Valentines

Its been an up and down day for us.  Its snowing and blowing and frigid outside.   The estate sale guy came this morning and loaded up everything that was left in the farm house, took it away in his big truck but left us with a sweet little surprise.

His mother (88 years old) made us a batch of her famous Italian cookies and even four chocolate cupcakes for Valentines Day dinner.    Jim used to own a wonderful, friendly restaurant down here, (Station 42)  one we'd go to every single Thursday night after Jesse's Suzuki piano lessons.    In those days his mother, Ann, would make sauce, meatballs and pizza fritta on Thursdays and the three of us looked forward her cooking all week.    We never met her, just enjoyed her "gravy and meatballs" and never met Jim.       Fast forward -  the restaurant closed years ago, we'd all but forgotten about our weekly ritual and then I called an estate sale agent in nearby Avon.     After meeting and talking with him a few weeks ago, I discovered who he was and found out his mom is still alive and still cooking up a storm.    She'd like me to come to her house for a cup of tea before we take off - perhaps I can persuade her to give me her memorable recipes, who knows!

So, after an emotionally rough morning we're sitting here enjoying a cocktail in our nice warm cottage.   We're waiting patiently for the wonderfully fragrant Sauerbraten to finish cooking and looking forward to our hearty German Valentine's dinner.    Its a good way to finish the day I think.

my view across the lake right now.....

progress

Winter days can be beautiful.   Today was one of them to be sure.  The thermometer even cooperated and rose shakily to almost 25 degrees!   Gotta make hay while the  sun shines, however, because the high temperatures are forecast to be well below zero starting Friday.   Sheesh!

beautiful blue sky visible through one clerestory window

We even have a rather large flock of Eastern Bluebirds in the beech tree.   I tried to take some photos of them this morning, but they were way too busy drinking the slowly dripping water coming out of our breakwall.  I'll keep trying.   Dave says it stays liquid there because its coming out of the hill above us, through the French drains under the warm house and out through a hole in the breakwall.    Whatever the reason, these little blue beauties appreciate it enthusiastically and reward us with flashes of their stunning color in the mornings.

Lewis enjoys the warm sun since Mr. David clipped him Monday. 

Dave spent the morning taking advantage of the balmy day to use the tractor (while it still belongs to us) to plow a path from the Morton bldg. at the farm (where Beluga waits patiently) to the road in an effort to keep a route open for our March departure.    We know there will be more snow before then, but its a start.

After lunch we worked in the basement, trying to organize the boxes and furniture that Angel's guys stacked willy-nilly down there.     We made great strides and finally feel we have our arms around it all.

I know it looks like a warehouse, but believe it or not its really organized.   I even have a tiny potting table carved out of the mess.

And Dave has a small shop/grooming salon at one end.   He's tightening up our kitchen chairs for his first project.

Guys, guys, are you down there guys, can we come down now, guys, guys, can we?

A balmy 16 degree Tuesday

Snow, snow, snow, ice, snow, icy mist, grey skies, cold, cold, ice.    Its black and white and grey and sometimes beautiful, did I mention cold?

The high point of today was a yummy dinner at the Caledonia Village Inn with Wonderful Fred and Lovely Wife Jeanne.   You remember Fred, of Fredericks of Geneseo Home Care Service, the man left in charge of the farm while we were off laughing and playing.   He has kindly agreed to provide the same service for our little cottage in the coming months.    

no more garage equals more work for Dave

icicles, cottage style!

We're in!

The imminent snow storm held off, Angel's wonderful movers pulled into the driveway right on time, Robin and Tom arrived with a gallon of coffee and mucho donuts and we were off!    I took very few pictures during the process....We were moving way to fast to stop for a photo opp.    In 5 hours we were mostly all into our sweet little cottage and out of our wonderful home of 39 years.    Its OK.....times change, things change, needs and wants change.

The first time I looked up, the truck was empty and it was pizza time - Thanks Tom and Robin!

Sasha wonders how long we're staying in this hotel? As long
as Dave is here, things are OK

Robin directs furniture traffic

Ah......we're all in
time for dinner and sleep

The four of us went to bed early and slept the sleep of the exhausted.   We have a bit to clean up at the farm, I have to call the estate guy to come with his big truck, but we're in and we're happy.   We'll settle what we can and by the end of March we'll be in Beluga heading west.

what does he see?

Dave and the dogs got up earlier than I did this morning,  nothing unusual in that.   When I came out into the "great"  (and I use that term loosely) room,  Lewis was sitting by the sliding glass door, watching something intently.   I figured it was the muskrats trying to keep their breathing hole in the ice clear, but when I stepped up to the window I saw what someone wrote in the lakes covering of snow......

Oh Dave.....I love you too!

Stop already!

Will it ever stop????

We were so happy with our choice of "hog panels" for balcony railings.   They are inexpensive and don't interfere with the window view of the lake and hills beyond.   Except when the snow piles up so high, when will it stop?

There are stairs and a lovely outdoor table and chairs under all that snow.    Will it ever end?

Monday - Miss Kim is freezing

The snow arrived, just as predicted.   Its about 6 p.m. on Monday and we're still waiting to be plowed out.   There is about 16 inches of fluffy white stuff in the driveway, who knows about the cottage's driveway.

We spent the day inside at the farm,  taking things down, emptying drawers, shelves, packing boxes and making care packages for Good Will.   Upstairs is now in good shape, that is to say, is organized, boxed and labeled.   Clothes are boxed up ready to go.       Tomorrow we tackle downstairs.

    

Our "Miss Kim" lilac is freeing today......

Here she is in happier days this spring

Sunday

The snow is coming.....12 inches predicted through tomorrow.....we are watching it on radar, approaching slowly but relentlessly (is that a word?).

Tonight's question is - Superbowl or Downton Abbey?   Lucky we have two TV's.....