Snow Day

First thing, the very brief barefoot walk in the first snow to ensure good health in the coming year. I'd walk farther because it really feels good on my feet, but I'm terrified of slipping, falling, breaking a hip or something, and then having to explain to the folks in the ER that I was doing it for my health.

It was a beautiful snow.

School was closed and Josie spent the day with me.

After the usual pancakes, I pretty much left Josie to do what she wanted. She's much more self-directed these days and it's always interesting to see what she does. She started by making a bunch of cards.

There will be writing on the inside. She had me write out MERRY CHRISTMAS for her to go by.

When she'd had enough of art, she brought in a bunch of dolls and stuffed animals and set up various elaborate games, one of which was sliding them down the bannisters into a pile of throw pillows.

Then she read to her gang--from a really pretty advanced book.

Lot of big words didn't slow her down. I feel like she's well on her way a a reader.

More cards made, some work in a workbook, a few games of Go Fish, and more time on her tablet than I like, but it was a snow day, and I was really pleased with all she did on her own.

 She wound up the day with leaping and bounding around in some sort of martial arts maneuvers and then sitting on a cushion and meditating for about fifteen minutes.

She is really growing up.

 

First Snow, Kinda . . .

                                                                        

Not much of a snow but I took a few steps in it for luck.

And Josie got her snow day--spending it with Grandma Nancy.

White Stuff and Heart-Warming News

Yesterday morning found a bit of white stuff on our deck. But was it snow--suitable for the barefoot-walk-in-the-first, said to ensure good health?

Whatever it was, I removed my bedroom slippers and ventured out, cautiously holding to a chair as it was slippery. "It" proved to be tiny balls of ice--and only my first step left any impression at all. After that, my feet were too cold to melt the whateverit was.

Just to be sure, I'll take a walk in the first real snow we have. 

My feet were cold, but my heart was warmed by the news that the Dems retain control of the Senate. Grinning too at the circular firing squad going on amongst the GOP. 

 

The First Snow

So, of course, I walked it it. Barefoot, per the tradition that promises good health for this undertaking. I don't walk far--not wanting to fall and break a hip in my pursuit of health. But at six am it was time for Jenny to go out so, after convincing her she really had to, despite the white stuff, I did my little stagger in the snow. It was pretty dark, hence the murky picture.

After her initial reluctance, Jenny decided she liked snow and raced about like a madwoman.

Also barefoot--she and Bob and the birds are looking after their future health too.

It's so beautiful--and it will likely be short lived. John and Justin have made sure our road is clear but for today, we're all staying put and enjoying the view.

Jenny goes in and out, in and out. At least I don't have to put a snowsuit on her. When her ears get cold, she comes in to warm them up then back out she goes.

By 4, it was clearing in the east. A lovely little snow!

 

After the Snow

It made me so happy to see this little guy sitting on a bench in downtown Marshall and it made me think of the haiku about a one foot waterfall also being refreshing. That's a child's sock on his head. I need to do this with Josie.

I went in yesterday to sign more books at Penland's, including one for a granddaughter of "Rock' Shelton, one of the men mentioned in Crows who helped bury the victims of the Shelton Laurel Massacre. She lives elsewhere (Omaha, I think) and Georgette had a mailer ready to send her a personalized copy.  And I was reminded of how near the past seems, at times.

The snow is lingering on the south slopes where the sun barely hits at this time of year.

You can see the divide in the picture above--the snow is gone from the fields and slopes to the right.

Looking forward to Solstice and longer days . . . time to bring out the Christmas lights to brighten things up.

 

First Snow!

 Walk barefoot in the first snow for good health in the year. 

I do so, cautiously, aware of the irony were I to slip and break something.

Our internet was down last night, due probably to the snow, which is why I didn't post at the usual time.

First Snow

And There Was Snow -- or Maybe Snee

It began yesterday afternoon -- flakes at first and then tiny pellets drifting down on a backdrop of autumn color.

I'll have to break it to the kittehs that fresh catnip season is over.

And yes, I did the First Snow Barefoot Walk -- even though I'm not sure it counts a snow, per se.

Temps are supposed to be in the sixties tomorrow, rising to the seventies by the end of the week. 

The two below are from this morning.

Of Sickness and Health and Brokenness

The snow of the first snowfall was still coming down Saturday morning and I still had to decide whether to attempt the barefoot walk for health in the coming year.

Some friends suggested that it wouldn't be a good idea, what with my somewhat crippled state; others offered to barefoot walk  for me by proxy. And several suggested that my barefoot walk last year hadn't saved me from the late unpleasantness of a broken ankle, dislocated shoulder, and large laceration.

Hmmm. I disagree. The barefoot walk is for good health -- and I don't consider brokenness resulting from an accident as ill health. I haven't been sick -- just impaired.

But though I'm a little superstitious, I'm not an idiot. I asked John to come hold my arm while I tottered out barefoot into the snow.

 And when I mentioned to him the comments that said the walk last year hadn't saved me from brokenness, he suggested (and he's not at all superstitious) that maybe it had saved me from getting killed.

I'll take it.

It's That Time Again

Our first snow fell yesterday afternoon so, in accordance with the old tradition that says to walk barefoot in the first snow for good health in the coming year, I did just that. 

So far it's worked pretty well.

 And only the day before, the flowering quince thought it was spring.  John cut some branches for me so we can enjoy the blooms in the warmth of the house.

They'll look nice. I think, mixed in with the usual Christmas evergreens.