Before the Blow...

Before Redoubt erupted, Pat took me on a date to the beach! It was a gorgeous evening! Yes, it looks like the middle of the day, but it was about 5:30pm. We parked and had a 1/4 mile walk down to the beach. The sky was clear and the mountains were perfect.

When we got down there, we found the ice was pushed up on the beach. We scouted a place to climb down to beach level. The dogs were a little wary of that drop!

Ice caves are fun!

The dogs loved running around and playing on the beach! I think they would have loved it if they would have discovered any other critters out there!

Rowdy seemed interested in the water, so Pat threw a chunk of ice out there to see if he'd retrieve it. Poor dog! He tried to figure out how to do it, but it just didn't work. He seemed just fine in the water, even though it would put us into hypothermia in seconds! Somehow we never looked across to Redoubt, but the big mountain on the right that goes out of the picture is another volcano, Mt. Spur. I think it is much more impressive, and I laugh when people think it is Mt. McKinley. I don't tell them anything, as I'd rather they believe they've seen the "Big One!"

Yesterday, Pat came home and had a little surprise for me! He hid out in his new shop and in support of my March Madness Addiction, he brought in this fabulous gift! I love it! For a guy who really couldn't care less about it, he sure is sweet in supporting my interests!

Redoubt

Here is an accurate picture of what happened yesterday. We were unable to see anything due to the cloudy weather.

Fortunately, none of this ash fall came near us. This is not a black and white photo - at least the camera was not in that mode! I'm glad for the lack of ash if it changes the landscape so drearily, among other reasons!

Thar She Blows!

He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke.
Psalm 104:32

Yes, it has begun to erupt! Fortunately, we are not currently in the ashfall area and have not had any adverse affect from the eruption. It is likely to continue, so we are not out of the woods yet, but I'm excited to have the sun come up and get more information! I want to see it! I choose to think of this as an amazing display of Creation!

A Walk with the Dogs

We start by walking off the deck, down the yard and across the "pond" to our path in the woods. I thought I'd take my camera a couple days ago when I took our daily walk. It had snowed a bit and the temps were a bit chilly, but it made it lovely. Ps.147:16 "He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes."
We emerge from our woods trail onto an open area under the power lines. This affords me the opportunity to let the dogs run with more independence as I can see them!

We take off from the open power line path once again into the woods and down into another low area. You can begin to see my desire for snowshoes! At this snow depth, which seems to be one of the deepest on the peninsula, even the dogs stick to the stamped down paths.

I've discovered in this low "secret" place, even things dead have a grandeur when blanketed with snow. (The tree above is no longer growing, but still provides a roost for birds and shelves for the snow)
We continue to plod through the snow up to a forgotten road that I "discovered" this winter. I assume it to be unused often as there are tree-falls over it on occasion. I do not know the final destination of this road. We return as we came when we come across the areas that look to be others' property, if not sooner. Back through yet another low swamp land and back across the pond is the way home, but that last leg lacks the luster for the lens!

In like a lion?

Alright, now I'm used to lots of snow, but coming over the rails?! We've had more snow this year than last year, and it is compounded around the "drip lines" of the roof from the snow falling off. This snow from the roof is more like ice since it comes down with great force. This area off the front porch will likely be the last area of snow to melt due to the northern exposure. The packed snow below is really chest-deep!

When the snow comes off the roof, it comes with force as I mentioned before. When I am outside, I need to watch out so I don't get hit by it! It sounds like thunder inside when a large slide occurs!

The pots in my greenhouse are still mostly filled with frozen soil. I think it will be a while before they thaw enough to fill! Especially with the extra 4" that fell last night...

Garage Update

It's practically finished! We've been told that if we leave the siding undone, we won't have to pay property taxes on the garage. I have to say, as appealing as the Tyvek is, I think I may still opt for siding and pay the extra taxes. I know, it's a time to save money and this would save on two different fronts! I guess vanity will win this one out!

Here is a photo of the homemade ladder that I do not care to climb. I should be more specific: Climbing up is less of a difficulty for me, but crawling down is where I become a bit panicky.

Pat has been working tirelessly on getting the inside of the garage to a workable state. He has gotten all the drywall up and though we need to tape/mud the seams when it's warmer, he's also gotten some benches up. This enables him to begin projects with solid work surfaces. Note the wood bench for wood projects and the steel table for his welding bench! It's a bit too cold out there for me just yet!

One long entry...

Alright, I have neglected this blog for so long! I took my trip to Kansas and had a marvelous time! Here are some highlights:

Jackson scored 3 baskets this game! It was so much fun to watch! Raegan and I had fun in the furniture store while Mom got a new loveseat and chair!I had a ball spending time with the Cryer family!
I finally got to meet my nephew Joshua and had the privilege to see his amazing jumping abilities! He was such a joy! I also had some sweet moments with Hannah and Hudson. They have such loving hearts! I don't know how many times I heard "I love you Aunt Meli!" It was precious! Yes, we had some funny times, too! What's more fun than taking a funny picture!?

It was such a blessing to have Adam and Becky in Kansas again! I got to be reacquainted with my little princesses! I love it! Toby is too active to pose for pictures!

Bathtime Buddies!

Bellybuttons are so much fun! I can't believe how big Cambria has gotten!

Dress-up is the best with a friend!

I took some of the nieces and nephews to see our puppy and her older brother! I think we all had fun, but Ally/Allie seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention! Gus loved it!

I got to spend time with Marc and Katy and see them perform in their youth group's dinner theatre!

I was even able to see my grandparents! They made a detour and came over for lunch.

Before I left, I had to do a very Aunt thing and get my nieces and nephews these giant lollypops! I didn't get a picture of the Cryer's with theirs, but rest assured, they did get them, too! I asked not to have the dental bill sent to me - besides they are baby teeth still, right? Well, except for Sydney and Jackson...!

What We've Been up to...

Yes, we have been mostly in puppy play times! It has been so much fun to play and work with Allie (I don't know how they are spelling it!) When the last of the puppies left us, we made a pen for her under the table. It worked well, and even now the dogs both enjoy the little "den."
In an effort to give Rowdy a break from the pup, we have allowed him to get up on Pat's chair. I think he likes it!
We are really loving the puppy phase again! She plays hard and then crashes in our laps! It is the sweetest. She likes to crawl into my lap, but when Pat's home, I encourage her to love on him too!

Winter Play Time!