Jigsaw Puzzle

While my plow guy came Sunday afternoon, by nightfall the driveway was again choked with snow.  Not much I could do about it so I watched the Oscars last night.  Didn't care who won, just what everyone was wearing and maybe to see what opera/ballet jokes Timothee Chalamet would have to endure.  (He will never look as good as Mikhail Baryshnikov in a leotard!)   I actually saw the movie for the first winner of the night.  Friend Kathy reminded me that after the Fair last year we went to see  the movie Weapons that Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress for.   This morning I had an oil change scheduled downtown.  I'd made the appointment two weeks ago before any talk of a blizzard.   Around 7 a.m. Whip began to bark.  I looked out and there was my plow guy again!  Not only could Whip and I take a walk but I could make my appointment.  An hour later I dropped off my keys w/ Mechanic Eric and walked against the wind up the block to the cafe.  Had a leisurely breakfast.  Stopped on the way back for a latte and picked up my car from the garage..  Eric said come fall I should consider new tires.  Picked up my mail and headed home.  With this wind it was possible the driveway would drift enough to be impassable.  Stopped at the end of the drive to pull my garbage bin out of a drift.  The garbage pickup guys had indicated last week that since all of the snow had melted I could again put my bin on the other side of the road.  Today though there was only a berm of snow pushed up by the snowplows over there.  Opted to put the bin on my side of the road.  They seemed to understand 'cause later the bin had been emptied.

Plow Guy

Lights on the ski hill Saturday night.   Got a text from a church member saying services wouldn't be held on Sunday.  I went to bed around 10:30 - a few snowflakes falling - that's all.  Sunday morning the driveway was snowed in.   Went out to feed the birds and was surprised at how strong the wind was.  Only activity on the road was the county snow plow going past.  Snow storms are actually quite relaxing as long as you can be dry & warm, have electricity, and no where you need to travel.  Oh ... and you have a plow guy.  Surprisingly my plow guy showed up around 1 p.m. and plowed the driveway.  The weatherman had forecast that there would be a lull in the storm about this time but the winds and snow would pick up again later.  I'm hoping the plow guy's plan is to do his clients in phases of 10" of snow instead of tackling the whole 20" at the end of the storm.  School (and the library) have already announced they will be closed tomorrow.  I'm thinking of calling my electric provider after the storm and giving them an 'atta boy'.  Impressed w/ the wind/snow we had over the last few days that there has been no electrical outages.

Kathy got her Wish

 Friend Kathy had wished to see a snowstorm while on her trip North.  It snowed the night we all got together for our GNO Christmas.  Not much - an inch or two - but quite pretty.  The day Kathy was due to go back to the Big City where her Husband Stan was visiting friends, we had another snowstorm - again a few inches. The roads were quickly plowed so no problem getting her to Collegetown to catch a transport to the Big City.  However, Kathy & Stan decided to not stay over in the Big City for this next snowstorm and headed home early for warmer climes.

The forecast says it's to be a 20" blizzard.  That calls for some storm prep today.  Righted the outside garbage bin that had been blown over in the 45 m/p/h winds of the second storm and weighted it down w/ a bag of refuse.  Easier to find an upright bin in a drift than one on it's side.  No need to go for groceries - the refrigerator is filled w/ the food I'd picked up to eat when I had no appetite and then to feed my visitors.  I filled some pails w/ water to flush toilets and tumblers of water for me.  You'd think that w/ all the snow forecast, water would be the least of my worries but it takes a long time to melt a big pile of snow into a little bit of water.  Topped off the charge on some flashlights and my phone.  For entertainment I've got a jigsaw puzzle.  The stack of wood my brothers cut up for me in the garage is dry and easily accessible.  Washed clothes, dishes, and, for good measure, I took a shower.  It's best to face a storm w/ clean hair.

Artwork

Hadn't planned on entertainment for Friends Kathy & Nancy while they were here.  We usually have lots to talk about and figure out impromptu things to do.  This morning Kathy brought out her card making supplies.  She has a Scottish friend that could use some cheering up and has been making fun cards to send to her daily.  I got out my drawing pad and after a few bad starts (it's been years since I've drawn) managed two pictures of fairies specific to Scotland.   Since these are mythological creatures,  if they don't exactly look like certain pixies, who is going to know?  Kathy lent me her pencils to add some color and said she would send them off to her friend.  Kathy's picture was of a haggis.  Hard to make a drawing of a haggis actually look like a haggis and I suggested other things her picture reminded me of.  (Got me some sour looks.)  Anyway, a rather fun morning.

