Cold in Brewer, ME

It's 30 degrees below zero, at 6:30 am! Broke the record of -28 in 1971! I haven't seen the local news yet, but Aroostook County (way north) is supposed to reach @ 40 below. Luckily for us, cold snaps don't last long. Hope I don't have to eat my hat for saying that!

snowstorm!

Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morn', sailors' be warned....the storm started early. I don't know how, but the little finches and chickadees were not fazed by the strong wind and blinding snow. The sky cleared late afternoon. Just in time to see a gloriously red sunset. It's like Heaven on Earth! I love sunsets.

The first time I visited my sisters in San Raphael, CA, they took me up "Mt. Tam" just before sunset. There were a lot of people on the slope overlooking the Pacific. We had a bottle of wine, enjoying the serenity of the moment. And after the sun had set, everyone applauded. This is a ritual every night, I was told. I hope it still is to this day.

1-9-09

Yesterday there was a female cardinal at the feeder. In the ten years, I've seen cardinals twice in my yard. The male's bright red color is so vibrant against the snowy background.

It is 7am and +2 degrees. My little propane fireplace is cranking out the heat. Thank goodness I have a little house. I made a unique investment this past fall by insulating the whole house. Zoning off and draining the hot water baseboard upstairs, now makes it perfectly cool enough to sleep. And no more drafts! What a relief!

Enjoy your day! :-)

Happy New Year

I stayed inside all day Thursday. It was minus 2 degrees at 6am. We had horrific winds all day long, which drove the 'wind chill' temps as low as 30 below!! I wouldn't even go out and get my paper. According to: www. noaa.gov, it was dangerous for man and beast. When I read the weather alert to" shelter domestic animals", I always feel sorry for the wild critters.

I have 3 bird feeders. And as I watch smaller birds fill their tummies, I wonder how a tiny body can stay warm enough in this cold. There were a hoard of birds at the feeders yesterday. I guess now's the time to hang out the suet.

Here's to a wonderful and healthy 2009!