Winter wonderland

The snow began about mid afternoon on Christmas and while we ate and opened presents the yard turned into a winter wonderland. Never have I seen a prettier scenario. 

The quad is equipped with a new battery but where are my waterproof pants!  I finally located them but I did have to pour hot water on the ignition to get it to turn and away I went. Zoom Zoom!

Kay spent quite some time building this snow lady!

I wasn't sure why Flave was sitting by the pond watching instead of helping but he had no idea that Reid was sneaking up behind him.

There was plenty of space to run and gather snowballs. Nothing like two baseball pitchers throwing snowballs! I stayed out of the way.

Lola had the right idea!

I was so prepared after my trip to Aspen last year. I think I had enough boots, hats, and gloves to outfit the entire crew! My feet stayed cozy warm!

Jeff had a great plan and enlisted the boys' help. The plan was for the snowball to roll all the way down the hill but it didn't go quite that far.

Fun on the hilltop as always. Just couldn't get the sleds to do much. 

Always time to warm up inside!

Finally we went over the hill and Leon trimmed back some limbs.

 This hearth, snow ice cream,  and hot chocolate reminds me of past winters. I was tickled pink that Kay and her family got snowed in. Our electricity was out for one day and Flave gave up his vacation to go work 15 hour days. One week later almost everyone has electricity again and he will soon get to return home.

Reid and Flave were happy to eat at La Hacienda twice and we enjoyed some meaningful conversation.

After several fun-filled days two boys and a dog loaded up and headed home. What a wonderful holiday it was for me!

our white Christmas

What an exceptional Christmas this turned out to be!  I worried that Kay and her family wouldn't arrive due to deteriorating weather conditions and that Will might be stuck in NWA but my worries were for naught.

We all gathered around the table for an exceptional dinner. Jeff baked a mighty fine ham and has become a corn souffle expert.

Reid and Kay took Lola and Deacon out for their evening walk as the yard turned into a winter wonderland.

Next time I see young Flave he might even be the taller of the two. 

There is never a shortage of elves and we gathered in front of the fireplace for the long awaited moment.

Will will agree that you are never too old for Lego! I guess it helps that he is a WW II buff.

 A little slippin' and slidin' was going on outside even in 4 wheel drive!!

Reid gave the seal of approval for my chocolate trifle! 

What could be more fun than to head outside and play in the snow on Christmas night. Had I been a little smarter I would have washed dishes first. It wouldn't be long before we lost power and I washed dishes by candlelight. Just as we lit the candles the next night the power came back on. Thanks, Sr.

Snow again!



And again we have a snow forecast for 1-3" but compared to the rest of the country we are lucky!



Here comes Jeff .. now that his Jeep doesn't run he travels on the 4 wheeler!

Traffic is moving slowly on Central at the bypass

Chilly it is! So glad I bought new snow boots!

Can't keep the bird feeders full!

Snow daze

The snow moved in an hour earlier than expected and within two hours traffic on the bypass had slowed considerably.

We did not loiter long as it was a cold blustery wind blowing with the snow.

We ventured over to the Presbyterian Church parking lot to see what things looked like on the avenue. This guy had just sanded Central south of the bypass.

The folks that were apparently lined up behind the sand truck waiting to ascend the hill were no doubt delighted that he came along.

Looking south on Central Avenue it was almost deserted and this was only at 4:30 pm.

The snow quit in the night and by the next morning we were greeted by a glistening white countryside.

I am not sure why so many people take pictures of their decks in the snow but here is ours.

The snow measured 4 1/2 inches but I am sure some had "settled." We probably had 6 inches.

Leon drove the truck around and soon realized how slick it was so we decided to go for a walk. It was hard to tell when you were stepping on slush or ice as we traversed through the church parking lot.

All was quiet on the bypass and when cars did pass by they were creeping along.

Aha! It looks like Books a Million might be open.

We settled in for a cup of hot coffee and some chocolate chips in a cookie while I perused some David Sedaris books. I plan to go see him in Little Rock in April. We were their second customers of the day.

After Leon bought some gloves at TJ Maxx we started the trek back home. If only Belks had had some snow boots in MY size. Mine are not waterproof.

 This is the reason we chose not to drive. Jason had no clue this hill could be so steep and slick.

 Why there is Jeff. Now this is the best way to come up our hill.

People keep giving him hats for Christmas. I think that might be a good thing.

He went over to Pakis and pulled Jason out of the ditch.

I caught a ride back up the hill before we did a few wheelies in the church parking lot. Parts of it were frozen. Leon did a little ice skating unintentionally!

All seems peaceful again at the end of the dead end.