Lights coming on at the ski hill

I drove up Bihlmayer Road.  A permit the Planning Commission is reviewing tonight is for a cabin that will be built there this spring.  I debated going.  It was snowing and Bihlmayer is all trees and hills.  I was pretty sure I wouldn't find any issues w/ the site - if I could find the place at all.  Turns out the fire sign isn't yet installed but I know relatively where the site will be.   When I got back home there was a truck in the driveway.  Olson Solar was here to replace the malfunctioning microinverter on the solar array.  When I'd contacted them earlier I'd asked to make a note that if I I wasn't around the new part would be on the counter in the apartment.  I parked next to the truck and followed the driver's tracks in the snow.  He'd gone directly to the apartment and I could see the box w/ the part had been opened.  I looked out at the solar array.  I hadn't seen him before because he was up in the array but now I could see him stepping back down into the snow.   All labor and parts are still under warranty so no cost to me.  Life is good.    John Deere called later.  Svadilfari is way past his warranty days.   There are more parts needing to be replaced.  The service person said the cost hadn't gone over what I said was OK but she wanted to let me know anyway and make sure I still wanted it done. Svadilfari may be old but his chassis is in excellent shape - I said to go ahead w/ the changes.

Ski Hill Owner Dave is a member of the Town Planning Committee and I said I was pleasantly surprised to see that skiing on the hill hadn't ended yet.  He said they would close March 22.  I gave him a quizzical look.  He shrugged and said every year is different.  That was their best guess on how long the snow on the hill would hold out this season.

Jigsaw Puzzle (this one was a mystery who-dun-it)

 

Saturday morning my throat felt funny but I thought it was because the house gets so dry in the winter.  By the time I went to bed I knew I had a cold - I was taking lozenges for my throat and I had a little congestion in my lungs.  Pretty sure I didn't catch it at the election but probably at Thursday night's volunteer duty where little kids were coming and going.  The church I go to now doesn't have a 'greeting' time where everyone shakes hands w/ your neighbor but decided I could easily still spread the cold just by sitting and coughing in the pew.  Decided to keep my cold to myself and stayed home.  

A good day to finish taxes.  I had pretty good timing on installing the solar array.  For the first time in a long while I'm getting back a chunk of change from the Feds and the State.  Also this is the last year I could take a deduction for them.  Maybe in a few years when we no longer live in a fact-free country, energy efficiency deductions will return.   I'm still very old school and printed out everything and put it in envelopes for mailing.  Monday morning I took the envelopes to the post office and let the postmistress make sure they had proper postage.  I did take precautions like keeping a step back from the counter and keeping the interaction brief.  Hopefully, she won't catch my cold either.

Moonset through the Trees

Excerpts from the Sheriff's Report:

12:12 a.m. - Caller reporting an F150 in the middle of the road, no light on, just sitting there.  Officer found vehicle sitting in the middle of the roadway with a male driver, female passenger and three kids in the back seat all asleep/passed out.  Officer fearing medical issues called for a second unit and began banging on the window.  Male and female woke up.  Male explained they were on their way home from her parent's house and he was extremely tired.  They stopped for a train that was going very slow and was very long.  With everybody else sleeping, driver also fell asleep waiting for train to pass.  Driver was asked to step out of vehicle.  He was clearly not under the influence and was released with a verbal warning.

9:57 a.m. - Reporting party believes their juvenile son has taken $6,300 in cash from them.  Reporting party stated she and her husband got the juvenile to admit to taking $500, via text.  Deputy spoke with juvenile at school and got him to admit taking at least $4,500.  He wasn't sure the exact amount.  Parents will talk to juvenile and discuss after how they would like to move forward.

11:14 a.m. - Caller asking to speak to someone about a furnace emergency.  Their furnace is not working right and the landlord will not respond to them.  They are taking care of an individual on hospice there.  Dispatch contacted the Rusk County furnace emergency person.

