Historic Early Storm--No Power!!

Oh dear.   It is indeed one thing after another.  The storm caused much more damage than expected.  I'd gotten off relatively easily after the hurricane and the floods--but this time, although it was spectacularly beautiful to watch the world suddenly turn white, all that heavy snow and all those leaves tore down many many lines, leaving me without power.

I had been feeling quite pleased with myself after my shaking out of the lilac branches in the late afternoon.  After eating  my beef stew I was typing away next to my little electric radiator as the snow continued to fall.  At about 9:30--without a second of warning at about 9:30 the lights went out.  No power.   I dealt with it by crawling into my sleeping bag (after dutifully sending a message to the power company).

Woke up in the morning to blue skies. The lilac bush was once again laden with snow, but I do think I prevented further breakage by my intervention.   I was  convinced the power would soon be on again but set about trying to put things in relative order.

The water is run by electric pump, so no electricity means no water, no showers no flush toilets.  Before the hurricane, I'd filled all sorts of containers with water--but this time, along with most everyone else (despite warnings that there could be power outages) I  didn't do due diligence.  Luckily, the same snow that broke the lines can be converted into water to fill toilet tanks, wash dishes, etc.  I soon learned that a bucket of snow equals only a few cups of water--but did manage to accumulate enough to last a few days.

The large clumps made for easy snow harvesting.

The next task was to check the road.  That was initially pretty discouraging.  Towards the end of the driveway, near Wayne and Suzy's there were thick clusters of branches covering the road.  I managed to shake some of them, but had to go home for gloves before I could really tackle it.

In fact it was not as bad as it looked.  Well, it was pretty bad, but almost manageable.  As I studied the branch configurations and was figuring out how to clear them, Wayne and Suzy showed up.  We made some progress, then Wayne got a little hand saw--and wonder of wonders we got most of it cleared.  I returned later in the day with my lopper--and now the road is as navigable as can be.

And as a special treat as we were chatting after the road work, three of the four bears (or perhaps they were a different threesome) bounded across the adjacent corn field.  An excellent sighting.

By the end of the day, I'd accumulated lots of water for the plumbing, a good deal of the snow had melted, and the road was cleared.  The lake almost looked like a fall landscape.

Falling branches, heavy snow.

Transfixed most of the day by fast falling snow, I thought I was performing appropriate storm alert duties by slowly cooking a beef stew all day, but in fact I should have been doing a few outside chores.

The main danger of these early storms is that the wet snow, clinging to the leaves that are still on the trees, put so much weight on the branches that they snap off, and can easily fall on power lines and cause loss of power. I'd read this warning, and assumed there wasn't much I could do about it.  This wasn't quite true.
After a day of alternating between hovering over the steamy stove and circling the little electric heater upstairs, I decided it was time to venture out.

The maple tree in front, which lost its leaves weeks ago, bore the snow as a tree in winter tree should.  

Other trees and bushes, still bearing their leaves didn't fare as well.

snow laden bushes and trees

The first casualty I spotted was the decades old lilac bush at the corner of the house.  No power lines were broken, but the trees old branches, still full of leaves had been so bowed by the heavy snow that many had already split.  The other two lilacs near the garage were similarly bowed, with broken branches as well.

It was too late for complete salvation, but wielding my broom, I batted the snow off the laden branches and got to see them swing up in gratitude.    The snow was continuing to fall heavily so it is quite possible that they could still bend and break during the night.  I must have been quite a sight swinging my broom at the piles of snow.  I'll know in the morning if I staved the damage.

SNOW!!!

Snow, snow and more snow.  The weather people predicted a huge ridiculously early snowstorm for today--snow started even earlier than they'd thought--and is accumulating at a ridiculous pace--here are some pictures from a few minutes ago--though i fear they are already out-dated as the snow falls faster by the moment.

Despite my intentions to do some furniture re-finishing, it looks like that project will have to wait for a less dramatic day.  I may be too transfixed by the falling snow, and busy with the stew which I did begin first thing in the morning to start mucking around with steel wool and rubber gloves.

And despite my lessons in blade sharpening, no ceiling scraping either.

I have however, on urging from Sarah and Laura, and inspired by the damp chill, done a little more research on wood stoves.  A current leading candidate is Vermont Casings Montpelier Insert.  

Progress in the sun

A day of sun.  Big snow predicted for tomorrow.  The siding is almost finished.  Preparation--removal and replacing of rotting beams, fixing windows, leaks, etc. took weeks, but once repairs were made, the actual tacking up of the siding was almost instantaneous.  From a distance (or maybe even in this picture), the glacier blue vinyl siding does look like wood--but it is indeed plastic--recommended by all for durability, ease of installation and upkeep, etc., but wouldn't we all be happier if we could have maintained a genuine wood house?

