Building Gypsy Rose

What better way to celebrate the winter solstice than with a major winter storm! Actually, it’s been storm after storm since December 1st. We had periods with wild swings in temperature, a serious ice storm (after which the photo above was taken), and two big dumps of snow (the second of which is taking place as I write).

Interestingly, when the power went out across much of Vermont and New Hampshire, we were completely unaware. The nearest power line is a half mile away and we experienced no change in our “off the grid” service (primary solar with back-up generator).

The picture above was shot before today’s storm got cranked up. The iron chairs that sit out front were buried up above the seats. We’ve received another foot or more of snow in the current storm so when I looked outside moments ago only the tops of the chair backs were still visible.

We live on an unplowed road with the intention of keeping the snow packed by “tracking” the half mile to Kibling Hill Road. Normally we do it by driving on top of the snow with the truck (with chains on all fours). Tonight, however, I decided to do a little “pre-tracking.”

“Marion, you sit on the sled while I pull you down the road.”

I put on my snowshoes and off we went for some afternoon play. I towed Marion down one tire track (or, as best as I could tell with knee-high snow on the road). Then, we walked back and I towed her down the other side. Marion can now say (and did) that she walked a half-mile uphill in a snowstorm, both ways!

SEND FOOD!