The Driveway of Doom

It looks innocent now, vulnerable and exposed, its tough gravel skin gone after months of snow plow abuse. But throw on a dusting of snow, sub-zero temperatures, and a non-AWD vehicle and that thing becomes lethal. Lethal, I tell you.

It has a reputation around here. I’ve even heard it called “the worst driveway in town.” Makes me proud.

Giving Up A Good Thing

I’m the first to admit that I’m kind of a Pollyanna when it comes to our new Adirondack life. Kind of, you ask? Ok, fine, the rose-colored glasses are just about welded to my face.

But that’s not to say that I don’t have occasional thoughts – you know, those thoughts. Anxiety-inducing “what if” thoughts.

What if I start to get bored? What if small town life, now charming and idyllic, becomes cloying and isolating? Or more to the point, what if we unintentionally piss off a neighbor and become total outcasts, giving us no choice but to sell our house and run back to the anonymous city with our tails between our legs? Well, now, there’s a dark thought. Pollyanna who?

Spring? Is that you?

The weather this week has been stunning. Sunny and low-40s during the day; crisp, clear nights. Beautiful. Makes me think spring just might be on her way. And, of course, it gets my mind buzzing about all of the projects I need to start researching and obsessing over. Lots of projects. Fun, dirty, sun-filled projects that make things beautiful and edible around here.

Composting
This is tops on my list. And I know this is something I should have been doing all along, but… ok, I’ll spare you the long list of excuses. Bottom line is that I’m late to the game on this and need to fix that ASAP. I figure if I get going now, there’s hope I’ll have some usable, nutrient-rich compost for this year’s garden. I’ve got the perfect spot picked out and the Christmas tree is all chopped up and ready to go to work, now I just need someone to build me a nice, strong bin. Dave, are you reading this?

Just Call Me Julia

Mancuso, not Child.

I have a new obsession. This happens frequently. Last week it was mangoes. This week it’s skiing. Bad timing, I know, since it’s March 8 and 45 degrees outside. But I have a feeling this will be a longterm obsession. At least 3 weeks, maybe even a whole year.

In a fit of “oh-my-god-our-first-Adirondack-winter-is-almost-over-and-we-haven’t-gone-skiing-yet,” last Friday we decided to take a trip to Titus Mountain for an afternoon of downhill fun. I had my doubts, since I have some pretty scarring memories from skiing as a kid. But Dave really, really wanted to go, so like a good life partner, I agreed.

Sunday Afternoon

Shhhh. Please be very quiet as you make your way through this post.

We’re enjoying a rare moment of peace and quiet around here.