When your puppy slips and falls two or three times on her first trip outside in the morning, you know it's slick and officially time to put on the Yak Trax.
So, I've done just that for my next trip out for chores this morning.
Yup, that wet snow with rain on top froze overnight, and leg-breaking ice abounds in the areas where we usually walk this morning.
I plowed the lane yesterday after taking Bridie for a walk and sliding left or right in gooshy, slippery snow with just about every step taken.
I had mixed emotions about plowing because of precisely what happened overnight. At the time, however, it seemed reasonable to remove two or three inches of snow for easier walking
This morning, though, pretty much any plowed area has turned into a virtual skating rink.
Again, welcome to winter North-Idaho style where one day we'll be plowing or shoveling snow, the next sliding around on ice.
Since writing the paragraphs above, I have taken my second trip outside with Yak Trax on my boots.
Though she wasn't wearing doggie trax, Bridie didn't slip so much. Could be the rainfall, which has started again.
To say the least, the weather is not conducive to doing much outdoors. Yesterday I welcomed the excuse to stay inside and do some baking.
I've cut down on the usual quantity, since a couple of years ago, I overbaked and ended up throwing far too many cookies away.
As I recall, last year's Christmas baking season didn't happen, thanks to the Pandemic.
The 2020 Christmas season was pretty weird all the way around with Christmas-gift opening occurring in our shop and at my sisters' outdoor arena.
We about froze to death in both venues, and, in each case, the party didn't last long.
We did play a little corn hole at Barbara and Laurie's, cuz their game was new but mainly to stay warm.
During her time in Sandpoint, Annie stayed at a motel downtown. When she did come to the house, she stood outside the house on the steps to the sliding glass door, poking her head inside to visit with us.
Talk about a sad situation but at the time necessary for everyone's safety.
Happily, the celebration should be more comfortable for all concerned this year, and baking is once again on folks' minds.
In fact, yesterday while walking dogs down the lane, I thought I heard talking behind. Upon turning around, I saw an unfamiliar car parked in the driveway and Bill talking to whoever was inside.
On my way back to the house, the driver got out. It was Nan, our neighbor from down Selle Road. She had brought a plate of fresh-baked and beautifully decorated cinnamon rolls.
Now, when Nan brings baked goods, ya know it's going to be a treat. After all, she and her husband Rod founded the very popular Miller's Country Store on Baldy Road.
Sadly, Rod passed away a few years ago. Happily, Nan's daughter and her husband live next door to her.
Nan is also a talented artist and a warm and loving person. She loves the forest on her farm and asked Bill yesterday if he would walk it with her again and give her advice on future management.
Anyway, we have sampled our gift this morning, and, as always, there's a "melt-in-your-mouth" divine experience with each bite.
As she left, Nan asked if we would like carolers to come to our house.
OF COURSE!
So, next weekend, we'll be ready with some home-baked items to share in return for what will surely be a nostalgic and meaningful treat of the season.
It's times like yesterday that remind us of the beauty of the season, even if it IS pouring rain and ugly outside.
Thanks, Nan.
I'll probably do some more baking today and start wrapping presents. Slowly but surely, all will fall into place, and the urgency is appearing as this week marks the week before the week.
So, it's time to get serious.
Happy Sunday. Stay upright.
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