January Snows

I have a few small things to comment on this time around even though this time of year is generally pretty quiet for us.

We’ve had a couple snowstorms; nothing major (like the East Coast and snow in feet, not inches) but enough for me to use the blower and garden tractor to clear the drive and sidewalks. Photos featured below were taken this past Tuesday, January 19th:

January 19th snow

Driveway after removing snow

“Artsy” shot of our chain link fence

The snow was quite heavy; we received about 3 inches or so and it would’ve made a good snow fort or snow-people. More white stuff is in the forecast for this weekend but daytime temps are getting into the upper 30’s so the snow should not stick around long (except on the lawn in shady places).

I had to replace a tire on the John Deere garden tractor; it’s had a slow leak for some time and finally gave up the ghost. The tractor is a ’93 model and the tire was original; 23 years is a pretty good service life for a tire.

January 10th saw me driving to Park County to check on The Lot and the storage shed. Snow rules the high country this time of year, but I spent some time walking around Sanderling and taking a few photos.

Driveway and shed, January 10th

The Nook

On the way home I stopped in Blue River (near Breckenridge) and took this mountain scenic:

Mountains near Breckenridge

I find myself humming “Muriah” (from Paint Your Wagon) every time I see the snow blowing around the mountain tops.

From time to time small things just make me smile. A few days ago Pam and I were trying to find a term for a group of skunks; Pam came up with “a stink of skunks” which made me laugh. And, very infrequently, advertising copy catches my eye. While shopping for shampoo I had picked up a bottle of Prell, inexpensive and it does the job. However, right next to the Prell was a display of Old Spice products so I picked up a bottle and enjoyed the ad copy on the back: “The strength of a redwood and the mystic scent of mint in TIMBER is power for your hair, soul, and jet-powered chainsaw if you happen to use one.” “Directions: Wet hair, lather, rinse, and get on with your day.” The Old Spice is now sitting in our bathroom.

The Denver Broncos play the New England Patriots tomorrow in the divisional playoff game; the winner goes to the Super Bowl. I have my doubts about the Broncos getting that far but we will see! Watching Peyton Manning in the twilight of his career can be an exercise in fan frustration.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Two Cents Worth:

And we wouldn’t be talking about skunks at all, except I smelled one in the neighborhood already this week.  Apparently the nine skunks that were trapped and relocated out of this part of town last summer were not all of them. (?)  I was anticipating the Spring warmup, now I wonder. Note to self: stock up on Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover…

We did load up the dogs and drive by about seven properties in Delta, CO last Sunday.  Delta is aptly named, as it sits at the juncture of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers.  Irrigation water is plentiful there (unusual for Colorado). Pondering what we could do with a “farmette-sized” acreage in that location – how about a seasonal pumpkin patch + small Christmas tree farm? Possibilities abound.

Happy Trails.