I know that our valley and especially the surrounding mountains need a lot of snow. It's vital that we get a good snowpack. Christmas was not very snowy this year, so it's been a blessing that we have gotten plenty of snowfall in January and especially in February. But...it's been so dang cold. We have had some seriously frigid days this month. I know that it can't really compare to the -30 degrees people have been suffering in many parts of the country. But I'm just going to say that the poor kids here at the elementary school where I work have been suffering, and doubly so, not only because they are cold at recess but because they have to bear the sight of my face, which I can not change from this expression:
Also, meet Bruce. He's the husky who has a yard adjoining our playground. I love him and wish I could give him belly rubs. He doesn't seem quite as bugged by the weather.
So yes it's been a cold month and I've been grateful for storms bringing clean air along with the moisture because we have used our wood-burning stove more than we have in years I think. That has kept our spirits up for sure. We even got so much snow at the beginning of February that one day we had a snow day. I can not remember the last time our school district had an actual snow day. The storm hit during the night and the morning commute was so treacherous that something had to be done. It started out with just a two-hour delay but by 7am they decided to just do a snow day. Emma and I braved the weather and headed to the park with neighbors for some sledding. My big kids were too busy staying in their cocoons to venture out of the house.
I was not sad when the gang of gals I go to St. George with once a year decided that their St. George weekend this year would be the first weekend in February. Now, it wasn't a ton warmer down there but I was so happy to sneak away for a few days. Thank you thank you thank you to my Troy who is so nice and supportive to be okay with me going away for three nights. What a treat that is for me - take off on a Thursday afternoon, stop for a big tall soda and maybe even a cookie and drive with friends, chatting like mad the whole way down, staying in a comfortable condo, and enjoying a weekend of eating great food, shopping for just a few joy-sparking items for my wardrobe, walking in the sunny desert, seeing movies (First Man and Greenbook, both fantastic movies), watching the Utes win a fantastic basketball game after they were down by around 17 points for most of the game, talking and talking and talking, but sadly not while sitting in a hot tub because it was shut down. It was a grand weekend. Not a lot of photos but here's a couple of me walking near Snow Canyon. Oh yes and our pedicure.
Don't I look SLIGHTLY more relaxed and happy than at the playground? Because I sure felt better. Best food of the weekend? Probably the mushroom/kale/potato with poached eggs at The Egg and I, though I also loved the Peruvian salad at Viva Chicken. Oh yeah and the Thai food! Best movie? I think I liked Greenbook better than First Man. Best walk? Probably the group walk to Snow Canyon on Sunday morning. Best drink? I'd say the 44 oz. DC with cranberry, coconut and fresh lime. Memorable moment? Ending up behind my brother while driving along St. George Boulevard and pulling up next to him at a stop light to say hello to my niece Cara and then tracking them down at a yogurt shop to bring him a drink and her a hug. That was fun. And of course best of all was spending time with an amazing group of women. Worst of all was driving home into a snowstorm. Another one. But like I said, I know our valley needs it!
