This is my entry for Gardening Gone Wild's January Picture This photo contest.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Poking Through The Snow
It came to my attention a few weeks ago after the Big Dump of '09' that proper etiquette meant I should shovel out around my mailbox if I expected delivery to continue. It was piling back up again. That gave me a reason to head outside in this new round of snow.
This has to be the lightest and fluffiest snow by far. It was as if pieces of the air had taken form and gathered on the ground. Imagine the sensation of trying to shovel air.
I really need me a proper snow shovel with a big scoop. I just don't want one bad enough to drive all over looking for one to buy.
The new thermostat was put in. It works just fine. Hopefully I can stop fretting over the furnace now.
The on and off with the well pump frozen water traumas put a lot of dirt in to the system. The system was flushed. The filters were cleaned. The water was turned back on and still no water in the toilet downstairs. I think that water line must have froze too. Between opening the cold basement closet to let in more warm air along the wall where that water line resides and running a long stream of hot water down the closest drain line, the water finally reappeared. It doesn't mean it won't freeze again. Today's high was 15 degrees for a brief spell.
Just look at how fluffy that snow is.
I am really liking this sedge, a carex species no doubt. It holds it form in the snow exceptionally well and even holds on to most of its green color.
It grows here on its own so it could be a native plant. Not knowing its species name it could also be an invasive exotic. Either way it is here to stay no matter what I do. So, I plan to make good use of it in the garden to be.
( After much searching on the internet I have come to the conclusion this plant is a rush not a sedge. Juncus effusus, Soft Rush is a very strong possibility. That would make it a native plant. The rush genus Eleocharis is also possible as well as a different species of Juncus. For sure it is a rush not a sedge in the Carex genus. )
This has to be the lightest and fluffiest snow by far. It was as if pieces of the air had taken form and gathered on the ground. Imagine the sensation of trying to shovel air.
I really need me a proper snow shovel with a big scoop. I just don't want one bad enough to drive all over looking for one to buy.
The new thermostat was put in. It works just fine. Hopefully I can stop fretting over the furnace now.
The on and off with the well pump frozen water traumas put a lot of dirt in to the system. The system was flushed. The filters were cleaned. The water was turned back on and still no water in the toilet downstairs. I think that water line must have froze too. Between opening the cold basement closet to let in more warm air along the wall where that water line resides and running a long stream of hot water down the closest drain line, the water finally reappeared. It doesn't mean it won't freeze again. Today's high was 15 degrees for a brief spell.
Just look at how fluffy that snow is.
I am really liking this sedge, a carex species no doubt. It holds it form in the snow exceptionally well and even holds on to most of its green color.
It grows here on its own so it could be a native plant. Not knowing its species name it could also be an invasive exotic. Either way it is here to stay no matter what I do. So, I plan to make good use of it in the garden to be.
( After much searching on the internet I have come to the conclusion this plant is a rush not a sedge. Juncus effusus, Soft Rush is a very strong possibility. That would make it a native plant. The rush genus Eleocharis is also possible as well as a different species of Juncus. For sure it is a rush not a sedge in the Carex genus. )
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Miracle Of Water
A friend called and invited me over for a visit at the perfect time. In between debilitating snows, the driveway was clear enough to leave. The road looked good. Even though it had already begun to snow, the real snow was not set to arrive until after dark.
A home cooked meal and a hot shower was offered. How could I resist. I had no running water for such luxuries inside the house.
It was a perfect day for a drive. Partly snowy, yet the roads were clear and dry. It was too cold for me to do much but twiddle my thumbs. A scenic drive sounded like a nice diversion. There were many photograph worthy scenes along the way. The already limited shoulders on a narrow mountain road where one could pull off to the side was made worse by left over two week old snow and crumpled trees all along the way. Besides it was really cold. No scenic pictures for you.
A wonderful visit was had and a delicious late breakfast that included fresh home baked biscuits and sweet yummy grapefruit from my sister's tree in Daytona.
After a hot shower and clean shave I was ready to be trapped once again by the new round of snow. I headed home before dark and before the real snow began with a nice collection of empty one gallon milk jugs, a gift from my friend. Such a handy item to fill with water from the spigot at the well. I was looking forward to flushing the toilet when I got back.
I turned the power back on to the well pump to go fetch my water. What is that sound? Is that water I hear going into the hot water heater? It's a miracle. The water has returned to the house. I know it did not get above 20 here today. It was 11 degrees when I got home. Did my electric blanket work? I tested it in the morning and there was no water so I shut off the blanket before I left. Maybe the jolt from the pump turning back on dislodged the ice cube stuck in the pipe. Who cares. I have water again.
Mostly. The kitchen sink is still froze. There must be some grit blocking the skinny water tube in the down stairs toilet. I can fix that tomorrow.
There is a faucet now dripping in the upstairs bathroom. I have water again, long before I could have ever expected.
A home cooked meal and a hot shower was offered. How could I resist. I had no running water for such luxuries inside the house.
