Children in Snow

Naturally the kids were excited for the fun that snow brings. We have 2 sleds, thanks to GrammaBon and Grampa and their Christmas visit, but Aleaha has realized how difficult it really is to control a saucer, so she prefers to stick with the standard sled.

Aleaha pulled Miri for quite a ways on the sled.

Ever-popular snow angels.

They quickly spied the opportunity to make a snow cave in a drift.

They have had a marvelous time. Aleaha has a high tolerance for the cold, but Miri not so much. She tends to stay out longer than she should (we watch closely), then suddenly get really cold and need lots of attention, like a hot shower or bath. (Hmm, ya think maybe all that special attention has something to do with this?)

Animals in Snow

On the first day, there wasn't as much accumulated yet.

It was a little bit of a trek, but doable.

Animals faring fine. Shorty was even spied rolling in the snow. Must have felt good to scratch his back and not be laying in mud.

Birdies, birdies everywhere at the barn. And in the barn - they fly in through the feeders and then can't get back out once we've pitched the feeders full of hay. But inside the barn is a fairly nice place to be with weather like this - they have everything they need. Lots of food, because they eat the seed that drops from the grass day. And because we keep Spiffy in there when the weather is hard, there is also his water bowl to drink from.  

Speaking of Spiffy, he was having a grand time romping in the paddock. 

For part of the time, the wind was blowing right into the stalls. Brrrr. But then it calmed a bit. The barn is fairly protected, so the animals are safe there.

Spiffy's usual habitat was not so comfortable. That's his igloo on the right. Literally. Not as cozy as sleeping in the barn with the ton of hay and good water and lots of visits and treats from Mommy.

Quigly greets Mommy every visit. 

Check out how much snow had accumulated by Friday.

The snow at the door of barn got a little deep.

The goats know how to snuggle up to stay warm. Everyone is fine. Good thing we have lots of hay and water. I wish we had a little more sweet feed in the barn, but they are getting a bit and doing great.

Accidental selfie, documenting depth of snow. Truly up to my knees!

Saturday morning, with the ice coming down, the trek was getting a little crunchier.

Snownado. Snowpocolypse. A whole lotta snow!

This is a rather long set of posts, documenting the incredible, unusual snow and ice event we are under right now. Doesn't happen often, and we aren't accustomed to views like these here in the wimpy Willamette Valley. But we are snug and safe and fine. Maybe just a little stir crazy being cooped up together for a whole 3 days. In a row. (thank heavens the electricity hasn't failed yet)

The snow began on Thursday morning. We were warned. We knew it was coming - just not quite so soon in the day. Aleaha's school had been cancelled in anticipation of bad roads, but Miri's was to be open. Between the time Mommy and Miri left the house for school & work, it was suddenly closed and we had to come back. We made a fast stop for a few provisions, knowing we were about to be house-bound for a while. And then it was batten down the hatches for the coming Snownado.... 

It brought sizable flakes and lots of wind. At our place, the drifts were significant, but some areas were devoid of snow.

Like a white-out at times. Kinda pretty. 

We know all this snow in them thar hills will soon melt and fill the gullies and ditches with the next problem - flooding.

I started watching the accumulation of snow on the shop roof. It was just so surprising to see anything like this in the Willamette Valley.

Friday was another snow day from school. Mommy & Daddy attempted work from home. Pffft. That just means we were very cranky and yelling all the time, trying to work and make sure things were OK with children and animals and buildings and such. We disallowed anyone from entering or exiting via the front porch. The snow was too deep and the kids were leaving their wet stuff by every entrance to the house, all over the place (as opposed to leaving their wet stuff in piles in just one place). And then we saw the widowmaker icicles starting to grow. Precarious.

By Friday afternoon, the roof was really snowy. Probably weighs quite a bit too. Hope those gutters are strong.

The drifts were significant. Each time Mommy left the house to do a chore, her footsteps would fill in.

Pond view was sure pretty. And chilly-looking!

Self-entertainment....documenting the growing snow-cap on the shop roof.

More drifts. Sheesh.

We shut down the fountain on Thursday and put in a single trough heater, just to prevent issues. 

Blizzardy conditions. 

Friday night check of the Klingons.

Amazingly deep.

Saturday morning there was not so much new snow, but the ice began to pelt us. Freezing rain on top of ice is Not Nice.

It's not giving up. Hanger-on'er.

Rose bush, getting icy.

Our view from the cozy office.

Crazy, trespassing ski-dude. He came over the hill, all the way down our property, then out on the road. Must have really had to get to town for supplies.

Ice from the freezing rain, as it blew onto a back window.

Aleaha noted it would not be a good idea to open the sliding door to the balcony.

Good-bye, 389

It's time. We knew it was coming when the place was put up for sale over 3 years ago. But there was only so much mental preparation that could be done that far in advance. This is one of those phase-changes that you just have to get through.

As Gramma & Grandpa's move-out-by date looms, Mommy and the girls made a trip to help pack some things and bring back sentimentals.

We had a lot of important family photos taken in front of this hearth. Recitals, Proms, Christmases, Reunions, and the autumn Going-Off-to-College shots. The background stayed predictively and comfortingly the same for the most part, but obviously we grew up.  We were working quickly to get things organized (hence wearing our grubbies), but we paused to recognize the moment and snap a few pictures. 

(Thanks to Aleaha for knowing how to use mommy's camera!)

Christmas, 1989

Fortunately we could laugh at ourselves a little to lighten the heavy feeling.

But still, it was poignant step to recognize what it means. 

After thirty-six years in the same house, you do come to expect it will always be there. 

Good-bye, 389. I will miss you. 

May the next family have a lifetime of happy memories with you too.

Snow in the Mountains

We had a fast weekend in EO to help with a big move, and that included a short trip up the mountain. It wasn't long, but the girls were thrilled to know they could get a snow fix.

Big smiles and lots of stomping around. 

There were mainly jackrabbit tracks around, until the girls got there and made their own tracks.

Hamming it up.