It has been frigid in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. That said I have observed all kinds of life coping with the temperatures and occasional snow to boot. I have a huge window in my bedroom and often watch the activity in my rear yard from there, often as i read and prepare posts.Yester
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12/31/2017
Today I am going to a neighbors holiday open house. I was invited last year and wasn't feeling well so I almost opted out, but the invitation was hand delivered and included a big candy cane so I went. I made a good choice and met people I didn't know, and genuinely enjoyed myself. I found out fr
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12/30/2017
With the new year quickly approaching I am thinking today about my one and only time in Times Square on New Years Eve. It is frigid in the northeast and forecasters are saying this year promises to be the coldest in 50 years. I can't imagine. When I was there it was cold too but frankly I don't r
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12/29/2017
My street has wild turkeys always. They are mean and ugly and almost indestructible. I have a neighbor who feeds them and they are always around. And so I have gotten used to watching out for this band who travel together and are hostile and aggressive. That said it is so cold I almost feel sor
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12/28/2017
When you don't have trash pick up or mail delivery it means you need to get out regardless of the weather. And so I am on my way to the dump and the post office. At first hearing you may wonder why anyone would choose to live where these things require extra effort. For me the answer is simple: l
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12/28/2017
I was lucky enough to speak to my friend Claude earlier. We have never met in person but who knows maybe one day. Claude is authentic, kind and bright and I always enjoy speaking with him. Just another special moment courtesy of the Rain and I am grateful. On any given day you never know who you
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12/27/2017
It is really cold in western Massachusetts. I awoke to actual temperatures below zero. The high here today is supposed to reach 18. The forecast for the next ten days promises even colder temperatures and big time wind. It is the windy that makes things hard. My pups are confused and unhappy with
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12/27/2017
I have learned recently to enjoy where I am and what I am seeing. To that end my small Olympus point and shoot has become a trusted and cherished friend. What I have come to understand is that while a good camera matters it is the willingness to see and be in the moment that matters most. Sometim
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12/26/2017
I don't celebrate Christmas but do celebrate everyday. Today it was snowing and blowing and the natural beauty takes my breath away. My yard is so nice to watch and I enjoy it daily. It is now really windy and the temperatures are dropping big time. My driveway was plowed earlier and I am gratefu
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12/25/2017
Late Saturday evening I heard that Lou Ludwig had died. I was really taken back and saddened even though I never met or even spoke to Lou except here in the Rain. And so I began to think about how meaningful this forum and its members are.When I first found Active Rain years ago I was directed to
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12/25/2017
