Since apparently I have no clue how to load a photo on here, I'll just write something.

I think we've seen the end of our yard until April-ish or so. Pretty safe to officially say that, since it's now 7 degrees and it's snowed several times this week. This snow ain't goin' nowheres, nosirree bob. The kids are having fun making snow men, snow tunnels, snow balls etc. It's all fine until someone puts an eye out, I mean.. until it goes below zero. Then they can't be outside as long without freezing off a vital part. In the past 18 months we've been here, I have learned a few things about dealing with snow and cold weather, up here in North Da-koh-ta  ( if you want to say it right--use the rounded 'oh' sound).

1) Don't even bother with your snowblower till you get a good snow of more than 4-5 inches. Otherwise, you just look like a fool and a wimp who can't handle this northern lifestyle. (and I can't!! bwaaa!!! I admit it!!! I love green, sun, and beach!!!)

2) The first few snow clearings can be handled with your broom. That nice soft snow just sweeps up so easily.  If you're especially crazy, like my old neighbor who was from Minne-soh-ta, you will wield said broom while wearing long shorts, boots AND parka.  The 'winter casual' look. The parka is key--just kind of makes the whole ensemble.

3) You will get to a point in the winter where it will actually be too cold to snow.  I'm not kidding. Then, when it 'warms up' to say, 15 degrees, the local people will get happy and say things like 'wow, it must be warming up, it's snowing!'  And sadly enough, you will actually get excited.

4) Supposedly, you can walk outside in the dead of winter, throw a cup of steaming hot coffee into the air, and it will evaporate before hitting the ground. Frankly, it never worked for us. Though my husband said it's because I had to actually walk away from the warm house, and not just stick my arm out the door. Also, it is a senseless waste of innocent coffee.

5) Don't be stupid enough to wear metal earrings while shoveling snow. (not that I could possibly know that from experience) This is not a fashion show.  'nuff said.

6) Speaking of fashion shows, you will lose all sense of vanity when it's 40 below zero, and will waddle around in the biggest, puffiest parka  you can find, which is actually a close relative of a sleeping bag. And you won't care. Because you're just desperate to be warm on that shuffle from the car to the store.

That's all I can think of for now. We haven't even touched the beauty of ice-fishing and other such pasttimes--sounds like fun, no?