I did more scraping on the porch.  Johnny gave me a lesson so I can now sharpen the blades on the scrapers myself, so perhaps I will make great progress this weekend.

As I scraped, a load of laundry dried on the line.   These sunny days are fewer and fewer, so pleased I managed to get the benefits of solar clothes drying.

With the predictions of major snow accompanied by warnings to stay off the roads, the stores were filled with shoppers stocking up on storm provisions.

I was hoping to buy more of that excellent Siberian Kale from Walnut Grove, my neighborhood organic farm, but alas, although they were up and running last week, they appeared to be closed for the season.

Neither Hayek's nor Shoprite was closed, enabling me to buy ingredients for a beef stew which seems like the perfect thing to cook on a snowbound day.

Dreary dreary gray day.

Rain and more rain.

One delightful surprise.  This year, due to the rains of winter, the water in the lake was so high that the rocky island on which swans have been laying eggs for decades was completely submerged, so no swans at all this summer.

But today, as the rains poured down and scores of Canada Geese gathered in the northwest corner of the lake, they were joined (and then perhaps chased away) by a pair of Swans, who were perhaps dropping in for a visit to their ancestral grounds.  The swans have lingered all day.  I'm surprised at how delighted I am to see them making their familiar circles around the lake.  They do provide a bright white moment.  Alas, despite my nostalgic attachment, I feel compelled to report that these mute swans, imported from the British Isles in the early years of the 20th century, have become an environmental hazard.  They eat more than their share of submerged aquatic vegetation and despite their grace and beauty cause a good deal are more of a threat than a benefit.

Ray came as promised this morning.  He removed all the nails from the dining room floor boards that were piled in the new room and we carried them up to the third floor--where I imagine they will winter. Despite all improvements, that new room is still damper than the rest of the house--not a great environment for anything.

He then set to work removing more of the white ceiling tiles--messy dirty work, lots of animal refuse, half-eaten nuts, dust, dirt, etc.   The dumpster is still here--almost full to the brim.   Moving along on this cold dark day.

I myself began cleaning the vanity with Formby's Furniture Refinisher.  It is much gentler than a stripper.  Following directions, I was well protected wearing heavy blue rubber gloves and plastic glasses.  I made some progress, but it was so cold and damp on the porch (and in fact ten degrees colder than the recommended temperature for the task), that I stopped before making significant progress.

The dumpster is full and ready to go.  So much has been brought to the dump--we must be making progress.

More on stone, tubs, energy efficiency

The day started rainy.  Johnny showed up for a minute--but disappeared almost instantly, as the rain intensified.  It tapered off eventually, but it was clearly not a work day.

On Saturday, en route to the train in Dover, Sarah and I stopped at Sparta Trades. Sparta Trades Twenty-five years ago, when Sarah, Russell and I were living here at my mother's request, Sarah had taken ballet lessons in a room next door.  We had only stopped off to look at tiles, but as we chatted with the owner (as is our way), I randomly asked if they knew someone who had a house in the Hamptons--why I asked this, I'm not quite sure--but I must have had some vague memory as it turned out that 25 years ago Sarah, Russell and I had spent an afternoon with their family at their house in Springs in the Hamptons.  I remembered going out in their boat and eating lobsters, but none of us could exactly recall how we knew each other.  
Still--we felt so connected that we discussed have Devon Basher, the 31 year old son,  a LEED certified  Contractor who works with the New Jersey clean energy program come over to take a look at the house.  He came this morning (no-one else was here due to rain) and had all sorts of suggestions in the energy efficiency department, mostly dealing with finding all spots where air leaks in.

He then helped me put the vanity and the sink in the car to bring to Montague to move along the stone process.

In Montague, Chuck, the stone cutter and expert at Thompson's informed me that the stone I'd chosen was not Costa Esmeralda, but rather Tasmanian Green.  He then showed me a piece of Costa Esmeralda which I actually liked better and decided to use.  Here's a sample.  

Many decisions not quite made--one or two inch overhang, exact placement of holes, but we are on our way.

Since we were talking bathrooms, Chuck asked me if I was in need of a bathtub (you know, if you are reading carefully that I had just ordered a tub the day before).  He happened to have, in his front yard, four cast iron footless claw foot tubs that he had removed from the Hotel Fauchere in Milford, Pennsylvania, just over the bridge.  

On our first trip to Thompson's, on Friday, we had actually done a quick tour of Milford including the Hotel, which was built in 1852 and was a luxury destination for New Yorkers (it had its own Delmonico's Restaurant there in the Poconos).

Chuck was selling the tubs for $250 each, an excellent buy.  He drew me a map to his house, deep in Montague where I got to view this fine gathering of tubs.

I don't think it makes sense for me to get one (or maybe it does), but I do like the serendipitous nature of it all, so you never know.

More bathroom progress: Graded road.

