Cuttin' a rug (actually, a weird plastic gym floor)

The Mountain Heritage High School Eco Club had a great turnout for their fundraising contra dance at the old Burnsville gym. I can report that penny-loafer-clad Evan Raskin is a heckuva dancer.

Fix-it day

The ever-generous Don Walker had busy fix-it day on Saturday. He usually manages to schedule this event for the coldest day of the year. This year the weather was fairly mild, but, as you can see, it was still chilly in the shop--all that concrete and steel hold a lot of cold. For those who have never made it to fix-it day, it's Don's annual contribution to Cabin Fever University. He spends the whole day sharpening, riveting, welding, and generally fixing tools for all comers. Karen makes cookies, coffee, and cider and keeps everyone company.

Installation in Doc's Pasture

It was in the single digits when we started building the sculpture in Doc's pasture, under the guidance of Astra and Amelia. Perfection lasted several days, until the big wind.

Memory of Hockey

The warmth of the past couple of days has melted the pond again, but last week, it was time for rare hockey. Above, Zach surfs the ice waves just before we quit. Tim and Jody's legs star below.

A great day in the USA

Our intrepid reporter, Dick Kennedy, was lucky enough to be in D.C. for the inauguration. He sent a few pictures.








I want some of these glasses.

Hockey for Obama

I missed the big skatefest on Saturday, so Jeff and Margot and I celebrated Obama's first full day in office (and the first skateable ice in five years) with some early morning pond hockey.

Otway on inauguration day

Micaville apples

Hungry Ghost

Old Friend

Bamboo for Art

Astra, Tim and Paulo have been hard at work gathering materials for Installation Art #1, the Cabin Fever event taking place Saturday at 10am in the soccer field. We'll see you all there!

Emma is here

Emma Schell Feldman, born January 10. An Obama baby.


Here's her little fist holding the smallest finger I've got (you know, my "baby" finger).

Oysters

On Christmas day, a friend gave me a dozen of the largest oysters I've ever seen. These were quickly turned into by far and away the best oyster stew we've ever had.

Song to Oysters
I like to eat an uncooked oyster,
Nothing's slicker, nothing's moister.
Nothing's easier on your gorge
Or, when the time comes, to dischorge.

But not to let it too long rest
Within your mouth is always best.
For if your mind dwells on an oyster ...
Nothing's slicker. Nothing's moister.

I prefer my oyster fried.
Then I'm sure my oyster's died.

- Roy Blount, Jr.

Bobby

At the reception after the memorial for Bobby Wells, the family made this beautiful altar with many pictures. Dick sent over a few pictures of it.

In the bog

Jeff, Miles, and Polly, walking the bog on a Sunday afternoon.

Red Phone

This is why you always get a busy signal when you call up to Ballew Fields.

Sun and Shadow

Goodbye, Bobby

Love and blessings to the family of our friend and neighbor Bobbyanna Wells, who always held fast to the things she believed in. We were lucky to have her with us for so long.