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.