We got a dog walk in today! First time in quite a while. Also was a good morning to clean up frozen "stuff" in the backyard. Finally a little melting going on.

I made cookies today. I modeled them after what's in my basement.

Being a weather weenie, it was cool to check out some old weather observations from Utica. I believe the records go back to 1832 when Utica became a city. This was after about 90 minutes trying to get the sound system fixed at the Oneida County History Center.

Let's see how this goes. I haven't frozen cookie dough before. This should make 84 Italian Almond Cookies. I'll make them soon and see if it actually works. And yeah, I ate raw cookie dough. Always have, always will. So I'll be short maybe 5 cookies when I bake them .

Nutcracker Setup started yesterday at the Oneida County History Center. There's somewhere around 600 out there. I put up the Christmas tree.

Got a coyote (?) in the front yard. Think this one and another have been hanging out snacking on stuff on the ground the past week. Me going outside doesn't seem to bother them.

It's been almost a year, but I really am finally used to the retired life. It's beautiful outside, so put the garden trailer away, cleaned up frozen dog 💩, cleaned out the other 6 birdhouses, took a walk in the woods & now it's lunchtime.

Easy day today driving Mikey the guide dog & his friend. Utica to Holland Patent, back to Utica again and I stared at the old Charlestown complex, then to the inner city. We went for a walk a mile or so away because I didn't want to park at the last appointment. State pay today.

My first attempt. I surely am not a cook. Decided to try making an apple pie. It actually came out really good. I probably should have peeled the apples. I did use 6 goldens for a pretty small pie.

A short adventure as a chauffeur for a counselor for the NY State Commission for the Blind. Just 1 trip to North Bay. Already saw the 1800's cemetery there, so me and Mikey went for a walk. 2nd trip cancelled. It wasn't the greatest part of Utica also

Did some Ubering this morning and got an emergency (she forgot to add it to the calendar) trip with the blind counselor and her guide dog. I was nearby anyway. Now, I'm sitting listening to music and staring at a wall while getting paid. Got a love a state job 🙂

Literally biked 🎶🎶 15 Miles On The Erie Canal (Trail) 🎶🎶 after lunch. Lots of other bikers out on the trail. Rode from New London Lock 21 to Durhamville, the original Erie Canal Saw a few OG bridge abutments, horse poop, a few abandoned houses and a couple chipmunks.

Exploring. I swore a vow of secrecy.

Been over 2 months since I "went to work'" in the morning. I'm actually working today. It's a part time job as a chauffeur for a legally blind counselor for NYS Office for the Blind. Bringing her and her guide dog to a couple appointments. I'm excited to be out.

There was to be a program in April at the Oneida County History Center titled "Utica- Sin City" about the era of mob rule in the city. It's well documented with books and stories, but, there's a board member that thought it was not an appropriate topic. Hmmm 🤔

Steaks on the grill are out of the question until April.

22" here with the storm. Not the 5 feet 15 miles from here thankfully.

13" since 7am yesterday in Westmoreland.

This ain't your run of the mill lake effect. Very dense and heavy.

NYSDOC. Bringing notoriety to Marcy, NY. Why Robert Brooks isn't trending higher here is a mystery. Must be all the bowl games. 🤷