.... and the sky came a'tumblin' down...

March 19, 2013 – Tuesday morning

17 degrees/snowy/very windy

Pentoga Road

The wind is howling this morning and is blowing the several inches of new powder every which direction. I keep a small set of wind chimes on the front porch so I might hear if the wind is blowing. They’re playing an entire symphony.

I started Monday by riding with Sargie towards Iron Mountain for five miles and hiking back home. With dry pavement and a wind at my back, I made good time.

The rest of the morning was spent figuring this past year’s taxes using H&R Block’s online software. It was going well until I reported that I’d rolled over my annuities into Roth IRA’s. The software couldn’t seem to get past that point. After a very frustrating hour of trying, I gave up and for this year anyway, I’ll pay someone to do my taxes.  One positive note; I was far enough into the calculations to discover I’ll get a refund, the first in years.

The rest of the day was spent with the instructions for the greenhouse; sometimes in the barn looking at parts and pieces, other times back in the house. Thankfully, others have rewritten many of the instructions and posted them online and there’s even a video or two. As I said, it’s a process.

So far, so good, but then I really haven't done anything other than read the instructions and figure out a plan for assembly.

With the snowstorm upon us, Sargie’s boss told her to leave early. She arrived home before dark and reported the roads were snow-covered and slippery. She also had a difficult time keeping the wiper blades clean. It was just that kind of wet and heavy snow.

I’m not sure what today will bring. With the continued cold temperatures and strong winds, I doubt I’ll work on the greenhouse. Even with the door closed, it’s simply too cold in the barn. It looks like a good day to grade assignments, projects, and remain current on my schoolwork.

Speaking of assignments, Susie, my friend in the educational tech department at the university, already transferred my Alaska Studies course onto a site for the summer session. I also received word that I’ll be teaching again next fall. As an adjunct, I have no real job security, but I’ll tell you, UAS really treats me well. I have wonderful administrators, from the Dean right up to the Chancellor and Provost of the university. I’m a lucky man.

Sargie works today from 11 this morning until 7 tonight. At least there will be ample time for the roads to be plowed. It’s likely ours won’t see a blade until tomorrow. We’re at the bottom of the list for high traffic areas.

So with all that being said, it’s time to throw another log on the fire and freshen my coffee. After all, a man’s work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road…

This morning at first light. I don't think I'll be planting flowers any time soon.