Walking ... err, snowshoeing on water

For the past few weeks, Tiny Pond as has been gradually getting more and more ice on it.  We hadn't yet ventured out for fear that it would not be thick enough yet to hold us, but when we had some ice fisherman show up last week asking to fish on it, we knew it must be safe. So yesterday, after several below zero days and a snow storm, we headed across the lake with our snow shoes.  I don't think I've ever walked across a frozen lake, pond or river before and it was very fun (and very cold)!

After one of our earlier snows ... only a little ice around the edges.

Yesterday ...  



Before & After

This was our thermometer reading before we left for church on Sunday morning (thanks to Jason's parents for giving us this very entertaining indoor/outdoor thermometer) -- nice and cozy inside even though it was chilly outside.

When we returned home from church and work, over 12 hours later, it was a bit of a different story!  Brrr!

More winter wonderland

Things have been a little quiet on this blog ... we're adjusting back into having a regular work schedule while continuing to do upkeep at Forest Echo.  With that, extra trips to town to use the internet have kinda gotten put on the back burner. 

We are doing really well and had a lovely belated Christmas (since we worked through the holidays).  We decided to do most of our shopping for each other at our local thrift store this year on a $10 budget and I have to say it was quite a success.  I was calculating up how much we spent in total on our Christmas for two and it was under $50 -- including decorations, gifts for each other and a special meal.  It sorta thrilled me to be able to have a special Christmas on that budget. (Am I super weird for being excited by that???!?!)

Anyhow, here are a few pictures of what's been happening with us for the past couple weeks :)

Happy New Year!

 



My first ever attempt at making a wreath!



I had to try making a Christmas tree coffee cake -

my Mom always made one.

Jason on his way to our outhouse --

not exactly properly dressed!

Two for one flying squirrels - no idea how they BOTH ended up caught in the trap!

A little bigger than a mouse

As you know, we have a mouse problem in our house (barn-house rather) ... we've been setting traps and have made quite a dent in the population. However, we've still had super loud noises coming from inside the walls/crawl space of the third floor at night.  I finally made Jason get in there and take a look.  I was a bit terrified at what it would look like based on all the gnawing sounds that have been being blasted from the area.  When he looked, he didn't really find anything unusual.  So one evening in the midst of the racket, he took a peek and came back downstairs to let me know that a SQUIRREL had joined us!

It was time to set a bigger, live trap which luckily the summer caretakers had left for us (I guess the fact that it was left for us should have been our cue that we'd end up using it).  So, back Jason went into the crawl space to leave our trap ...

When we checked this morning, we had caught something, but it didn't look like any squirrel I'd ever seen.  We were both left wondering, "what IS it?"  Seemed more like a large chipmunk without the fun stripes.

On my way into town, I took the squirel for a ride and released him several miles from our house with the hope he won't be returning.  He quickly scampered up a tree and out of sight ... then as I left he flew/glided to another tree!!  I'd never seen a flying squirrel before and it was SO fun/surprising to see!  

 

My first uniform

Jason and I were fortunate to begin work last week at Okemo Mountain Resort, the local ski resort and with that I was given my first work uniform - ever.  Very exciting business for the girl who has to try on five outfits before going to work.  I've always liked the idea of a uniform, thinking it would reduce my early morning clothing decision making and am excited to now have the opportunity to try it out.  We're also super happy to have the opportunity to be getting a little income for the first time since we left China.  Hurrah!

Bread ... in a can?

Am I the only one who had never heard of this???
I would not have believed it if I hadn't seen and tasted it myself ...
As wrong as it sounds, it's actually quite delicious!
Thank you New England for introducing me to bread in a can!

Toilets from another time

Jason and I have had great fun exploring both the land and the cabins of this beautiful place.  As we've explored, we've found some interesting/fun things.  One of these is the variety of antique (and otherwise) toilets scattered around.

Check these out --