Ice Ice Baby!

Well, we did receive the freezing rain as promised, during the night. I've cranked up the pellet stove this morning as there is a layer of ice built up on the sliding glass door!

It does make the trees look pretty, but the weight of the snow and ice on trees with leaves is pretty high right now. Looks like we will be fine. Glad the tree from next door came out last Saturday.

I saw the snow plow out on Franklin this morning but it didn't seem like they were scraping or sanding, not sure what the point was?! My cars are encased in a layer of ice - looks very strange.

Hy went bounding out the door this morning and his legs went in all directions, he turned and looked at me like I had played a cruel joke on him. He immediately came back to the porch and sat there. Had to clear a path to the yard and lead the way! He is happy wrapping up in a blanket on the couch and watching the cats outside!

From weather reports we have warmed to a balmy 34 degrees. But I don't really see anything melting. Maybe as the crazy people, "who just have to be somewhere", get out and about - the street will look better. For now they are just ice or thick with snow and a layer of ice on top.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow . . .

William is safely at mom and dad's for the evening and I am back in our house, making sure that things are buttoned up. The dog and bird are fed and we will finally settle down and keep entertained and warm! Thought I would snap a few pictures for folks to see that Astoria does get snow (and this week we have had it every day). Weather is calling for freezing rain tonight so wanted to get it while the snow is still coming down . . .

Hy enjoys being outdoors . . . but only if you stay out there with him! His outdoor adventures have been a little closer to home this week!

I've learned about de-icer and gravel supply this week at my new job and have purchased a set of chains for the car (just in case and they will be available Monday, if I need them!).

Bill is in ABQ an extra day due to cancellation of his flight (which is probably good because nobody could get to him!). We miss him terribly but want him home safe and sound, so an extra day with family is great and luckily he isn't sleeping in an airport terminal!

Happy Holidays!

free spirit

Here is the inside of my Free Spirit album showing Will skateboarding, biking and gasp! Resting. Of course the best picture (below) was taken by my friend Melanie (he always gives her the best shots!) This was a fun workshop and I love the flow of the album when it opens up! It's my little brag book.

Snowboarding and turning 14

William turned 14 last week and all he has talked about for months is snowboarding . . . .

Dad and I were able to successfully keep the snowboard, bindings and bag from being discovered for 7 months. We worked on this surprise for quite awhile and Will was thrilled. He can't wait to hit the slopes.

Bill took William and a couple of his friends for a boy's night out on Friday. They had a room at the Holiday Inn Express and spent the evening with pizza, arcade games and swimming in the pool. The next day they had a great breadfast and were relaxed, if not well rested. You know how boys must stay up every conceivable minute when they are together. Kudos to dad for the great idea!

It was a snowboarding day as he received the bright and fun snowpants from grandpa and grandma Burke and purchased all the accessories he needed with money sent from grammy and papa Woods. He is fully outfitted and rarin' to get on the slopes. Mt Hood has been getting some snow but not enough to open yet. They are hoping for a Thanksgiving start this year.

If I have to watch Shawn White videos one more time . . .

2 weeks and counting . . .

Well, it is 2 weeks from today when I start my new job. My replacement started today and so it will be hectic to download as much information as possible but this means I'm one step closer.

I'm excited to make the move to our Job Corp Center at Tongue Point. This is a great opportunity for me and I get to stay with the same company, just transferring divisions. I'm looking forward to learning a whole bunch of new things!

So, if you don't hear from me in the next couple weeks . . . I'm busy training my replacement - or I could be spending time with mom and dad!

The folks were in Idaho yesterday, expect them in Astoria by Wednesday. They had their stopover in Denver so dad could have his emergency gallbladder surgery! Very lucky they were where they were at that point in time. Cousins John and Deanne took great care of Dad! He said they got him to a great facility and Deanne made sure he was well taken care of! Not the way to catch up with family, but soooo glad that family was around to help them out! I felt helpless just waiting for news. I'm already having reservations about the whole RV'ing thing. Now I have to wonder where my teenager and my parents are each night!

Well, more a little later on!