Ice and Snow

It was very mild 1 week ago. The rain melted the snow away and our temperatures were in the 40's.

A cold snap moved in, and we had a new batch of snow.

Then it warmed up again.  The mix of cold and warmth have turned all the snow into ice.  The ice started to build up on the roof and curl about.  I sure don't want it to break off unexpectedly.

These ice curls are common on metal roofs.  I see them a lot on the old chicken coop and the barn roof.

We are heading into a cold spell.  The creek is starting to freeze up.

We are expecting more snow later this week.  Maybe there will have enough to get some cross country skiing in . . .

An Old Story

An old story I will tell my grandchildren this year . . .

A long time ago a wondrous star appeared high in the sky.

Some shepherds saw the star.  They followed it to see where it was going.

They came across some kings from a far off land to the east.The kings were also following the star.  They decided to travel together.

In time they came to a little town.  The star stopped over a little stable.  Inside they met a man and his wife.

They found a small baby laying in a manger.  The baby was beautiful and made the shepherds and kings feel very joyful.

They gave the baby gifts.  In that moment the whole world was at peace.  All was calm, all was bright.

Enjoy the season!

And It Is...

In my last post I had started on a little project.

What was it?

Can you guess?

Why it's Santa, two elves, and a red-nosed reindeer!

Just a little something for my granddaughters!

Happy Holidays!

What's He Up to Now?

I find myself rushing to finish a little last minute project.  This has been banging around in the back of my mind for a while.  I then saw a show on television which gave me a few ideas which motivate me to take the idea in a different direction.

I start with some square stock - in this case some 1.5" x 1.5" red oak (about 18" long).

I cut them to various lengths, and finish one end with a 45 degree compound miter cut (I do this on my table saw using a scrap block cut at 45 degree as a jig).

I have a longer piece . . .

Two pieces of equal length, but shorter than the first . . .

One roughly midway in length between the first and the two similar pieces.

I cut out a piece of the mitered end . . .

I end up with four pieces which fit together like this -

. . . and from another angle -

Next step is to smooth over the edges, and then paint it (them).  Do you know what this will be?

Unseen

We rush around.  Get up, make coffee, run to the dump, work out, clean the pellet stove ,get the mail, make dinner, start our Christmas preparations.  We run a similar pattern the next day.  Our energies are focused and directed.  We go to bed at night, feeling all was complete.

I was going out this morning to follow the same patterns.  I was bringing some boxes to the garage.

And then I saw them in snow . . .

Deer had been by in the night.  We had multiple set of tracks about the barn, following the creek, and then off through some thicket to their next haunt.  We aren't the only ones about who have thins to do!

I followed the deer track about.  Then I came across some prints from a crow . . .

I walked about the house and came across this hole by the foundation. I had seen a chipmunk scurrying about weeks ago.  Now, it is probably in its restless winter sleep.  It is well that they are sleeping, as this entrance will be covered with snow once we get the first big snow.

I hope you get a chance in this busy season to stop for a moment, look around, and see what the other creatures around us are doing this time of year.