10 January 2016

High winds and rain forecast for today (and the weather guessers got things right), so just before dinner we’re having a thunderstorm… and the temperature was in the mid-50’s this afternoon.  Highest wind gust recorded by my weather station was 22 mph… but I strongly suspect the trees surrounding the house’s backyard considerably attenuated the huffing and puffing.  January in Vermont this is not!  Went over to Lynne & Perry’s at noon to let their dog out to pee.  As I crested a hill on Fern Lake Road discovered that a large tree had come down… completely blocking the road.  It’s a good thing: (1) the tree was dead so it broke into many pieces upon hitting the road, (2) I’m strong, and (most importantly) (3) the Tacoma’s brakes work just fine.  A few minutes industrious labor had the road cleared.  It being raining when I got to Salisbury, Lizzie refused to pee.  So went back again at 4:30 with better success.  In the meantime, finished installing the electrical outlets for the north side of the shop (circuit #34).  Whoever decided to use #10 wire for the shop circuits should be shot!  Those wires just don’t want to bend back into the junction box once the receptacle is attached!  While I was working away the power went out.  Counted to 10 and the generator turned on, warmed itself up, and started feeding electrons to the house within a minute.  There’s no doubt when the transfer switch kicks on or off… you can hear the clunk throughout the house.  Schlepped (or was it slid????) down to Marty & Merry’s for another wonderful repast.