Well, just when I was thinking there was nothing exciting to speak about - after the worst storm in Oregon history - we were awakened today by a phone call from the neighbor telling us a herd of elk was in the pasture. Grabbing binoculars, glasses and camera, we hurled ourselves down the stairs, rubbed the sleep from our eyes and tried to focus through the rain, and there they were - 15 beautiful big animals, resting comfortably next to the fence. They must have sensed we were there (can't imagine how!) and they slowly rose, ambled over to the fence, gracefully jumped, continued around our trees and on to the river.
One small elk at the end of the line was attempting to get over the fence without success when a larger one stepped next to it, leaned down and slid its own very big body UNDER the fence - to show it how to get through without jumping, I guess! It was incredible the flexibility, gracefulness and calmness they exhibited.
Later as we were examining the footprints, we saw that they had been busy in our yard very close to the house.
And just to give you an idea of their size, I took a picture of my boot next to the foot/hoofprints.
It was fortunate the snow was there to verify that they had been here, just in case we were to miss seeing them. Now we know why the dogs stare at the trees intently and bark incessantly - not just being a hyper golden retriever and her brother the copycat!!!
Well, fortunately they do get some down time (this watchdog job is very hard) :
And (snowball) playtime:
And more down time:
Now we're preparing to say goodbye (we hope) to the snow. We have rain in the forecast all week and above 40 temperatures - we're watching the river as it flows higher and faster.
So we're saying goodbye to -
SNOWDRIFTS
SHOVELING SNOW
GRAND WINTER SCENES
AND (SNIFF) CHRISTMAS PICTURES
Hope you're all enjoying your warmer weather and sun for us all!!!!!
Well, we are officially on the record for the most snowfall in December, and the worst winter storm in the last 40 years! Hearing someone is snowbound can bring cozy thoughts of curling up with a warm cup of coffee/tea, a soft afghan and a good book. But (especially in December) it also means:
Shoveling snow from sidewalks, porches and driveways
Snowdrifts over the top of your boots
No mail delivery
No garbage pickup
No electricity
No computers!!
Increased housework (everyone's inside)
Unopened presents
Refrigerator and freezer stocked with uncooked/uneaten holiday food
12 changes of plans with family and friends
Cabin fever
And speaking of cabin fever, some people do strange things at this time. With some help from a Christmas classic, I created my own Ode to a Snowbound Christmas.
Hope you like it!
'Twas the night before Christmas,
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
But alas, there was no way they were going to stay,
There was too much ice to park the sleigh.
And the prancing and pawing of each little hoof
Was because it was very, very cold on the roof.
We waved sadly to Santa and said, "Thanks for trying.
But we'll be doing the malls for our Christmas buying.
After Christmas, of course, so cash will be saved
Because right now our driveway isn't paved."
So we'll sit right here on Christmas Day
Watching the snowdrifts that won't go away.
And we'll think of you all, and share a cup of good cheer
And then we'll exclaim, "Better luck next year!".
In spite of all I said at the beginning of this blog, we are grateful for the protection and blessings we have received throughout this winter weather, and realize many have it much worse than us. We are grateful to our neighbors who used their snow clearing equipment to clear the snow from our driveway and brought us homemade fudge!! And we are keeping in mind the real reason to celebrate this season. We wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, we're finding the weathermen are very accurate with their predictions, as we check the thermometers and exclaim, "Yeah, it really IS 14 degrees!" So far we haven't had the heavy snow they're experiencing in the Portland area
- just a powder-sugar dusting that quickly melted. But we still have the rest of the week to go with additional predictions of snow and ice.
And even though it is 54 degrees in the sun this afternoon, I found out sadly that in the Northwest, poinsettias are indoor plants only. The beautiful poinsettia we bought yesterday froze outside within 6 hours and there is no rejuvenation. Of course it can't be inside, with my cats, who love plants! Speaking of the cats, they don't seem to mind the weather - as long as there is a ray of sun in which they can bask.
WHEREVER that ray may be.....
This just in - a beautiful view of Mt. St. Helens, taken by my sister on a wonderfully clear day with all the mountains visible. We have a great view of the mountain (though not as good as this) on our local road as we leave Clatskanie.
For all you jewelry lovers, I just finished custom making a great cabochon using a black and lavendar stone that the buyer purchased very inexpensively at one of our rock and gem shows. I'll try to get a picture of it......More later..................
