Day 66: Preparation

In all things, success depends on previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure. ~ Confucius

Today I did a little preparation for my Monday adventure - skiing. I was looking at gear and found this website, with this little gem. I think it amused me more than it should have.

Day 65: A Walk in the Park

"We're a nation of dreamers and it is my dream to build a park that I one day visit with my White House staff on my birthday. And they say, "President Knope, this park is awesome. Now we understand why you are the first female President of the United States." ~  Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation

This afternoon I took a walk through Buffalo Park, which is still beautifully snow-covered.

The path was not quite as pleasant, as it was muddy and mucky and full of puddles. Nevertheless, I quite enjoyed my little walk before I set off on an ultimately unsuccessful hunt for ski pants.

Day 64: Killer Icicles

Winter giveth the field, and the trees so old, their beard of icicles and snow. ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The icicles around the museum today are huge. It's hard to tell, but these ones are several feet long! And for some reason they're pointed inwards like daggers.

Day 63: Almost Full

What is you want, Mary? Do you want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. ~ George Bailey, It's a Wonderful Life

The moon will be full tomorrow night, though it almost seems full this evening. I suppose there is a tiny sliver missing, but I can't tell. Perhaps because the moon was so huge this evening. It was a bit distracting as I was driving to small group, and of course I took and opportunity to snap a photo over the snowy roof once I arrived at my destination.

Day 62: Snowy Morning

When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I'll know I'm getting old. ~ Lady Bird Johnson

It was a snowy morning at the museum today. Of course, that is what 17.9 inches of snow over two days usually means. This place is beautiful when its blanketed with snow.

I took the bus again, because why would I drive if I don't have to? Schools are once again cancelled, though we are not. I must admit, this view is worth it.

Day 61: Winter Winds

When winter winds are piercing chill,
And through the hawthorn blows the gale,
With solemn feet I tread the hill,
That overbrows the lonely vale...

Chill airs and wintry winds! my ear
Has grown familiar with your song; 
I hear it in the opening year,
I listen, and it cheers me long.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Snowy trees. I just love 'em. After ten inches yesterday and over seven today, Flagstaff is once again a winter wonderland. A foot and a half of snow in two days; that's still hard for me to fathom.

I went on a walk this evening, and saw a bunch of people out on their cross-country skis. That certainly would have made things easier! The snow is beautiful, the world feels so quiet when sounds are muffled by a thick layer of fluffy white.

We closed early today, as did most businesses that were open (many were not in anticipation of the storm). Apparently Flagstaff has had 4.09 inches of liquid since Friday night, making this the 18th wettest consecutive three-day stretch since 1898. Warmer temperatures on Saturday and yesterday evening meant that a lot of this fell as rain.

Day 60: Snowstorm

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together. ~ Vista M. Kelly

We were supposed to have big snowstorm yesterday, but that didn't pan out. Then, it was supposed to rain until early Monday morning, and instead it snowed almost 10 inches. What's up with the forecast around here?

Of course, 10 inches of snow in Flagstaff means most things run as usual. This was part of the drive to church this morning, with the snow still coming down. A friends came and picked me up to drive me to church, which was a huge blessing. I certainly wasn't looking forward to driving in this.