Exploding Trees

In addition to frostbite, we also have to beware of trees exploding from the extreme cold. Who knew this is a real thing?

 

Brrrr

We LOVE our radiators!! They keep hats, mittens, gloves, coats, and boots warm and ready.

We had a 90 degree difference between indoors and outdoors. We are not looking forward to this month's gas & electric bills.

Add a breeze and it starts feeling face-stinging cold.

 

Dress for Success

Phone & video interviews have replaced the traditional show up and talk in-person interviews. Regardless, it's still important to look like you didn't just roll out of bed covered in pet hair for a video interview.

 

Happy Guitar

The replacement for the Sad Guitar arrived with its neck intact. It's way better than I thought a $150 guitar would be. JP doesn't like the blue color, so I guess I will have to try another one and see if she likes it any better.

 

Wind & Snow

Because there are no trees growing on the lake ice, it gets Nebraska windy. This, and the low angle of the winter sun make for some beautiful wind-carved snow features as the wind erodes through the layers of snow.

 

Let it Snow!

We've had a fair amount of snow this winter. It doesn't stop walkers, joggers, or fat tire bicyclists from getting out. The intersection at the south beach is nearly as crowded in winter as summer.

S likes the lake being frozen, but he doesn't care much for the slippery bare ice. He jumps from snow drift to drift.

With each fresh snow, the snow fort gets a little more definition.

 

Cold Carp

We spotted this 2-foot long carp swimming in the frigid water coming out of the lake. I suppose the water here is warmer here than a few blocks downstream where it's frozen over.

 

Extras

We volunteered to be extras in a photo shoot for a commercial for the Special Olympics games being held here this summer. We sat in the stands and cheered and clapped for imaginary players on an empty basketball court. It was fun & interesting to see what it takers to create just a short commercial.

 

Another Sunrise

 

Snow Fort

 

I took advantage of some warm weather (in the teens) and added another row to the snow fort.

The Sad Guitar

I couldn't pass up an offer for a $150 Les Paul. Sadly, it arrived with a broken neck and had to go back.

 

Iowa Trip

We took a few days for a trip to Iowa to see the G's new home. It's big, new, and beautiful. 

They even have a space set aside for doing puzzles, complete with its own beer fridge.

 

Winter Sunrises

Although chilly, the lake, sky, and city skyline are magical in the winter. The dog doesn't really care. 

 

Puzzletime

This time of year is perfect for puzzles. JP is the puzzlemaster.

 

Skating

Today it was 25 with no wind, so we ran down to the neighborhood park and got out skating. JP is graceful and can get around pretty well. Neither of us fell, so we considered it a successful outing.

We were both dripping with sweat by the time we tired ourselves out (20 minutes).

 

Morning Rituals

Every morning the dog & I walk a mile or two through the neighborhood, along a creek, and out on the lake. Our ritual is to stop at a park bench and have some cheese and coffee. 

The dog is learning that the ice fishing holes often have frozen minnows or fish parts nearby.

 

Ski Trip

We took advantage of a 10° day and skied across the lake and back. Despite it only being 10°, we worked up a sweat. It's 1.7 miles across and back. 

JP got us ski goggles for X-Mas. They work way better than sunglasses (that fog up).

There were a ton of people from the neighborhood out doing the same thing. All the footprints on the snowy sidewalk were from ski boots.

 

NYE Snow

We had a nice snowfall on New Year's Eve. 

During the thick of it, the far shore of the lake faded into whiteness.

 

Snow & Ice

After Christmas, we had a beautiful snow with big wet flakes followed by 6" of fluffy snow.

The problem was that it was preceded by some freezing rain. CP's door froze shut and we had to use the propane heater to thaw it.

The ice coating withstood the windstorm that followed the snow. It was not heavy enough to break branches, but it was pretty as it glistened in the sun.

 

Dakota Jazz Club

Months ago, JP picked up some tickets for a Jazz dinner show at the Dakota. We were right next to the stage and had a good time. 

 

Christmas Day Sledding

Since we had a good snow base and some time to kill, we walked down to the sledding hill and CP showed us how it's done. 

He survived, but his sled did not.

 

Christmas Theme: Snow & Ice

This year there was an unplanned theme to Christmas: Snow & Ice. Hockey sticks, tickets to the Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks, ski goggles, ice fishing gear, Wild gear, and a heated mattress pad. Now we just need to learn to skate!

 

Christmas Eve

GP had to work Christmas Eve, so we met him downtown and had an early dinner at The Local Irish pub. Nothing beats a good fish & chips & pint of Guinness.

Afterwards, we took in the lights & decorations downtown.

 

Wrapping Paper

I had a heck of a time wrapping the boys' Christmas presents. Not as easy as a nice square box.