Foggy morning

The frost is thick on the fenceposts

and clings to the barbwire

It coats the grass

and embraces the flagpole

(waiting for little fingers to sting)

The sun shines through the fog

making the morning sparkle.

Trapping

John and I went trapping yesterday. We checked some traps, pulled some traps, drove a little ways, checked another trap, drove a little ways, got stuck.
John dug us out, tried to get unstuck, dug out some more, put on tire chains, tried to drive out, replaced tire chains while I did some shoveling, we dried to drive out. You see a pattern? We eventually got out, after much shoveling and fighting with tire chains. John figures we were high-centered on a log, or something. So, we knew driving to the other traps in the pickup was not going to work, and unloaded the 4-wheeler. Of course, 2 tires were flat, but John aired them up, and we were off. We checked the rest of the traps, and drove back to the pickup and home.
Although it was frustrating and cold, we were together on Valentine's Day! When we got home, we ate lunch and took a nap.

Ski trip

This last week, our school went to Showdown for a ski trip. 4 of the 5 students from our school were able to attend, along with one parent from each family. Also, 2 other rural schools in the area joined us. And, my husband.John was a bit apprehensive, as he has never been skiing before. As some of you know (more than I thought...word travels fast) he thought maybe if he was going to do this thing, he was going to snowboard. However, on the way up the mountain he decided skiing might be a better option.

The man was stuck in lessons with the kids, and picked up a few things. Unfortunately, he was having a few difficulties and getting frustrated at lunch time. So, he and I spent a little time on the bunny slope, and it was realized he should just go up the lift and try the mountain. The solution was tackling the mountain! The bunny slope didn't provide enough momentum, and after a couple runs down the mountain, he was a skiier.

My day, you ask? Well, I got all the kids through rental and onto the bunny slope, got myself through rental and spent some time capturing pics of lessons, then took a couple runs with one of the parents. I tell you, it has been years since I skiied, and it took a couple runs before I was floating down the hill! I am still a cautious skiier, though. We ate lunch, and as I said, spent some time with John. Then, I went up the lift and down the hill with one of my students a couple times, and that little guy was fast! No fear! He beat me down, every time. I took a break, then went down the slope one more time with John. My legs didn't want to work after that, so I was done. My knees hurt, as well as my calves, so I guess I know what I need to work on for exercise!

Most excitingly, John wants to go back. I was afraid this may be a one-time thing, but he enjoyed himself once he got the knack, and wants to go again! Mission accomplished!!!