Today: the first snowshoe day of the season. I did not expect it to be in my back yard.

And these photos were taken this morning – before the blizzard dumped another foot or more of snow. So this afternoon, Abby and I snowshoed for almost 2 hours through the park – didn’t see a single soul. Breaking trail all the way because by the time we circled back to the homeward bound trail, all traces of our former steps had vanished. And I couldn’t take any photos this afternoon – it was snowing much too hard.

Pity – it would have been fun: big fat flakes and not much else.

And, of course, there is no driving in my near future – not on these roads and not in a place where almost no one has snow tires.

And here’s all the lovely stuff about this: this afternoon’s walk was magical: all sound muffled; complete peace – walking through a rain forest with huge, old growth trees, snow falling – simply magic. And if I need supplies, I can put on my snowshoes and my big multi-day pack and hike up to the store. Twenty minutes and I’m there.

And think of all the money I am saving on gas! Not to mention sparing the environment.

Yes – I am blessed.

Paul even got the bobcat out this afternoon and plowed the driveway. I have a feeling there will be more plowing in his future tomorrow.

I was supposed to work tomorrow. That is also cancelled.

Life is good. Love is good. The future is good. (except for this horse – he is not impressed)