Weather schmeather

We are in the middle of an ice storm over here. The freezing rain started an hour ago, and already chunks of ice are flying sideways and hitting the windows. There's ice and snow and more ice and neverending wind. Roads are shut down and we haven't had school since the 6th of January (that's ten snow days so far if you're keeping a tally).
Our conversations are exclusively weather related:
"Is this our 4th ice storm or our 5th?"
"Did you hear they clocked a 102mph gust at the lookout across the river?"
"When will it end?!?!"

I am just going to think instead about a kinder, gentler winter--one of birdwatching and nature hikes. We've visited the great little wildlife refuge just down the hill from us twice already this winter. Our second visit was a guided hike on New Year's Day and it was great to learn a little more about this gem so close to home.

Mt Hood in the background.

A great blue heron

We spotted two bald eagles on our first visit.

Crowding around the spotting scope, the Columbia River to the right.

A cell phone photo through the scope.

Canada geese taking flight.

The perfect way to start the new year!

Wintertime fun

We've settled into winter over here, a big pile of muddy boots in the laundry room to prove it. With two ice storms and four snow days off from school, we've spent most of it at home. It has been cozy and fun so far. And we're currently on day 8 of a 19 day Christmas break (but who's counting, right?).

Our sweet kitty Maeve loves her spot under the tree. She's been edged out by gifts now.

Staying home means lots of cooking, baking, planning meals, and thinking about food in general. So it's only natural that I kind of obsessed over this perfect breakfast: the last of the homemade goat's milk yogurt with pear, walnuts, and honey. So good!

Ole has kept busy. Between bouts of begging for television, he's been painting, drawing, sledding, jumping, and all sorts of fun kid stuff. I've been loving his latest work.

We finally had our first frost deep into December. I do believe it was the latest frost on record in our area, but it brought with it a doozy of an ice storm.

We've lived here long enough to see a few of these storms, so we were fully prepared and happy to stay off the roads for a few days. I saw the new neighbors wandering around dazed by the sight of inch-thick ice, taking photos of it all just like me.

Here's hoping the holidays are happy and bright wherever you are!

Ho hum autumn

The days are getting shorter and the east wind is a-blowin'. Our fall routines continue here: the hauling in of pumpkins, the saving of seeds, and the jumping in of leaf piles.

A colorful assortment this year.

We enjoyed Washougal's harvest carnival again this year, especially the balloon man who seems to find real joy in his unusual career.

He made a bat!

Other fall things are happening, too. We chopped the artichokes to the ground and mulched, pruned the raspberry canes, and planted a few spring bulbs.

Mama hen teaching her four nearly-grown chicks the Way of the Chicken.

A few artichokes left unharvested in the garden.

Then just before it was finally time to trick or treat, the bat disappeared and this ninja emerged. Doorbells were rung and candy was eaten in classic Halloween style.

This week has been overshadowed by election disappointment. Despite the drizzle and my foul mood, I headed to the woods early Wednesday morning, hoping to shake loose that dark cloud. It was a lovely trail, but no luck. Even Pepper has the blues.

Remember September

We had so much fun at the beach Labor Day weekend that I thought we'd take a look back. The weather was perfect and we spent most of our time outside--Dad organized a family bocce ball tournament which he then handily swept.

Ready!

The gear, ready for action

Rhonda, Alex, and Ole playing in the ditch. See the minion perched on the mole hill? Even Legos got involved in the bocce game.

Nice form, Dad!

The award ceremony. Ole grins with his trophy.

We really soaked up the sun at the beach. It was busier than usual because of the holiday, but we staked out a good spot for kite flying. It was Josh's first time!

Then we hit up a nearby beach, a short drive from our usual spot, and enjoyed the long flat coastline, the surfers, the driftwood shanty town, and tide pools.

Back at home, more sunflowers!

So tall!

Ole heads into the towering sunflower forest.

Our kitty, Maeve, keeps an eye on the hummingbird feeder.

A fun surprise in the chicken tractor...4 baby chicks!