Spring Nigh

Friends,
Sorry for the absence of posts in recent months. We have endured a longer than expected winter on the mountain and spirits have been low as a result. Not much to update about the house except to note that the siding job is complete and looks particularly good. I cannot tell as of yet whether we will see any engergy savings with the insulated version of siding we have. Speaking of, #2 oil prices have sky rocketed in recent weeks due to what npr's market place tell's me is the unrest in Libya. I experienced acute light headedness when reading our most recent oil bill. Thus, I am determined for next years burning season to use cord wood as exclusively as possible and to have the state conduct a thorough draft audit in the summer so that I might identify where I am losing heat. However, cord wood too has experience recent price spikes and so I am of the cynical opinion that regardless of my efforts, New England is a terribly expensive region to own a home. In recent days I have consulted neighbors about the efficacy of a proper tractor. We had orginally planned to purchase an industrial version of your typical riding mower, but after neighbor counsel we are convinced that a tractor, with loader and larger mower, may best suite our rural living needs. With much wood, gravel, and snow to move, a proper tractor may be best. I will keep folks posted.