This is not how your story was supposed to end...

Bruiser passed away unexpectedly today. I can't believe he's gone.

My husband is always teasing me about how I expect life to be all "rainbows and unicorns", so I got the socks!

A local artist was offering this li'l cutie for sale. When my son saw it he said,"You know that has to go home with you, Mom." So, he bought it for me. He knows me too well!

In order to spend time together inside, Nate, Olivia, and I decided to step outside of our comfort zones and try a painting class at Muse! It was so much fun and our paintings came out great, if I do say so myself!

Then, Ike met us at Otto for some yummy pizza. As it turns out, the pizzeria wasn't far from the house where Dad grew up, so of course I had to go see it. I couldn't believe there was a sundog over it! What're the chances?

All in all, a good day. Nothing better than quality time to make a mom happy!

Mornin'!

I guess I was kinda cute, too! Here I am with Mom & Dad way back when!

Happy birthday Nate! I love sharing memories - you really were the cutest baby! (I know every grown man wants to hear that, but he'll humor me 'cause I'm his mother! 🤣) Enjoy every moment! ❤️

Snowy Sentinel

My first run this year - made more challenging by brutal coastal Maine winter weather, but so much better with good friends!

That's one we won't forget! Thanks for the picture, Greg!

Ed met me after work and we headed over to Stratham Hill Park to ski by moonlight(not moonshine!). We actually made it to the top just before the sunset faded completely. The moon was so bright we didn't even need our headlamps. It was amazing!

You warm up quickly when snowshoeing through deep powder! 

Yes. I'm fully aware of all the reasons why this is a bad idea. I'm going to do it anyway. Because if eating chocolate cake for breakfast is wrong, I don't want to be right!

Lunar Halo

Today would've been their 53rd wedding anniversary. They sure provided us with the best example of what a marriage should be! Love and miss you both...

We got a ton of snow, and George is not sad about it!

And it hasn't stopped yet! We're well over the 2 foot mark...

We could all use a li'l good news today...

I'm not sure how, but I've managed to keep this a secret and now, finally, I can share it with everyone. I'M GONNA BE A GRAMMIE!! I am beyond excited, and so proud of my older son and his wife. They are going to be such good parents!

I loved how the jet's trail reflected the sunset that was no longer visible here...

Taking advantage of a warm day before another deep freeze by taking a drive through a car wash!

Peekaboo!

Aurora Borealis

Woke up to a winter wonderland!

First attempt at gluten free pizza crust...

It was different, but not bad.

I disturbed their slumber...

On my way to bed I dropped my phone. I glanced down from the loft to see George looking up

all worried, and Buffy already on her way to help! I assured them I was okay. 🤣

A meeting of the...minds?

While I had their attention, I thought we could have a meeting about their current free-loading status. We're gaining a li'l bit more daylight each and every day, so maybe they could start laying eggs again? You can just imagine their responses! I can't repeat them here...

South Mountain Sunset

I had a stressful day at work, so as soon as I got out I told George to jump in the car and we headed for the mountains where there are no people! 

The access road and lower portion of the trail was a sheet of ice. It was even worse than when we were up there on Sunday evening. Even with my cleats, I was slipping. But, I was able to find decent traction along the edge, so we didn't turn around. I considered it, though. Several times. I'm so glad I didn't! The top half of the mountain was almost completely clear!

The sunset was awesome!

George is such a good hiking buddy. He gets a li'l confused at times, but he listens so well. His only vice is that he hates when I stop to take pictures, so he goes around and around and around. 🤣

We did end up finishing after dark, which I expected and was prepared for. I know a lot of people get spooked, but I'm not one of them. It's so peaceful out there! 

"I see you're struggling, Mom. Perhaps I could help?"

And so it begins...

Hopefully I'm not too old to learn a new trick 'cause I've got lots of fun things to make!

Sunset from Middle Mountain

Sometimes I have hare-brained ideas, but fortunately I'm married to someone who thinks they sound like a grand adventure! After spending this gorgeous day inside trying to get caught up on housework, I suggested we hike up South Mountain to watch the sunset. Ed agreed, but modified the plan to Middle Mountain. For some strange reason, considering all the time I've spent in Pawtuckaway State Park, I've never hiked up that one. Boy, was Ed right this time!

Don't forget your ice cleats today!

The warmer temperatures this morning may feel more comfortable, but last night's rain froze on contact. It's slick out there!

January Thaw

We hiked Dumplington Hill today. It was gorgeous!