Here at Hangman Hill

Late Tuesday evening the snow started and continued to fall through early Thursday morning.   By Wednesday morning we had about 8″ of snow, work was cancelled and we were glad for a day to catch up on things.  Of course those activities were limited once the electricity went off.   However, we discovered that you don’t need electricity to clear snow, an activity that also keeps you warm (this important when you don’t have heat either!).  Heavy snow and blowing winds most of the day made just keeping a path to the door a challenge.  Thanks to Mark we have a clear driveway too!

We made our first trip to Vermont last weekend. The temperatures were very warm the week before and the snow/trail report didn’t look good.  However, we arrived on Friday night to some light snow that continued to fall through Saturday afternoon.  We had some great riding at Pico on Saturday afternoon.  Some “freshies”, small crowds, friendly Vermont locals and a quiet weekend with the Thames Ski Club made for a great weekend.  We headed home Sunday as there wasn’t enough snow for XC skiing in the woods, and our legs were not up to another day on boards.

The falling snow didn’t do much for action shots on boards, but we did manage to catch a photo at the The Farmer’s Diner in Quechee, a favorite spot.  We learned about The Farmer’s Diner when reading “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver.  The locally sourced bacon, fresh eggs, breads and jams can’t be beat!    We especially like the mugs that say “As for butter versus margarine, I trust cows more than chemists.” – Joan Gussow. 

As we took down our Christmas decorations tonight we held a fun contest to find the “Best Christmas Card for 2010”.  So here are the “Top-3” cards we received in reverse order (based on appearance only!)…….

 

We have spent the holiday relaxing, creating, cooking, sharing time with friends and enjoying life at home together.   One of the creations was Gingerbread Trifle with Cognac Custard and Pears that we made for a New Year’s Eve dinner with Eric and Jo.

We also spent the holiday replacing some tired very tired plates and bowls with colorful Fiesta dinnerware.  The sunroom also has been spruced up with some new cushions. Out with the old in with the new!

We hope that you have a happy new year! We spent today doing chores, yoga, making trifle, and generally relaxing. The weather was much warmer today (40F)and Kokee enjoyed a day of chasing tennis balls in the rapidly melting snow. It was a great 2010, and we wish you all the best for 2011!

We are hunkering down in very cold windy weather and enjoying the post Christmas glow.  The big storm that has “paralyzed the East Coast” brought all of three inches to Hangman Hill.  The gusty winds and cold temperatures are keeping us gathered around the wood stove.  We enjoyed Huckelberry Pancakes from Montana compliments of Michael and Janel for a hearty breakfast on Boxing Day.  Sheri has been busy making new covers for the beds in our spare bedroom (guests welcome any time to test them out!).

We hope that you had a great Christmas.  We finished it off with dinner at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. Very nice!  And now its starting to snow…..

Ho, ho, ho!  We hope that Santa brought you (and bought you) everything you wanted.  Now, time to have  some Christmas cake…