Early Valentine
And an example of cousinly affection.
And then out to dinner with the Leavers, and back to their house for dessert, discussion, and art.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Moving a rock, even a short distance, may be a gardener's most lasting achievement."
and...
"Japanese gardeners have capitalized on the constancy of rocks, their immutability. This is worth remembering when a big boulder must be dug out. We shouldn't curse the glacier that brought it or the ice that forced it to the surface, for to move a rock is to erect a monument."
—Roger Swain, Field Notes
Sledding With Maddie
A blustery day but one perfect for sledding. Combining the fact that I arrived at Maddie's classsroom early and was the only grandparent in attendance, I got to integrate into the ongoings. Fun stuff, reminding me of my preschool days at the Unitarian church in Geneva. and fun to see Maddie so smooth in her element.
Grandparenting
Mimi spent last night and this fore-noon helping out at Victoria Lane, while I filled in this ante meridiem at Riverknoll.
Katy and Bingo, the world-traveling classroom bear, building a marble machine.
and Will down with a fever.
Easy Day
Far different from last year. Very little ice on the Great Lakes. Not sure what that that portends, but suspect little if anything.
Here, last night's snow was melted away by noon. But even with the mild temps the birds and squirrels seem to apprciate the feeder. Six squirrels here at once, with many more out in the yard. (None has yet made it to the pot of gold.)
In the park this morning the spruces were shrugging off the morning's dusting.
Mimi is in Oconomowoc helping out, on both sides of town.