Frozen Lake Play

We heard a rumor that the lakes around here had frozen.  Frozen all the way across.  It was totally believable since the temperature hasn't been above 32*f/0*c for many weeks now.  At first my reaction was... ok soo... doesn't this happen every year around here.   

Apparently while the lakes do freeze over here all the time, they don't always freeze over... CLEAR.  As in you can walk across the lake and look down at the bottom of the lake.  

I'm not sure if I'm in awe or a little freaked out.  And truthfully about both, walking across a frozen lake and looking at the bottom while doing it.  

Duncan had an opportunity to be in town and went to see this phenomenon.  He was in awe.  

He and his friend were sliding all over and amazed by the lake.  

It was even featured in the local 'paper'. (it's online)

Photo Credit to Dave Bell of the Local Online Paper

Better go check out such an awe inspiring event when it occurs locally.  

So, while friends were here, we went adventuring.  

However in the week between when Duncan saw the lake as the local paper showed it and when we arrived....

well...

it snowed.

In some ways I think it was less intimidating for me since it was covered in snow.  

Just a tiny bit though.

We'd brought ice skates to test out the ice.

So... obviously the first thing to do is to clear an ice skating arena.

Using resources at our disposal.... we attempted to sweep the powdery snow off an area... by holding Emerson's arms and using him as the plow.  Everyone got down and tried snow angels and sliding with their arms and legs open wide.  It was going to be quite a process.

We looked around for anything that might be useful at clearing the snow.

Low and behold at the boat dock, there was one paddle and a broom in the hollow of the metal pilings by the pier. 

The new implements were far more effective at clearing the snow.  

The ice was black... but clear....  so hard to describe the incredible sight and to try to wrap our heads around the massive scale of the enormous lake being frozen solid.

I encouraged keeping the skating area near the shoreline.... 

After a while... clearing the snow from a large area was less appealing and instead a skating track was devised.  With figure 8 patterns and circles; it was grand.

Then the skaters went rogue.  They had discovered that although clearing the ice allowed us a cool glance at the ice... they could actually just skate through the powdery snow atop the ice.  They took off.  I held my breath... and called out, "How about coming back... closer to shore!" It would have been more encouraging if there had been signs posted regarding the safety of the icy lake... or perhaps pylons to let us know where it was thick enough for skating... or if there had been even one other soul out on the lake... maybe ice fishing... but no, not another person.  We were the only ones on the vast icy lake.  

I was relieved to have them turn and return to Emerson and I.  We hadn't brought skates and stayed with out skating course... sliding around.  It was a really incredible experience but there was a definite element of anxiety with it as well.

The band of brave icy lake skaters.

The sun was setting and the temperature was dropping so it was time to head back to shore... and then home.  (And probably some more hot cocoa)

About twenty feet from the shore we noticed a series of rocks covered in thick ice.  It was rather reassuring to see how thick the ice above the rocks was after having walked all over the lake.  Perhaps I wouldn't have been as anxious if I had noticed the thick ice on our way on, instead of on the way off of, the lake.  

I suppose these rocks were also there in the summer...

Yes... the rocks have always been there.

Such a difference.

And then...

Duncan flipped the ice from the rock over.  Instantly we knew it was an ice throne.

It was there for a photo shoot.  

So we complied.

Strike a pose.  "I'm ready for my close up."

Just chillin'

"This is great... but it would be better with snacks."

Such dramatic poses...  An Ice Queen?

Perhaps a larger ice chair would be more comfortable...

P.S. I was also there... not just a camera taking photos!

Ice Rink

 Last year at Christmas time we decided that an ice rink was a grand idea.  I did a bit of research and was convinced that it was a simple task.  So I ordered the plastic liner and said... make it so!

Building an ice rink in freezing weather after we already had a foot of snow on the ground wasn't a well thought out plan.  Aside from the unlevel ground, the hoses kept freezing for some reason.  We were only able to create a rink with about 1/3rd of the liner, which made it more susceptible to damage so we were really cautious.  We also learned that getting on and off the rink wasn't simple.  

