I had to stop posting every day. I made it 13 days in a row, but I couldn’t go any farther. I included last Tuesday’s prompt in my One-Liner post, and I’ll do that today. Yesterday’s Just Jot it January prompt word was “content,” given to us from J-Dub. Check out her blog here!

That’s a perfect word for today. I got a letter on Monday from a college Alumni Association. The envelope had big print on the outside, “Free Gift Inside!” For the record:

This post is also fro Linda G. Hill’s One-Liner Wednesday.

We had our first snow storm of 2025 Sunday night into Monday. We didn’t get a lot of snow, maybe 4-5″ (about 12 cm). Of course, the snow plows put half the street’s snow onto our sidewalk, and it’s up to us to clear that. After the snow ended, it got cold. When this post goes live, our temperature will be  -3°f (-19°c). Most of the gallery photos were taken while I was clearing the driveway and sidewalk.

One of my favorite BTO songs seems appropriate for my Alumni Association. Actually, looking at my bit of marketing below the music video, I guess it applies to me, too.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

92 responses to “My Free Gift — 1LinerWeds JusJoJan”

  1. please UNSUBSCRIBE ME!!!

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    1. I’d be happy to, but I am unable to find a subscriber at your IP address, which is all I have to go on. Please send an email to NoFacilities at Gmail dot Com asking me to unsubscribe you.

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  2. That’s a cool little snow blower thingo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My favorite piece of lawn and garden equipment.

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      1. Like my ride-on lawn mower

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        1. We don’t have enough grass to justify that purchase.

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          1. I happily spend a few hours mowing a few acres

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  3. Hi Dan, your comment about being old gave me a smile. I love your snow pictures. They put mine to shame.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s not much snow, Robbie, but we haven’t had much this year, so it was a welcome sight.

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  4. All a big white harmless-looking mystery to me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. This stuff was light and fluffy, so pretty harmless. When we get the heavy wet stuff, there’s always someone in the area that ends up in a hospital from shoveling.

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  5. Plenty of the white stuff

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    1. A good amount, Sheree.

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  6. Poor buns. Those little feet are going to be cold.
    🥶

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    1. Two of them were out running around last night around midnight. I took a picture. If it came out, I’ll share it on Saturday.

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      1. Aww. Poor little things…

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  7. Cranberry pecan bread sounds great. Did you buy it or bake it?

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    1. I bought it, GP. It is very good. It displaced sourdough as my favorite toast.

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  8. We got about 5″, and I sure could have used your cover because I’ve never had so much blow back in my face. I was drenched and frozen when I got done. Of course, now we are really frozen at -7 when I made coffee this morning. :-)

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    1. The storm cab is one of the best things I ever bought. I guessed at the -3 temp when I wrote this., It was -6 when we got up today. Still below zero.

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  9. So beautiful! And SO COLD!! That cranberry pecan bread is going down quite easily; if birds have a Michelin star, I’m sure you have set the record! You have to wonder what youthful whippersnappers come up with mailings like estate planning. And when will people stop thinking that I’ll be impressed by a “free gift”? Isn’t a gift always free? After we open our mail, we do have to watch some birds.

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    1. I feel like the birds think they can order the bread, and that they might like it toasted. I don’t know where they are sitting, but they were in the yard about 30 seconds after the bread landed. It’s coated with oat flakes. I think it’s their favorite. The “free gift” (you’re right, gifts are always free) is always a bad sign. I didn’t download the estate planning guide, but I’m sure it includes forms and instructions for naming them in my will.

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      1. Oh, count on that! As for the birds, the word went out long ago that your buffet is the best.

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        1. Yeah, I think were in the Michelin Travel guide or maybe on BirdYelp.

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  10. We got a similar snow and have similar temperatures in New Jersey, Dan. The temperatures are so low that there are fewer (Fahrenheit) degrees than photos you posted. :-)

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    1. We were sitting at -5 this morning, Dave. We’re all the way up to 8. We didn’t get much snow, but it’s sure not melting.

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      1. Yikes! A few degrees colder than here. You’re certainly a bit more north. :-)

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  11. Snow looks lovely, but your post is a good reminder that it requires work, too. Those sidewalks don’t clear themselves! Your photo of the icicles jumped out at me especially. Looks neat, but dangerous!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Dave. Some people don’t clear their walks, which, as someone who enjoys walking, is upsetting. I clear ours, and, if necessary, I clear the sidewalk for an elderly (older than me) neighbor.

