Amazing

I was sorting through my pictures today and it dawned on me that I have lived a pretty cool life so far. I traveled, taken advantage of my surroundings, and found love. Today's blog is a tribute to life because it is so darn cool!

Skiing and Chickens

We are officially on our two week winter break. Usually school weeks that cusp a vacation are stressful and exhausting but, this one wasn't. My students finished strong and at the end of Friday, there was a winter concert in the gym.

I also got to skiing with BC on one of the best powder days I have ever encountered on Mt. Hood. The powder was light and I took advantage of fresh tracks on each run. A remarkable day that left me yelling "I LOVE my life" in a secluded powdered valley. I have never experienced such solitude skiing on a resort mountain. To top it off, friendly birds flew over us while eating our lunch. Accustomed to the white man's riches, the birds ate out of our hands and approached my sandwich with mild force. Check out the video for more.

Home life is going well too. Our house is warmed by the wood stove nightly and it is comfortable. Buddy has been taking some solo treks, which worries us and makes us late for work sometimes. We really to need to build a fence for Buddy and the chickens. The girls are getting big and have almost grown complete combs and wattles.

I anticipate a visit from my brother Hans on the 23rd and more powder skiing.

Winter Days

My sixth graders have been reading a young reader version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol and I have to say that it has cheered me up. The novella reminds me that Christmas is about giving, spending time with family & friends, and caring for the less fortunate.

This week also marked the end to my metal shop class. I learned how to use some tools and made some interesting things. I can't wait to take the class again, I think I will do so in the spring.

We bought our Christmas tree, Paul and Wintry had their annual ornament party, and Gabbie and I pretty much have our gift shopping done :). I am looking forward to my two weeks off, my brother Hans visiting, and skiing in some powder!

Ski Bowl

I haven't seen snow in about three years and boy oh boy did I miss it. Reed and I drove to Ski Bowl for a warm up day. About a month ago, I bought new gear, and today was very exciting to try it all out. I LOVE IT! Skiing, being in the cold, is wonderful. I had a great time and look forward to more skiing adventures this winter.