Monkey Lobster

In the flesh

Cyrus has been really into the "shuman" Raymond Briggs' "The Snowman" this year. We are really into all of his book, Ug: Boy Genius of the Stone Age, and Father Christmas just to name a couple.  So at the first fall of snow I got busy bringing him to life (we'll see what happens at the stroke of midnight).

I considered whether or not this was the best of use of my time and decided that indeed it was. After all, when you stop to think about it what in life is more important than taking the time to building a snowman? If you have other ideas please let me know.

I have made many snow sculptures but building the snowman was surprisingly challenging for me, I'm not sure he is just right, but seeing Cyrus' joy, disbelief, and songs of praise make me think I got close enough.

snow fun

 

 There are some things that are just superior to other things. I refer to this sled as the superior sled.  I have tried many, many sleds and really nothing compares. (I was once on crutches for three months because of a tobogganing accident.) The thing about the inflatable saucer(it's other name) is that it can handle any conditions..........fast on ice, packs down powder, goes right over grassy patches on a not so snowy hill, is light weight and easy to carry, comes in many sizes, is easy to bail off of and doesn't hurt when it lands on you, can be deflated to fit into your purse, and most important of all....cushioning on the bumps, and insulation from the cold ground. For the BMW of superior sleds check out this, although it looks like they are out.

And if you are wondering about the luge in the photos, I simply dragged Elsa on the the new fallen powder to make a track, and then shoved the snow I used to create the path to build up some of the walls. It took a few runs the get the hight of the walls high enough to keep the sled on the track. All in an effort to help Cyrus like winter.  He hates it and won't wear mittens.
   

 

building a snow cave

So we finally have snow and this makes me happy.  So of course I build something.  This kind of structure is a lot of work but fairly easy. Here is how:

I start by pilling snow in one spot, as high as I can.  The snow for this one came off my driveway (you know two birds, plus I have to look like I'm doing something productive).  After about two hours of hard shoveling I took a lunch break and let the pile "cure" for about 2 hours.  This is an important step.  If you don't wait the cave will just crumble when you try to dig it out.  

Then I decide where I want the door to be and start carving it out, removing the snow as I go.  As the cave grows I carve from the inside and push the snow towards the door, climb out and haul the snow away.  I always make a vent hole, this not only gives me air but also helps me keep track of how thick the walls are.  I want the thickness of the walls to be uniform.  

Once you are done you can light a candle and the little bit of heat will melt the inside a little and when it re-freezes it will add to the integrity of the structure.  

Here are a couple of "before" shots.

I made the BIG mistake of trying to smooth the outside of cave and ended up with well, a giant skylight. Oh well, now I know. 

a snow sculpture and a surprise

Elsa dragged me outside into the rain to help her build a snowman, I never seem to be able to just build a snowman.  He seems to have melted under the gorgeous sunny day we had, but still worthy of a photo.

And these spools of VELVET ribbon arrived on my doorstep today from a secret admirer (although I think I know who you are).  Can you believe them? The spools are as beautiful as the ribbons on them.  

  

when life gives you snow, make strawberries

Elsa and I built this in the dark last night.  She was kind enough to hold up a flash light for me (her idea).

Sculptures in the Snow

Always ready with a pair of mittens and a big knife.............

This is the rest of me (yes a self portrait) from the bye bye boobs post.

Wishful thinking.

And yes more chickens, we just love them so much.

Do shelters count as sculptures???

Bye-bye boobs

My little Cyrus turned two in November.  Soon after, he decided that he did not need to nurse (ne-ne) any more.  It's been about a month since he has nursed and I felt like an announcement was in order.  I am proud of my growing boy.

These HUGE boobs where built many years ago.  Right after I graduated from college I took a job at a boarding high school where I made lots of trouble.  This GIANT piece of trouble was built in front of the main building at the school and won me a VIP meeting with the head master.  

 I have since then gotten myself into trouble for public breast feeding, but for now my baby seems to be keeping me buttoned up.

Chickens on the brain

We LOVE our chickens.  It has been about two weeks now and Mud, Midnight, Sparkle, and Crazy  (all instantly named by elsa) have become part of our family.  Unlike other pets we've had, they give us 3 to 4 delicious eggs a day.  As a gardener I am in disbelief  every spring when my seeds come up............. with that same anticipation I just reach into their nesting box and there, to my surprise are EGGS.  My cat is developing an inferiority complex.  I figured a snow statue was only fitting.