It was a perfect day for a drive. Partly snowy, yet the roads were clear and dry. It was too cold for me to do much but twiddle my thumbs. A scenic drive sounded like a nice diversion. There were many photograph worthy scenes along the way. The already limited shoulders on a narrow mountain road where one could pull off to the side was made worse by left over two week old snow and crumpled trees all along the way. Besides it was really cold. No scenic pictures for you.
A wonderful visit was had and a delicious late breakfast that included fresh home baked biscuits and sweet yummy grapefruit from my sister's tree in Daytona.
After a hot shower and clean shave I was ready to be trapped once again by the new round of snow. I headed home before dark and before the real snow began with a nice collection of empty one gallon milk jugs, a gift from my friend. Such a handy item to fill with water from the spigot at the well. I was looking forward to flushing the toilet when I got back.
I turned the power back on to the well pump to go fetch my water. What is that sound? Is that water I hear going into the hot water heater? It's a miracle. The water has returned to the house. I know it did not get above 20 here today. It was 11 degrees when I got home. Did my electric blanket work? I tested it in the morning and there was no water so I shut off the blanket before I left. Maybe the jolt from the pump turning back on dislodged the ice cube stuck in the pipe. Who cares. I have water again.
Mostly. The kitchen sink is still froze. There must be some grit blocking the skinny water tube in the down stairs toilet. I can fix that tomorrow.
There is a faucet now dripping in the upstairs bathroom. I have water again, long before I could have ever expected.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
If
A man freezes in the wilderness
Will you hear him whimper?
Actually I jiggled the thermostat and the furnace has been working all day. The new thermostat I bought can be installed at a moments notice.
The water has just froze up solid. I can get water at the well head spigots. It did not freeze. My preparations protected it. There is just a frozen problem buried in the ground between the well head and the house. Maybe I could run a hose from the well to the pressure tank inside and by pass the buried frozen problem. Maybe not. I shut the power off to the pump just to be on the safe side. The pressure switch with an empty pressure tank is telling the pump to pump. I have no clue if the pump will just run non-stop in vain or if it has its own safety pressure switch to shut it off.
One day I will have water inside the house again. I just can't see when that day might be. It is sub-frigid as far out as the diagnosis goes.
Lesson learned: No matter how much you think your pipes are protected, when it gets mega cold, leave one faucet running just a wee bit.
Will you hear him whimper?
Actually I jiggled the thermostat and the furnace has been working all day. The new thermostat I bought can be installed at a moments notice.
The water has just froze up solid. I can get water at the well head spigots. It did not freeze. My preparations protected it. There is just a frozen problem buried in the ground between the well head and the house. Maybe I could run a hose from the well to the pressure tank inside and by pass the buried frozen problem. Maybe not. I shut the power off to the pump just to be on the safe side. The pressure switch with an empty pressure tank is telling the pump to pump. I have no clue if the pump will just run non-stop in vain or if it has its own safety pressure switch to shut it off.
One day I will have water inside the house again. I just can't see when that day might be. It is sub-frigid as far out as the diagnosis goes.
Lesson learned: No matter how much you think your pipes are protected, when it gets mega cold, leave one faucet running just a wee bit.
2.2 Degrees Outside
No heat. No water.
This house is trying to kill me again.
Visions of January on Maui
The morning interior low was 58. The furnace went off again in the night because the mechanical thermostat which has no moving parts and no electronic brain at all has gone bad. I can fiddle with it and make the furnace come back on but I am tired of fiddling with it. Time for a new thermostat.
Ye of too much faith in his plumbing protection procedures did not leave a trickle of water running. The pipes most likely have frozen where the water line enters the house. It ain't gonna warm up above freezing in the foreseeable future and it takes forever for the ground to thaw. Some how I need to heat up the ground to thaw pipes I can't see and don't really know where they are once they exit the house.
Some new contraption construction will fill my cold sunny day.
This house is trying to kill me again.
Visions of January on Maui
The morning interior low was 58. The furnace went off again in the night because the mechanical thermostat which has no moving parts and no electronic brain at all has gone bad. I can fiddle with it and make the furnace come back on but I am tired of fiddling with it. Time for a new thermostat.
Ye of too much faith in his plumbing protection procedures did not leave a trickle of water running. The pipes most likely have frozen where the water line enters the house. It ain't gonna warm up above freezing in the foreseeable future and it takes forever for the ground to thaw. Some how I need to heat up the ground to thaw pipes I can't see and don't really know where they are once they exit the house.
Some new contraption construction will fill my cold sunny day.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Two Layers Of Long Underwear
An inch of snow turned into three and when the sun finally attempted to come out at 1:30 this afternoon an extravagant high of 12 was momentarily reached. Some of the snow on the roof even melted in the sun's meager rays. Just enough to drip on to the deck and form a layer of ice. Sweet.
