Lake Effect Global Warming…The Sequel

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We have been living here on the edge of Valpo for seventeen years. Lake effect snow is one of the quirky climate features of this geographic location. Last year we really got whacked. It was the worst ever with snow falling more days than not. At one time there was three feet on the ground due to accumulation. This year we are experiencing more of the same. It's called permaflurries.


My Ariens snow blower is over twenty five years old and finally crapped out on me this year so I went out and bought a new one. The new Troy-Built is far better. It’s lighter, quieter and much more powerful even though it has less horsepower. The opening is huge and the auger has more surface area. Merry Christmas to me.


During winter months I like a good hot breakfast. The bro gave me some yeasted waffle mix and real maple surple. Most store bought syrup is maple flavored corn sweetener. Authentic maple syrup is nowhere near as thick as commercial grade. It’s sweeter and the maple flavor much stronger. It's costly but much less is needed to flavor a stack of waffles or pancakes.


We occasionally make pancakes and waffles too, especially when both kids are home. I prefer waffles. I have used malt waffle mix but never heard of yeasted waffles. The mix gets eggs and cream added, and then yeast. The mix sits in a covered bowl for an hour allowing the yeast to get cranked up. The results were spectacular.


I look forward to watching the NFL playoffs for another three weeks. Then there’s the Super Bowl, which has turned into nothing more than an entertainment extravaganza with a football game sandwiched in.


After that the really dark days set in. It's good to have a big, dry seasoned woodpile ready to help warm my soul.
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