Monkey Lobster

snow and ice and winter people

 The kids were off school last week for Winter Break, so we headed up to Saranac Lake and Lake Placid for the first part of the week to visit some dear friends. I've known Sarah since I was a teenager, yet after so many years of friendship had no idea what an incredible skier she was. While we were skiing the trails of the Adirondacks, she was cheering on her old teammates who where skiing in Sochi. But what made me aware of her skill, was the steep terrain that she dragged us up and then turned around and flew down, while nursing a one year old baby tied on to her stomach! 

We returned after three days of skiing and skating, and came home for some more shoveling, night sledding and snowshoeing. Most often these activities only include the four of us,there just aren't a lot of winter lovers out there. So it was again a treat to share our enthusiasm with some local(ish) friends, and to reassure our kids that we are not the only parents who drag their kids out into the cold snowy mountains. They will thank us some day, but for now edible bribes seem to be working.

With likely only two more weeks left of winter, we plan to soak it all in until next year.

seizing the moment

Here in Massachusetts winter is very unpredictable, so you learn to seize the moment.

Elsa will often ask "is this the right snow for.............?', because sledding snow is not good for building, and if we don't pack down the sledding ramp when the snow is fluffy, then it won't ice over when the temps rise and freeze again.

Really enjoying the joys of winter involves a drop everything and do it now attitude. And finding the fun even when it tries to hide, because a dry, brown, cold winter means solid, smooth, glistening lakes and ponds for skating.

Armed with snow gear and two big chefs knives, I headed out to carve out the furniture needed for the planned igloo tea party. Only to find this. Maybe you can feel my pain? 

Oh well. 

Glorious Winter

The igloo is a work in progress and it will soon have it's own post. This last picture is Cyrus, on his way to school with his back-back on.

snow fun

 I don't know what it is about winter that I love so much. The skiing, sledding and skating are great, but even without that it's just so amazing. I love the quiet of the night and how bright the stars shine, the squeaky, crunchy noise snow makes under my feet on a cold day, the no excuse whole body workout shoveling the driveway brings, and there's nothing better than a snow day. Nothing.

We've been enjoying our snow couch so far, and Ben got me a smoker for Christmas that I am looking forward to using all winter long.

 Build with snow requires the right kind of snow. Heavy, wet snow, on a warm day, followed by a cold night to freeze it into place. You just gotta seize the moment when it presents itself. The bass is in the front yard, and I'd love to add some more instruments to the collections. I just gotta wait for the right kind of snow. I love this short video on how to build an igloo, I've heard that in Inuit languages there are several words for the different kinds of snow. We don't get a lot of "that kind of snow", but if it ever comes you can be sure I'll give the igloo a try.

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???