Connection

My first hug with Nanna since the pandemic started. There's just no substitute for the real thing!

I'm filled with gratitude to those who made this moment possible.  

Thank you to the research scientists, trial vaccine participants, state officials, local healthcare staff and volunteers.  Thank you to my community--my friends, family, neighbors and strangers--for social distancing, wearing face masks and modifying travel and gatherings.

Thank you to Nanna.  

I'm really looking forward to celebrating your 100th birthday later this year....in person!

Peterson Prairie 2021

Our annual tradition of visiting Peterson Prairie happened last weekend.  

This excursion was our 10th winter-time trip.

Getting ready to depart.  Jesse wore a pack and towed the orange sled.  I wore a small "Diddy" pack on my front and towed Ezra in the Pulk.  Jonah wore a small pack and skied the whole 2.5 miles in beautifully.

This winter has been warmer and there wasn't much snow---we were about to cancel the reservation and then some more snow showed up a few days before our trip---how fortunate!

The Forrest Service reduced our reservation to just the weekend in order to allow the cabin to "air out" during the week between users.  This policy made us feel comfortable about going as this is the first building (besides our home) we have stayed in since March 2020.  Still, when we arrived, we thoroughly cleaned all the surfaces knowing that Ezra would be touching and climbing on everything.

We enjoyed some great meals in the light of day and also by the glow of lanterns in the evening.

Historically we have been able to share this trip with friends and family.  Jonah exclaimed multiple times that he missed Uncle Paul being with us.

Ezra, being Ezra.

Jonah self-initiated maintaining the path to the bathroom.  It snowed 6 more inches the day after we arrived so there was a fair amount of work involved.  Jonah also opted to widen the path and created a smooth ramp so that one could sled from the cabin stairs straight to the bathroom door...which we did!  

My view from inside while Jesse and Jonah worked on a snow fort and Ezra tottered around in the deep snow.

I think the happiest camper of the trip was Ezra.  He was very cooperative and cozy during the sled trips and really enjoyed exploring around the cabin despite the fact that he won't wear mittens and I forgot to pack his snow pants.

The pliable nature of the snow really motivated Ezra to keep testing it.

Ezra does things his own unique way, but he's certainly got Jesse's sense of adventure, curiosity and joy.

Taste-testing this cold powder stuff.

Remember when we weren't sure if Ezra would ever walk?  I'm so proud of this little trooper!

Thank you Peterson Prairie for another great trip in the books.

Until next year.....

xoxo

Christmas Wish

"I wish for a white Christmas."

Thank you Santa!

We got 5 inches, which is pretty good for being down by the river...

and, even better, for the snow to arrive on Christmas day.

Merry Christmas!

November Hike

After a pretty rainy week, we were eager to get outside for a local hike.

It was nice to be in the fresh air.

This is a great time of year for this hike---it's too cold for ticks and the poison oak, while present, isn't encroaching on the path.

Jonah thinks I can identify every plant on our outings, but mostly I get curious and teach myself about the ones I find interesting.  I thought this vibrant lichen was really pretty and had to identify it when we got home.  It's common name is Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) and occurs most often in shady environments and is an indicator for rich, healthy ecosystems.  It is edible.

The fog, dormant meadow, and Jesse & Ezra.

My favorite thing about hiking is slowing down enough to notice nature's exceptional beauty.

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo