Thursday, January 24, 2019

Oh Winter....

This is the hardest time of the year for us (January/February). Also we are day 33 of a government shutdown. This is the longest in history. That just adds to the seasonal stress. It is a circus that's painful to watch and forced to participate in.

We've had a little snow in Baker but not much. Luckily the mountains have been getting some more regular precipitation.


Bobcat tracks. Nature lesson ~ "Nothing is permanent."
A great reminder as the month drags on haha. I try to find the beauty in the season. But sometimes the lack of light and cold is uninspiring and draining.....




There was one storm system that dumped measurable snow, mostly above 8,000 ft.


Even with the sounds of a bubbling creek, the forest in winter has a beautiful "silence" to it.


Suddenly the quiet is interrupted by a loud force named Jupiter. Dogs don't seem to have gloomy days do they? They are always eager to go and willing to please.




Animals become really energized and happy in the snow......


While Isaac was practicing on his cross-country skis, the rest of us were trying to sled. The snow was so dry we couldn't get a good trail going. But, we found other ways to enjoy the moment.







We ended up changing location later in search of a steeper hill. We stayed until the sun was low in the sky and our noses became cold.



The light was dim as we stood on the hill. But I felt as if my body was plugged into the sun like an electronic device charging from an outlet. This is a role for me in the winter ~  a sun-catcher.

Sunday, January 13, 2019

Ladybug Girl and Jupiter

Willow is a big fan of Ladybug Girl, based on the book series. This particular adventure with Jupiter made me chuckle:












Too much cuteness! 

Saturday, January 5, 2019

Baby it's Cold Outside!

2019 has been interesting so far. Unless you live in a cave, you know we are in the 15th day of a partial government shutdown. *sigh* It affects everything. The skies these days are as shady as the general vibes of the world right now. Like a dark looming inversion....



 Advice from an owl:
* Stay focused
* Be "Hoo" you are
* Trust in a wise friend
* Glide through dark times
* Life's a hoot! 


We've had some winter storms the last couple of weeks. There is more snow to play in. The temperatures have been frigid. We are trying to keep up with our exercise program. It's Ok to reduce speed but I want to keep moving. We try to stay motivated....


Jupiter has a new pulling harness. She wasn't getting the initial "pull" in the beginning, but once she gets started it's like she smiles as she's running haha. Since then, she's had some good practice and doing much better. In fact she pulled Ava down part of the scenic drive in the park (roads aren't plowed because of the shutdown).



"It's lovely weather for a sleigh-ride together with you." 



Bryan took Ava, Isaac, and Charlie to Eagle Point in Beaver, Utah for downhill skiing. Gretchen, Emma, and Matthew were there too. They had a great time. Apparently they went down black diamonds. They are polishing their skills.
Isaac recently got some hand-me-down cross-county skis from his friend Charlie. He's been trekking around town and also to school in them! We also went to Upper Lehman Campground. He is really enjoying them. It's great fun and exercise in this winter wonderland! We are getting additional snow tomorrow too....

















"To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand outside in the cold."
~ Aristotle