It was a beautiful powder snow, so light and fluffy the wind had no troubles getting it moving again after its final descent. The NC ski resorts must be in heaven. This kind of powder snow doesn't come along that often in a southern winter.
So much for shoveling the driveway down to the cozy cabin and exposing the dark dirt and gravel for a solar melting assist. Hopefully I will still be ahead of the game to an eventual usable driveway here in Arctic Carolina.
I can not afford to be so complacent with the driveway next door. I'm running low on baked goods and sugary treats and had intended to go to town today. Instead I put on another layer of long underwear and went out to re-shovel the drive. It was actually pretty easy, not much more than dragging the shovel through the light and fluffy powder. Then a test drive was in order. The traction on the frozen gravel surface was most excellent.
The scenic byway was another matter. It must have been snowing further down keeping the plows busy. It was not kept in its usual tip top shape today. There is supposed to be more sun and no snow tomorrow. I can go get baked goods tomorrow.
A blowing snow changes where things land. At least the blowing seemed to be less than the diagnosed speeds. Cold is so much more pleasant without the wind.
The high peaks of North Carolina are building up a snow pack. I didn't know that could be done here.
The deep freeze continues. The final exam of my frozen plumbing prevention program is underway. So far I have lost the cold water spigot in the kitchen sink. I don't take full responsibility for that though. It does that regular and I have not done anything extra to prevent it.
The well is not frozen and last year's open floor surgery on the shower drain looks to be holding. I had anticipated the furnace's water exhaust freezing and meant to check it. It froze before I looked. The tell tale breathing difficulties of the furnace alerted me that it had fluid filled lungs that needed draining. Fortunately I knew what to do. Now it drains into a pot in the unheated basement closet.
The sun set an hour ago and it is 7.1 degrees. The suggested low is 10. How cold will it get tonight in Arctic Carolina?
It was a beautiful powder snow, so light and fluffy the wind had no troubles getting it moving again after its final descent. The NC ski resorts must be in heaven. This kind of powder snow doesn't come along that often in a southern winter.
So much for shoveling the driveway down to the cozy cabin and exposing the dark dirt and gravel for a solar melting assist. Hopefully I will still be ahead of the game to an eventual usable driveway here in Arctic Carolina.
I can not afford to be so complacent with the driveway next door. I'm running low on baked goods and sugary treats and had intended to go to town today. Instead I put on another layer of long underwear and went out to re-shovel the drive. It was actually pretty easy, not much more than dragging the shovel through the light and fluffy powder. Then a test drive was in order. The traction on the frozen gravel surface was most excellent.
The scenic byway was another matter. It must have been snowing further down keeping the plows busy. It was not kept in its usual tip top shape today. There is supposed to be more sun and no snow tomorrow. I can go get baked goods tomorrow.
A blowing snow changes where things land. At least the blowing seemed to be less than the diagnosed speeds. Cold is so much more pleasant without the wind.
The high peaks of North Carolina are building up a snow pack. I didn't know that could be done here.
The deep freeze continues. The final exam of my frozen plumbing prevention program is underway. So far I have lost the cold water spigot in the kitchen sink. I don't take full responsibility for that though. It does that regular and I have not done anything extra to prevent it.
The well is not frozen and last year's open floor surgery on the shower drain looks to be holding. I had anticipated the furnace's water exhaust freezing and meant to check it. It froze before I looked. The tell tale breathing difficulties of the furnace alerted me that it had fluid filled lungs that needed draining. Fortunately I knew what to do. Now it drains into a pot in the unheated basement closet.
The sun set an hour ago and it is 7.1 degrees. The suggested low is 10. How cold will it get tonight in Arctic Carolina?
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Icebergs That Remain
The suggested high for tomorrow is 22. The suggested return of the sun is on Sunday. The first hint of a high above freezing is for Wednesday. This morning the world was covered in a fresh dusting of snow and they say the wind is gonna blow. Melting has finished for the foreseeable future.
Close but not quite. There is still two week old snow on the deck. There is still six inches of two week old snow covering most of the ground, like the driveway down to the cabin.
Despite the frigid forecast I shoveled the cabin's driveway. Left covered in snow who knows when I would be able to get down there with the truck. Now with the more exposed gravel and dirt, the suggested solar radiation may heat the dark ground enough to melt the driveway clean despite the sub-freezing temperatures. Maybe by Tuesday. At the very least I can pull in off the road and shorten the distance things need to be toted.
The deep freeze begins.
Close but not quite. There is still two week old snow on the deck. There is still six inches of two week old snow covering most of the ground, like the driveway down to the cabin.
Despite the frigid forecast I shoveled the cabin's driveway. Left covered in snow who knows when I would be able to get down there with the truck. Now with the more exposed gravel and dirt, the suggested solar radiation may heat the dark ground enough to melt the driveway clean despite the sub-freezing temperatures. Maybe by Tuesday. At the very least I can pull in off the road and shorten the distance things need to be toted.
The deep freeze begins.
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