Daughter and I finally made it to River of Lights last night. Took off very early, parked at Botanical Gardens, walked back to Old Town, walked around, did some shopping and saw the Rattlesnake Museum at her request. Then went back to River of Lights and took our time walking through.
It did rain lightly while we were there. Sadly, didn't snow. Driving home, there was snow mixed with rain. I still opted to not drive to Belen last night for the Bugg Lights. Going to ask the ex if I can pick daughter up on Fri night this coming week. That way we can do the Bugg Lights one night and Cliff's the other night.
We were both disappointed it didn't snow last night. Though she has a sinus infection and it may not have been the best thing for her at the moment.
I do see a couple of chances for light snow in the next week or two. Maybe we will still see snow before Christmas. Most of the time if it snows here, it's after Christmas.
Kiddo is still sleeping. She always objects but she needs the sleep to help get well. She's also not one that gives in to illness and not whiny about it.
We're going to do several things today. Paint clay ornaments, make gingerbread cookies and make fudge. I will make her wash her hands a lot and keep hand sanitizer nearby. She understands and does not argue those things.
Oh, I went back and looked at old utility bills and found the bill this month wasn't so out of line. About normal use for winter on electric. I also figured out that it would not be so abnormal if it was higher. Last year I was starting work two hours later than I am now. Years prior to that I was usually working the night shift. Even on days off, I got up later, so the sun was up and temperatures warmer when I got out of bed. I'm spending more time than ever at home on a consistent basis because of the job. My best bet to limit utility use is to isolate my work space and keep that area warmer than the rest of the house while working.
I am glad to see the rain last night. For one thing, the compost pile doesn't get much moisture in the winter. I turn off the well pump. Occasionally I toss a bucket of water in the pile but not consistently.
I haven't yet collected leaves because of my schedule. When I have the chance to collect leaves it's either dark, wet or daughter is here. Just hasn't worked out. Besides, the last of the leaves are only just now falling. Not worried about the leaves within the yard much. They'll compost right where they are, so not a problem. I rearrange stuff in early spring when I do tilling and planting.
Solarium is doing good. Cool weather plants are growing. Potatoes bouncing back. Spinach sprouts coming up. Broccoli gaining size slowly. Still watching for carrots and cilantro.
Not looking like I'll get the heater built this winter, after all. Just because of other expenses. Oh, well. I can build it sometime before next winter. Gather materials gradually and do one step at a time. Doing it slowly means I can do a better job and make it sturdier and more decorative. Spend more money on proper supplies like fire brick, which may have to be ordered. (Cannot believe you have to special order fire brick in a place where most houses have fireplaces. I could see that in Texas but not here in the mountains.) Came to the conclusion that fire mortar must only be necessary for the fire brick and not surrounding structure. Sand, concrete, cinder block and stucco will work.
It did rain lightly while we were there. Sadly, didn't snow. Driving home, there was snow mixed with rain. I still opted to not drive to Belen last night for the Bugg Lights. Going to ask the ex if I can pick daughter up on Fri night this coming week. That way we can do the Bugg Lights one night and Cliff's the other night.
We were both disappointed it didn't snow last night. Though she has a sinus infection and it may not have been the best thing for her at the moment.
I do see a couple of chances for light snow in the next week or two. Maybe we will still see snow before Christmas. Most of the time if it snows here, it's after Christmas.
Kiddo is still sleeping. She always objects but she needs the sleep to help get well. She's also not one that gives in to illness and not whiny about it.
We're going to do several things today. Paint clay ornaments, make gingerbread cookies and make fudge. I will make her wash her hands a lot and keep hand sanitizer nearby. She understands and does not argue those things.
Oh, I went back and looked at old utility bills and found the bill this month wasn't so out of line. About normal use for winter on electric. I also figured out that it would not be so abnormal if it was higher. Last year I was starting work two hours later than I am now. Years prior to that I was usually working the night shift. Even on days off, I got up later, so the sun was up and temperatures warmer when I got out of bed. I'm spending more time than ever at home on a consistent basis because of the job. My best bet to limit utility use is to isolate my work space and keep that area warmer than the rest of the house while working.
I am glad to see the rain last night. For one thing, the compost pile doesn't get much moisture in the winter. I turn off the well pump. Occasionally I toss a bucket of water in the pile but not consistently.
I haven't yet collected leaves because of my schedule. When I have the chance to collect leaves it's either dark, wet or daughter is here. Just hasn't worked out. Besides, the last of the leaves are only just now falling. Not worried about the leaves within the yard much. They'll compost right where they are, so not a problem. I rearrange stuff in early spring when I do tilling and planting.
Solarium is doing good. Cool weather plants are growing. Potatoes bouncing back. Spinach sprouts coming up. Broccoli gaining size slowly. Still watching for carrots and cilantro.
Not looking like I'll get the heater built this winter, after all. Just because of other expenses. Oh, well. I can build it sometime before next winter. Gather materials gradually and do one step at a time. Doing it slowly means I can do a better job and make it sturdier and more decorative. Spend more money on proper supplies like fire brick, which may have to be ordered. (Cannot believe you have to special order fire brick in a place where most houses have fireplaces. I could see that in Texas but not here in the mountains.) Came to the conclusion that fire mortar must only be necessary for the fire brick and not surrounding structure. Sand, concrete, cinder block and stucco will work.
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