When the Sun Shines~

First snow of the season~

We wake to a world of white, blazing blue skies & brilliant sunshine!  Cold too, with temps in the 20's.  Just the kind of snow that packs into the horses feet & makes those icy, hard balls - especially when combined with Farah's brand new, last shoes of the year!

The Cottage

As badly as I'd like to ride, it's icy, frosty & slippery...  I'm Hopeful that the sunshine & 40's forecast for next week - will pan out!  In the meantime, we're going tree cutting & pulling the boxes of decorations out of the barn loft.  Every year I say I'm not going to do as much - & every year I still do it all...

Dogwood Gulch

This year we'll celebrate our 25th Christmas on The Homestead!  Unreal how fast those years have flown by!  Time to do my annual Christmas letter & have finally ordered the cards.  I was going through the notebook where I've kept them all - since our first.

Here's one of my favorites - from 1994!  Back when Khaz was finally old enough for Butch to ride, when Jas was good for Jentry & before I sold Alexi & Jas became mine.  (Alexi & Khaz were full brother/sister.)  Abby - our first Beagle & the most defiant, was the only one who would pose for photos!

First Snow of Almost Winter~

Cottage in Winter White

How wonderful it is to wake to a world covered in white!  The first snow of the season is always special - just because it's the first.  Annika was thrilled at the snow - already on the run as I came out the door!

Nika on the fly!

Of course it was a day that I had errands to run, so I warmed up the Bronco for the trek to Arlington.  The roads were covered in snow, no sanding out our way - but as I went further north - some sand had been put down & that turned the snow on the roads to slush.  I decided to err on the side of caution & set the Bronco to 4-wheel drive.

Downtown Arlington

I always love dropping down the hill into Arlington - from my direction.  It always looks like a postcard perfect small town from fifty-years ago.  A town that's served as our hometown for many years.  I had a vest that I'd bought from Nordstrom & never worn.  This year - it's in fashion - but was way too big.  I stopped in at Sunshine Cleaners, to ask if they would have time to do the alternations while I was in town?  The answer?  Yes!  That's a small town & small town service!  An hour later - my nails were done & I picked up the vest - ready to wear!

Aspens

Heading home, the roads were actually worse, some melting & a combination of sleet & rain - making more slush out of the snow.  While I do love snow, especially powder snow - I'll be happy to see this one melt away!