A Norman Rockwell Morning

What a difference a day makes.

We shovelled our driveway this morning, then decided we wouldn't go to work after all. So we put on our cross-country skis and explored the neighborhood. We headed up hill to the right, following last night's tire tracks, lightly covered with a new dusting of snow. Since most people couldn't either get their cars out, or just decided to stay home, we felt pretty safe gliding in the middle of the road. Traversing down the hills, we met children snow-boarding, sledding, and just playing. Everybody was friendly. Everyone was happy.

We followed trails through the woods, marveling at the stillness and beauty of our surroundings.

We met our new neighbors, recent transplants from Montana, via San Francisco. We played snow toss with another neighbor's dog. We stood in our front yard, a cup of hot chocolate in hand.......as a family walked up the hill, pulling suitcases behind them. No, they didn't need help. They were almost there.

The snow is beautiful, and even though I met new neighbors and talked with strangers, I miss my family and friends. We will make it one way or another to my sister's house on Christmas morning....over the river and through the woods....way on the other side of town.

Shades of Grey on a Snowy Day

Photo taken at 9:15 am Sunday 12/21

Ok, so I'm whining.

We've had a full week of snow, unusual for Portland. Right now we have a foot of snow in our yard, with 2 foot drifts in some spots. The car tracks in the street are covered over from last night's blizzard. This morning we woke up and our power was out. Luckily, we have a couple of gas fireplaces, so we lit them to keep warm. We have a gas range and can light the pilot light to cook. But what about coffee? How do I make my latte? And how do I grind my coffee beans? And where's my Sunday paper?

I found some old coffee in the cupboard, heated water on the stove, and found my camping coffee maker in the camping stuff. Ugh. Terrible. Added a little cocoa to make a cafe mocha. Bad. Note to self: throw out all old coffee.

Since we recently 'bundled' our cable service.....Internet, cable TV, and phone....we were without a phone (that's because this moron didn't charge up her cell phone last night and the battery is low). We sat in the car in the garage for a few minutes charging my phone, and trying to catch some news on the radio. Its funny....the TV news stations show the storm coverage 24/7, whether we like it or not, but try to find out what's happening on the radio when your power is out....no such luck! No TV, no Internet, no phone, no lights, no coffee. I didn't realize how much I counted on electricity.

I went for a walk, for something to do. Neighbors are out, shoveling their walks, walking dogs, or trying to dig out cars that have been left by the side of the road for the past 5 days. Walked to our little "Village Marketplace". Starbucks was closed, but there was a stack of The Sunday Oregonian. Papers were taken and money was left as payment. I grabbed a paper and left 2 bucks.

When I got home the power was on. Yea! I can have my latte and read the paper. Isn't life grand?

Snow....Day 2

Photo taken this morning at 9am.

See our miniature Stonehenge in the background.

Snow - Part 2

Three hours later.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

This photo was taken in our backyard at 9:15 this morning.

Winter has come to the Northwest!

I can hardly believe that exactly 1 week ago I was golfing in a short-sleeve shirt.

For those of you who live in the mid-west or the east coast, this is a big deal for Portland. The city will shut down for the day. As for me, I'll curl up next to the fireplace with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.