3:25 p.m. - Bank requesting law enforcement for a female trying to empty her bank account and use all her money to buy gold.  Officer spoke with elderly female and bank employee about transaction.  Confirmed company is legit but there are concerns about third parties accessing the gold.  Female did not tell any family members about this.  Officers state they can't stop her from doing the transaction but had concerns about her getting scammed.  Female understood but did not care about officers' opinion.

5:08 p.m. - Caller at his property.  They aren't there that often so they have a cable across the driveway with a no trespassing sign.  Someone shot the sign with buck shot and wrecked the sign.  

7:39 p.m. - Caller reporting there are people crawling on their hands and knees towards her front door and deck.

8:09 p.m  Complainant reporting her son's vehicle was struck while parked at his friend's house.  The son told her he had parked his van at the friend's address and had gone to Churchville with his friend.  While they were gone, someone backed into the van breaking the back window and causing other damage.  Deputy took photos of the van and went to the location of the reported hit and run where he was told the van was never parked there.  He was told the driver had actually gone to Greatlaketown to meet a girl where he backed into a tree.  Mother was informed that her son had made a false report which is a crime.  His explanation was that he lied because his mother and her boyfriend are always fighting and he didn't want to set them off.  The mother assured the deputy her son will 'have consequences' for his actions.  No accident report.

8:25 p.m. - Call from a medical alarm company that a medical alarm is activated but they can't make contact with the individual.  Officer spoke with female through the window who said she did need help.  Officer made entry.  Female fell but was able to get up w/ help.  Declined EMS.

Misshapen Sun

 

Earlier in the week when the temp was above freezing, I'd opened Sleipnir's garage door and moved out Svadilfari.  The pile of snow in front of that door had all but melted away and I shoveled a small area so the lawnmower could pass.  I moved it into Mjolnir's garage alongside Jormungandr and called John Deere.  I like getting the yearly servicing on both machines done before the spring rush.   John Deere said they could pick it up on Friday.  Unfortunately, Librarian Trevor had moved our library volunteer's meeting to this Friday also.  I told John Deere if I wasn't around when they came to pick up the lawnmower and UTV that they would be sitting outside.  Just before I left for the meeting I parked both of them right outside Mjolnir's garage door w/ their keys in them.   (It's back below freezing again so glad I didn't have to open Sleipnir's garage door where I have all of the overwintered flowers!)   Library meeting only went for a half hour.  The volunteers don't get together that often so we stayed later to catch up on all of the interesting things we've seen people do at the library.     An hour and a half later I was back home.   Jormungandr and Svadilfari were gone.    For my peace of mind I called John Deere  and, yes, the driver had arrived w/ both of my machines.  I told the manager if fixing both machines (replacing blades, fixing a back reflector, etc.) didn't go over a certain amount to just do it.  No need to call for my okey-dokey.  I'm doing my best to get the work finished quickly.   I'd like to get the machines back before the next big snowfall so I don't have to shovel a path into one of the garages.  I looked at the forecast for the next two weeks - so far so good.

Harrier

The harrier is back now that much of the snow pack has melted.  During the winter the mice and voles can tunnel under the snow and keep out of the harrier's sight.  When the snow melts away these denizens of the field are suddenly left out exposed - no snow tunnels, no covering vegetation.  Harriers are fun to watch.  They float slowly over the fields in a gridlike flight plan often less than 20 feet above the ground.  I watched this male doing it's thing over the meadow when he noticed something and suddenly dropped to the ground.  He had caught a fat vole in it's talons.  He lifted off again to alight in a nearby hayfield.  While the harrier is exposed out in the open there, he can also see anything approaching.  Once settled on the ground, he ate his lunch.   Interestingly, while the cats and dog can occasionally catch voles, they never eat them.  Assume they are an acquired taste.

