Wednesday

Winter has me switch focus: my daily weather assessments is now a two factor analysis: is there adequate snow for skiing and do I need my ancient and massive parka to keep me warm outside. Oh, I appreciate the sunshine and I do watch the long term weather patterns to get a sense of where we're going, but really, what matters to me is the snow and the right covering for outdoor activity.

So let's take a look out today: hmmm, I wouldn't exactly call that a good snow cover. It's borderline skiable. But we've done borderline before! So maybe a ski day after all?

 

 

But even with a light layer of the white stuff, the cheepers all have a hard time moving around.

They try to make their daily trek to the garage, but give up quickly. Their feet can't stand the cold and their eyes don't like the glare from the snow.

For us, it's a pretty day. Not cold enough for snow pants or my bulky parka, but still, well below freezing. After a cozy breakfast, during which I argue with Ed about whether it is a sign of my not loving cats to want Dance to leave me alone during the morning meal...

... we set out for our first trip to ski the local county park.

And lo, they've groomed the trails! How I love a county that takes care of its parks! 

This makes for slick and wonderful skiing. 

The hills are icy and Ed avoids them completely, but otherwise, it's a spectacular gilde out there, among the snow dusted trees.

On the last stretch of our usual loop, where we ski into the sun across a field covered with snow -- it's just sublime! I could go on forever. And I love my new well fitted boots. And the air feels so crispy clean... I tell you, heaven!

 

In the afternoon, the kids are here again. I'm half tempted to take them to the park, but I know Sparrow will need help and will likely tire of it quickly. So we stick to the farmette lands. First, I take out the sled. The farmhouse is on a slope and you can actually get quite a good slide from the courtyard down to the barn and beyond. Sparrow is a bit apprehensive...

 But the going's great, especially if I give it a good pull at the beginning.

We're good for a handful of runs!

 A hearty appetite calls for a load of snacks and a stack of books inside.

And then they want to try the skis again. I warn them that it's like an ice sheet out there and that the hill will pose its challenges, but they're up for it.

(She wanted the poles, so of course, now he wants them too...)

Skiing very much depends on the conditions of the terrain and I'd say that yesterday, the kids had an easier time moving around, even on the slopey terrain. But of course, good skiers can handle even ice patches, so it's good to get them used to any and all snow conditions. And of course, we end the day with hot chocolate at the farmhouse.

I'd say we are mighty lucky to be skiing in December. It's nearly always cold by now, but having snow on the ground is a hit or miss thing. May it last and grow deeper! We are all on a roll!