So.. 

In July the following year, we took a break from construction for a day. We laid out the liner and staked out a new location of flatter ground.  Oh how I wish we'd had a camera rolling when we were finished staking and folded up the liner again.  Our still, calm morning suddenly became blustery and the liner, with us holding only the corners, became a kite in flight.  It literally lifted Duncan off his feet.  It took everyone to wrangle the liner until we had it rolled back up so it could be stored until just before winter.  Satisfied with our 'surveying' and prep, we returned to our construction projects.

Then...

In mid-November since the weather forecasted a snowstorm we took a quick break that we didn't really have time for from our Construction and built the frame for the ice rink and pounded in the posts in preparation of the freezing temps and snow.  Then we filled the rink.  The ice formed overnight!  We topped it up the next day.. which we later learned was not wise but fortunately it didn't tear the liner as it said it might.  

We didn't have long to wait.  

The boys tested it out.

Hockey and Skating.

La piece de la resistance. 

LIGHTING

After a year, we had our ice rink.  It didn't seem to have the same call for the boys that it did the previous year.  They skated and improved their hockey skills and spent most of their time skating while shoveling off snow, but it was missing something.  

January provided the missing something.

It needed.. 

the girls! 

They had been part of the original rink the year before and now they needed to be here for the new rink.  It's just not an official ice rink until Esther has done an unprecedented figure skating spin. 

Or perhaps.. my favourite.. the moonlight skate. 

 

Canada Trip -- Day 10

Day 10 (Eden, Sadie, Ava, Willows Beach AGAIN!, sleepovers, 67 photos)

We were exhausted as we began our next stage of our visit.  We lazily began our week.   Miles began a puzzle in the library of the condo, Patrick, Caleb and Sarah took a swim.

Eden called to invite us for breakfast and we accepted!  Eden never under entertains!  We were over well-fed.

We left the afternoon plans up to Ava and she chose Willows Beach.  So we went, again!  It was just as fun the second time.  Eden had a yoga class to teach that evening so she left early but we stayed just a few more minutes... hours!!  We lost a hat.

Back at Grandmas for the night... worn out in a happy way... bellies filled again .. this time quesadillas.  Eden swung by and took three big kiddos to her place and we all crashed until the next morning.

Patchwork and Musicals

In the final days...

We experimented with new Berry French Toast Breakfast.

It was topped with fresh whipped cream... It was a success... now I'm hungry as I type. 

We crocheted hair scrunchies... enough to fill Elowen's hair!

She really isn't original... This is what the little girls at the ranch did on Christmas even when I gave them a basket of scrunchies for Christmas... However.. these scrunchies on Elowen's hair show,

1. How long Elowen's hair is!
2. How many scrunchies Esther and I made during their visit since there weren't any left after Christmas eve.
3. How silly Elowen likes to be. 
4. How scrunchies ought to be worn!... definitely a new trend!

We turned a pile of fabric scraps... 

into a patchwork delight, while we wiled away hours watching musicals...

We definitely came away with favourite musicals and others we still scratch our heads about.  

But productivity reigned.

Patchworking is more challenging than we thought.  Trying to choose coordinating colours and patterns.  Not placing the same ones too close to each other or using one too frequently.  And of course... being sure it is most pleasing to the eye... or at least to the recipients eye!

oh... and keeping the cat off .

These are the completed delightful creations!

And the amused models!

I think it's time for me to make a new apron... my boys tell me it's time for them to get new ones!

Crochet.. Blog.. Aprons... does anyone want me to cook and clean anymore?!

 And then... after an unusually lovely moon

We bid a fond farewell to carefree days and sing song mornings.
We put aside the fun and games of the holidays and returned the girls to Utah.

We returned after a few days to Wyoming, and to chores, and to school days... and to cold temperatures and snow.