Sunrise

Before 8 a.m. I was back down at the Town Hall.  It would have been quick and easier last night when we had four people to move the tables and chairs back into their usual places.  After 14 hours, however, we had all used up our last bit of brain power and just wanted to go home.  Took me less than 15 minutes to rearrange the room this morning.  Then picked up the election materials from the locked back room and took them over to the County Clerk's office.  Lots of impressive new ponds on either side of the road as I drove over.  The warmer weather has melted much of the snow.  The piles of snow plowed off the road haven't melted completely and act like dams so the melt can't run off.  There is still frost in the ground so the water can't soak in either.  Plus it's been raining since late last night.  Some fields are mostly underwater at the moment.  The new County Clerk's aide let me into the office.  This is her first election in this role so she had a 'cheat sheet' out to check that each municipality brought in everything the county would need to verify the final election count.   The County Clerk came over to help her recognize the different documents.  "A long day for you wasn't it?" the County Clerk said to me.  I had been pleasant up to that point but since the clerk asked I turned to her.  "We had to turn away eight voters.  Whoever allowed pieces to be ripped off our town is an idiot."   The County Clerk took a small step backward and I turned my attention again to the aide who wasn't finding our tally sheet.  I pointed to it and she went on checking things off her list.  This afternoon the temps dipped below freezing so the rain turned to snow.  A fresh layer of snow always brightens things up.

A Layer of Fog

Election Day at the Town Hall.  We had 11 voters come but only 3 could vote.   After the last census, the County Board and County Clerk in their 'infinite wisdom' had split off parts of our rural town into three wards.  The only ward having a primary today consists of five complete towns to the north of us  and  a small corner of our town.  The paper mentioned the towns that would be part of the primary today.   It did not explain that in our town you had to live in an area bounded by Imalone Road, Bennor Road, County Road H, and State Highway 40: roughly 25 people.   That's how we got more people come in than could vote.   I'm very grateful that the people we turned away understood what was going on and didn't accuse us of something sinister like election tampering.   The poll workers knew it would be a slow day so they brought other things to do.  I brought my computer. Had  Planning Commission tasks to complete before next week's meeting.  I thought it wouldn't take long but didn't finish until late in the afternoon.   The Town Clerk arrived  when we closed the polls.  She's just back from a cruise where she picked up a cold.  The bathroom in her house is being remodeled and she had her regular job to go to today.   I offered to take the ballots and other voting materials in to the county tomorrow for her.  She didn't put up a fuss.   I considered writing a letter to the paper's editor about how splitting up a municipality into small pieces has disenfranchised it's voters.  However, it's five years before there is another census and the wards can be redrawn.  Doubt anyone reading my letter now would stay riled up that long - but I can.  

Jigsaw Puzzle

Today is all warmth (well ... might have hit 50) and sunshine. People are smiling and saying how springlike it feels.   Tomorrow things change - cloudy, rainy/snow.  Tomorrow is also election day here.  Even though it's the smallest one the town is likely to ever have, need to do all of the usual prep.

• Moved Whip's bed, water and food bowls to the foyer.  Put up the baby gate so I can cut off the foyer/garage from the rest of the house.  Wouldn't have to do that if the cat's hadn't figured out how to use the doggie door to get outside.
• Picked out what I'll wear and laid it out.  Polls open at 7 so need to get going early.   Also packed a small bag w/ extra jeans, socks, and a sweater.  I'll be at the polls all day.  I've had elections where I spilled coffee down my blouse and helped push a voter out of a mud hole.  It pays to be prepared.
• Bopped over to the County Seat to pick up something for tomorrow's breakfast (latte and cherry scone), snacks (cheese, nuts, and dried cranberries), and lunch/supper (a spicy Italian wrap cut in two).  Picked up bottled water (the water at the town hall is barely potable) and I'm all set.
• Checked that car the isn't low on gas.  Put in my bag of extra clothes, food, and stuff to do during lulls in voting.
• Chief Inspector Andy and I met at the town hall and spent a half hour setting up for the election.  There was a wedding celebration at the town hall over the weekend so couldn't do it when we did the Public Test. The tabulator w/ it's security tabs already applied had been locked in the office.  

