Happy New Year!!

We are getting ready to pop the champagne cork and I thought I would take a minute and wish everyone in Woodland Valley a Happy 2014! May the coming year be full of wondrous things for all!

Messy!

After a fairly nice day on Saturday yesterday's storm seemed particularly annoying to me. Although we had a couple of minor snow incidents last week all the previous snow had pretty much melted.

But last night we got one of the dreaded goopy, sloppy, heavy, wet, "wintery mix" kind of storms. Most of what came down was in the form of rain but, unfortunately, we did get an inch or two of snow and sleet mixed in that has covered the ground. 

This made for a very long and slow journey up WV road last night. The highway trucks are on the job though. They came into the valley after I did and started the sanding and salting process. So hopefully at this point the road is not too bad. 

But given the dropping temperatures, I am afraid what is on the ground in our driveways will freeze into a treacherous mess. The valley is much clearer towards town but as you come up into the valley be cautious both on the road and getting out of your car and walking to your houses. Slow and careful should be the mantra of the day. 

Support The Food Pantry

The Shandaken Food Pantry needs your support. Most of us enjoyed abundant food and drink this holiday season but there are many in the community who struggle. So I would urge anyone who can to donate to the food pantry and help your neighbors in need.

Located: Phoenicia United Methodist Church
Open: Thursdays 10am-12pm
Checks or non-perishable foods and personal items will be happily accepted at the Shandaken Town Clerk's office Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Call the Town Clerk at 688-5004 if you want information or have questions. Checks should be made out to "Shandaken Food Pantry". They can also be sent to: Key Bank 53 Main St, Phoenicia, NY 12464

Let's try to remember those less fortunate this holiday season!!

Town Meetings On YouTube

For those of you who are out of the Catskills right now don't forget that the Shandaken Town Board Meetings are on Videos Live on YouTube.

To provide more convenient & accessible information to our citizens, Shandaken Town Board Meeting Videos will be available online at the Town's Youtube page. Video's will still be available to watch on Time Warner Channel 23 but this will provide this service to those that don't live here full time or don't use Time Warner TV.

here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/townofshandaken?feature=watch

"Slide Mountain" By Joe DeSarle

Now that Christmas is over and we are all going back to listening to regular music and not just Christmas Carols, here is a song for you to check out. WCA member Joe DeSarle sent me his newest creation for us all to enjoy. Here is Joe's message. 

"I'm sending another recently produced song and video that might be of interest to some Woodland Valley residents since it pays tribute to Slide Mountain."

- Joe

Sunday With The Rick Altman Trio

New Year's Eve is for amateurs.  Come out to Harmony Music in Woodstock this Sunday night, and catch The Rick Altman Trio for the last time this year...with special guest, guitarist Mike DeMicco.

The Rick Altman Trio

with Mike Ralff & Jody Sumber

and special guest Mike DeMicco

An evening of jazz classics and original compositions

with vibes, bass, and drums

Sunday, December 29, 2013

8 to 11 p.m.

*Donation*

HARMONY

52 Mill Hill Rd. Woodstock, NY (845) 679-3484

more info: www.rickaltman.com

All Melted

With the crazy, warm temperatures we have had in the valley in the last couple of days (in the 60's at times) the snow has pretty much all melted. The temps started to rise a couple of days ago so the piles that were lying around from the two storms we had (about 18 inches in total) are virtually gone.

It has been raining on and off in the valley since yesterday. But just now when I went outside I could feel that it was a lot colder than it had been all day. The thermometer now reads in the low 30's and the forecast is for it to drop down into the 20's tonight. I guess it is back to the winter weather.

Whoops…..ESRM & CMRR Events Sunday

I mistakenly posted that the STS, ESRM and CMRR holiday events were today. Sorry folks, your blog mistress has taken too much cold medicine. They are all tomorrow! I have corrected the last post. But the Mama's Boy caroling is tonight. See you all there!

Free Holiday Fun Sunday!

STS, ESRM and CMRR team up to provide some great, FREE holiday fun in Phoenicia on Sunday. The festivities start early with a Christmas play at the Shandaken Theatrical Society at 11am. Then there will be a Christmas party at the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia from 1-4. And free train rides on the Catskill Mountain Railroad in Mount Tremper at 12, 1, 2 and possibly 3 (if there is enough people).  I hear that the big man himself (Santa) and his lovely wife (Mrs Claus) will also be in attendance. So come out and join your neighbors for some great family entertainment!

Christmas Caroling Saturday Evening

There will be Christmas caroling tomorrow, December 21st at 5:30 in the evening in front of Mama's Boy in Phoenicia.There will also be free cider for all.

A holiday concert will follow the event at the Wesleyan Church in Phoenicia. That event is also free. Sounds like a great time to me!!

Another 6 Inches

Sorry I didn't post last night folks, even the blogmistress gets tired sometimes. Anyway, the totals are in for this last storm and we got about another 6 inches. As you may imagine there is a lot of snow around at this point. It should be very interesting how much of this melts in the next few days because temperatures are forecasted to go into the 40's and 50's over the weekend. Hopefully, the ground will be able to absorb all this wetness or it will runoff into the streams. It gets treacherous when the snow melts, forms puddles than refreezes. But it is a long enough stretch that it should work out fine. I guess we shall see. 

