Jack Frost nipping at my... windows

Today's art work provided by... Jack Frost




The ice crystals are so delicate and intricate.



It's a cold day here in northeast Wyoming. When I woke up this morning it was -12 Fahrenheit and our high for the day topped out at about 13 degrees. Granted that is a bit (okay a lot) colder than this desert rat is use to, but it does have it's advantages. Nature has a way of showing its beauty even in the cold. I love the ice etchings I've been waking up to and the icicles coming off the buildings. There was an awesome icicle growing outside my office window till it warmed up yesterday to 40 degrees. I'm sure I'll have a few more before winter is over however, so it will be something to look out for.

The animals amaze me when it's cold out. The wild ones go about their daily lives of eating, drinking and procreating. It seems the blue jays are a more brilliant blue since it gotten so cold. The turkeys are coming into the yard to eat what ever seeds the blue jays leave. We've spotted a few bobcat, foxes and even one mountain lion so far this month. They all just go about their lives.

Our pets are adapting quite well. Their fur is thick and soft. They come in when it's really cold, but are good sports about going out to do their business. Even poor little Chiwa goes out. Albeit she is the quickest of all :) Then she has to come in and get under a blanket and cuddle for a few minutes as her reward.


I love finding something everyday that's new, exciting or beautiful. It makes life that more joyful and rewarding. I'm truly thankful for being able to live in such a beautiful place.

So cool...

The world around us is so amazing. No matter where you are you can find things that are just beautiful, unusual, or just plain cool.

This picture was taken out behind our house. The snow started to slide off an old tin roof. It slid in a long sheet and froze as it curled down toward the building. Not completely falling off that day, but just hanging there. It reminds me of an ocean wave... but frozen ;)

It doesn't matter where you live, you can always find something to intrigue you. In the desert it was the beautiful flowers that would bloom in the spring after we had rain in the winter. Or a leaf as it is changing colors during the fall. I love to sit and watch the birds that fly by and I'm always amazed at how many different types there are where ever I'm at.

My challenge everyday for myself is to take the time and find something beautiful, unusual or just plane cool. I challenge you to do the same. It makes life a little sweeter. It makes me thankful for the wonderful planet we live on, problems and all.

Trying to teach my self to cross country ski...

I've always thought of trying cross country skiing (xc skiing). I've been down hill skiing when I was younger, but I'm a) not very good, and b) not fond of going fast down hill. I don't know. I just never really took to it. I had a roommate in college who xc and it sounded interesting. I just never really lived anywhere that it was feasible... until now :)

So, Lloyd and I found me the gear I'd need. I looked up some things about it on the Internet and watched a few videos. I decided today was the day I'd try it out. My first trip out I was the only one home and just went around in our yard. Made some trails, fell a couple times, you know all that fun stuff. Of course the hubby wasn't around to get pictures, until later that day when I went out again. I am so glad he has me around for his amusement :)



Me and Maggie moo going out... on a hill...


at first things seem to be going all right...


Then I get to close to the muddy-icy-muck made by vehicles...and WIPE-OUT :) Thanks Maggie and Hada for all the support and kisses, hahaha :)



But I make it back on my feet...




and Maggie and I are off again...



I think next time I'll try an area more level....

The first snow of the season

We had our first real snow! (We had a dusting last month, but it melted faster than it fell). Everyone has been teasing me, because I'm excited about it. Of course coming from the desert snow is not something I have seen very often, except when I would travel to it. I'm going to enjoy it. Lloyd took me out for a driving in snow lesson. I stomped around in it and played in it. So, tease me all you want. Maybe by March or April I'll be tired of it... or maybe not. ;)

The ranch was beautiful. The landscape reminded me of being in a Christmas card. In fact this will be the first time I might actually have a white Christmas! That's never happened before for me.

This is coming up our lane once you turn off the highway.



The trees just looked magical...

Lloyd took these pictures of the snow hanging on the antlers on one of the old buildings.

I thought this one looked pretty darn cool.

This is one of the old bunk houses. Just imagine living in it...

and having to run outside to use this... brrrrrrr

Rex was not to sure about his first snow storm. He didn't want to come out from under Lloyd's pick up, so...

Lloyd had to shovel him a path to the sidewalk :) Spoiled cat!

Maggie went out to "rescue" Miss Em... I don't think she really appreciated it that much.