Team Nookies

To get mushing titles on the Chinooks, I need photo documentation of the start, middle and end of each run plus GPS documentation. Today we took a run on Waldo Lake road. The temperature was a finger numbing 20 degrees, the sun was shining, and the snow was deep, damp powder.

 

Team Nookies is going to think they have gone to mushing heaven when they finally get to run on a groomed trail. I had hoped that by waiting until Sunday snowmobiles would have made a solid trail for us. But alas, there were only two trucks in the staging area and the weight of their snowmobiles did not really pack the snow. It was tough going for just two dogs. Willy was sorely missed. The sled runners sunk a good 6". I went in up to my knees each time I stepped off the sled to help the dogs. We turned around at the mile point.

The way back to the van is all downhill. Not needing to break trail for the sled made it much much easier going. As soon as we were turned around, the dogs broke out into a very fast run but they were occasionally punching through. To avoid possibly injuring the dogs, I let them run free the last 1/4 mile and rode the sled after them.

End of the challenging run.

Keegan

If you have seen enough baby pictures, view no further. 

We are over the moon at the successful natal period of Great Nephew Keegan. 

I can't wait to teach him to drive the tractor.

Miracles

To me, a newborn is the most amazing miracle of all. I am always so in awe. My great nephew, Keegan, was born yesterday. His mother endured months of bed rest to assure he had the best possible start in life. And she succeeded.

Five years ago his sister, Cadence, was born at 26 weeks, weighing in at 1 lb 11 oz. She had a pretty rough go for the first couple of years but now is a happy, healthy, intelligent, beautiful, very excited, big sister. 

Today, Ma Nature treated us to another small miracle, a bald eagle on our pond. Back from near extinction, this magnificent guy found our pond. Pretty cool. Maybe if he becomes an inhabitant, I will be able to get better pictures then these shot through the bedroom window.

White Christmas

Pouring rain at home on Christmas day, no problem - get your White in the mountains. With predicted near-blizzard conditions and three feet of unpacked snow, neither the dogs or I would have had any fun trying to mush so reluctantly, at the last minute, we left the van with the sled on top and dogs at home. 

Dave and I fixed our annual Christmas dinner for ski patrollers and their families. Dave outdid himself with a very moist, delicious, 22 lb BBQ turkey cooked over a broth containing oranges, garlic, peppers, onions, parsley, butter and carrots. He cooked while I skied the fresh powder. Well - I did all the prep work and it only takes one to watch a turkey bake.

It blew and snowed very hard all day. Skiing for the first time of the season was tough in the deep snow and near white-out, flat light (not complaining - just the facts - then again my thighs are really complaining. I do need to get more exercise). Even with the camera, the conditions make this very steep run look flat. 

It was blowing so hard, the icicles on the lee side of the building grew lacy and bending every which way. They were several feet long by the end of the day. I have never seen icicles quite like them. Too bad I didn't have my good camera.

The dogs are letting me know that Christmas day is about to end and that I really need to get to bed. Happy Holidays.

Lee-Brown Christmas

The stockings were hung for all those so dear. 

Soon Lee-Brown family Christmas would be here.

Four dogs. Three generations. Two toddlers. 

What could be more fun?

Decorating sugar cookies has always been part of the family celebration. 

Natalie, Kendra and Amanda in 1988.

Kendra, the twins and Auntie Em continue the tradition. 

Grandma and Bop-Bop, my sister and Chuck, took over cookie detail while the restless little ones opened a quiet activity present.

The rains that washed away all of the week's snow finally stopped long enough for a trip outside.

Natalie had Cedar's undivided attention.

Santa's helpers were eager to open all the presents.

Last photos and it was time to head home.

Happy Holidays to all. And to all a good night.

Squirrel! - in the Christmas Tree

Koyuk and McKenzie really wanted to go outside. I grabbed my camera to join them for a possible photo op. They headed right for the chattering tree.

 "Hey, there is a squirrel in the Christmas Tree!"

"Where?"

"Awe - don't make us sit here for pictures. The squirrel is getting away!"

Ma Nature's Ornaments

This morning while the dogs were zooming around the orchard trees, I couldn't help but turn my camera to the branches.