Braving the snow

This must be what it is like to live in Alaska. We can't take it any more. We must get outside.

The constant snow really is beautiful. Unfortunately there is a lot of it. Too much for proper hiking. We didn't care this weekend. We got out there anyway. We ignored the fact that it was Valentine's Day, grabbed the GPS, and went trudging through the snow. Last time we ventured out, there was only about a foot on the ground, and the parks crew at Pandapas pond had run an ATV through all the hiking trails so that winter outdoor enthusiasts could hike (or cross country ski or snowshoe) around with very little problem. This time, however, that was not the case. An addition foot of snow lay on top of the old snow, and no brave park ranger had attempted to blaze our trails for us. Hiking is not easy when the snow comes up to your shins. Ian even tried to look for a cache while we were out. No luck. It was so difficult that we turned around earlier than planned to head for our car. That is a first for us.

The next day was President's day, which Ian had off of work. I did not have the day off. Ian got to stay home, relax, and play video games all day by himself for the first time since I was in Italy. We decided not to make a big deal about Valentine's day, in fact we even decided not to celebrate it until President's day. Ian made a little dinner, we drank a bunch of champagne and passed out early. Pretty perfect. And now...pictures...

Ian trying to figure out where we were at Pandapas

Cold stream cutting through the snow
Yet another photo in front of the pond

Blue sky, mountains, frozen water.

Ian searching for the cache. No such luck

Valentine's day set up. Classy

Project Linus

I am getting a little stir crazy with all the snow. In order to stay sane, I make things. Its nice to make things for a purpose, and I've found a charity called Project Linus. Here is their mission statement:

• First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

• Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

So...I tried to make a blanket. Its really my first big project with a sewing machine. It turned out okay, I need some work with my craftsmanship. It will probably come with time.

I've made some things other than my Project Linus blanket as well.

Here are some birdies I made to drop off in the cache boxes next time we geocache.


I just finished up this cross stitch. Ohhh...awe....


I made a recipe box for Ian...

The front

The back

The inside

So, we are bored. We hope it quits snowing. The snow will melt eventually. And we can get out and play.

New Whips!

A whip, for my older generation of Hokieville enthusiasts, is slang for a car. I have used the term liberally here to describe our newest purchases, bicycles! We picked them up at a nice little bike shop in downtown Hokieville. Mine is a hybrid, which means it does well as a road bike but can do elevation changes pretty easily too. I got mine used, and I feel like I was pretty lucky to snag it when I did for such a decent price. Ian bought a new bike. Its a mountain bike. We plan on using them mostly for recreation and excercise, but I am going to start riding mine to work when the weather warms up. Another interesting fact, it has snowed pretty much none stop since we bought the bikes. We keep hoping it will warm up just a LITTLE bit so that we can take our bikes out but so far its a no go. So, I guess we'll just have to be a little more patient, which I am not good at.

My new bike! So sleek...

Ian's bike. Red hot!