“White,” “Green,” “Fall Colors” — & “Brown” Non-residents may think Minnesota only has one season: winter. Locals sometimes joke that there are actually two: winter and road construction (the same people suggest that Minnesota’s state bird is the mosquito). However, in addition to marking the seasonal ebb and flow by the calendar and thermometer, I keep track...Read More
As a public service for anyone else out there dealing with excessive window condensation this (very cold) Minnesota winter, here’s what to do: Assuming that the windows are in good repair (no broken seals, etc.), the issue is excessive humidity. Ergo . . . identify and remove the source of the humidity! If that’s temporarily...Read More
Beginning about six weeks ago, the windows in my Master Bedroom and Bath began to collect major condensation — to the point where they literally needed to be toweled off daily, lest the wood frames start to rot. What’s going on? The (4 year-old) windows have gone through three previous Minnesota winters, so I ruled out...Read More
Dog Days of Summer Winter At least in Minnesota, the Dog Days of Winter come a little earlier than their Summer counterpart — presumably, because Winter here starts so early. But by early February — or whenever the snow on the ground turns more grey than white — you know they’re here. Along with the lengthening days...Read More
Vanquishing Winter (Again) There is something inherently sobering about the realization that Mother Nature is trying to kill you. –Garrison Keillor If you’re under 30 years old — make that under 60 — you likely have no clue what “VE” or “VJ” Day stand for (“Victory over Europe” and “Victory over Japan,” respectively). Instead, how...Read More
