We got a lot of snow, but less than predicted it seems. This “official” assessment is based on looking out the window. We’ll see the reality when we go outside to tackle it. We’ve also had sleet, which most likely compacted the snow. So far, so good. We haven’t lost power. It’s supposed to get windy later and the temps are going to plummet tonight and tomorrow, so we want to get things shoveled before then.
The oil wasn’t delivered. It won’t be delivered until Monday. So say a little prayer for us that we have heat until tomorrow. I’m more than a bit worried, though Don seems to think we’ll be fine. (That’s typical: I worry. Don doesn’t.) Needless to say, I wasn’t a happy camper when I found out they weren’t coming. On the other hand, not giving them enough lead time was our fault and, as they told me, they have 600 customers who were asking for deliveries before the storm. They’re working their tushes off.
We had the best time with Rick and Doug yesterday. Great conversation, lots of laughter – we could have stayed there for hours but we wanted to get to the store before the snow started falling. I thought you might enjoy these photos.
Doug, Sam, and Rick. Don took this and managed to get a great capture. Sam is smiling!
And you know who these people are. I bought that snake plant for Rick and Doug as a housewarming gift and it’s really taking off. And that fire! I wish we had a fireplace here at the cottage. Rick and Doug have two – one in the living room, as well.
So. Today is about snow clean up. Yuck, yuck, yuck. But it must be done.
I’m almost finished reading James Lee Burke’s latest – should finish today. Then I’ll start Something of His Art: Walking to Lübeck with J.S. Bach. Can’t wait!
Happy Sunday.
Fingers crossed about the heating oil. Love the photos. You are lucky to have such good friends live so close by. Careful with the clean up!
These are the times I wished I lived somewhere where someone else was in charge of shoveling and salting, that’s for sure.
My copy of Walking to Lubeck arrived yesterday! Your description intrigued me so I not only started “following” John Sandoe Books, but ordered a copy of the book. As a musician I play Bach on my piano almost every day (great de-stresser!) and can’t wait to read this book. Thanks, Claudia, as I’m sure I wouldn’t have come across it otherwise. It’s -18 wind chill here in Wisconsin today, so my mom and I are watching lots of Acorn TV by the fireplace! Hope you and Don stay warm until the oil arrives!
Yay! I’m so happy you got a copy, Martha! Wind chill here is currently 14 below!
Oh dear to shoveling with sleet on top of snow! We (unexpectedly) missed the brunt of snowstorm here but our temps are below zero and it is very very windy.
Love your friends’ fireplace and their smiling dog. Have a wonderful Sunday, Claudia! Hugs- Diana
Windy here, as well, Diana. It’s too darned cold!
I hope you stay warm over the weekend, Claudia. Do you have a portable heater you can use, in case? I really like the look of your friends’ house from the photos. The wood and stone give off a cozy vibe. I’m sorry you have to contend with snow clean up. Having always lived in California, in an area with no snow, I wouldn’t know where to begin! Little Women opera today….should be interesting.
We have one portable heater, which won’t do much for the pipes, but is there if we need it. Thanks, Wendy.
Be careful. We all know how that sleet on top of the snow compacts it and makes it all the more heavy. Just delightful. ugh. Take your time. There are no prizes if you finish in 2 hours or in 6. But wouldn’t it be fun if there were??
Sunny day here but so very cold. The dogs go out and do their thing and are then whining to get back in quickly. Colder as the week goes on. ugh (again).
Going out for a quick lunch w friends. Will be good to get out of the house – into a pre-heated car and then the diner – but away for a bit is a good thing. Both of you take care today.
No prizes, but it was getting dangerously cold out there with wind chill warnings about to take effect, so we had to get it done!
ohmygosh! SAM really IS smiling! I love dogs who smile.
what’s the matter with me. I LOVE ALL DOGS! lol!
I’m so glad you have Stella. if worse comes to worst she will keep you warm.
plus plenty of cozy fleece of course! xo
Sam is a dear. We really love him! Thanks, Tammy!