Now just need to get to bed early. 

Morning light off the snow pack

Excerpts from the Sheriff's Report:

4:43 a.m. - Caller reports his daughter was in the house and the boyfriend was on the street shining a spotlight through the windows.  Boyfriend wants to be transported somewhere.

8:41 a.m. - Caller reporting someone knocking on his door.  Caller states it was an unknown male dressed in all black.  Deputy told caller this is not a crime and if they return ask them why they are there instead of calling the police.  

11:52 a.m. - Caller reports there is a vehicle driving east bound on the snowmobile trails.  Trail groomer recently groomed the trail.  No signs of a motor vehicle driving on trail.

1:13 p.m. - Caller concerned about snowmobiles speeding down the road.  States there was almost an accident last week as he was leaving his house.  Snowmobile route goes across his driveway and continues on through the ditch.  Complainant is worried he may back into a snowmobile or that one will hit him as he backs out of his drive.  Complainant was reminded he has to yield right-of-way to all motorized traffic on the road including snowmobiles.

2:27 p.m. - Nearby county police officer asking for a deputy to make contact with an individual who has been harassing the lawyer in a recent child custody case.  Is refusing to take officer's phone calls.  Individual needs to be told to cease any and all contact with attorney and his office.  Individual appears to be a religious zealot and caution is advised.  Officer found tracks near house, can hear music inside residence, but individual would not answer the door.

3.23 p.m. - Caller reporting three cows on the road.  Deputy declared cows won the game of hide and seek.  He was unable to locate.

5:09 p.m. - 911 call from IPhone satellite emergency relay station reporting a possible accident.  They could not get a response from the number.  Deputy checked area and did not locate anyone.  Call from female stating her phone fell out of her saddle bag and was run over.

7:57 p.m. - Laundromat reporting a homeless woman sleeping on the sofa.  Owner would like her removed.  Officer spoke with female who was eating her dinner on the couch.  She stated she will be in town for another two months saving money to go back to Colorado.  After officer told her laundromat owner wanted her to move along, she asked if she could finish eating her dinner before going back out in the cold.  She agreed she would move on and not return to sleep on couch.

9:37 p.m. - Caller states her mom threw her cat outside and now it's limping.  Also stated her mother has been living there for a month and she doesn't want her there anymore.  Informed that homeowner would have to go through proper eviction process.  Also determined the cat hurt itself climbing on objects in the home.  Mom stated she is afraid of homeowner and his past with abusing women.  Stated she is not afraid to hit a man if he starts it.  Mom spent the night separate from homeowner to prevent further problems.

10:25 p..m. - Caller reporting two males outside her door wanting to get into her house and use her phone because they are lost.  She is not feeling safe.  Officers directed to McDonald's parking lot and found two individuals there.  Males are minors not from around here.  They were trying to access wifi of residences so they could call their parents due to not being allowed to stay the night at their friend's house  Juveniles could not reach parents.  Officer contacted a nearby county sheriff to send deputies to get in contact with parents.  Shortly the mom of one of the juveniles called back.  She is going to pick up her kid and drop the other at his residence.

Dear Valentine deer

I had a small glass dessert cup of strawberries and whipped cream w/ breakfast.  My homage to Valentines Day.  (Plus it's delicious.)  I made chili for dinner.  Fairly certain chili is not traditional for the holiday - that would probably be a nice meal out of filet mignon.   Instead of  a steak, I opted for 'a stake' by curling up on the couch and watching Svengoolie air the original 'Dracula'.  Friend Kathy and I text back and forth during 'Sven' movies.  She felt the movie is apropos for the holiday - lots a necks get nuzzled and it's a good bet Drac doesn't have garlic on his breath.

Amaryllis

Yesterday got above freezing and looks like we are going to have a string of days that do the same.  A corridor of bare gravel has opened up on my driveway.  I have to be careful in some spots but Whip and I are back to having a morning constitutional.  Much to her delight, I've also caved to her desire to walk first, feed birds after.  