Balance and Weights

 

Picked up Friend Kathy in Collegetown and Friend Nancy drove over after some appointments.  It snowed much of the afternoon so it put us in the mood for our GNO Christmas celebration.   This year's theme was Constitutional Amendments and we'd each picked at random an amendment out of a hat.  Nancy had picked #4 - Unreasonable Search and Seizure.  She gave a gift of various devices to cover up things people would rather other's didn't know about.  I'm not sure I can be more specific.  Let's just say we were all laughing by the time Kathy had opened the last package.   Kathy had picked out Amendment #18 which established Prohibition.   I received a balance and various sized weights for it.  Prohibitionists had pushed people to maintain 'a balance' in all things.  I also got a vegetable peeler since the 18th amendment is the only amendment ever repealed.  There was also a Distillery Cats book.  Will have to read to find the connection between the spirits industry and pets.    I'd picked Amendment #26 giving 18 year olds the vote.  Nancy got a tumbler with "1971' on it.  That's the year the amendment was ratified (plus people seeing her drink from it will assume that's the year she was born and think she's a decade younger.)   Gave her a baseball cap emblazoned "Voting Prevents Unwanted Presidencies".  She also received a sheet of Army and Navy stamps that came out last year.  The 26th Amendment was pushed through because 18 year olds were being drafted into military service but couldn't vote.  I didn't include the Marines stamps which came out at the same time since the Marines aren't part of the draft.  As usual we congratulated ourselves on our creativity w/ a hard theme.    Next year's theme - Pareidolia.  Should be fun.

Jigsaw Puzzle

Temps will reach 60 today!  I drove home w/ the moon roof open, Fleetwood Mac on the radio, and a latte in hand.  The only thing to make the moment more perfect was if I didn't have a coughing fit halfway back.  RSV has stayed way longer than I expected. 

Got all of the clocks reset for the time change. The grandmother clock in the living room is still 'bonging' one less bong than it should.  It's one of those idiosyncrasies easier to consider endearing rather than to try to fix.

A Little Winter Bedazzlement

 

Excerpts from the Sheriff's Report:

2:31 a.m. - Complainant reports neighbor has been shooting a semi-automatic rifle for the past hour.  Family is unable to sleep.  Neighbor recently moved in and she doesn't know them.  A second call came in about the same issue.  Person of interest identified and is believed to be a heavy drinker.  Squad in the vicinity can hear rounds being fired.  Another call states person of interest emptied two 15-round clips.  He is not striking any buildings.  Rounds fired don't sound close to residence or roadway.  Phone contact with person of interest.  He works nights and had the evening off.  He has multiple guns.  He was attempting to sight in weapons equipped with night optics for coyote hunting and to diagnose an issue with another gun.  He was apologetic and will refrain from shooting in the middle of the night.

3:21 a.m. - Complainant reporting there is someone in her garage.  She doesn't know who it is and they were in her tree all day.  They also broke her bedroom window and are trying to take the roof off her garage.  Deputy reports nothing alleged actually occurred.  Email sent to DHHS.

4:23 a.m. - Caller reports someone screaming east of her house.  Sounds like a woman.  She's heard it twice.  Deputy spoke with complainant.  Walked around her house and drove around the area.  Did not hear a scream.  Officer believes it may have been a fox.

8:19 a.m. - Caller reporting a male trying to steal items from her property.  She told deputy someone has been bothering her.  They came from the house to the west.  Complainant said she knows what he looks like but can't describe him.  He and another person moved her garage.  She knows this to be true but had difficulty explaining how she knows.  She saw these men with winches attached to the roof the of the garage.  She denied being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and does not take any prescription medications.  Caller has been up all night said she slept about 12 hours ago.  No evidence supports there has been anyone attempting to more her garage.

8:28 a.m. - Walk-in to Law Enforcement Center. Complainant reported her husband came home after church on Sunday and was in a rage yelling about the wood stove going out.  Upset children were not doing as they were told.  When complainant stated she took over animal chores he said he should just kill all of the animals.  Male did not threaten her or children.  Complainant wanted this documented in case something happens in future.

10:17 a.m. - Caller reporting a black Ford SUV following them for about half an hour on highway.  They pulled into a gas station.  Deputy spole with caller who provided description of vehicle.  Officer out with vehicle.  Person of interest is a private investigator doing surveillance for insurance.  He provided ID and left the area since he was burned.

3:19 p.m. - People helping a friend move out observed friend's father had a handgun in his pocket.  Friends helping also had handguns in holsters in an open-carry display.  When people were leaving, the father stood outside, pulled out gun, removed the magazine, reinserted it, chambered a round and held the hand gun in front of him in a ready position.  Gun not pointed at anyone, no shots fired.

3:42 p.m. - Caller who lives out of county reporting a female that has called her screaming and yelling about random things.  Caller states it had stopped for a few months and female started calling again today.  She has never met this person before, doesn't know how she got her phone number nor why she keeps calling.

