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Some Things I Want To Tell The Summer-Me

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Created on Saturday, 27 August 2011 13:27

Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 November -0001 00:00

Published on Saturday, 27 August 2011 13:27

Written by seedspreader

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Here it is, a little past what I would call mid-winter. I know, I know, spring is only a month away by calendar, but for us it a bit further away by way of the weather. So as the days are getting notably longer and the visions of seedlings are dancing in my head, I didn't want to get so caught up in those thoughts that I forget a few things about our first winter here on the hill. So the winter-me is going to send a note to the summer-me. Dear Summer-Bob, I just wanted to say hello from the depths of the snow and the winter. It was a nice winter day today, with some snow and then later in the day a treat. Sunshine. I know it's easy to get discouraged there in the heat with all the humidity, high temperatures and sweat (and I know how you sweat). I know it's also easy to so caught up with what you're working on right now to put aside some of the other things that you know, back in the recesses of your head, need done.

So I wanted to take the opportunity now, on this cold, crisp day to remind you of a few things. I know you like lists so I will make this in list format.

1. By our best calculation a cord of wood seems to last about 6 weeks in the deepest part of winter, that includes cold-spells of -12°F. Extrapolating this for 24 weeks would indicate you need at least 4 cords of wood. Yes, I realize winter isn't half of the year, but it COULD be. October, November, December, January, February, March... hmmm, come to think of it, I KNOW it snows in April here also. Yeah 4 cords at least.
2. You know how I said 4 cords of wood? Well... remember how you like to make Maple Syrup... that takes wood. Get more.
3. Those periphery items in the driveway area... your trailer, the cider press, steel roofing... those are ALL in the way when you get a couple of feet of snow. That snow needs to be pushed somewhere so you can drive in and out of the driveway.
4. You get FEET of snow, not inches. Remember that.
5. Do SOMETHING with the windows. I know you can't stand the thought of putting plastic over the windows since it's not reusable and you can't see out the window, but figure something out for storm windows or something over the summer.
6. When you do that chicken coop. Remember what it feels like to walk 150 feet in thigh high snow, then guess what 400 feet would feel like. Then multiply that by 120 days (roughly) and rethink where you put it.
7. Get the lean-t0 roof put on the east side of the garage... even if it's not perfect it will be better than NOT having it there.
8. Driveway drainage and gravel. Remember that day when the driveway was so icy that Amy and the 3 oldest kids slipped and couldn't stand up going to and from the bus? Try to get that fixed. I know money will be tight, but do SOMETHING.
9. You have to shovel out the mailbox almost daily. Surprisingly your mailbox has lasted up until this point, but you may want to think about reconfiguring it.
10. A snowblower is a worthy investment here... not like places that get 6 or 8 inches of snow at a time... but here... worthy.
11. Work to get a van or car that you can actually use in the winter time. Your current van has been driven a grand total of 8 times since November because you can't get it out of the drive and are afraid you can't get it back up the hill when you do get it out of the drive.
12. Buy studded snow tires.
13. (Ultra personal note) How about a little more self-control in December? Those good tasting things equal pounds that have to come off.
14. Ice on the edges of your roof gets to be of Epic proportions look into that a bit, if you determine nothing can be done about it, try to promote "last glimpse of the glaciers" tour for the eco-nuts. Capitalize man! Make some money.
15. Set up a place to hang clothes outside in the winter, because there is a good chance your dryer will not want to work below 10°F while it's in the garage.
16. If you see salt on sale, buy it. Yes even if it means you have to skip charcoal briquettes to do it.
17. Ditto #16 for birdseed. Remember how much joy watching and feeding the birds brings.

And dearest summer-me, if I remember or think of anything else, I'll be sure to add it later. p.s. I was just looking at my legs and wanted to remind you to not look at them directly in the sunlight or the brilliantness may blind you. Winter-Bob.