Be careful if you are coming for the weekend though. Take your time when driving up your driveway or walking to your house.There may be icy spots around. 

And It Just Keeps On Coming

It is snowing again in the Catskills. The snow started this morning and is still going on as we speak. There is about 4 or more inches on the ground. The temperatures are low enough that it should be light and fluffy but that is hard to tell (I haven't been out in it). The proof will be in the shoveling. Hopefully, it will not be too bad. But the last storm started out light and fluffy and ended up icy, wet and heavy so you can never tell. Judging by the radar we still have a while to go before it stops. Stay warm and dry until then. I will report final totals later when I have them. 

More Travels With Intrepid Sally And Peter

Just to break up the endless monotony of talking about snow here are some more excellent photos from the traveling Oberbecks. These are from Dakla. Thanks for sending them guys. I love to look at cool photos from interesting places. And it is nice to know that somewhere it is warm and sunny.

Here is what Pete and Sally had to say about their photos.

Dakla, Western Sahara

"Our last stop on the continent of Africa before we sailed for the Cape Verde Island took us to the town of Dakla on a peninsula in the far south of Western Sahara.  Not particularly exiting, but we did visit an oyster farm that had some of the best oysters we have ever eaten.  They were salty and had a mild steely taste and, of course, came right out of the ocean. Pictures 4 5 and 6."

Intrepid Peter and Sally

This Round Of Snow Is Done

Good Morning everyone, I am happy to tell you that the snow has stopped. The final total for this storm is somewhere around 11 inches. Because of drifting, I get different measurements in different places but that was the reading I got most of the time.

The temperatures have risen into the high 20's so the snow has gotten significantly heavier than it was last night. It has been much harder to shovel. But I am making headway.

From what I can see of WV Road (I still haven't left my property) it looks like the town has salted and sanded and kept the road passable. But driving slowly and cautiously is still recommended. And remember, in a lot of places there is a layer of ice at the bottom of all this snow from previous storms. So watch your step!!!

I recommend wearing ice traction cleats in this weather. Last year, Marietta at Morne Imports had some that you slip-on over your boots. I don't know if she has them again but it is worth asking. They are a godsend in this weather. I keep one pair at my back door and one pair in the car. Just a suggestion. But, if nothing else, wear shoes with decent treads. This is not the weather for your 5 inch Jimmy Choo's so just let go of the idea of fashionable footwear for winter here in the valley.

So that's all for this storm folks. I hope wherever you are you are safe and warm!

Still Snowing

Just got back in from outside where I was doing a brief round of snow shoveling. I thought I would report one last time to all of you who are wondering what is going on weather-wise in the valley.

We have about 8 inches of snow on the ground at this point. The snow is falling very fast and the wind has picked up slightly but is not too crazy.

I have heard the town trucks go up and down the road more than once but haven't been out all day (except right around the house to shovel) so I can't report on road conditions. Although the highway department does a great job, with the snow falling this quickly it will be hard to keep the roads clear for long. I think it is safe to say that if at all possible it would be best to stay inside and wait the storm out in the cozy comfort of your own home.

The forecasters say that the snow will continue through the night so I will post again in the morning with the final totals.

That's all for now. Good night.

Snow Totals So Far

It has been snowing since early morning. The temperatures have been in the teens so the snow is the very fine, light and fluffy kind. Given that fact, shoveling was relatively easy. The accumulation thus far is only about 3 to 4 inches. But the weather forecasters are saying that the heaviest snow fall will be overnight tonight. The Hudson Valley Weather forecaster on Facebook is predicting from 10 to 14 inches by the end of this storm. So far the winds have been extremely quiet. And there has been no interruption in phone or power. Let's hope that continues. I will continue to provide you all with updates when I can. In the meantime, stay warm and safe.

Getting Ready For Some Serious Snow

The national weather service is calling for  6 to 12 inches of snow in the next 48 hours with possible larger accumulations in the higher elevations. The warning goes from 8am Saturday to 1pm Sunday. I will try and keep you updated as the storm progresses. Hopefully, we will not lose power. If I do not post for a couple of days in a row you can assume the power has gone out. But, as always, I will try and keep you posted.

A Bit More Snow

Yesterday it snow on and off for a lot of the day. The total accumulation was only about and inch or so, thank goodness. It stopped around 5pm and the roads were pretty good when I got home last night at around 9pm. I think the Shandaken Highway Department does an excellent job of keeping us all as safe as possible.

Even though the snow is not deep there is still some ice under it from the storm a couple of days ago. So take your time and walk carefully when you are going from your car to your house. The roads are fine but driveways, walks and decks may be slippery.

The College-Youth Symphony of SUNY New Paltz

The lovely and talented 10 yr old Miriam Rose will be performing this Sunday with The College-Youth Symphony of SUNY New Paltz. I have been to several of these concerts before and they are really great. So if you want to hear some talented young people perform (WV's own Miriam Rose among them) try and catch this Sunday's performance!

