It's Snowing!

So, the car was covered in snow this morning. It's a light snow, the kind that's easy to wipe off the car windows and would make a really awesome snowman. That is if I took the day off... tempting, but no. Montgomery county schools are closed for the day, but the federal government is opened for business as usual. Dan's convinced that because our new president is from Chicago, we won't get a single snow day off for the next four years. I can't even imagine that Obama is the one making the call for snowdays. Wouldn't that decision be one that is staffed out?

Anyhow, since schools were closed, the snow was scheduled to continue all day, and I was going to be coming home early for another Vet appointment, I was able to work from our branch Rockville office today. I SO want to reduce my daily commute and work from there all the time, but it's a process... I'll probably work there again tomorrow, since tonight we're expecting more snow and freezing rain. Traffic certainly won't be improving with that kind of weather.

This past weekend we had a new furniture addition to the house. We'd been looking for a long time to find a good looking buffet for the dining room. With vaulted ceilings, a contemporary home, and specific tastes (and limited cash) the choices seemed very limited. Nobody seems to make decent buffets any longer! Those in catalogues are too shallow, just for show, or too darned tacky. Craig's list to the rescue! We found this beautiful mid century modern teak buffet for a song. It's six feet long, and the left two doors open to pull out shelves. Each of the doors has wood inlay with a hourglass design, and the handles are angled to match the inlay. Slowly I am moving stuff into the buffet, but it's a good time to sort things to head down to the basement.

We also had another vet visit today; a dental for Pascal. After last week's surgery, she's doing well. Unfortunately, after having blood drawn today, she's uncomfortable and whiny. She stands in the hall and wails loudly, making full use of the echo to make sure we notice. Upon going to see what's up, she changes to a pitiful mew and watery big eyes. All she wants is to be held really. So, this blog has been typed one-handed, and with full assistance from Pascal. (She is purring now as I hold her wrapped in a blanket.)

Neighborhood Watch

First a picture of Pascal, the actual sleeping cat from previous post. Now, she is sleeping on the sofa in 'her spot' having harassed me first complaining that I am on the computer way too much.

We had been invited to an open house gathering in the neighborhood from 2-4pm today, and in the spirit of happy neighborhoodliness, we joined the gang. Walking from no.10 (our home) to no.2 (party home) lasted a good 2 minutes in the cold weather. Even with the ultra cozy coat and scarf of protection, the wind licked behind my ears, down my neck and swirled around my ankles. Upon arriving at our party, I was already chilled and wishing to snuggle on a sofa wrapped in a blanket. Now I remember why we try to stay inside the warm place we call home.

After the extremely brief chill factor, the party was worthwhile and we spoke with many neighbors we had not previously met. We met the guy across the street who obviously has much time on his hands. In the past we had only waved to each other as I began or ended my daily work commute. He and his wife have the odd tendency to collect leaves and branches, leaving the ground spotless. This, I may note, is not all that odd if it is your own yard. I do think that it's odd that they collect leaves and branches from our driveway and surrounding cul-de-sac across the street from where they live.

We also were pleased to meet the original owners of our own house (no.10). Quite a lot is now clear to us... We heard how she used to be a dog breeder while living here (There were FOUR Labs living in our little back yard) and how when they sold the house, she had left a full map of what and where she planted in the yard. I learned sadly that we used to have beautiful lilacs in the back. Alas, there are no signs of these lost plants. There are still remnants of the plants in which she obviously took great pride; snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells... The few straggler tulips were originally from friends of hers who brought them directly from Holland. Gardening however will be another blog for another day.