Gully

See this gully? There is a memorial at the top of this gully. Some newlyweds on their honeymoon tried to turn around here in the dark. It seems like an unlikely place to try this endeavour so one must imagine that judgment was impeded by either spirit or love.




This is Gentry, carrying a very large chunk of snow. According to observation, the male species upon seeing a ledge of this kind must either spit or throw something over. So it goes.




Some of the snowman parts that went over made it all the way to the bottom, over the littering of more like it, and on top of a large rock at the bottom to end up with a satisfying splash into the river, bobbing down deep, coming up and floating on down river like a small boat. That was truly rewarding. The others were hardly worth the effort, and an effort it was as the snow had melted enough to make them quite secure.

Now keep in mind what I was experiencing at this time. Grant, who is not particularly cautious, getting as close as possible to the edge as he can and trying to dislodge these frozen together chunks of ice.... and really snow can be quite slippery. Gasp! And double gasp.

Biscuits and Gravy: Step One

Like a lot of parents these days, I am trying hard to eliminate the artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives in the food I serve to my family. I have found a recipe without the aforementioned that my family heartily accepted! Not an eyelash was batted at the substitution and by making this up myself I am pretty confident that there will be a $ savings also.

"Jimmy Dean" original style breakfast sausage recipe:
1 lb. ground pork
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. parsley
1/4 tsp. sage
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. coriander
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

I did not add the crushed red pepper since that is usually added to our "adult" gravy and the kids do not really enjoy the spice. Try it and see what you think. I can't believe it was this easy.

Mystery Solved

Everyone was much too clever so I will go ahead and tell the rest of the story....
It all started with the hump. What is under the hump? A picnic table should be under there somewhere.
Grant starts digging to see if he can find the picnic table. How much snow is there on top of it? Surely it can't be that hard to find out.

This is Grant standing on the ground. The top of the picnic table would be about to chest level on him.

This photo puts it in perspecive with Gentry standing on the top of the hump. Grant is standing on the ground on one side of the table.
Escalation is the name of the game. It is never enough to spend a bunch of time digging a tunnel, one must also start building on top. Dad is making some very handy Igloo makins' with his boat paddle. Who needs a shovel?
Building the base.

Grant peeking out of his cave.
And further escalating the fun is going in at night with your battery operated lantern. The whole igloo was glowing green!
The only other light is from a full moon. I don't know why the mountains call to us when there is a full moon but wow it was beautiful!

And a visitor shows up at a more civilized hour!

Mystery at Vertical Ranch

Would anyone like to venture a guess as to what this is? If I already sent you the pictures you will know so no fair giving it away!

Laughter ....the best medicine? Warning: repulsive word used.

I have been enjoying the blogs of all those who have little ones and the moms update family and friends on the cute new things the tykes have been saying. So I thought I would do the same. Unfortunately as I sit down to write this all the "cute" things I had planned on telling you about has slipped out of my noggin. But one, not so cute, stands out so I will share it. Victoria is sick. She came home from school yesterday and I was gone so she only had her brother here to comfort her. His saying when I came in......
"Stand back and let her puke, and nobody gets hurt!"
Crude but age appropriate. Something for you with little ones to look forward to. Twinkle.

Remodeled Kitchen Update on Gentry Homes Blog

I have added a few before and after pictures to our Gentry Homes blog for anyone interested in checking it out. The transformation is amazing and so obviously an improvement.
www.gentryhomes.blogspot.com

Avalanche!

These pictures are from a neighbor at Fish Lake. The cabin is not going to be easy to clean is it? Amazing the force of all that fluffy snow.

A Fashion DO! Especially if you are 2!

Recently, Victoria has been giving Dad and I many fashion pointers. Apparently Gentry needs considerable help since his wardrobe consists mostly of items purchased at the big local warehouse.... his reply is usually along the lines of, "Well Victoria, at least my clothes fit me; the sleeves don't have holes that my thumbs poke through, the shirts aren't shrunk to fit under my ribcage, sleeves are not dragging past my knuckles, and the shoes have a back on them. Best of all,I can rely on them being the same every time. " (Big groan heard in background.)

The fashion sported by our model Joe will undoubtedly meet with approval of those with the most discriminating tastes and has been greeted by great enthusiasm by critics of all ages. Definately a 5 star fashion DO! Who wouldn't like to wear this ensemble whenever possible? Comfort and style collide for a winning combination! Current fashion design is definately a going concern and this blog will feature more tips for those with the uncertain wardrobe.

Family Times

Uncle Gentry is telling tall tales......"Well, Danny, your dad used to get nose bleeds all the time and one day when we were out playing in the pasture he got a doozy of a bleeder. As the responsible older brother I grabbed the closest thing there was to stuff up his nasal passages and stop the flow ......and come to find out your pa is allergic to ragweed!"

"Aunt Lainey, is it true?" It is worrisome to be the younger brother at times like this.