How long has it been since I last went to the city? Without counting days, let’s go with construction projects.
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment | Comments Off on Preparing for the after shocks | 260 words
In celebration of spring (as referenced by a croscus blossum in the front yard), I wind on the offensive. The BBQ is now back in its place of homour. Dito for the table and chairs that continue to be a heavy lug up the grade from below our deck. No need to think about them (for another six months). This is an annual event, and my deliberate transfer of the BBQ sections, through the kitchen, would appear odd to any onlooker. Thankfully, there were none.
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment | Comments Off on Proceed with the season change | 285 words
Based on the display panel, the winds had stopped. Completely. As in, “don’t let the tree tops fool you”. But I knew it wasn’t so. The dog had developed an aversion to wandering around outside, because the world was covered in a thin layer of ice.
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment | Comments Off on Who said what? | 261 words
This morning, my house key was returned. That marks the completion of our long project, downstairs, although such projects are never really complete, are they? But for the record, my afternoons of relative silence will return. No more saw sounds. No more power nailer sound. No more holding the doors while materials move from the loading dock to the worksite (my best way of explaining that the garage served to allow oversize materials to come in).
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment, history | Comments Off on The return of the key | 288 words
Heading into the weekend, with back-to-back heavy weather warnings. But, I don’t care. Here in the house, we’re about to mark an end to a long winter (and summer) of renovations. In fact, after I put the doorknobs back in place, I’m supposed to start shifting material/furniture from one space to another, to allow some photography. The better to record just how far we’ve come.
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Certain governments like to prove to the world that they learned little in school, particularly in science classes. In those jurisdictions where “opening up the economy” took precedence over public safety, the infection rates are rising. Almost as if having a third wave was a requirement. And while business owners insist on a return to normal, the rest of us might pay a heavy price. I’m willing to waait, until the vaccination system catches up with me. I just don’t want to get sick, first. But keep an eye on certain provinces, where the spring might be long and deadly.
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An integral part of our decision to replant the family in new fields (our move here) was the chance to rethink the house. Specifically, how we would heat the place. I was adamant that an oil truck wouldn’t be welcomed, and I didn’t see myself trundling loads of firewood from now until that final day.
Read the rest of this entry »posted in economy, environment | Comments Off on The cost of keeping my feet warm | 275 words
Our little patch of woods, just beyond the front door and separating us from the highway (quiet country road, down to the end of the island) is full of surprises. Today, for the first time, we watched a new animal come racing from the trees before diving under the step. What was it? Well, we’re not really sure. Synonyms abound, so we might have watched a weasel, or an ermine, or a stoat. I’ll ask someone that knows these things, while I draw a word picture. No actual photos (it was racing!)
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment, sports | Comments Off on Faster than a speeding (whatever it is) | 266 words
Oddly, here in the frozen north, we never think about things like “what if the house freezes and water comes out of the ceiling”? After watching news clips from Texas, maybe we should. After all, it gets cold here for months at a time. Why don’t we get ceiling icicles?
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment | Comments Off on But did you bank up the house? | 268 words
After yesterday’s oversight (on what can be seen through the window), another check was made this afternoon. Sure enough; NS, in its hilly glory. The current weather looks very much like yesterday (but tomorrow is supposed to be very different), so I now have my benchmark.
Read the rest of this entry »posted in environment | Comments Off on The local world is in sleepy mode | 266 words
