Advent of Winter

It's meltdown time. 

The first real snowfall of the winter season has come, left some pretty scenes and is now melting away. 

I didn't mind the snow dump because in December if you're not ready for snow, you have no excuses to complain. 

Bill put the final punctuation point on winter preparation Sunday when he hooked the plow up to the tractor. 

None too soon either, as I used it to plow the lane and the driveway. 

This morning there's green grass in some spots where I plowed.  And, as the temps stay warm, the snow will not stay. 

So, yesterday's dose served as a pleasant inspiration to begin outdoor Christmas decorating and to enjoy the pretty artistry that snow brings to an otherwise bland environment. 

Not a lot of work, fairly easy walking and pure enjoyment of the day since we'd learned that we were invited to join Mike and a few other IFM staff members to dinner at a local sports bar to watch the Seahawks. 

Seattle's big victory topped off a day when I even felt a sense of success after watching a YouTube video and figuring out how to get my Dyson vacuum cleaner back into full-fledged sucking mode. 

The video showed a couple of options we had not tried when Bill and I teamed up several days ago to attempt to see why the hose on the vacuum cleaner would not pick up anything. 

I found, after watching the video, an obstruction in the plastic portion of the hose. 

Soon I was back in business happily vacuuming floors and tight spots. 

Thank God for You Tube.  

If we just remember it's available, we could probably save a lot of stress in our lives. 

The day only got better when I plugged in the deck Christmas tree lights for the first time and hung a couple of pretty wreaths. 

Then, Bill came home, and soon we were off to Sweet Lou's where we enjoyed the company of some of Bill's colleagues and worried a bit about the Seahawks.  

As usual, Russell Wilson and his troops took care of that worry in the second half. 

What a wonderful victory, propelling the Seahawks to first place in their league!

Thank you, Mike, for setting up a fun evening of good food and great company. 

Today, one more winter prep will happen when John, the farrier/philosopher, comes to remove shoes from and trim hooves of horses. 

Then, if more snow comes, they won't gain two or three inches of height with snow balling up in their shoes. 

All is good here at the Lovestead, and if winter would be as easy as yesterday, I'll take it. 

Happy Tuesday.