Miriam Rose

invites you to the Winter Concert

of

The College-Youth Symphony

of SUNY New Paltz

Carole Cowan, conductor

Vic Izzo, conductor Wind Ensemble

***********

Works by Verdi, Britten, Mussorsky, Reed and Anderson

Sunday, December 15, 2013

7:00 P.M.

Julien J. Studley Theatre

Tickets: $8, $6, $3  Available at the door

Icy Conditions

We had a bit of snow yesterday followed by some freezing rain on top of it. But we were lucky and most of yesterday's storm slipped to the south of us.

On the ground right now there is about a quarter inch of wet, icy snow. Slippery, but it could have been a lot worse.

I got the sloppy mess off my car fairly easily but decided not to venture out to test the roads. They are calling for more snow tomorrow but we shall see. But right now the conditions are soggy and icy so drive very, very carefully if you are coming into the valley.

Tibet House Auction

Our wonderful Menla/Tibet House neighbors are having a benefit auction on December 16th at Christie's in NYC. There will be a lot of great items for sale. This is your chance to bid on exotic travel, exclusive experiences and fabulous gifts for family and friends (maybe you will even find a thing or two for yourself). Here is a link to the full auction catalog: http://www.tibethouse.us/pdf/th_2013_catalog.pdf It sounds like it will be a great evening! For more information go to the Tibet House website at: http://www.tibethouse.us

Flying Cat Music Series Show Postponed

Tomorrow night's concert in the ESRM with The Boxcar Lillies is cancelled due to weather concerns. Here is the message I received from Flying Cat.

Our Flying Cat Music concert this Sunday December 8th with The Boxcar Lilies has been cancelled due to pending bad.weather. Band members have scheduled commitments early on Monday and anticipated road conditions Sunday night into Monday make travel during that time period inadvisable. We will reschedule The Boxcar Lilies during our 2014 concert year. Please share this updated information with anyone you know who might have been considering coming to the show Sunday.

More News Regarding The Farmstand Decision

There is an article in the Daily Freeman on the NY Supreme Court/Hanover Farmstand decision that is very interesting. Here is the link.

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131206/shandaken-farm-stand-out-of-compliance-and-must-close-court-rules

Lawsuit Judgement

For those following town news, a judgement has been made in the Hanover Farm/Higley lawsuit. Here is a link to it if you would like to see the outcome.

http://www.shandaken.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hanover-Farms-Decision-Order-dated-11-27-13.pdf

Library Gets Closer To Fundraising Goal

There is an article in today's Daily Freeman about the latest grant to help the Phoenicia Library rebuild (see link below).

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20131204/phoenicia-library-closes-in-on-fundraising-goal-with-20000-state-grant

This holiday season, for the people on your list who have everything, please consider making a donation in their name to the library. It is a fantastic resource and a gem in the midst of our community. You can give a great gift that will keep giving back. There is a link to their Paypal donation page on the library website. Even a small donation will make a difference.

http://phoenicialibrary.org

The Woodland Brook - Poetry from Boreegard

WOODLAND BROOK

I am obsessed by Woodland Brook

There’s early spring, when the water runs
Fast and blue and the shadblow blooms pure white
All along the valley corridor.
My father directs me to use a quill Gordon.
Iron Fraudator hatches while the last
Thin snow falls.

Grandpa was right.
Life is not all skittles and beer.
Even on a bright Memorial Day,
You can find evidence of Winter’s
Harsh directive.

The stench of rotting flesh hits us
Like a wall, as we crash through
Sinewy brush, lugging heavy buckets
Of stocking trout.

The doe’s body was hidden in deep water,
Until this sudden dry spell.
Lately she has become the uncontested property,
Of recalcitrant valley dogs and buzzflies.

In summer the brook dwindles to a crystalline trickle,
Under a demanding sun, grasshoppers bask
In the hot dust and fiddle beneath the black-eyed suzies.

Cautious trout maintain themselves in the shade
Of willows and smooth children’s jumping rocks.
They wait for nighttime when they will fill with
Brash courage and feed in a frenzy on top.

Take your rod and visit them then.
To Hell with the cocktail hour.

Cold wet autumn, when the slate drakes hatch
Leaving their skinhusks behind like gossamer souvenirs of their
First life.
As May flies, they flutter off through the rain
To begin their brief climactic last-life.

Boreegard
May 15, 2012

Today In Phoenicia

There is a great event in the St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Phoenicia today featuring Woodland Valley's own Jean Druffner. Stop by if you can.

Beyond Presents.... Celebrating Presence of Love in the World:

Join the community of St. Francis de Sales Church in Phoenicia to welcome the light in this season of darkness. With the help of storytellers Gioia Timpanelli, Jean Druffner, and Father Raphael Iannone, AND the music of Festival of the Voice Co-directors Maria Todaro and Louis Otey, we will embrace the winter solstice and open our hearts to the power of love and goodness in our midst.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 at 3:00

At St. Francis de Sales Church

104 Main Street. Phoenicia

Donations at the door to benefit the church