The girls... returned to their cello and violin.  They left nothing behind this time but fond memories and a list of things we want to do next time.

The white buffalo await.  The ice rink is chilling... the snow has fallen and covered the perfect sled paths again.  The snow cave needs exploring... The boys preferred their music lessons from the girls than from Mummy or Duncan. ..  The bird feeders need filling... and the nook is lonely for a good book and a snuggling companion.

Til' next time.

New Year... Old Stove

To ring in the new year... we decided to cook with the cookstove.

Unfortunately.... it took a bit to get started.  We forgot about one of the dampers and instead of just lighting the stove and getting our breakfast started... we filled the house with smoke and had all the windows and doors open letting in freezing winds.

Bring on 2020!

But just as with 20/20 vision... hindsight will hopefully help us remember for future cookstove adventures.  We did eventually have success and breakfast.

We baked all day.   A delightful turkey broth simmered on the stove and wafted a wonderful aroma through the house.  We baked bread and rolls. Then we added vegetables and meat to the broth and had a divine soup.  We still had goodies from Christmas and nibbled on those also.

We had our friends over again and spent the day playing games.  Jamie W. made lovely bookmarks for the girls and our much hoped for snow began to swirl outside.

Sledding was done... firewood was carted and food was consumed.  It was the sort of day that makes you wish everyday could be so grand.  It was a delightful beginning to the new year.

A little giddiness before bed with yet another reference to 'rule #1'.

Off to sleep.... mid-sentence or thought.

We enjoyed each day to the fullest and fell to bed pleasantly exhausted each night.

We need a break...

After days of go go go fun, we needed a quiet day. 

 

So... we deemed it pajama day.  

Books to read... Cocoa in the cups and calming music!

We took down the decorations and even the house had an air of calmness.  

Except, we really wanted to encourage some snow to fall so we could return to our outside fun play... so.... we left one little corner of snow encouraging decorations.

Boxing Day

So if Christmas Eve was perfect, and Christmas Day fun filled exhaustion... what do you do for Boxing Day?

After installing the bathroom door lock, much of Boxing day was spent recuperating.  We gathered wood.  We showered.  Some napped...

Oh.. and the big guys.. Caleb, Duncan, Elowen and Esther went to feed the Elk... on a sleigh.

I've since heard phrases such as, "That was the best ever"... "I want to do that again!" ... "That was the  most fun."... "Sam was hilarious!"

... so much fun it's its own post!

But other than Elk...

We continued the excitement with colouring

We pulled off some high fashion.

There were a few trips to gopher hill.  

Sledding happened a few times each day.

But when it was too cold to sled any longer they headed inside to entertain themselves in other ways.

... playing with the spinning top... body style.

We tidied a bit and mopped the floor while we listened to an audio book and prepared to end the day with a live facebook chat with a favourite author.

Some may have nodded off a bit while listening to the book.

A successful day when people are exhausted.
It's possible some hot cocoa and apple cider were partaken of... but I have no photographic evidence..

Two days into the visit.
What will we think to do next?

Christmas Angels

Christmas Eve has become the highlight of the season... as it should be.

It was made even more special this year because of our special guests.  Caleb and Esther and Elowen arrived on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.  We were eager for their arrival and to begin enjoyng their visit.

We began with the bonfire and the Nativity at the ranch.

This year 230 people enjoyed the camaraderie and the unseasonable winter warmth.  

Shepherds, Angels, townsfolk, census takers, wise men and the holy family.  

The warbling tones of the violin streaming Silent Night, Holy Night

Mary singing a lullaby to her newborn infant.

Testimonies born of a Saviour born to redeem the world.

Afterwards... a bit of silliness... Cookies and cocoa and some clandestine rearranging of ornaments on the Christmas tree.

Then back to the main house to enjoy soups and visits... with some amazing masseuses.

We tried to get a photo of the lanterns that lined the driveway from the bonfire to the barn.

A spectacular first evening of a visit!

Dec. 24, 2019