For Christmas this year, we gave ourselves cross country skis. We have talked about cross country skiing for a number of years. Last winter we had more snowfall, more like our childhood winters and we are supposed to again this year. We decided this was a good year for skis.

The skis are lightweight and sleek and we had neither one of us been on a pair of skis ever. Until today. Oh wait! I put mine on yesterday . . .

















We headed out to Missouri about nine this morning. In Iowa the temperatures were already climbing. Des Moines was predicting a high of 50 degrees or more. We supposed then, that Missouri would get as warm or warmer. In Iowa the snow on the ground was starting to disappear so we worried on the drive whether we'd still have snow once we got to Mo. Not to worry! We did have snow and as it turned out the temps weren't as warm today in Mo as they were in Iowa so it turned out to be a great day to practice skiing.

We were cautious and careful. The snow was melting in places and slick and then crusted over in places and more slick! We praticed our gliding and sliding and horizontal steps and talked about stopping and turning although we have not nearly perfected stopping and turning. We did get pretty good at falling. If we get better at falling we won't have to perfect the stopping and turning!

We will need to get better at one or the other tho because we will go back for more. We both enjoyed it and had a fun day. We are looking forward to trying the skis in new, powder snow. We think that might be easier.
Let it snow . . . bet you never thought you'd hear me say that!

Day after Christmas

I took a photo of Himself and Himself took one of me. Now you know why I practice SELF portraits!

Testing. Testing. one. two. Testing.

Kristy and Tony have lovely photos of themselves

on their travels and Tony takes the "self photos".

Lanny and I were so "dashing" in these orange shirts

and vests that I determined to practice the art of

"self photos" and record this bright fashion statement

were were making.

I can see I need more practice.

I can see Himself needs more patience. :)

WHAT HAVE I DONE????

I am still in shock. What i have done, i have rarely, if ever done before. I have splurged!!! We needed a new mower at II, and after a year of thought, searching, thinking, pondering, delaying, etc, i finally gave in to myself and purchased a new mower. I spent days "online" checking out ratings on Consumer Reports, I read reviews on what other people thought about this mower. Not just any mower, a "big green machine" John Deere zero turn mower. Then I sent out bids, and although John Deere is not known for any flexability in their pricing, the dealer in Leon dropped 350.00 off the list price, with no set up fees. For the price we paid for this, we could have purchased 3, yes three, regular riding lawn mowers. But, this is supposed to cut our mowing time at least in half due to the high speed this mows at(less time spent crashing into trees). So, I gave in, in spite of all my parents taught me thru the years, to be frugle, spend only when necessary, buy only what you need, never just pay for a name, and on and on. But, i did it. Even when I had the trailer hooked up and heading to Leon to pick it up, I felt guilty. I almost turned around, but I didn't. I went and picked up that big green machine, loaded it up and headed back to II. Once the transaction was completed, i felt better, and hopefully it will free up time for other projects, one of which will be hot water at II, so we can take showers, etc. Anyway, the deed is done, no turning back. I will just have to be more dilligent about turning off lights so i can save enough money to pay for this.