Everything sublime is as difficult as it is rare. Baruch Spinoza

Friday, December 5, 2025

Not Much


We are 31 degrees F warmer this morning than we were yesterday morning. Downright balmy! I finally got the wood pellet stove working yesterday. Gatto is quite pleased. It has not consistently worked since he has been in residence. It does a lot to warm the openness of the space. One thing that made a difference is the pellets. I've always used softwood because it burns hotter. The auger kept jamming after the initial fix, which can be a problem with softwood, I learned. My dear man went to Fleet Farm, not a quick drive, to buy one bag of hardwood pellets. I didn't want to buy a pallet and find it wasn't the problem. So far, it's not jamming.


I did get around to making rhubarb bread yesterday, although this recipe is more cake-like. Regardless, it's good. One for now, one for the freezer. 










34 comments:

Val Ewing said...

Wow! You have been busy. I actually made brownies from a box. No photo. Someone ate it this week.
We are supposed to get to 20 today and have sleet tonight so the pup and I are going to go see if we can find an adventure.
Your bread looks amazing.

Pixie said...

Gatto is enjoying the working stove and I'm guessing Mark is enjoying the bread/cake.

Lori Skoog said...

Gatto and the stove could not be more inviting. I love rhubarb and your "cake" looks delicious! Feel free to send us a warm up. It felt like 2 degrees this morning.

Boud said...

Homemade cake, a kitty and a woodstove. What could be cosier? Just looking at it is warming.

Boud said...

About ICE -- would your son like a couple of whistles for Somali neighbors to warn about ICE? I'll be glad to supply, with lanyards. Just email me.

CheerfulMonk said...

I'm glad you found the problem with the stove. That's so important now that winter is here. ❤️

Rita said...

I hope that the pellets are the issue. That would be great! Gatto would be thrilled.
The cakey bread looks so good! You always make me hungry with your scrumptious foods. :)

Anvilcloud said...

Gatto is basking in the warmth.

Miss Merry said...

I have some frozen rhubarb I need to do SOMETHING with ;) Your house looks so toasty warm.

The Happy Whisk said...

One now and one for the freezer sounds wonderful. Sorry about the augar? Not sure I spelled it right.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Oh the rhubarb bread looks wonderful! Good to hear you got the pellet stove working!

Sandra said...

I've stayed away from brownies Val. Someone (me) would eat them.I have no doubt you did find an adventure.

Sandra said...

We both are enjoying the cake bread, Pixie!

Sandra said...

21F today, Lori, with snow starting this afternoon. I think warmer weather may be coming your way.

Sandra said...

Gatto loves his cozy life, Boud.

Sandra said...

I saw a video clip of ICE in the Phillips neighborhood in Mpls. About two dozen neighbors were telling them to leave their neighbor alone and blowing whistles as the thugs were rough handling a young man in front of his house. Most of the neighbors were white and many elderly. The ICE guys were acting like they were being threatened and dragged the young man into a vehicle. Several voices were asking where the warrant was. I will ask him if he wants a whistle, Boud.

Sandra said...

It's supplemental heating for that part of the house which is hard to heat, Cheerful. The stove is old by current standards but I won't give up on it.

Sandra said...

Mark hasn't gotten around to filling the wood box so the fireplace is out of use for the moment. The stove is Gattos only refuge, Rita!

Sandra said...

In the warm and his own magnificence, AC.

Sandra said...

Of, yes, bake something! It's a drafty old place, Miss Merry.

Sandra said...

If I didn't put it in the freezer, Ivy, I'd put it in my mouth!

Sandra said...

It is quite good, Far Side. I have a lot of rhubarb in the freezer. 😀

peppylady (Dora) said...

Cat sure looks snug as bug in the rug.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

I love ❤️ Gatto. Beautiful.

nick said...

I hope the wood burning stove is finally working okay. It seems to be getting Gatto's approval!

Sandra said...

Yes he does, Dora!

Sandra said...

Thank you, Linda.

Sandra said...

Gatto loves his comforts, nick!

The Happy Whisk said...

Hahahaha about the mouth. See ... I told you you are funny. I don't even know if you see it, but you are funny. Dry funny.

Sandra said...

😄 simple truth, Ivy!

DeniseinVA said...

I'm feeling warm just looking at your wood stove photo and smiling at the comfortable Gatto. The rhubarb bread looks incredible!

Sandra said...

This is my favorite room, Denise. The bread really is a cake and it really is good!

The Happy Whisk said...

lololol. You still are funny. I really enjoy your postings.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

A cat snuggling by a warm fire and fresh baked rhubarb cake (or bread) looked comfy for the cat and delicious for the humans.