I’ve been catching up on my reading, actually getting to sections of the newspaper I usually skim.

With a gate out of commission, the chickens have had their way with the property. The last straw was finding broken hellebores flowers.

I hate to buy fresh produce when I can grow anything on my own. We should all be thinking along these lines. Besides shoveling and tending the chickens, my only outdoor activity has involved knocking snow and ice from my favorite shrubs.

Sam Thoron provides interesting information on the lovely gazebo on the grounds of the Dr. Daniel Fisher House.

On Jan. 31, we had 10 hours of sun again. It’s been since Nov. 10 that we had that much daylight. Ten hours is really the maximum light required for plant growth.

I cannot recall such a yo-yo weather pattern. It’s 40 degrees one day and seven degrees the next. It’s difficult to get myself oriented.