7:54 p.m. - Caller states she was coming home and found a man who fell off his bike laying in the middle of the road.  He was trying to get up and didn't want her help.  Deputy found bike rider on the side of the road.  He was heavily intoxicated.  He was riding home from another town and the reporting party nearly ran him over causing the original fall.  Bike rider is unhurt.  He was told to refrain from drinking prior to riding his bicycle on the highway and was given a ride to his residence.

6:31 p.m. - Complainant who is not suppose to have contact with her son's father is needing to pick up her child.  Deputy contacted complainant who was under the impression that an officer could go pick up her kid for her.  She was informed he cannot do that but is willing to meet her there to facilitate the transfer.  Complainant is looking for a ride and will call back.

Redpolls

Librarian Trevor had signed the library up for an Author's Talk series.  About five times a month an hour long interview with an author is broadcast.  Subscribers can submit questions.  The broadcast can be watched live or later.   The Friends of the Library decided on a pizza party at the library Thursday night - open to all Friends and their guests - to watch the Michael Perry broadcast.  Perry is a local author and his writing is easily relatable to our community.  I was there - though at the front desk since it's my usual volunteer shift.  While I couldn't see the TV screen, it was loud enough to hear as I helped patrons and shelved books.  The Friends meetings are filled w/ how to help the library w/ fund raising.  A great idea for them to have a fun party where they could just sit back and enjoy themselves.

The Village Hall sprinkler system debacle continues.  The sprinkler system was designed 20 years ago as a 'dry' system usually filled w/ compressed air.  Sometime in the past the compressor stopped working and water filled the pipes.  An alert was also added so if the sprinkler system developed a problem, a warning beep would sound signifying that the system needed maintenance.  That obviously hadn't worked either.  The water filled sprinkler system pipes developed a slow leak that apparently had been dripping for some time.  The dry wall and possibly the insulation in that part of the building will need to be replaced.  The men's bathroom has been walled off so it's available for library patrons.  Trevor filled me in on the protocol to be used in order for use by one gender at a time.  Not a problem for our usual number of patrons but in July we will have 30-60 kids for Summer Reading Program.  Trevor is thinking of bringing in port-o-potties.  Just the thought of port-o-potties, little children, and hot weather is making me consider taking a month off from volunteering.

March Full Moon

One of the things Urgent Care had insisted on when I left last week was that I do a follow up w/ my regular physician the next day.  I don't know why the docs at Urgent Care think anyone can get an appointment just like that.   Obediently, I did make the attempt.  The appointment coordinator noticed I'd recently seen Cardiologist Jennifer.  Jennifer did have an appointment opening this week so early this morning I drove over in the fog to the clinic.  I felt a bit sheepish -  I am feeling better and only hack up a lung every now and then.  Jennifer took the opportunity to go over my echo cardiogram results w/ me - saved her from sending me a write-up.

I have been cooking things that I really like in an effort to get my appetite back.  (Ate the last donut awhile ago.)  I made fettuccine.  Added alfredo sauce, some peas, some pepperoni, cut up a bit of tomato, and toasted pine nuts.  Plated in a nice pasta bowl.  Looked very pretty.  Tasted very bland.   Nope, taste buds still aren't firing.

A Snack before Bed

Yesterday I made an omelet.  With no appetite I hadn't gone grocery shopping last week and was down to eggs, cheese, milk, bacon, and a tomato in the refrigerator.    An omelet was an easy option.  Expiration on the milk was past - well past.  I opened the top and took a whiff.  Smelled nothing untoward.  Later as I sat eating at the table I wondered why some milk could stay fresh well past it's due-date.  That's when it finally hit me that, at the moment, I can't smell.   My milk sniff test had been useless.  Looked down at the omelet.  It seemed OK.  Of course, I can't taste anything either, so how would I know?    Whip had taken up her usual position next to my chair.  She might be picky about pickles but month old deer bones she treated like filet mignon.    She wouldn't care how it tasted.  Gave her the rest of the omelet which she didn't take time to taste before it was gone.  This morning I had an appointment at the clinic in Churchville.   It only took an hour and before heading home I went grocery shopping.    Hopefully all of my senses will return pretty soon so I can appreciate all that food.

Jigsaw Puzzle

Excerpts from the Sheriff's Report:

12:19 a.m. - Complainant believes her dad shot her dog due to Facebook posts he made stating he's going to "shoot the dog and give it a dirt nap."  Complainant states there are guns in the house and her father has been drinking.  Deputy received no answer to knock at the door.  Next morning caller called again stating dog is hers but her mother was taking care of the dog and moved out without taking it with her.  Father answered door this time.  Dog in question was barking and jumping around.  Father stated he wouldn't shoot the dog but would bring it to the pound.  Reporting party informed that her dog is OK.

12:31 a.m. - Officer observed a vehicle in parking lot at Park.  Vehicle was running with no lights on. Juveniles admitted to conducting adult activities and were fully clothed by the time the officer approached the car door.  Juveniles were told to go home.

