Quick Turnaround
It was a novel adventure to hop Asher into the car to scoot up to the lake with little fanfare on Sunday afternoon and then return home the following morning. Cyndie met with a contractor to request a quote for some fixing up that is needed on the dwellings. The trip also gave us a chance to assess the status of the feared mouse infestation we discovered the last time we were up.
A mousetrap I left in a drawer had caught one, but the other trap did not snap despite obvious activity all around it. On the bright side, we found no other evidence of activity, particularly in the bed that was a mess when I climbed into it last time.
Asher was a very busy guy, scrambling to leave his mark everywhere we walked. I let him romp on the ice for a short distance, and he was thrilled to sprint around on the slippery surface, sliding, turning, and leaping in gleeful doggy fun. It’s too bad that our little ice patch in the paddock at home doesn’t offer him the same opportunity. It would be easier for him to leap over it than slide on it.
There were trace amounts of snow up north, but after we got home and went for a walk, it made the absolute lack of snow really stand out to me. Our property feels bone dry. Freeze-dried. Last winter, when we experienced a similar lack of accumulating snow, the temperature frequently rose above freezing. After our recent bout of extremely cold temperatures, the 10-day forecast shows a continued run of normally cold days and no hint of precipitation. This will be a very long spell of below-freezing, yet very dry weather.
So much for the prognostications of a snowier winter this year. At least for now. I have a suspicion there will be a couple of snowstorms here before winter is over.
The later in the season it comes, the greater the likelihood of a quick turnaround after a significant snow event.
In the meantime, I will admit to appreciating the lack of needing to plow and shovel. However, I’m at risk of developing an unhealthy attachment to sedentary pursuits on couches that lend themselves to easy snacking on deliciously salty and crunchy processed foods.
My quest for optimal health has developed a bit of a wobble, dare I say.
I should probably have a serious talk with myself one of these days about putting a quick turnaround on that trend.
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Relative Something 
The winter season here in Vermont has been unusually uneventful. We have, so far, only had bitter cold with no more than a single inch of snow accumulation. The tractor has been bored sitting in our garage dormant and waiting. lol
Thomas Slatin 🏳️🌈
January 7, 2025 at 9:22 am
I vacillate between feeling good that my tractor is not being overly taxed and fretting that the idle time will lead to a drained battery or some other dis-use ailment. Who knows, maybe we will both get walloped by a single snow system that stretches far and wide. The big one that just made its way across the nation was south of us. You must be close to the remains of it by the looks of current radar.
johnwhays
January 7, 2025 at 10:50 am
I’ve resorted to starting the tractor and letting it run for 10 minutes every Sunday.
Thomas Slatin 🏳️🌈
January 7, 2025 at 11:25 am
Good on you. There are days I wish I had that level of discipline. I tend to rely on a trickle charger to boost a battery that isn’t able to turn over the engine when I get around to trying to use it.
johnwhays
January 7, 2025 at 11:45 am
So backtracking: Re I should probably have a serious talk with myself one of these days about putting a quick turnaround on that trend. I suggested a ‘slow’ turnaround, knowing the feeling and the challenges. That said, a slow approach allows you to gather momentum, inspiration and the fun of it all over again!! Something that characterises you at your best, my brother!!!
Ian Rowcliffe
January 7, 2025 at 9:07 am
I like the way you think. I figure, I’ve made a good first step by being aware. I like the concept of gathering momentum. Thank you for persevering until the software finally recognized who you are!
johnwhays
January 7, 2025 at 10:42 am
Your anti spam set up is proving very trying … the last comment came through after the previous two failed!!!
Ian Rowcliffe
January 7, 2025 at 9:03 am
I don’t have a grasp of how WordPress is determining you are anonymous, in which case it suspends it until I get a chance to “Approve” the comment, vs. recognizing you and allowing your comment to be visible immediately.
Regardless, I believe all your comments come through. Some, I know it is you, others, I just have to guess. [rolling my eyes]
Anonymous
January 7, 2025 at 10:23 am
Look at that. It doesn’t even recognize me when I reply in this manner!
johnwhays
January 7, 2025 at 10:24 am
So far nothing appearing:-)
Ian Rowcliffe
January 7, 2025 at 9:01 am
Wondering if my comment gets past your anti-spam setup:-)
Anonymous
January 7, 2025 at 8:58 am
Re:I should probably have a serious talk with myself one of these days about putting a quick turnaround on that trend.
Here, here: maybe a gentle turnaround… although I have a yearning to find myself in it all again:-)
Anonymous
January 7, 2025 at 8:56 am