You are in my prayers to get your oil before you run out! Also remember that real candles do let off a bit of heat. If fact I saw a post somewhere where they were showing how you put a clean clay flowerpot ( with the little hole in the bottom) over a candle and that will keep the heat down where you are and not up by the ceiling. You put the pot upside down over the candle with the rim on the bottom. You have to set them up a bit higher than just sitting them down on the table level with the candle. They need to have air flow to come up from around the bottom so the flame doesn’t go out. I had some metal nuts that I put around the bottom and laid the flower pot on them. Worked well. I think the site was a survivalist site. Thought it was a good idea because it kept the candle from blowing in a draft and starting something on fire. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
We’re down to the wire on oil, but we’re staying positive, Tana. No choice! Thanks!
I suspect you’ll be toasty-warm after shoveling snow! Layer up with a cozy blanket and a good book as you conserve your fuel and await your delivery. I’m with Diana on that fireplace! Gorgeous!
I love that fireplace, too! Thanks, Roxie!
Do you not have automatic oil delivery in your area? We do here in Pa and I would not want the worry of running out. We did not get as much as was called for by a number of weather men, thankfully. Winds are to be bad but hoping they are wrong on that too. Love reading your posts and seeing all the pictures you post, you have a very interesting life.
We have it, but you have to understand that when you have two freelancers who don’t have a consistent source of income, you don’t do ‘automatic’ anything.
Thanks, Barbara.
What a wonderful photo of you two. I can’t think of a warmer, lovelier environment for a portrait like that! It looks so cozy.
Glad you didn’t get totally swamped with snow. We didn’t either but it’s bloody cold and the furnace is going so I hope you don’t have it quite so tough and that the oil holds out. You need a Hanukkah miracle. (Was it Hanukkah with the oil or Passover. I think Hanukkah and that’s why you eat latkes.) I digress. But sending good weather wishes your way.
We do need a Hanukah miracle! Thanks, Jeanie.
Hope the oil gets there soon. I am pleased that the shoveling is done and that you have electricity and hit the stores. A freeze is heading here and I need to have our pipes dripping to keep them for bursting. Enjoyed your photographs.
Please let us know about the book you are reading when you are free.
We have to do the same thing. In fact, they’re dripping as I write this! Thanks, Mary.
prayer said that you don’t run out of oil!
good luck with snow removal. take it as easy as you can!
your friends have a lovely home and such a sweet pup!
and don’s new frames look sharp.
happy sunday!
kathy in iowa
Don is looking quite dashing lately!
Hi Claudia, that is such a sweet picture of you and Don. You look so happy together. I think Don looks very nice in his black glasses even though you were so upset when it happened. Hopefully you can stay warm until your oil comes! 😊
We’re crossing our fingers, Janet!
Ah geez…no oil? Tomorrow though, that’s a relief. Sorry to hear about the ice on top of the snow…that does make it heavy though. Be careful.
Absolutely great pic of the two of you…frame worthy! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae! Yes, we’re praying that we don’t run out before they deliver today.
Hope your oil is delivered Monday. Stay safe and warm.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn. You, too!
Sending warm and cozy thoughts your way! Be safe.
Thank you, Dori!
We got 8″ of snow with the storm and now it’s bitterly cold. Another storm is coming on Tuesday and depending on how it tracks, it could start out as rain, then sleet, then snow. Ugh! I hope your heating oil supply is enough until you get a delivery – will send up a prayer for you on that one. Great photo of you and Don!
Thank you, Melanie. Winter and I are not good friends at the moment!
Wonderful photo of such a talented couple! Have enjoyed your blog for years, and feel like you are our neighbors! We whine over four days of rain here in Temecula, CA, and bundle up rather than heat our big home. Be safe, and hope the oil arrives soon.
Thank you, Marcy Ray!
Sam looks like he is very happy and loves his dads!…Rick and Doug ‘s home looks warm and cozy from what I can see…13 degrees below here…Stay safe and warm!
Their home is beautiful. And Sam is a very happy boy! Thanks, Nancy.
I love, love, love that pic of you and Don. That’s a framer! Glad you still have heat – I’m catching up on your blog after a few day’s absence. Keep bundled up – it’s going to break tomorrow – if only for a few days.
Thank goodness! I have to go into the city tomorrow and I don’t mind saying I’d prefer the temps to be warmer.