9:02 a.m. - Caller reporting there is a male who yells everyday and is starting to scare other residents.  Male in question locked himself in his room and continued to yell.  Then he went outside.

10:17 a.m. - Parties going through a break up.  Female was returning items and the caller found his jacket on fire in the driveway.  Caller does not have contact with female.  Caller only wanted this documented.  He was informed she could be charged.

10:51 a.m. - Report of 18 two-liter bottles of diet Mountain Lightning, all full, not frozen.  Must not have been there long.

2:02 p.m. - Caller requesting welfare check on neighbor who put out recycling tub two days ago.  Caller moved tub to porch and knocked on door with no response.  Neighbor is also not answering phone.  Neighbor was determined to be in the hospital.

4:53 p.m. - Caller hit a turkey on highway.  Only damage was to the windshield.  No crash report needed.  Reporting party taking turkey home.

7:54 p.m.  Complainant reporting her 18 year old son sent some illicit pictures and person who received the pictures is now blackmailing him.  18 year old was added on Snapchat by someone he didn't know.  Female asked for private photos.  Once received, she asked for $50 otherwise they would blackmail.  18 year old was told this is a scam and not to do this again.

7:57 p.m. - Complainant reporting someone threatened him and took his dog.  Complainant states female in question owned the dog for six months before she left it with him for over a year.  He gave her permission to visit the dog and she showed up with another individual and took the dog.  When complainant tried to stop her the individual came to him and said he was going to *** him up.  Female who has a bond condition of no contact with complainant brought back dog when she found out police were called.  Deputy to investigate bond conditions and send referral if needed.

The Coyote Hop

Left 10 minutes early from my library stint.  Librarian Trevor was still there but the last patron had left a few minutes before.  Drove over to Urgent Care.  I hadn't been in that part of the new clinic but it's much easier to find than at the old hospital.   I don't know how busy they get - that night I was the only patient and quickly was taken to a room to be assessed.  Told them I had a tightness in my chest and problems taking a deep breath.  When I'd gone in for my annual checkup at the beginning of the month Doc Amy had found I had A-fib.  Was in to see a cardiologist the next week.  Got a monitor in the mail within days (I keep it on for a month).  Some other tests planned for the beginning of March.  Think I could have managed everything if I hadn't caught a cold.    I had no appetite because of the cold and stopped eating much of anything.  A blood test showed me down on potassium and magnesium so they pumped those in to me.  My heart rate was high - pumped more stuff into me to bring that down.  My oxygen level was low so they gave me something to raise that.  etc.   Two and a half hours later I walked out feeling a bit better.  Yesterday I could again take deep breaths and today I have a little more energy.  Still no interest in eating.  Thought about it.  It's really hard to turn down a donut.  Bopped over to Kwik Trip and bought a dozen.   Yes, I know there is no balanced diet regimen that includes donuts.  Even RFK jr. won't eat them.  My idea, though, is they might be enough to pique my interest in eating again.  Besides some donuts, yesterday I ate a sandwich and salad; this morning an egg and hash browns.  Could be I'm on to something.

Purple Finch (I'm pretty sure)

I went in for my voluntary stint at the library last night.  I already knew from the text messages what had happened on Monday.  A sprinkler line in the ceiling had busted, one end falling through the false ceiling,  and dumping water into the Village Hall meeting room.   It happened before noon so the Village Hall staff and the Library staff were there and pitched in to salvage anything up off the floor, computers from the Historical Society, and get help in shutting off water and electricity to the building.   By the end of their efforts all documentation and electronics had been rescued but there was an inch of water on the meeting room floor that was quietly soaking through the rest of the Village Hall carpeting.  The Village Hall owns the whole building but rents the west half of it to the library.  We are separated by a hall, bathrooms, wall, and glass doors.  The library was open the next day as usual except if anyone wanted to use a bathroom they were sent to the men's which is right next to the glass doors.  The village doesn't want people trekking through what is going to be a construction zone for the next few months.  Trevor wasn't happy w/ posts on social media about the Village Hall AND the Library both being closed.  I checked attendance numbers for the week.   Yes we were down  Monday and Tuesday but Wednesday and Thursday numbers were back to normal.  The Village offices have moved to the Village Maintenance Building down the next block until carpet has been replaced, fixes to the ceiling and sprinkler system have been made, and any additional sprucing up finished.  The library stores used books in one of the Village Hall rooms.   All of the used books were saved I'm told but are now boxed up and will sit in storage until there is another room for them.    Anyway, Trevor and I talked about how a sprinkler pipe could have just busted like that on a not-that-cold-day, in a building not all that old, without anyone even in that room.  Seemed like a who-dun-it.  Anyway, I've got may theories.  Will have to see if I'm proven right when the reason for the breakage finally hits social media.

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.