Not again!!!!!???????

Shea finally gets to sled

Last winter, I knew I was really thinking ahead and actually bought a sled before it snowed. Boy, some smarty pants. Of course, it never did snow last winter and typically I can't even find it now. Where the heck did that go?

When it does snow around here, there is no finding sleds anywhere. All inventory is snatched up quickly, at any price.

We tried to make your own, cardboard and then pieces of plastic but it was admittedly pretty lame. No offense Jake, you gave it a good shot.

Luckily, some well equipped friends came by with 3. My driveway has just enough slope for a low key ride and the kids took it on with gusto. Sledding agrees with Shea. As his new favorite thing in the world it was a little tough when the sleds went bye-bye.

Kudos goes to Lizzie for sharing all her sleds with Molly and Shea especially her brand new one which Shea completely took over.

Interesting commute yesterday

My sincere thanks go out to pals Jan & Rich who shared pictures from the big city yesterday.

Rich commutes to Seattle everyday...on his bike! I know, I know, he is just this side of amazing.

It's fun to see snowy downtown and Pioneer Square from the comfort of my slippers.

You better not be going in today, Rich! Just found out; yes, he went into day. Wow. Nubby tires on his bike, indeed!

I invite North westerners to send me some shots to document this snowy weather.

Snowed in

It doesn't take much around here. It looks to be only about 6 - 8 inches of accumulation. In fact, the lightest, whitest, fluffiest, best snow ball making snow I have ever seen.

But, the island is stopped in its tracks. I have not seen one snow plow or sand truck. Our sort-of busy, well traveled flat road right in front of our house is quiet, no traffic. Oh, yes, there are a few 4-wheel drive trucks (with chains) cruising about but slow and cautious.

We're about a mile or so to town and I see people, bundled up, walking to town for provisions. I am worrying about the local retailers. This is the week before Christmas and I can imagine they were expecting all those last minute purchases to help this year.

The weather gurus say clear and cold today and then more snow for the next few days!

Of course, my batteries are dead in my camera. I should be documenting all of this. And, I think that will get me bundled up and out walking to town too. Batteries - check. Hot buttered Rum - check. ; - )

IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!!!

After days of threats and innuendo from the weather folks, the flakes started about 7:30. By 8:30 it was impossible to ignore. Even though Shea was brushed, jammied and ready for bed, I didn't have the heart to not let him play in his first snow with sissy and the big kids. So, we bundled him up, almost ridiculously and let him go.

Molly and the neighbor girls come over in full snow worship. After a busy afternoon hanging out next door, the 4 of them were thrilled to herald the rare weather and proceeded to roll many gargantuan snowballs presumably for the bottom part of a snow person choir in the orchard. Extensive plans were hatched for the morrow.

Shea ran hard with the big girls and came back with snow down his shirt. The little poops. But, fresh and rosy and annoyed (very annoyed) that he had to come in at 9:15. Then he literally crashed.

The weather gurus says it will be real cold for a day or several so our hopes is that the snow will stay for at least tomorrow.

I am almost completely a NW native (lived here since I was 1 1/2 years old) and I have spent my whole life wishing and hoping for snow days. There is absolutely NOTHING that turns back the clock for me as watching snow fall. Each snow fall is a red letter day and we make a big, darn deal out of it.

This is Shea's first. Tomorrow will be a big day. I can't wait!