Organizational meeting of a few folks interested in working on climate change. Good guys, interesting conversation, and…something may come of it, but we’ll see. One idea is a group called “Heat Pump Buddies” comprised of all of us in the area who are thinking of upgrading to heat pumps.
Below, my second attempt at sourdough. Haven’t tasted it yet, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.
Rest and recuperation.
The sick one mending, the not-yet-sick one trying to dodge the germ. A new batch of sourdough off to a terrific start, and the keys on the Aerophone seeming to be in the right place.
But, overall, rather quite around here.
Here’s an article from the Nation Magazine from January, 1970, recently sent to me by a friend from that time. Some might find it interesting. Gigline
Chilly and drab, and on top of that, the dreaded and LONG-avoided virus has snuck into the house. Nothing too serious so far, but what a disappointment, and what a pain.
Happy 2024. Let’s hope. Swoosh card game for breakfast this morning.
Colder. In fact, coldest night of the year.
Last day of the year. As they say in Scotland.
Here’s the first try.
First batch of dough was too weak and sticky. But the bread tastes pretty good.
Lots of variables to be managed.
Photo from new next-door neighbors on Serendipity.
Taken over Xmas holiday, typically a time of low water in the annual cycle. But this is way down, and we can only hope for a hard freeze, some snow, and a wet spring.
The low water has reminded me of this article written years ago for the Expositor.
…but failing. E-bike to the basement, however, as the forecast looks less than optimum for riding.
Although late to the party, thanks to Christmas gifts I’m edging into the sourdough realm. Below, starter from Renee. Stay tuned for laughs, I mean loafs.
…and, later, dinner (leftovers) with the neighbors.
Fowler lake wide open with fishing boats.
World famous waffles (not made by me), a little ping pong with new sticky foam paddles, naps, leftovers, a trip to the airport—but no new photo.
Overall, our 23Xmas, though rainy, was good.
…at Antler Circle. .
Football, a play about trapping Santa, presents, and lots of good food.
Games, music, food and fun.
Mimi’s hand-sewn ornaments
…and ready for the sleigh.
…like a snowless Xmas. Light rain all afternoon.
I’m proud of the Colorado Supreme Court. I think the counter argument—that the “the people should decide” not the court—doesn’t hold water.
In the first place, no reasonable person who looks at January 6 and the events leading up to it can deny that Trump’s intent was insurrection. Plain and simple, insurrection was attempted.
The “let the people decide at the ballot box” argument doesn’t work. It might work if we had a functioning electoral system, but with ‘Citizens United’, gerrymandering, voter suppression, the Electoral College, relentless right wing media propaganda, etc. the people’s voice can be subverted. Trump has never won the popular vote.
Across all places and all times, human societies have been susceptible to authoritarianism and autocracy. With all the forces that can work against it, Democracy tends to be “a candle in the dark,” to borrow from Carl Sagan.The strongest defense of it seems to be a solid legal structure, such as the U.S. Constitution, which strives to codify a society of laws, not men.
One of the prime purposes of the U.S. Constitution, in my opinion, was to protect the new country from the authoritarianism/theocracy that had dominated most societies in the past. It was based on Enlightenment principles—natural law, reason, justice, a separation of church and state.
But it wasn’t perfect. When writing a document for the ages it’s difficult to anticipate all circumstances (such as X and Fox). The document was also flawed by being written in a time that accepted slavery, and by compromises such as the Electoral College.
Still, it (with amendments) was/is a remarkable attempt to build a solid foundation for Democracy. And it's reasonable to accept the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision as a Constitutional attempt to preserve democracy..
Finally, the argument that sustaining the Colorado decision would result in political violence is really just an acceptance of terrorism. No place for that in a democratic society.
But, happy solstice, and tomorrow the light begins its return.
These things I ponder as the kettle sings, and the good oak burns to red coals on white ashes. Those ashes, come spring, I will return to the orchard at the foot of the sandhill. They will come back to me again, perhaps as red apples, or perhaps as a spirit of enterprise in some fat October squirrel, who, for reasons
unknown to himself, is bent on planting acorns. —Aldo Leopold
Sunrise (here at latitude 42.834 N) was at 7:22 this morning. Sunset was at 4:23, which made for a day of 9 hours and one minute. Tomorrow, being the solstice, we lose that minute. (But then things turn around.)
A day is somewhat shorter up in Kagawong (latitude 46 N, or roughly 180 nautical miles closer to the pole. (N.B. Above the arctic circle the sun does not show its face until March. But there’s lots more sunlight this time of year way down yonder, in Texas.)
And, speaking of nautical miles, it helps to remember that one minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, and that one nautical mile equals 1.15 statute miles. Therefore, as a result of calculation, Kaqawong is 207 car miles north of W-H2O (and quite a bit to the east). (Driving there form here puts about 750 regular miles on the odometer.)
Busy day at the feeder.
The feeder has been busy, in spite of the relatively mild winter so far. I could easily refill it twice a day, if I was generous, but that would go through an awful lot of seed. Instead, I’ve taken to filling once, in the late afternoon. That gives cardinals, doves and other late comers a chance. Our sparrows seem most active in the morning.
A large and convivial group of sparrows this is too. They seem to have come to the conclusion that this place is the perfect place. They shelter and roost in the yew at the front of the house and make the short hop over the roof to the feeder whenever feeling peckish. In late afternoon they gather back in the yew for conversation—with lots of things to discuss apparently. Although they jam the feeder and push and jostle each other, it seems that everyone gets enough to eat, and after lunch everyone gets to express an opinion or two.
Feeder was strangely quiet this morning—perhaps a hawk about the neighborhood.
…of a which of a wind?
Walnut tree
We had a wind, of which there was much. Cold, too, with snow showers. But it felt good to be outside for a while while wandering aimlessly around the neighborhood.
Too bad Dundees are not classified as a health food.
Cloudy and cooling, with a chilly west wind. But, pleasant long walk around the deserted campus, nonetheless..
…for performance, Dundee cakes, and miserable weather. Tonight, Maddie and Becca at dance recital.
Rain, mist, and fog, but all above freezing, so roads not slippery.