Wednesday, January 08, 2020

Sunshine came to visit

As we anticipated the arrival of our first snow storm, we also anticipated the arrival of Auntie Susan, my bestest friend in all the world. We had not seen each other in over 2 years (curse the miles apart!) and this visit was so desperately overdue. These two years have brought abundant challenges and changes to both of our lives - so many of those challenges, while always different for each of us, are so strangely parallel - and yet, time seems to pick up where we left off, in our hearts. We share life, from afar, though we despise (and resent?) the miles that separate us. I have seen life throw mud at her time and again, seen her fall, get up again and again and through all the clouds and violent storms of it all, I have always seen her joy - her smile - be the strongest part of her to rise and BE. Susan has the ability to admonish me when she feels I can do better. Yet, in the past 10 years of our friendship, no one has ever encouraged me as she has. She builds me up to be stronger, wiser and kinder, and yet she is always there when I am weakest and just need someone to lean on. I know that in this (short) life we are afforded, friendships as remarkable as this one are to be treasured and seen for what they are: miraculous.

We drove Auntie Susan to the woods. We are small in the forest of beauty that surrounds us... 


Auntie Susan


I love everything about her. 


Too much fun was definitely had by all. 


Because she could... 


We woke up to this... 


So, of course we explored (with the very real risk of getting stuck) and followed the forest roads to the edge of the world... 


A reflection of my heart that day... 


Her first glimpse... 


Swinging with Lochlan at the overlook to the edge of the world. What a special place. 



Best dog in the world was there of course...  


He makes me laugh. All. The. Time. 


Swinging on the edge. 



It's such a beautiful place.


But, then we came home and were equally inspired. :-) 



We are again separated by (so many dang) miles, but yet strangely near. 


First snow storm

You would think we'd get used to the snow, but every year that first-snow-storm thrill surprises us and gets us bouncing around in happiness. We're all strangely mesmerized by the wonder of it all. 

Before the storm, I looked outside and spotted these two getting ready for the storm by cleaning out the horse pen. Two of the best men I know... 


Welcome to Narnia... 



Cousin Kaysee and Max.


Just chillin'


Cousin Kaysee snuggling with another man - but he is pretty irresistible. 


"Him and Mini-him." :-) 


Kaysee snuggling with her man. 


After an epic soar down the hill mountain...


Just a dog and her mountain.



Three of my favorites... 


Another one of my favorites... 


The road home... 


His snow gear. Obviously. 


He's really, really handsome. 


My Schnauge.


It's just that great. Sits in the snow for 2 hours and the tea is still hot when I get back to it. My adventure cup serves me well. 


Behold - a great man. 


My special spot where the magic of this place takes over my heart.


Keyhole Sink... winter is befalling you.



I love her beyond measure. Truly.


These two... 


Home. 


Ski lessons have begun... 


So we wait while the older bros get their lessons... 


Tiny and amazing. He started ski lessons the week after this week of waiting for his bros... and he's awesome, of course. :-)