Snow Day #2 a.k.a. Fun in the Sun

Day 2 of the Blizzard of 2011.  Snow day at work that is shocking all of us!!

We didn't finish digging ourselves out yesterday.  We got the driveway and the front walk cleaned off.  I love it when all the neighbors pitch in and help each other.  It's just so community, y'know?

So today, the plan was to get out and do the front steps and the walk leading up to them.  Problem is the area is so confined two couldn't shovel it.  'Twas a one-man operation.  And it's CO-O-OLD out there today but the sun is shining nice and bright.  I thought I'd share with you some of the snow artistry of my PG. 

Snow Wall built by My PG 2/3/11

This isn't the first time he's had fun with snow-creations.  There was the year (1988) we built a 10 ft. sitting snowman. (It sorta reminds me of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow guy in Ghostbusters.) 

And then there's the year when we didn't have enough snow so he couldn't build a snowman, but he managed to entertain those landing at O'Hare by removing snow in areas of the backyard. 

Makes you wonder about crop circles, doesn't it??

This will give you a better perspective of how big it was.

Today, I was quite entertained as I watched him build this wall.  So were others as they walked or drove by.  It's no wonder I'm in love with this guy!!  He keeps life interesting!!

What's in your life that keeps you smiling??

"Let It Snow"?? Really??

We, in the midwest, are all saying we are hunkered down for the blizzard of '11.   We actually have no choice.  It's going to take a while for us to even get to the snowblower.  We'll have to shovel thru this

And then clear away this: 

Our little buddy loves the snow, but even he went out for about 5 mins. last night and decided to come back in.  The windy conditions makes it bitterly cold.

But the drifting makes it life-threatening.  Here's the fence between houses.  The fence is a four foot fence. 

And the composter in the back last night

10 p.m. 2/1/11

 and this morning. 



5:30 a.m. 2/2/11



Could be a record breaker.  Might take all of our energy to work on getting out today.  But still it's beautiful!!

I Hate the Cold!!

Here in the Midwest, we are in the middle of winter.  Yes, I know the calendar says not yet.  I know the official start of winter is December 21st.  But Mother Nature has a different idea. 

And as I sit and look at the temperatures on Weather Channel, I can't help but shiver!!  You see, I really hate cold weather!

You will never find me on a ski slope or an ice rink.  I will go out and shovel snow, but I'm not gonna be happy about it.  I will even go out and help my grandson build a snowman.  Not for long, but I'll do that.  There's nothing about being cold that I find appealing.  I can actually get creative with chattering teeth!  Yeah...I just hate the cold!!

So how ironic is it that when I make my Christmas cards each year, the theme is LET IT SNOW! 



Let It Snow 2007-2010

These are some of the cards I've made over the last few years.  I enjoy making them, but there have been times that I made 'em but never mailed 'em.  Don't ask me why.  I have no idea!!

So why do I make let it snow cards when I hate the cold?  Simple...I love the beauty of a snowfall.  I love how quiet the streets get when there's about 2 inches on the ground.  It's one of the most peaceful moments I know.  

The Weather Channel forecast
at 5 a.m. this morning



I'm not going to pay attention to the forecast for today.  Instead, I'm going to focus on the calm and peaceful feelings I get when I think about a blanket of snow covering our area.  And I'll just pretend that someone else has to shovel it.   

I think I'll go address some "Let It Snow" cards.  Maybe I'll get them mailed before Christmas!!

Christmas, er, Winter Cards

Many people know that one of my hobbies is cardmaking.  It's sort of an offshoot from scrapbooking.  What it does is offer you a quick fix when you need to create and don't have a lot of time.  Well, every year I have good intentions to make my Christmas cards.  The theme is always snow, snowflakes, snowmen...you get it.  I've included a couple pics of previous years' cards.  (Boy, I've grown in my cardmaking skills!!!) 

I very much enjoy making the cards, but I know I should start much earlier in the year to get the cards completed.  But I don't.  As a result, most years my good intentions of getting these cards in the mail get, er, let's just say sidetracked.  The Christmas cards end up getting mailed the week between Christmas and New Year's.  So, I can't really call them Christmas cards, can I??  Among my fellow scrappers, it's now become standard practice to call the cards I send out at this time of year "Winter Cards".  I mean, it's not like they have a Christmas tree or Santa Claus on the card.  They have some form of snow on them.  And when you think about it, isn't it kinda nice to receive a card with a peaceful theme AFTER all the hustle and bustle of the holidays??  See??  I could very well be on to something here.

Well the good news is, I spent some time with some good friends in the Scrapbook Cellar yesterday and TA-DA!!!!!  I got some cards done.  This time, no two are alike.  Except for the greeting.  The greeting never changes.  I think it's one of the most beautiful messages we could hear, not just at Christmas/Winter time. 

Care deeply,

Give freely,

Think kindly,

Act gently,

And be at peace with the world.

This is the spirit of Christmas.

So, now all I need to do is get them addressed and into the mail. Hmmmmmm, I wonder if I can do that before Christmas!!!