Visiting Santa

We went to see Santa today after a week of “I want to see Santa” and only Sarah was brave enough to actually go up to the big bearded guy.  She asked for a farm and lots of animals. (click to enlarge the picture)

Fifty-Three Years Is No Match For My Chainsaw

This is what remains of the tree that gave us that cool free fireworks show a few weeks back.  We counted the rings and there were 53 (I would have been happy if it had hung around a few more).

After the tree fell against our power lines, it came to rest on our cable and phone lines, inconveniently wrapped around the pole.    We called everyone we could think of – utilities, city and county government -and a number of people actually came out to look at it.  But after a few weeks of nobody doing anything, we broke out the chainsaw and cut the thing apart.  It was a little scary getting it on the ground, but once it was down, our neighbor helped us make it into firewood.  Of course, since it was nice cedar, we saved a few pieces and took part of the trunk to make a bench at the end of the driveway.  Ahhh, fun with chainsaws!

Free Fireworks!

Tonight I am thankful to have a little battery power left and a family that is unphased by minor traumas. A little while ago, one of our cedar trees – after being weakened by the ice storm – was uprooted by high winds. It fell across two power lines and that soaking wet tree was on fire in seconds. Within a few minutes the power lines were arcing and quickly snapped. What a fireworks show! It makes you realize how dangerous those downed power lines are. So here we are without power again, but we’re used to it by now, and we’re counting our blessings and talking about listening for the voice of God – feeling very blessed.

Snow and Ice

Winter storm time here – snow then sleet then freezing rain then sleet then rain then snow.  A wintery mess and a few days off school for the boys, but they seemed to enjoy it, since .  Even Sarah and Mommy got into the act, running around the back yard and sliding across the snow.

Next comes the fun task of digging out from the ice!

Ski Bums

Daddy and the boys went skiing this weekend. Even though they had never tried it before, by the time evening rolled around they were going down the hill like old pros. The boys ignored the cold for the most part and just enjoyed the snow.