Sept 27, 2013

This ought to keep me busy for a few days.

Last night's sunset

Wednesday 9/25. The sun had burned off most of the cloud cover by the time JB left for Down There at 9:00 am.  I wanted to take a down day, but since there was sun on the panels I managed to get the dishes done and vacuum, then bring in some kindling.  I am still gathering it from the woods so as not to use what is stacked in the wood shed until absolutely necessary.

Lots of birds out and about today, filling the air with their chatter and songs.  The juncos are back enforce, just like in early spring.  The little birds tend to make the stellar jays look absolutely huge.

Dinga is chewing on pine cones just like a squirrel.  I think she is even eating the seeds.  If she thinks it will help her smell like a squirrel so she can sneak up on them, it hasn't worked yet.

Just finished The Death Collectors by Jack Kerley.  Fantastic!  This guy can turn a phrase like no other.  Will definitely be looking for his other books.

While JB was Down There, he also finalized the senior discount for our property taxes.  We get $270 taken off for existing levies and will not be charged for any future ones.  That goes into effect this year.  Next year, having put our land into "forest management", our taxes will be reduced even further.

It was "The Walking Dead" night, so we relaxed and enjoyed.

Thursday 9/26.  36 and overcast, with a lot of rain due for the next few days.  Sounds like the west side will be getting it much worse than we will.

The dogs flushed a flock of grouse by the woodshed again when JB let them out at 7:00 am.  I am amazed that the birds are still around so close, but then they are not known for their intelligence.

With so much rain in the forecast, we wanted to get as much branch wood up as possible from the piles past the end of the driveway, so we got busy with that right after breakfast.  We brought up three trailer loads before lunch.  And two more after lunch.  That cleared all the piles past the driveway and one along it.  Should keep me busy for a while.

After all that work, it was time for a nap before dinner.  Thank goodness it was JB's turn to cook. . .

I have been using some of the cherry wood in the wood stove and it burns hot and slow, even being so old.  The other night I put a last piece in the fire at about 9:00 pm and there were still red embers at 5:30 am.

Friday 9/27.  It is 35 with a heavy overcast this morning, and I can see the rain moving in from the west.  Looks like we'll be spending most of today inside, and maybe the whole weekend.

Thought for the day:  At times it is strangely sedative to know the extent of our own powerlessness.  Erica Jong, Fear of Flying