Not much going on out here. Weather has been below freezing and into single digits since Nov 29. A few more and we will set a new record for the most days prior to the soltice. It did change a bit yesterday, temps a bit warmer (teens and 20s for the remainder of week), no much snow predicted though. Just doing the usual winter things. Taking care of changing tires, xmas shopping, shovel/blow snow when we do get any. We had about 6" almost two weeks ago, none since and all of that snow is still on the ground. Alma is fine. Had what was though to be an infection in the breast two weeks ago. Course of antibiotics but then they felt another lump in same spot. Had a biopsy done last Friday. Oncologist thinks it is probably scar tissue as that is way to fast for normal reoccurance. Will be getting the path report toward the end of the week. The leaf blower I refer to below was a result of a trip to the 'patch to burn brush. Very poor success. Took 1 1/2 hours to get one pile going and used an entire 5 gal diesel to do it. Someone suggested that a leaf blower works great for getting a fire going fast so I bought one. Then couldn't use it as the powers that be put us under a stagnant air advisory and banned outside burning. I wrote the following yesterday but didn't post it so make the mental adjustments for what day I am talking about. That activity was yesterdy. Still feeling like a kid with a new toy and can't play with it. No mention of a burn ban last night on the news so I decided to try again today. Up at 7:00 to see 8 degrees on the thermometer, calm, clear. Wx guessers have been in a tizzy as a few more days of below freezing temps will break a record for the most days in a row. I think they will lose out tho as they said temps up to 31 tomorrow, 25 today and it is already 28 here (2:30). Looks like the arctic express high that is hanging over use is departing. Temps coming up for the next week (still in the 20s but nights not bone chilling anymore). Breeze came up out of the south about 1:00 as I was preparing to leave the 'patch. That is a welcome sign and I see some clouds coming in from the west right now. I will have to hide the presents a bit better next year. I left enough sticking out so they could be spotted - too easily as it turned out. She found the last one last night already. After seeing the shiver factor, I changed my mind about burning but then the wx guy said snow tonight. I already have enough snow on those piles so loaded up and went. Couple hundred yards to hoof carrying buckets with kindling and another trip to bring in the diesel, leaf blower and a third for the necessities (Plasma most important). Set kindling/paper/diesel on the first big pile and lit it off. Gave it a second dose of diesel and off to the other pile. same procedure and now back to play with the leaf blower. HAH! I already have roaring fire going there. Okay, back to the other pile - same story. Thus I still haven't got to play pyromaniac with a leaf blower. Got one more pile to go, may do it tomorrow if the snow isn't too deep. Harry K

Hi, Lilyfinch. Verona as I googled is near Pittsburg which is much farther west than me. They actually do not get much snow from this storm today. I am in southeast pa, near Dutch Wonderland. Can't believe the Amish still brave the weather to go out on this awful day. We have got a foot of snow today, the most of this winter. Wow, you already receive your roses. How exciting! I am so sorry about the weather. I agree "Hurry up spring!!" Please!! This weather is killing my pocketbook. I finally succumb and place an order for 3 new Weeks roses from Brecks. They just look at me and say "you will be so happy to grow us in your garden" and I just can resist. They cast their beautiful blooms at me and I am moved to order as if under a spell. :) Lesley, can I ask what you order today?

It's most probably the warmer fall you've had..I still have clematis Blooming here in Texas zone 8B..don't you usually prune your Clems in late winter/early spring?..I would wait till then because it is dormant..why prune and leave the cut vine open to disease etc...Jeanne

Sheila - it's "on The Main Line". The towns were built along the 'main line' of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Lancaster Ave (Route 30) is the main road and more or less parallels the path of the train. It is a beautiful area. http://www.mainlinehomes.com/about-the-main-line.php What part of central NJ are you in? I'm also in NJ, in S. Jersey just across the Delaware River from Phila. We're also thinking about moving back to PA when we downsize - either back to Bucks County or possibly Center City. DS and DIL are currently looking in central Bucks County near Lahaska. As for oil heat - I think in the long run gas heat is more economical and many people consider it preferable. We rented a brand new home that was built during a moratorium on gas hookups in our area and I wouldn't want it again. And while the price is low now there's no assurance that it will stay low. Gas doesn't fluctuate the same way.