AlpineLake of Bluster

We were pretty much iced in today. We didn't really need anything, so there was no reason to take a risk and venture out to do the shopping. I tried at one point to see if I could clear off the porch, but hitting the ice with a metal shovel didn't even make a dent in it. Dr. Music called to say that Dr. Nurse has covid, so he had to cancel all his piano lessons for fear of exposing the pupils. I enjoyed having nowhere to go. I puttered--started some beans soaking for tomorrow, did laundry, changed the sheets. I did a bit more writing, and then put on my boots and had another go at the ice sheet. The temperature had risen a little in the afternoon, but not enough to loosen the ice's tenacious hold on the ground. I was able to scrape the top layer off the porch, the walk, and one lane down the driveway, far enough to retrieve the New York Times that had been flung there by some intrepid paper deliverer. I also cleared off the car. It was hard work, and I didn't have the energy to do the whole thing. Maybe it will warm up a little more tomorrow and I'll finish the job then.

We still have power, for which I'm devoutly grateful. Deb and the Prussian are in the middle of the outage south of here. The power company expects to have everything back online by Sunday. That's kind of a long time to wait. I thawed out some sliced ham that was in the freezer and made mashed potatoes and cabbage with carrots sauteed with dill and celery seed. The Sparrowhawk has not been feeling his best today, so it's probably good that we didn't have to do anything. We (re)watched part of "Pride and Prejudice" and will go to bed early.