Making it through another New England winter

I don’t get out and about much in the winter. I don’t ski – too worried about getting injured and not being able to run or play golf. Although it sometimes feels like living in a freezer that needs defrosting, there are still lovely things to see and new friends to meet during the winter months. 

Peace. 

Near Cove Island, South Hadley. As the temperatures rise a bit, the snow melts, and a hazy fog forms over the Connecticut River. But there is more cold and snow to come. See below. 

Canal Rd., South Hadley. A room with a view. At least the town plowed the road. Which is no use to me. I'll probably stay in today. 

Mr. Hairy Woody has stopped banging his head on my gutters. I finally found a recipe that he likes. 

Mr. Noisy hangs around most of the winter. Parking his big, loud beak near my bedroom window he cries out for "THE-O-DORE!" Perhaps he is confusing me with a long-lost love. Or someone that owes his some suet. 

Ice forms near a waterfall around Upper Pond, Mt. Holyoke College. I wonder what would cause such formations? Bubbles of water rising from the waterfall, probably. It is interesting. But I shrug thinking I should have worn warmer socks. 

Near Lower Pond, Mt. Holyoke College. Let us pray. Although we have the ability to adapt to these temperatures, we don't like it. And we pray for an early spring. Amen. Quack!

Frozen waterfall near Whiting Rd. Reservoir in Holyoke. I love the sound of the rushing water. But not today. There is no sound except the wind howling through the naked branches.  Too cold for the birds, even. 

The river is frozen. My least favorite view of Mt. Tom is during these months. I know it's not easy to get up there. It's cold and windy and the snow is a foot deep on the trails. I have snow shoes but they'll remain in the garage hanging on a nail. I'll stay inside. 

Two ducks awake to a black and white movie. Holy Name church in Holyoke rises above the tree line but provides no solace. I'm ready to defrost this area. I'll have to get the double wide drip pan. 

The bridge over the canal leading to the river after a morning snowfall. I'm certainly not happy about the footing. I could fall at any moment. I have before.

Mr. Noisy peeks around a snowbank to see if I'm outside. He just drank more than a few cups of coffee and has lots to say. I don't feel like listening.

No, I'm not a crossing guard. I'm just extra careful when I run on the roads during the winter. Snowbanks can limit visibility around crosswalks. And folks are always in a hurry to get to the mall!

swimming in the river

 When my mom was a young girl living near the Connecticut river in South Hadley her mom would always say, "Judy, don't swim in the river!"

 That was good advice at the time. Manufacturing firms were dumping all kinds on junk in the water.

 As the manufacturing firms are mostly gone and various regulations have discouraged companies from dumping waste, the water has gotten a lot cleaner. 

 Even so, some older folks will usually give a concerned look if they spy frolicking along the banks. 

 "I think i just swallowed some water," says the swimmer.

We'll have to wait and see what happens.

Cove Island capering

8 a.m meeting with crows. "Did you see that dead squirrel over on Bardwell Street?" Yup. Meet you guys there at 10.

Out the back patio and over to Cove Island. I hide my shadow in a shadow

The old canal is dry under the bridge.

I don't like to talk in the morning.

We wish these guys would pick up after themselves. Canadians can be so uncivilized.

The towers are broadcasting. Always get a good signal here.

Chopper is always working. Has a vacation planned for April, though. Going to spend the weekend on the Holyoke side.

Old trees bow to the river. Chopper has these on his list for next week.

Old car near River Dog Man's house.

Cove island on the left. Chopper lives over there.

In a few months this area will covered with dense, dark green.

The town finally filled in the massive pot holes on our road. I was thinking of getting a Range Rover. But Edmunds said not to buy one.

South Hadley Electric Light guys taking a break before a busy day. Reading the paper. Did you you see the headline I wrote for the review of the new film, The Vow? "Movie about amnesia worth forgetting." hahaha. Have a good day, guys!

Winter Links

I'm fairly certain I've heard of winter golf. But I'm not sure what the rules are. Maybe it doesn't really exist. But I still walk my local course and go over my game. After all, golf is a cerebral sport. Got to keep a leg up on the hacker competition.

Red marker. 100 yards to the pin. I pull out my 9 iron and choke up, since it's a bit downhill. I close my eyes and see green. But reality is a different story.

Nice view of Mt. Tom., but I can't let the scenery distract me. I have a hybrid 2 iron I've been dying to use. Ball is sitting up. This is my chance.

60 degree wedge from here, but I have to be careful. A deep sand trap just to the right.

Uphill lie and 180 to the pin. What would Jack do here? Lay up and chip? I'll go for it.

Cart path. I'll walk.

I'm pretty sure I skulled it into the woods. But not out of bounds, hopefully. Nobody is behind me so I'll take my time and look for my ball.

Dog leg to the right but I'll take my chances with a 4 iron over the trees. Again, uphill, but I think I can make it over as the leaves are mostly gone.

Well, I shot an 84. Pretty respectable given the conditions.

Eyebrow Clucking

Overheard in the living room:

Your eyebrows look different. Have you been getting them done?

"Yes, for the last 6 months. You mean to tell me you've only just noticed?"

I guess. They look good. Even, like. Who's been doing them?

"Miranda."

Doesn't that hurt?

"No, she waxes them."

Oh, that's good.... Can you pass me the remote? Anderson Cooper is on.

-- photos from McCray's farm, South Hadley, Mass.

Pine Cone Holiday Party Flashback

(From left: Nana, Uncle Paul, Grandma, Mike, Jay, Poppy, Author. Note the high school photo of Uncle Paul atop the piano. )

I found this photo in a box and remember seeing it on Grandma's refrigerator many years ago. The photo was snapped before the folks went off to a Christmas party. We were left as a sleepover, obviously. I saw a ghost that night.

Reader responds: the year must be 1971. michael was born in jan 1970. what wonderful fun times. yes, i remember you telling me about the ghost. grandma told you it was uncle paul, coming up the stairs and not a ghost. still believe it was a ghost?

It was a ghost, for sure.

Litterbug! Litterbug! Fly away home.

I don't think I've ever tried these. You can also get them in low fat. That's good.

America runs on Dunkin. Delicious full-flavored refreshment

Oh, this reminds me. I need to get new tires before winter.

I hope Luis kept his appointment. He dropped his reminder.

I've never tried the French onion flavored. Good Fun!

I sometimes get these out of the machine at work. Eat better all day!

Yummy! I could eat two of these in one sitting.

System wiring diagram for a 1997 Buick Century Custom. Nice ride.

The king of Belgian beers.

Better than soft drinks at Wendy's, some think.

Hey, you dropped something! At least the cap was put back on. Very thoughtful! Thanks!