After the Storm (again)

We are shoveling again!  On Wednesday we had snow, rain, freezing rain, pellets, thunder and then about 10" of snow to top it off.  The sun is shining now though!

The snow has been coming down almost daily it seems; it really feels like winter.  We have many colleagues from the Midwest with whom we can reminisce about real winters in the Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana (the main difference in CT is bigger hills and the inclusion of sleet/freezing rain between the snowflakes).  We think this is storm #4, perhaps we should call it Duncan.  We have been out for some walks to say hi to the locals, and even took respite from the snow clearing to watch the AFC final game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was a great game!  The Terrible Towel is flying here in North Stonington in preparation for the Super Bowl. Go Stillers!

One of the locals

Digging out

The milk truck on it's daily route -slow enough for a photo this day

Go Steelers

Coal miner's daughter

This weekend we re-discovered the film biography of Loretta Lynn, called 'Coal miner's daughter'. Its full of classic hits (such as the one above) as well as some classic outfits from the 60s and 70s. It is worth watching for the hairstyles alone! As we spent the earlier part of the weekend making a batch of home brewed beer this tune seems particularly appropriate for the blog.

Tune of the Month - The Secret Sisters

This month's favorite CD is from Secret Sisters. It was a Christmas stocking stuffer from a very hip Santa Claus. We may be late to appreciate this classy singing duo, but I guess it is better late than never! Anyway, check out this YouTube sample and if you like it their CD is easy to find on Amazon or "at your local record store".

Storm Benedict

Late Tuesday evening the snow started and continued to fall through early Thursday morning.   By Wednesday morning we had about 8" of snow, work was cancelled and we were glad for a day to catch up on things.  Of course those activities were limited once the electricity went off.   However, we discovered that you don't need electricity to clear snow, an activity that also keeps you warm (this important when you don't have heat either!).  Heavy snow and blowing winds most of the day made just keeping a path to the door a challenge.  Thanks to Mark we have a clear driveway too!

First Weekend on Snowboards

We made our first trip to Vermont last weekend. The temperatures were very warm the week before and the snow/trail report didn't look good.  However, we arrived on Friday night to some light snow that continued to fall through Saturday afternoon.  We had some great riding at Pico on Saturday afternoon.  Some "freshies", small crowds, friendly Vermont locals and a quiet weekend with the Thames Ski Club made for a great weekend.  We headed home Sunday as there wasn't enough snow for XC skiing in the woods, and our legs were not up to another day on boards.

The falling snow didn't do much for action shots on boards, but we did manage to catch a photo at the The Farmer's Diner in Quechee, a favorite spot.  We learned about The Farmer's Diner when reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.  The locally sourced bacon, fresh eggs, breads and jams can't be beat!    We especially like the mugs that say "As for butter versus margarine, I trust cows more than chemists." - Joan Gussow. 

Best Christmas Card Competition 2010

As we took down our Christmas decorations tonight we held a fun contest to find the "Best Christmas Card for 2010".  So here are the "Top-3" cards we received in reverse order (based on appearance only!).......

 

3rd prize winner.  From Eric & Jo, for humorous facial expressions.

2nd prize winner.  From Sandy & Ali, for overall jollity (and caveman-like art).

1st prize winner.  From Evgenyi & Marina, for real simulated snow fall in the window of the card!

We thank all of those who sent us cards and enlivened the cold winter evenings with their bright colors and warm wishes.  We wish you all the best for 2011!

Out with the old

We have spent the holiday relaxing, creating, cooking, sharing time with friends and enjoying life at home together.   One of the creations was Gingerbread Trifle with Cognac Custard and Pears that we made for a New Year's Eve dinner with Eric and Jo.

We also spent the holiday replacing some tired very tired plates and bowls with colorful Fiesta dinnerware.  The sunroom also has been spruced up with some new cushions. Out with the old in with the new!