IT'S A WRAP

Our 2009 is ending in a white wrapping of snow.

We've had two additional snow events since The Christmas Eve Blizzard.

I don't mind shoveling snow. . . IF it's not miserably cold and IF it's not the really wet and heavy kind.  In fact, the kind of snow we've had has been the good kind.  Well, the HUGE amount we received in the first snowfall was more than I would want to handle with a shovel.  Snow blowers were in order for that amount.  However, the last two snow falls have been in the 2 inch range.  That's where I don't really mind taking the shovel to our driveway and working away for a bit.

If you're relatively healthy,  snow shoveling is a great way to get a  little exercise and also a perfect opportunity to get lost in some "thinking time".

However,  sometimes the best part of the job is just putting that shovel aside for awhile and . . .

 

taking up a little scoop of snow in your gloved hands.

Then after packing it into the perfect orb,

 you roll it along atop the ground,

watching as it grows and grows,

all the while recalling doing the same thing many years ago,

when your hands were small and covered with smooth, young skin.

Then, you repeat the process,

but stopping  sooner so it remains just a bit smaller.

After adding it to the first,

and with one more trip to the snow,

you create the perfect, final form.

When  placed on top of the other two. . . . 

and adorned with  some buttons and a carrot,

you have brought a snow person to life----- again.

 

Then you find yourself remembering similar days in years gone by. . .

days spent busily creating snow creatures of all sizes and shapes- - -

and igloos

and snow forts.

You remember how you spent HOURS in the cold with your friends and siblings. . .

building, fighting, and loving the white gift from above. 

You remember your own kiddos longing for it to snow

so they could use their new sleds

or wear their new snowsuits.

 

THEN you remember the first year your hubby got his snow blower attachment for his . . . . .

 

big ol John Deere lawn mower! 

What a glorious day that was for him!  (Hmmmm- just noticed the frozen garden hose on the driveway.  Tacky, tacky!)

Yep, snow can be rough and cause lots of problems for us, but it can also be a gift and . . . .

 bring us lots of fun

and good feelings and sweet memories!

It can also be a way to deliver a message. . . .

like this Happy New Year shout out THE STONE RABBIT, Frosty and I are sending to you!

We hope it's filled with fun,  happiness,  and good health!

AND that's a wrap to 2009!

 

DANA

Comments

[Darlene]

Morning Dana,

Look at all of your BEAUTIFUL snow and that snowman!!! Ours is ALMOST all melted....not quite, and we have a chance for some more today. I don't think it is supposed to be much at all just flurries. It has been some crazy December weather here in Oklahoma! I hope you and your family and the Stone Rabbit have a Happy New Year!♥

[Nancy]

What a treat - two posts I haven't read! I loved all of your pictures in the last. How sweet these snow memories are....made me cry and I'm not sure why. Maybe it brings back memories of all the people no longer here who held my had when it was small.
Heading to NB for a couple of days. When I'm sitting outside tonight I'll drink a cup of warm cider to you...I'm so glad to have made a new friend in 2009. Sending wishes your way for a wonderful year ahead. xoxo Nancy

[Keetha]

I'm loving your snow man!

We have some snow here too - - - but not as much as you do!

[Terri]

While 2009 was not a great year for our family, one of my blessings was getting to find you. What a darling you are! I love your snowman!

[heather]

aww, your snow man is so cute! Happy New Year! We woke this morning to a nice covering of snow today too!

[Pat]

It looks like a Christmas card where you are Dana! Happy healthy and prosperous 2010 to you!!!
Glad you're my blog friend!
Hugs, Pat

[Stephanie]

Brrrrrr! Time for some hot chocolate by the fire!

[Dixie]

Well Dana... one thing about it.. you guys won't have to worry about the grass catching on fire while shooting off fireworks this year!

Happy New Year! Dixie

[Judy]

We had some really nice snow just in time for a white Christmas. I loved watching the grandkids build their snowman. Now we've just had rain which means yucky slush & mud. Sounds like there's more snow on the way though.
I wish you & your family a very happy, safe and blessed New Year.(oh and the Stone Rabbit too) :0}
Judy

[John Deere Mom]

Love the snowman! I hope we get enough snow soon to make one! And the lawn mower?! Woo hoo! :)

[Beverly]

Happy New Year to you and your family, Dana. And, to TSR and Frosty, too.

The snow look beautiful. It must have been so fun to bring that snowman to life. It was definitely fun for me to watch you do it - cuz I was nice and warm.

[Sheila]

Dana, how lovely! The closest I can come to a snow man is a sand man on the beach! LOL!

Wishing you all the best for the coming year. You and the Stone Rabbit have made this one memorable for so many, including me!

Happy New Year!

XO,

Sheila :-)

[Teresa]

What a great post...I love your blog...can it really be 2010....So glad I found your blog and look forward to many reads in 2010..Happy New Year..

[Chris]

Happy New Year! Thanks for your blog this past year. I'm looking forward to many more posts from you and the Stone Rabbit.

[jeanne]

Hello Dana, I have not been on my computer all day. Nope, not one look. I woke up at 5:00am, then 6;00 am then 7:00 am and finally I gave up at 8:00 am. Guess why? Yep, CC. She is a morning nightmare. HA! Good thing I AM a morning person, but we went to bed at 2:00 am. We were out bowling, Yes I said bowling, until after midnight. The bowling Alley had a big New Years party and we attended and BOWLED for hours. In between food and drink of course. Actually, we had a blast. We celebrated with Franklin's finest bowlers, excluding me. I haven't bowled in 15 years. I am still laughing as I write you about it. Get this, we bowled with black lights on in the dark. That really improved my bowling!!! NOT!!! Bottom line, we enjoyed the whole night.

Now, all of that snow boggled my mind. A snow blower is definitely a huge help. I love your snowman and I agree snow can be fun or NOT. We have a terrible time getting down our mountain in the snow. I still love the magic of that gorgeous white stuff.

Your New years day sounds calm and enjoyable. I had a crazy day. I left with my sisters at 9:00 am to go to the BIGGEST auction of the year and spent the entire day there. I bought one very important purchase. An antique oriental rug for my 9ft country dining table. It was a steal for $200. I'll post it soon. It is 7x11 a very odd size but just perfect for my house. Thus, no one bid on it but me. Oh joy.
HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Love,Jeanne

[claudie]

Oh Dana
I LOVE this post so much. Yes I remember making forts in our back yard. I used to go out before dinner, make my little fort and plead with my mom to eat out there. She looked at me and said "are you crazy?"... no! it was peace and quiet with no sounds, not even my sister was out there with me. Your snow man is sweet, and Randy would LOVE a John Deer with a snow blower.
As you probably know, we did not get to see Andy Williams. It just wasn't in the cards this year. I hope he stays around (Andy that is) for another few years lol
Happy New Year
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxo