Hats and Blizzards

Snippets from a Snowed-in Weekend

Where do you walk a cattle dog when it’s too cold for the trails and fields? Nordstrom, of course!

Ruby at the mall, Nordstrom, trying on winter hats. Yes, Nordstrom allows dogs!

Well, it’s a good thing Ruby and I got prepared for the cold weather, because it’s been down to -7F (-22 C) in the last few days! On Friday, we got outside and played in the blizzard, when the wet snow clung to every twig and the trees looked like this:

The wind was cold as the snow fell. Hence, Ruby’s closed eyes. She’s all bundled up in her Elmer Fudd coat.

Then, the temps dropped significantly. It’s been so cold that my sliding glass door has frozen shut. Without a hair dryer, there’s no opening it!

Ruby and I were snowed in at Gramma’s house, where we decided to stay all weekend. I always find it exciting when a big snowstorm is forecast. I love watching the blustery snow fall and listening to the crazy straight line winds. Snow plows and sidewalk-clearing snow blowers came through several times as additional layers of snow fell. All told, we’ve had nearly a foot of snow in the last several days.

It’s been a while since I’ve stayed overnight with Mom, since I just live just four miles away and can pop back home easily. So, we called it a slumber party, staying in our pajamas for as long as possible and reading our books together (well, Ruby just napped!) It was such a treat to join Mom for a lovely dinner and Sunday brunch and not have to pack Ruby up and drive home afterward.

Somehow in the midst of it, together we got Mom’s Christmas cards written, stamped and sealed. Did you know it is NOT too late to send out your Christmas/holiday cards? Yes, that’s right! It is now officially completely acceptable to send them out through the month of January. They’re not late, they’re simply “delayed.” 😉

Are you staying warm where you are? Do you get excited about impending snowstorms like I do? How do you make the snow days cozy and fun?

If the wonderworld of snow is outside your window, savor the view! Snowfalls are fewer and farther between now, and though they bring “inconvenience” (as well as power outages and storm damage,) their magic is real, nonetheless.

I’ve yet to make snow angels, but I’m determined to, when the wind chill is not twenty below zero! And I will take a photo to share with you. Have any of you taken the snow angel challenge yet?

I’m off to the art center for class now, but I hope you’ve enjoyed the Ruby images and cheer in the midst of whatever you are going through right now. They are sent to you will love and care.

XO Linda

and Ruby

P.S. I was so thrilled this week to discover a dear long-time Nashville friend on Substack. I would love for you to know her. Andi Ashworth is the author of Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much and Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring. You can find her here: https://andiashworth.substack.com/