snow day

 we woke to a strong nor'easter wailing about the house. my sister had a snow day (all public schools were closed), but my brother-in-law went into his clinic (he's a psychologist).

 i slipped outside early in the morning  . . 

 even toby managed to pad about for a few seconds on the back deck. however, it was not long enough for me to her catch in a snowdrift. she prefers the comfortable life these days.

 i have memories from my childhood of early morning expeditions around the outside of our house on long island while the wind howled and the snow blew into my eyes and mouth. school would be cancelled, but my father would be battling the snow surrounding his car on the side street. steam would be coming off the hood and mixing with the drifts from his brush as he swooped off mountains of whipped cream. he was always very determined and intrepid. nothing could stop him!

 toby, hiding behind the hassock . . 

 breakfast . . 

 the outdoors beckoned again, as we needed to shovel the driveway . . 

 and knock off some snow from the bushes . . 

shoveling snow is very good exercise! we had the driveway completely cleared for when my brother-in-law came home (early) from work. we played a round of yahtzee (i won!!! i can't believe i neglected to take a pic of my winning score sheet!), and had a delicious dinner of corned beef and cabbage--so perfect for such a blustery day.

oh! before dinner my sister and i went sledding in the back yard, and then built a snowman with warren: