Look out!

Winter snapshot in the REAL Great-White-North!

Finally! My friends are now getting dumped on and couldn't be happier! It was almost unheard of for them not to have three to four feet of snow before Thanksgiving. Word is that the snow is falling and they've gotten more than two feet. Odd as it may seem to us, "Southerners" this is welcomed heartily.

Me? I'm happy my snow dances for them worked. (Except one mistakenly worked here, but don't tell anybody!) The above picture is one taken awhile ago by friends up there. That's your standard seven foot high road sign. Seriously... this is one of the reasons I don't live there. The highway they live on is not maintained in winter. See the sign below...

This photo was actually taken in mid-May when the road had been plowed once at the start of the spring thaw. Even the heartiest of winter sport enthusiasts know that riding alone, not telling someone where you're going or when you'll be back could cost you your life.

It's scary. We're terribly spoiled when it comes to winter safety. For the most part, if we get lost or injured outside, there is almost always someone that will find you before you are in any real danger. Or we simply call someone and ask for help.

Up there, it can be days before someone can come across you, cell signals are nearly non-existent and being alone there means you're ALONE! There's no way I would ever enjoy the winter activities up there without a group of people with me. It's the safest way to play up there. Of course, the 'play' is some of the best in the world, so...

I'm working on a second box of stuff to send to my friend in Afghanistan. He's been there awhile now. I sent one already but I don't think he'll get it for Christmas but here's hoping. I mailed it about two & a half weeks ago. It doesn't hold anything other than snacks and books and 'homey' stuff like that, but it'll be Christmas soon and no one over there should go without something 'homey' too look forward to.

He was telling me that where he's at, peanut butter is considered, "Brown Gold" (Yes, I thought it odd too.) There, everything is flavored with hazelnuts either pieces or creamy spreads.

So I obliged him and picked up two huge jars (I think a pound and a half each) of Jif and I put one in each package. I laughingly told him will be the most sought after tent-mate in his area, maybe even King! Plus he'll have plenty to bribe with for better stuff! HA! Stay safe Dude... and never forget you are deeply loved!

I've been cruising eBay for books. One thing that's nice is that books are always welcomed. I found an awesome seller on eBay with books in lots, some well under $10 which is fantastic. Even if he's already read it, someone will still be able to enjoy it, as sharing books is done often.

Christmas is bearing down on us quickly now. I still find that pretty amazing. Not to mention, 2010. It's something that I never thought I would see... the first decade of the 21st century. Wow.

There's only one way to look at it, with my history. I am blessed... with time and loved ones, with love to give and love received, laughs, tears, joy and the occasional sorrow or heartbreak. For this and all of you that will read this... thank you. You hold a special place in my life now and always...

Merry Christmas!