In addition to getting the sink organized, we're also moving forward on other fixture decisions.

After our trip to the stone yard, we zoomed into Home Depot and Lowe's in pursuit of the perfect toilet and tub.  I've decided I wanted a dual flush toilet (these are toilets that have a stronger and weaker flush, depending on need--everywhere in Europe, but much rarer here).  All toilets are much more efficient and water-saving than they used to be--are dual flushes that much better?  Opinions might be mixed, but it is an excellent idea.

I also wanted the higher toilet (strongly recommended for more comfort, older users, etc), and due to the small narrow configuration of the bathroom we wanted a round, rather than elongated seat.  How oblivious I've been to all these toilet variations!   This area does seem that one can gain mastery relatively quickly--but this is probably an opinion based on ignorance--the world of toilets may be vaster than I've ever imagined.

We did come to some decisions based on our limited research--an American Standard Dual Flush toilet, called Clean Cadet III ( I think) and were moving towards a cast iron apron front tub by Kohler--(Villager 716--the most popular Kohler--pretty standard, but appropriate for an old house--not as appropriate as an old claw foot--but much less expensive.   Veering towards the relatively traditional, we decided against what I think of as a more modern look of a tiled tub (even though I do like the way they look).

On Monday morning, George scoffed at the idea of buying plumbing fixtures at Lowe's or Home Depot.  The only thing to do, he said, was to go to a plumbing supply store and show room.  Always glad for a big box alternative, I took myself to Hamburg plumbing supply where sure enough, I found the tub we wanted (it turned out it wasn't available at the other stores) at the best price I'd seen, and as they had a Toto dual flush toilet on major sale ("the Toto is the Cadillac of Toilets, Kristine, the saleswoman informed me, in response to my complete ignorance of the Toto world).  Although it cost a bit more (even on sale) than its American Standard counterpart, she assured me it was ten thousand times better--and the deal of the century.  I am either being well educated in advanced toiletry or just muddling along.  In any case, I was convinced enough to almost commit.  I returned home with the invoices, consulted with Sarah, and on Tuesday, returned to Hamburg and actually made the purchase.  The tub had to be ordered, but it should arrive in the next couple of days and for $10 they will deliver it to my door.

That seemed enough good work for the day--but there is more.  The siding is slowly creeping up the back wall, and every day I remove  a bit more paint from the porch ceiling.    

Just as I was thinking I'd have to figure out some new plan for dealing with the eroded road (it didn't look like the state was going to be able to fit my road repairs into its busy schedule), Logan called to say he was en route on tractor to grade the road.  Oh--why didn't I take a picture of the splendid fifty year old tractor?  Logan marveled at the animosity of other drivers as he inched along 94.  Gone are the days when the few cars on the road took slowing down behind a farmer's tractor as an integral part of rural life.

Once again, the road can be smoothly navigated.  Good news for tub delivery and more important--the truck bearing the 40 foot gutter for the front porch will be able to sail right in.

Report on Siding and Stone for sink

The past two weeks (or is it three?) lots of coming and going into the city.   Lots of city walking, visits, meals, and visits to Occupy Wall Street.  I'll try to fill out that in one of these days--but suddenly things have begun to happen here in New Jersey (of course things have been happening all along, but today lots of forward motion.    Johnny and George have replaced all rotting beams, put up insulation and are finally getting the siding up on the back of the house.  This part goes quickly--not much more to go.

I was racing around myself.  After very productive two days with Sarah (Friday and Saturday), plans for the bathroom are finally falling into place.   We drove each day to Thompson Stone in Montague, about a 20 mile drive.  I found it on the web, but George confirmed it was the only proper stone yard in the area (not to be confused with Polowy Stones, across the way, which sells landscaping stones, not counter tops.

We were looking for a stone to put on top of the little chest that had been in the dining room that we're using as the base for our sink.  Sarah tells me that this is the kind of data that I should be reporting on.  This is almost the first project that we're embarking on inside the house (after all the massive cleaning and throwing out) so here goes.   When I was putting in the new bathroom in my Venice House, I'd bought an old desk at Goodwill to which we attached a piece of leftover soapstone from the kitchen counters, topped with a basin.  Looks great, but truth be told, not the most efficient or practical.  I myself (much to Sarah and Sam's chagrin) much prefer to use the older bathroom--but so be it.

looks like a little robot, no?

Inspired by that model, and assuming we could overcome its inadequacies second time around, we instantly decided to use the little chest as a base.

After two trips to Thompson Stone, we chose a quite lovely slab of green granite --Costa Esmeralda or Costa Smeralda.   Each piece is different, but it looks something like this.

The next task is to bring the sink and fixtures to the stone yard where they'll cut and polish the stone to fit.  We'll also have to remove the bit of wood on top (maybe it could be a shelf).  Planning to do that on Wednesday.

