Weather contrasts

A couple of weeks ago Ron was in Bangkok on business for a global sales conference.  Getting from his hotel to the conference even though it was relatively close was quite an ordeal since he had to make his way there on crutches in the sizzling heat and humidity.  So much for taking a shower beforehand!  The day he was due to fly back into New Jersey (where Troy and I picked him up from) was our second major snowfall of the season.  The trip itself was no picnic; 7 hrs to Japan and then 18 hrs to Newark airport in NJ.  En route apparently a little Asian flight attendant while trying to stuff baggage into the overhead bins had been 'jumping up and down' on Ron's ankle.  Well that's his story and he's going to stick to it. 

Meantime, back in CT, Troy and I are busy clearing the driveway of snow, and sweeping the 5 or 6 inches off the car in preparation for the long slow trip to airport, when to our delight, Zac from across the road comes over with their new snowblower and in about 5 minutes has taken care of everything. 

I've never coveted one of these machines until I saw how fast the job got done.  They apparently are subject to breaking down fairly often from what we have heard.  Mmmm... perhaps we will stick with the manual method for now but I daresay if this hadn't been such a mild winter thus far, I could be tempted..






Speaking of mild, and weather contrasts, we have been having spring like weather for the last couple of weeks.  I wouldn't be surprised if the daffodils start to pop their heads.  Today it was at least 12C.  We have been painting and staining some interior walls and trim that our neighbour has been working on.  I was able to open windows to let the fumes escape. 

I don't recall a single February that we have had no snow on the lawn.  I took this photo today in the late afternoon and it's what the yard has looked like for the last several weeks.  Ben and Franci Hoyt from Christchurch who are currently living in NYC, and who we have got together with a few times asked me last time if this was a typical winter.  Absolutely not, not, not.  We're enjoying it though.