Can tell there is a change in the weather at the bird feeders too.  Last month it was goldfinches scolding and chickadees thanking me when I filled the feeders.  No birds this morning plus there were seeds left over from yesterday.  Warmer weather either means they don't have to eat as much or their usual food sources can peak up out of the snow.   

Whip has a dead prize that she feels the need to move every day to a new hiding place.  The ground is frozen but she buries it in snowdrifts.   I'm hoping some traveling-through coyote finds it before the snow is gone and Whip wants to bring it inside.

Stopped by the library with the largest opening plastic bag I could find.  It a-l-m-o-s-t fit the book drop cart but not enough to be useable.  My plan B is a box.  I brought a box almost the same size as the inside of the drop box and placed it on the platform.   That seems to work.  Shoved some small books into the book drop.  They all fell inside the box.  Have a plan C also but will wait to see how plan B goes.

One of the amaryllis I thought would bloom over Valentines.  It's the first time this clone of the main amaryllis has put up a stalk w/ buds but they still remain closed.   This is a pic of another clone that bloomed earlier.

Variegated Sunrise

A lady came into the library tonight and said she had put six books in our book drop but they were still showing as checked out to her on her on-line account.  Two were now overdue.  I said I would check for them in the stacks.  We've had times where volunteers bypassed checking a book back in before putting it back on the shelf.  Easy enough to do if someone brings the books in from the drop and puts them on the distribution cart instead of on the counter.  Librarian Trevor was standing nearby and asked if they were children's books.  "Yes."  the lady said, "Some Board Books and some Early Readers."  Those are thin books and Trevor said he'd check the book drop she'd used.  Trevor came back from the book drop w/ the cart that is enclosed inside the drop box.  There is a bouncy platform inside the cart that breaks the books fall plus goes down to allow more room as more books are added.  Trevor could see that there was a book that had slid under the platform and was in the bottom of the cart.   I pressed down on one side of the platform allowing enough of a gap that Trevor could fish out the book.  We tipped the cart again and another book appeared.  All six of her books had slid under the platform.  There is a rough fabric covering to the bottom of the platform so books shouldn't skid around.  The slit around the edge of the platform is very thin.  I'm surprised one book would go through it, much less six.  My idea for a fix is to treat the inside of the book drop cart like a kitchen garbage bin.   Will put a construction sized garbage bag around the top.  The bag will be a covering over the slit and expand as more books are added.  Best of all it's a cheap solution - provided, of course, it works.

Deer at the salt lick

Psalm 90 says we have three score and ten years upon the earth - maybe four score.  This last year I read obits for three people in my high school graduating class.   Figured while I still have some money and haven't yet lost my faculties I should set up my funeral.  I bopped down and had a meeting this morning w/ the funeral director in town.   I'd read up on pre-paying options but got his take on the pros and cons.  Then we went through what I would want included in a funeral.  He chuckled when he was going over container options and I asked if he didn't have something more recyclable.  Yes!  He does!  Anyway, didn't take very long to get everything on paper.  I commented that it was an easy process and he replied it was since I knew what I wanted.   It was also much less expensive than I thought (cardboard isn't as pricey as mahogany).  I bopped over to the bank and everything is setup and paid for.    I can also write my obituary and pick readings & songs - just e-mail them to him and he'll put them in my file.    Think I will wait on those.  At the moment I'm liking the song "Sloop John B".   Either I need to give this process more gravitas or I'm too late on the 'losing my faculties'.

Jigsaw Puzzle

One of those days where I kept busy but bounced between tasks all day: a little time on taxes, on working on a jigsaw puzzle, on cleaning, on folding clothes, on reading a book, etc.  Whenever I did sit down there was a pet that wanted attention (they may all be suffering from cabin fever).  So I didn't get anything accomplished today.  Did manage to get a lot of things almost done though.