Lots of rain---very bold bears.

Poured rain all day today.  I was the only worker, carrying on my dreary scraping chores.

The house is now water-tight.  There was not one leak--though the drain pipe in the back--not yet fastened down, makes a fabulous rattle as the rains pour down.

And--as a special bonus, glancing out the front window, late in the afternoon, after a long quiet day--two black bears (only one made it into this photo) just inches from the front porch.  This picture is taken from behind the screen door--they kept walking from the house, so later pictures aren't as close or dramatic (here you can see the little bear nose)

siding, scraping, dumpster awaiting

I am not the most adept or efficient scraper--but I do keep at it.  After many hours, it does seem like the ceiling is almost free of its many many layers of paint.  Oh there has been a lot of it...oh I wrote this days ago--but will post it now--I've made a bit more progress on the ceiling--but this gives the general idea.
While I scraped, George and Johnny continued to  pull off the old siding, frame and trim the windows and put up insulation --all preparation for putting up the new siding.

Ray finished taking out the ceiling that had soaked through in the "new room."   Keith, the dumpster champion was bringing over a 10 yard dumpster, but he arrived later than expected, so Ray left before dumpster loading time.   He brought the moldy wet ceiling fragments to the front yard and piled them along the bits of old porch columns that George had replaced earlier in the week.

The dumpster arrived just as George and Johnny were leaving, and once everyone was gone, I did the righteous work of moving the wet ceiling tiles into the dumpster so they wouldn't soak into the soil with the predicted rain.

Sun is shining! Some signs of siding! More bear sightings!

Thursday night.  The sun has shone for the past two days--but to herald the end of summer the temperature drops dramatically at night.  The sun sets earlier, and the nights are too long and cold in this big old house.

That said, the last two days have been splendid.  Wednesday morning with sun shining and Johnny and George working on trim and siding, I began the day with coffee and boiling potatoes, eggs and green beans for the salad I'd decided to make (to celebrate the sun and also visit of Margie who was driving out from the city).  Even in that dreadful underground kitchen I was so happy cooking that I even sauteed apples with a bit of sugar and walnuts to have with ice cream for dessert.

I had put a long overdue load in the washing machine (I"d been waiting for sun so I could line-dry), and hung my full wardrobe out to dry.

I was clearly on a productive roll.  This year, I've done very little around the house beyond some minimal scraping and lawn-mowing.  Last year I'd spent days cleaning and taking load after load to the dump, but this year, I've felt (maybe this is not quite true) that the major structural work had to be done before I could really begin to do things inside.

semi-sraped ceiling

But with lunch and clean laundry waiting, and Margie arriving in a few hours, I was inspired to scrape the ceiling in the eventually-to-be-screened-in porch.  Ray, who had finished the scraping of the front door and was priming it had done a bit of ceiling scraping (George had done some last year).  It is work that everyone hates.

Scraping the floor and the walls had been really difficult, but much of the ceiling paint was almost flaking off on its own.  It's unpleasant work as the flakes and dust (most certainly full of lead) fall all over you--hair, eyes, mouth, etc., but it does come off.  Standing on the ladder, I'm tall enough to scrape, but not tall enough (or perhaps not strong enough) to get a good angle to scrape up the bits that don't flake off.  Nonetheless, I managed to remove pounds of scrapings--doing my bit for home improvement.

The first round of siding is up on the back of the house.  We are indeed moving forward.

While George and Johnny continued their labors, I met Margaret in Chester.  Two weeks at a green market on 77th Street and Columbus, at the flea market I'd gone to with Regina and her sister Patty (whom I hadn't seen since I graduated high school many many decades ago), I tasted delicious cheese from the Valley Shepherd Creamery which I learned was in Long Valley, about twenty miles down 206 from here.  Margaret had never heard of it, and was eager to visit so we met there this afternoon.  It is pretty amazing--extraordinarily excellent cheese of sheep, goat and cow's milk.  They have opened a store in Soho and will soon be opening one in Park Slope--but it was quite wonderful to taste and buy these cheeses right on the farm.

On arriving home, for the first time, I saw the entire bear family as well as many many deer in the big field in front of the house. One pretty excellent country day.

After days in NYC, close encounters with bear

I returned from the city on Monday--it was cold and gray and rain-threatening though Johnny and George were here working on getting ready to put up the next round of siding and Ray was putting the second coat of primer on the front door-way.

Mid-afternoon, I spotted a big black bear out the front window.  Alone, and bigger than the other bears I'd seen (mother and two cubs), this must be the missing Papa Bear.

Later in the day, with rain threatening once again (it did rain all Monday night), I headed out for a walk, but turned around and came home after spotting that big bear again, this time on my very path--along the dam crossing the lake.

Corn stuffed bear scat

The next day, Tuesday, on that very path, I found very concrete evidence of the bear's presence.