Grandma's a Little Cra-Cra

Grandson Dane challenged hubby and I to do the 'Winter Challenge.' For the uninitiated...the Winter Challenge is a dare to run into freezing cold water; and then, in turn, to challenge others to do the same. Grandpa and I were up for the challenge. After much deliberation we chose Lake Whatcom for the big event. Even though it's mountain fed, it's not as frigid as the freezing waters of the Puget Sound. And though it was tempting, we opted against some local ponds that would be warmer, but brackish and slimy.

 To get to Lake Whatcom you must drive over gi-normous Alabama Hill. As we proceeded up the hill; I began having serious misgivings. All the way up (and over) that hill I was contemplating chickening-out. Should a 58-year-old grandmother of 13 really plunge headlong into a chilly lake? It was only 42 degrees outside. Would I get hypothermia? Would this be too a great shock for my pampered, heat-loving system? I tell you; I was really in a dither by the time we arrived at the lake.

Hubby went first while I video'd him. Seeing him come out of the water without turning blue gave me the courage I needed to take the plunge. I did it; folks; I really did it! Here's the link for proof!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201956673174587&l=4740014364935713972

How would I describe the experience?

Exhilarating!

 

Sometimes even Grandmas need to do something a little cra-cray!

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In celebration of an ordinary January day

One of my goals this year is to celebrate more. Not just holidays...but the little things in life. The ordinary. Last Thursday after work I decided to celebrate the day by treating myself to something fun. Just something small. So I spent a pleasant half an hour wandering through a sweet little local home boutique store looking for something that would make me smile. This made me smile!

 

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you've gotta get used to rain. Rain in winter. Rain in summer. Rain in fall and spring. Don't even think of coming here without your raincoat! But there's something cozy about rainy days. Spending a dreary day with my friend or hubby; sharing a mug of French roast coffee or a steamy cup of Earl Grey tea with honey and lemon makes whiling away the rainy days really quite pleasant!

 

My two new little friends here, are sitting on my kitchen window sill to remind me to celebrate gray days with a warm mug and quiet conversation.

 

So tell me...how are you celebrating the ordinary-ness of your life?

 

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Washington winter scenes

Damp, misty rain. Swollen creek and muddy paths in the wood.



Gloomy, misty winters make for towering Washington evergreens.

Summer wildflowers and autumn leaves are laid to rest. In their place all manner of moss and fungi grow.



Mount Baker calmly presides over the winter valley;  all stately and serene.

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A Frosty KOA

We have a beautiful KOA not far from our house. We decided to drive over in the snow last weekend to see how it looked...

Frozen Ponds

Frozen Pool

 Frozen Ice!

I'm thinkin' that ice sales are down this time of year...

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Snow Day!

It's a lazy day. Nothing I have to do. Well, almost nothing. Trucked on over to the Rite-Aid store to pick up a prescription, some goodies for hubby, who's under the weather today, then went outside in the snow with Baron for a bit. Oh yes, almost forgot, I got some new scuffy slippers today! Woo-hoo! The old ones were looking pretty ratty. Now that I'm back inside, all curled up on the sofa and stylin' with my fuzzy new scuffys, it's time to get out the Nook and finish that Joseph Prince book; which by the way, is way cool! Then maybe I'll do a bit of knitting, or just take a little snooze...

my funny Valentine

...snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes...

the old...

the new

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