Long Nights Time 2024

Sunchoke crock ingredients

The time of long nights is upon us. We hope you have been able to find relaxation in them. Our nights have been spent in reading and knitting by the fire or watching some of our classic holiday movies (1930s-1950s).

We haven't had any of the heavy winter weather you heard about, just a couple of light snows. We are too far south of the Great Lakes to be much affected by the lake effect snows.

A cluster of turkeys in the yard

We have had frequent company this season. A large group of turkeys have strolled up from the ravine on our property several mornings. It appears to be two large flocks totaling 24 birds.

A wild turkey for your viewing pleasure

 
They investigate thoroughly, especially the neighbor's truck, eat our fallen acorns, posture and fuss with each other. After a while they all filter back into the woods.

During the daylight hours, we have occupied ourselves with our projects.

Bob fills the crock

On Thanksgiving Day, Bob ground four quarts of horseradish root while I prepared the ingredients for our crock of sunchokes. Bob gets to pack the 15-liter crock because he's tall enough to reach inside easily. After sitting in our warm pantry for a couple of weeks to begin the fermentation process, it has now been moved into our cooler root cellar. Now it will continue to "work" at a slower rate.

Two crocks and horseradish "chillin"

I've been intermittently working on Bob's sweater. I've just finished all of the component parts. Next, I'll press and assemble them.

I'm almost finished threshing out the dry beans. Only three more bushels to go. I hope to finish by Christmas. Certainly, by New Years.

Together we've been working on the bathroom.

Priming begins

 

I spent a week priming and painting the ceiling and walls.

Topcoat going on

Now I need to get going on painting the trim work down at the workstation in the cellar.

Medicine cabinet installed

 
As soon as the painting had cured a bit, Bob began installation work. The medicine cabinet and toilet are in. (No more midnight trips downstairs!)

The reason for regular chiropractic

We hired a couple of strong guys to haul the vanity upstairs from the cellar (two flights of stairs, one with a sharp 90-degree turn). The brute weighs 160 pounds and was just too much for Bob and me to handle. Thanks to them, it's up there and Bob is installing it right now.

One sturdy vanity

We've still got quite a way to go: flooring, tub and surround, trim and fittings, but we're finally progressing.

That's what we've been up to. I'm afraid that we haven't taken time this month for any outings. We've been focused on these jobs. We'll have to be more deliberate next month with regards to taking time for ourselves.

Yuletide 2024

We have family and friends of many different races, religions, cultures and practices. We recognize your right to observe this season in any way that's meaningful for you.

As for us, we wish each of you joy, peace, contentment and restfulness now, and always.

Till next time,

Kathleen and Bob

Be at peace