Sunday, December 15, 2013

December 15 2013

We have in fact survived the third storm in a week. The difference is that this one actually brought quite a bit of snow (about 8") to us, while the others just left some ice and a few pockets of white. It's definitely winter here - but I see from our friends in Jerusalem that they had quite a snowfall too! I assume it can't be a bad thing to be in sync with Jerusalem in any way.

One of the most cheering things in this snowy and usually grey time is the sight of the bluebirds flashing by. I'm amazed that such delicate, small beings can apparently do so well in such harsh weather. Since our friend Jerry gave Brian a custom-built bluebird house for his seventieth birthday, I do believe they've been around a lot more.
As you can see, this is a three story affair, and seems to have a lot more appeal to them than the single family houses we inherited when we bought the house. I have seen nests in the small birdhouses, but never seen a bluebird anywhere near them. Any thoughts from the realtors out there? I've tried several times to get decent shots of the bluebirds on their favorite berry bush, as they are there most every day and come in groups of about five or six. But alas, the flash predictably scares them off, and shooting through a window without doesn't get much. Here's the best one the lot - can you find the birds? There are three altogether here, too bad that brilliant blue can't be captured (at least by me!).
















Last month we had the nicest surprise: a visit from most of the Palmer family. Bob, Maia and Felicia were on their way to a family bat mitzvah in CT and were kind enough to drop by. What a wonderful afternoon, I hated to see them go. We are so lucky to have such wonderful (and faithful!) friends, seventeen years after leaving SB and now in our tenth year (of our alleged five year plan) here in NY state.






















On the calligraphy front, my two remaining students and I went to an event at OCCC, a demonstration of brush calligraphy. All I had to hear was the demonstrator was going to use a brush the size of a mop, and I was there! Here's what that looked like:















And from the students themselves, finally finished with the Uncial alphabet:
Marilyn is realy proud (rightfully so!) of her final project. Barb is promising to get one done soon... Good thing I am not an authoritarian type of teacher, I've been awaiting Barb's final projects for several alphabets now.

And as for me, other than keeping up with the class, I did get my newest great-nephew's "welcome" calligraphy done, before he was ready to start school.

Of garden news there is nothing, as even the hardy kale is covered over with snow. We may see it again in the spring but it's hard to tell. And in the dog world, I am happy to report that American Brittany Rescue has placed over 400 dogs in permanent homes this year. But I've had very little to do with that other than helping with the paperwork. Much as I miss Sadie (and I surely do) I am a bit relieved not to have anyone else's legs and feet to worry about in the snow. Come spring when it's just mud and muck, I'll be ready to foster again (I think). Untill then, it's just Brian and I here, keeping an eye on the weather constantly and always really, really glad when a storm like this last one doesn't blow our power out. Happy, happy, merry, merry...