Casa Blanca: March 2021

One of the reasons Rusty and I enjoy Minnesota in the winter is because of the many opportunities to play in the snow. The Winter Festival was happening in Ely while we were there in February. There are competitions for snow sculptures in the park.

Kick-sleds waiting to race.

Bicyclists waiting to race

Snow shoes waiting to be employed.

Dogsled trailers waiting for the races to begin.

Canoes waiting for softer water.

Winter camps for overnight stays.

We traded in our Mini Cooper and purchased a Toyota Rav4 so that we could navigate the snowy roads. I insisted we pay the extra money to get heated seats, and I'm really glad we have them.

Meanwhile back in Nebraska...

For the first time in many years, Nebraska had a real winter!

The snow piles from the driveway were almost shoulder height.

One day the moisture and cold combined for beautiful images!

I know it's not Ansel Adams quality, but this one reminds me of his work.

And back at the cabin...

My applique pillows for the cabin. We spent 3 weeks up north enjoying the beautiful winter.

When we first arrived, the cabin was only 50º. It took about 3 days to come up to a comfortable temperature.

Brrrrr.

I can't remember the last time I baked peanut-butter cookies.

...or took time to complete a puzzle.

It took 213 pieces and several afternoons to assemble our dresser. At least we now have a place to put our clothes.

Late afternoon relaxing for Rusty

Appetizer time for Di.

A typical evening meal at the cabin: Scottish salmon, noodles, beats, asparagus and cucumbers.

We rely heavily on our hot spots on our phones to pull in broadcasts, watch movies, learn from The Great Courses, and Zoom with friends.

On March 1 my Mom turned 95. We were able to access Zoom from our cabin and had a great family gathering with Mom and most of the grandkids. One of the positive outcomes of Covid-19 is the ability to easily connect with others who are far away.

Mom, Tracy, Dar, Kelly, Sam, Felicia, Ruby, Di, Ryan, Olivia.

My early morning attire.

Me, headed to the outhouse. (It's a pretty long walk.)

The outhouse is heated and cozy, no matter how cold outside.

We hiked in the woods nearly every day, no matter the temperature. One of the nice things about being in the middle of the forest is that there is almost no wind.

Gretchen and I sometimes walked on the road.

Our road is very curvy, hilly, and snow-packed.

Sometimes we traveled through the marshland, and eventually onto the lake.

The trails in the woods are hilly and curvy, just like the roads.

One day it snowed about an inch in the early morning and I decided to walk some trails. I was a little un-nerved when I came upon this scene.

The deer hair and blood are evidence of a very fresh wolf kill.

Trails often intersect and overlap. The double flag on the tree indicates 2 trails.

Our bay is behind the trees near the star. The dogsled company is one bay beyond ours.

I love this old man tree. Ent?

There aren't many signs in the woods, but like this one, it doesn't really tell you much unless you are already familiar with the area.

Gretchen and I like this sign. These people are one of our neighbors and we are anxious to meet them.

Upon awakening at Hus OLAF, I heat some water and make a cup of strong coffee. Then I sit in a comfy chair and watch the beautiful outdoors.

It is inspirational to see God's beauty! But I ask myself, if I lived here year round, how many mornings would I continue to spend this very special time enjoying nature? How long would it take before my need for a news fix would supersede this awesome experience? Would I find social media more enticing than this?

Morning sun illuminates the logs on this very brisk morning.

When I walk the trails I'm sharply aware of the ultimate silence in the woods. But then the silence is interrupted by my crunching footsteps and the whooshing of the large raven's wings.
The high contrast of the very black tree trunks is pitted against the stark, white snow. The sunlight bounces off the pale aspen trunk and the remaining snowcaps on the trees.
The brilliant blue of the sky is contrasted by the dark, very dark needles of the trees.

In a few hours the brilliance of this setting sun will be replaced by intense, sparkling stars.

Meanwhile, back in Lincoln, life goes on. I continue to sort through things I've saved over the years. I've decided having a photo of cherished things is better than filling up shelves. Here is my collection of gloves. I wore them for proms, weddings, funeral, concerts, etc. The culture has changed and one seldom sees a lady with dress gloves anymore.