Awkward Times

For some it must be very difficult to be without power and all communication devices. My neighbor next door counts on me giving him notice when power is restored as he uses a rollaway generator for his power and has just gone to town to fill his gasoline cans. I always know when power is restored as my Generac quits when that happens. Another neighbor also likes be contacted for the same reason. It was a big expense for us back in July of 2015. There wasn't only the cost of the generator, there was a competent electrician necessary, a propane gas line extended to the equipment and a solid stone and treated wood structure for its stable placement. It really was one of the best investments we have made for living twelve months every year here as we aged. We really didn't realize how wonderful and secure we would feel when it automatically took over. I really think this is the longest in one stretch it has run and we are not out of the woods yet!

We once had a good running rollaway generator. The procedure was kind of tricky to get it to go to work. The Mister had to bring it out of storage, and get it started manually. Then, I had to turn off the house power switch in the main box and then he could plug it into the special outlet on the carport pole and flip the lever to have it take over. Gas cans had to be full and ready to replenish the supply tank when it got low. When power came back on, the procedure was reversed. It was as a pain but better than not having it at the time. 

I'm expecting my daughter to arrive soon with freezer foods and phone. They have nothing at all at home to preserve and charge - at this time. 

There are frisky winds here and the sun is out. Everyone is sure looking for the return of normalcy in the area.

tap on image to view larger

This 'n That

Get ready for a mixed bag here! I'll start with yesterday. I want to show you that I really do use my pottery and do so every day. The dish drainer usually contains my cereal bowl (microwave oatmeal from scratch), my soup bowl (thicker and larger than the cereal bowl), my coffee cup and my wobbly tea cup which is also used for chicken broth.

I had a visit from Al the Potmaker to deliver two more candle cups. This past holiday I gave two away to my helpers and kept two which now hold succulents. These are special. They are called "Winter Woods" and the scent is "Tuscarora Timber." His picture is much better than mine so I'll show it first. Neat conception and art!!

The tax account lady stopped in with my return for signatures. Good news - a federal tax refund this year. Less is more! I broke her arm when making her take gas $ from me for her door to door service. Just kidding, but it was hard to convince her that it was necessary for me to feel OK about her traveling 28 miles each way, four times! It sure made my life easier.

The fun part of today is that when I woke up and looked out, the giant snowflakes were swirling and landing here! I have always said Mother Nature makes the rules - yes, she sure does. The daffodils seem to be bearing up "ok" so far. 

To start my day I put a very thoughtful gift into action. Last year a SC beach friend who had lost her husband in June, 2020 sent me his trusty coffee pot. She remembered that I like percolated coffee and packed it up and mailed it from her home in WV. I never used it until this morning as my(old) four cup (2 large cups) pot below, was working fine but is heavier!

Yes there is a new guy in town. He's is tall and handsome. After some research I actually found one for sale on the internet. Amazing! Over 50 years old is my "NEW" one! (According to the internet photo and description below.)

My coffee was just as tasty and even a bit hotter! 

Please tap on image to view larger

April Showers

All I can say is that I know better and warmer days are coming. On April 21, 2021 around noon the stuff came down and it was a white-out!

Next comes the May flowers... They have ten days to get here! The sooner, the better. They bring the hummingbirds!

 

April Snowers

Darn weather has just about killed my daffodils just as they were starting to bloom! 

20 degrees here this morning and the generator ran for a few hours last night as the snow and winds did damage to a few trees and power sources in our area.

The snow didn't stay on the roads, but the cinder truck just came through after I took these pictures.

James stands matter-of-fact while waiting for his spring garland. 

And I'll be exploring and learning how to use my Wacom - a birthday gift from family. This is my first endeavor.

Please click on image to view larger

Awkward April

Oh! Those April "showers" -yeah, snow showers- will kill my flowers! 

The walkways are treacherous, the daffodils are sad and the little birdies are frozen! The truck doors won't open, and James wants a new outfit! The good thing is that the sun is rising. It's 6AM April 16, 2014. I have demanded that it shines strongly ALL DAY!

Click on image to enlarge

Mother Nature! 

Do you hear me??