Icy and bright

It's that time of year again. After many days of cold, sunny, windy weather and a blustery Thanksgiving, the rain moved in last night. Our east facing hill is especially prone to freezing rain so I wasn't surprised to wake to our world covered in ice. The ice was over an inch thick along the fence and on the poor lilac bush near the road.
We stayed home today, of course, lingering over breakfast while wishing for the newspaper. Alex paid bills, Ole built a racetrack, and I made mochas, turkey noodle soup and finally cleaned out the microwave (so gross!), determined to accomplish something today. We also spent more time outside than usual, despite the wind, drawn by the beautiful crunchy coating.

There's mail in there, but we'd have to chisel it out!

I never get tired of looking at our new-old barn.

Little icy stem

Icy fences

Can't stop taking pictures of icy things!



An old rotted tree fell across the yard.



Ole stayed entertained practicing "Ninja moves."

Also fence drumming and thorough icicle breaking.



I feel like this shot should be in a magazine. Too bad I don't have a magazine.

Come on, fruit trees! Hold on!

Um, blackberry, it's December. I do love how they look magnified.

The classic whimsical birdhouse shot.

By afternoon, the sun peeks out and it's starting to melt.

Tomorrow we'll be back to school and work, hopefully without too much sliding and skidding down the hill. Wish us luck!

I nearly forgot to mention that we visited the Grotto's Festival of Lights this week. So many fun Christmas lights! I didn't get a family photo, but luckily we had someone to capture the evening in crayon.

Complete with lights and his bag of popcorn (in yellow)