      The icicles are dangerous because they are right over an exit door. I will knock them down today.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Hah! I have no doubt that your “free gift” would get down to business, if you read the fine print, and meticulously detail how you can include them in your will!

    We’re UP to -1*F now. Waayyy to cold for me.

    You have the most functional and practical snowblower I’ve ever seen. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you Dan!

    The wasps nest in the snow. Now there’s a sight you don’t see often! How beautiful the cypress trees look.

    Best of all are the birds feasting at the Antion Diner, open for business year ’round….never closed because of weather conditions.

    Hope you and the Editor can keep warm. Mother Nature is determined to make sure we know she’s on the job.

    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Ginger. The snowblower is set up perfectly. the Storm cab prevents the snow from blowing back in my face (as light fluffy snow does) and it gave me a place to hang a cup holder.

      We are above zero now, but it still “feel like” -4. I don’t know how they determine that, but it’s cold – too cold. My wife is out restocking the buffet as we speak. These guys are very hungry. Yesterday there was a continuous crowd out there. We do what we can.

      I don’t know where the wasp next came from, but it was on top of the snow.

      Stay warm. I hope to see you above zero soon.

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  13. I always love to see the snow blower in action. Great photos too. I loved the buffet line. Made me laugh.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks John. This stuff was light enough to run through at top speed (I had to slow down for the pictures). I was done in record time. Of course, the plow made one more pass, but that’s to be expected. The birds and squirrels enjoyed the buffet.

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      1. Must have been snow thrower’s heaven.

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  14. Minus 3….I thought we were cold with 17 this morning! That wasp nest…kinda creepy but it looks so pretty in the snow. You know we got snow…which goes to show you we have no idea what to do with it. Last night they kept interrupting ‘Will Trent’ and ‘High Potential’ with weather breaks. We know the city is closed and the mayor is going just a little nuts, but I want to see who killed who on my shows!!! So funny.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Haha – “yeah yeah, I know, it snowed, shut up and let me get back to my show!”

      I read about your snow. Ours wasn’t enough to make the news (the cold is).

      Liked by 1 person

  15. “Free Gift” (snort) How rude! It reminds me of my mother’s birthday gift of a bottle of Oil of Olay on my 30th birthday…

    That ice frightens me Dan. Stay safe and warm. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We do our very best to stay safe, Teagan. Yeah, when you see “Free Gift Inside” you know it’s time to fire up the shredder.

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  16. Our low was 12 degrees F yesterday. I thought that was cold. Those icicles look cool but dangerous. Your trees look lovely with their boughs covered in snow. We’ve hardly had any here in the valley so far this winter.

    Stay warm!

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    1. The icicles are gone. I don’t like them hanging over the steps. 12f is cold. It was -5 here this morning. That’s too cold.

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      1. Is it fun breaking the icicles off the eaves? Oh yes, -5 degrees is way to cold! That’s a harsh polar vortex you all are getting hit with. I asked my Mom if they got snow but she hasn’t replied yet. She’s on the gulf in FL.

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        1. Lois has a fun post about the snow in the panhandle today. It is fun breaking those icicles. There’s a little kid still inside.

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  17. Your gallery is fantastic! Loving the bird buffet & bunny tracks. Well all of it really. I don’t think I could survive those temps though. Happy Wednesday Dan!

    PS thanks for the ear worm …. lol

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    1. Thanks Lois. The cold really goes through you. We’re not staying out for very long. Sorry about the song, but I remember buying the album so I could listen to it more than once an hour.

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      1. I love ear worms 😂 I get a new one multiple times a day 😁

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  18. I love the bunny tracks! My husband spent some quality time with the snowblower after this storm.

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    1. I do enjoy clearing the snow. I don’t enjoy cutting grass, but this is yard work I like.

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      1. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone say he enjoys clearing the snow!

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        1. I used to have to get up and out when it was still dark, in order to get to work. I loved being out there clearing snow with the machine’s headlamp on. I’m not sure the neighbors shared my enthusiasm, but I did clear their sidewalks.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Seems like a fair swap, cleared sidewalks for some noise.

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            1. They never complained :-)

              Liked by 1 person

  19. What’s all that white stuff?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Like you haven’t seen that in Almost Iowa ;-)

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  20. So many wonderful photos from just one snow fall and around your house. There’s probably a lesson lurking in there or something. :) I normally don’t click music links, just cuz (even though I sometimes post them myself) but today was a good day for a random BTO, and it didn’t disappoint.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I hadn’t heard that song in a long time, but it was a favorite, and it seemed to fit.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. The photos are gorgeous! Winter has arrived.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jan. It arrived with some attitude. We haven’t had a stretch of several days with below zero low temps for a few years.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Weather with an attitude….love it!

        Liked by 1 person

  22. D.L. Finn, Author Avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author

    I love all the snow shots, Dan We always feed the birds that stick around through winter too. Still waiting for snow here but will take rain. As for death planning, those end up in the garbage recycle…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Denise. The birds really do depend on us in winter. That “free gift” hit the trash pretty quickly.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I admire anyone that can post on a daily basis, Dan!! You inspire me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Rebecca. I can’t do the daily thing. I’m editing a book for an upcoming release in the spring, and I’ve started the next book. I’m writing every day, but all behind the scenes.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I am so pleased for you – so many wonderful writing projects for 2025!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Hee, hee…love the buffet line. And those birds added a lovely pop of color to your winter white scene. Looks like your snowblower has loads of throwing power and could be drafted into clearing the streets by the city. Being on a side street, we have no plowing privileges but with nearly 500 miles of streets, I’m just grateful they can get to the major ones.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s funny. If the plows haven’t made their final pass, I clear the snow near the curb. I like for the delivery folks and mailman to be able to park and easily walk up. I do a path from the street to the front porch, but the birds expect it to be filled with seed. So, I clear an area for that, too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I know what you mean. There are handicap areas at my corners and always clear so people aren’t trying to climb a mountain of snow and so that when it melts it doesn’t freeze into a sheet of ice. And the backyard is basically a very large dog run also gets shoveled so the dogs can easily relieve themselves without bellies getting frozen. I call it the pee-tio.

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        1. Haha – our last dog had to be on a leash, even though the yard is fenced. I cleared paths, and I cleared “rest areas” off the path. One time I forgot to clear one of her favorite rest areas, and I had to shovel it out later.

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          1. Those frozen nuggets are a real challenge. It helps when I can clear spaces and not have to dig around to pick them up.

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  25. Lovely! We’re supposed to get it all tomorrow. Still only about 8″ though.

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  26. Not much snow, but plenty of cold here. 19 degrees today felt almost balmy…(K)

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    1. We woke up today above zero for the first time this week. Time to break out the flip flops ;-)

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  27. Beautiful snowy images! Love when the sun hits the trees.

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    1. Those are some of my favorite shots.

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  28. It gives me unholy joy to see a wasp nest in the snow. “Free Gift” — one of my hot buttons. I hate that phrase with the heat of a thousand suns. If it’s a gift, IT’S FREE. If it isn’t free, IT ISN’T A GIFT. Thank you for letting me get that off my chest.

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  29. Hi Dan – I am just glad that snow and ice is not here … good luck with the rest of winter – happy new year and cheers Hilary

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  30. I love the photos do you own the snow blower it’s really neat…and Backman Turner Overdrive…so cool ! I always love their name 💜💜😁😁😁

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    1. I do own the machine. It’s the second one we’ve had in 30 years. We haven’t had much snow these past few years, but the year I bought the first one, we had 86″(2.18m). It started snowing on Christmas Eve and we had snow on the ground until April. We’ve had more than that in some years. I wouldn’t be without the machine at this point.

      I love BTO.

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  31. Cool pictures! They don’t help in warming me though😃. It’s really winter cold here. 🥶

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      1. well I guess you don’t control the weather like the democrats were accused😂😂😂. No need though, we are getting last winter’s snow and cold. 🥶

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        1. We’re not getting much snow, but we’re making up for a few warm winters.

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  32. Yes, you’re officially old. Me, too. 😀 We’ve been putting the faucets on a drip at night. The kids at school finally got outside to play in the snow today. Posting 13 days in a row would make a sane person crazy. Chill.

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    1. Good that I started out crazy ;-) I’m glad the kids can get outside. It’s too dangerous to walk here, but I’m looking forward to next week.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I liked the picture of those icicles, but I wonder if it’s a sign of insulation problems.

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    1. They’re over the door from our porch, so no heat underneath. That roof does get a lot of sun.

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  34. Sood the snow plows put the snow onto your sidewalks, where then do you remove it TO? I do believe you’ll find the rest of your snow was delivered to Louisiana and Florida. 🤷‍♀️

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    1. If you’re careful and go slow, you can pile it up between the side walk and the street, but we don’t have that much room there. I blow it into the yard, unless they had put a lot of sand and salt down first. Sorry about the folks down south. That snow wouldn’t bother us, but it must be awful for them.

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      1. They’re kind of familiar with awful weather.

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