Full On Winter

Monday 12/1
A shot during Tuesday's snowstorm.
This nuthatch and lots of woodpeckers enjoyed the suet feeder.

 I finally worked a shift at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve on Monday, after taking five months off. It was just as boring as I remember, but I read a new manual for docents, and caught up on The Conservationist magazine which my mother gift subscribed for me for about 25 years. I missed it and may subscribe again.

Instead of taking a hike on their trails, I completed a few errands, then went for a walk in the neighborhood. It was so cold. Winter has not officially begun, but we are expecting more than 7" of snow Tuesday. A potluck dinner, for the X-Country ski group, has been rescheduled to next week when my daughter will be here, so I most likely won't go. I hate to think what it's going to be like when actual winter begins. 

Downy woodpecker.
Wednesday 12/3

I was forced to stay home for Tuesday's snowstorm so I was able to prepare well for my surgery on tomorrow. I'm having an ear drum repaired and possibly a bone replaced with a prosthetic one. Hopefully I'll be able to hear out of that ear again soon. I have to say I'm quietly terrified of going under anesthesia. My friend Dale is transporting me there and back. She is looking forward to my goofy behavior when I'm under the influence of drugs.

I spent most of the day completing a 6 hr online Defensive Driving course so I could save 10% on my insurance rate for three years. I can well afford my insurance bill, but I've been a financial saver my whole life. I used to do things like this when my daughter was small and money was tight. Now I just do it out of habit. In any case, I'll deposit the savings into my travel fund and splurge on it that way.

My little snow blower worked admirably yesterday, easily blowing 6 inches of snow off the driveway. I'm so glad I bought it last year and don't have to worry about injuring my back by moving tons of snow this winter.

Another winning strategy to get me through the cold, dark days of winter is gardening. I have never liked plants in the house - dropped leaves, dirt around the pots, insects, etc. However, my sister gave me a snake plant in a lovely blue pot which is supposed to infuse the air with oxygen. I also decided to bring in my jasmine plant which did so well in the garden. Along with my rosemary, 2 orchids, and box of arugula, I have the beginnings of an indoor garden and am loving it. 

Snake plant, rosemary, and hopefully arugula.


There are lots of tiny buds on the jasmine. I can't wait til the flowers perfume the air!

This 10 day forecast shows just how quickly full on winter weather has set in. 
Between book clubs, family visits, skiing, and friends, I'll get through this winter just fine!

I'm off to a literary trivia night at a pub this evening, then surgery tomorrow. On Friday I have two events, but I have my doubts that I'll be feeling up to them. I intend to try.


Comments

  1. MargaretDecember 3, 2025 at 12:46 PM

    That is some COLD winter weather too! The snow that falls will stay. I'm glad that you're still gardening; I would possibly do the same except that my Mari is a nibbler. Although keeping busy in the winter is harder, you have an excellent list of activities and hobbies. Hope the surgery goes well! I have trouble with anesthesia, so I understand your fear. Keep us posted on your progress!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maureen MDecember 5, 2025 at 12:11 AM

    The surgery was complicated and longer than expected. I now have a bionic sound flap (ear).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MargaretDecember 5, 2025 at 12:32 AM

      Oh, dear! I don't like the sound of complicated. But it's fixed? I hope you intend to blog about it. I'm very curious.

      Delete

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