Snow Snow SNOW!!!

The snow started coming down the evening of the 18th, but we didn't realize how heavy the snow would hit us on the 19th and 20th. It came down without stopping until we were 24" under! It was a beautiful sight to see as everything was a blank canvas shimmering with diamond dust. We rescheduled our show in Bigfork and called the snow plow guy hoping we might make it to our show on the 20th.

Augusto officially had his first ever "snow day"! It's rare when Montana schools actually declare a snow day, it takes quite an unusual occurrence. 24" in 40 hours is an unusual occurrence! We spent the day shoveling trails through the snow for the dogs to do there business, and for us to get to the horse and chickens to feed and make sure they were still alright. Sometimes it's not so bad to work really hard when it's a new and exciting experience. Though today I may beg to differ. My entire body aches with overuse. But to that I say, "if you work through the muscle pain, it usually goes away after a few minutes." So today I shoveled the stairs and started clearing an area near the house that may be the site for another animal enclosure. It seems silly to plan and build a structure in the winter -- especially after a dump of two feet and now rain on top -- but sometimes you just have to be silly.

The snow plower didn't arrive on the 19th, so we waited anxiously for him to arrive early on the 20th so we could make it to our show at 3pm. 1pm came and went and no sign of the plow. We had to make the call that would disappoint the many senior citizens who were so looking forward to the animals. But so goes it in our wonderful state of Montana, where Mother Nature loves to flex her muscles.

Now the 21st we are doubting the arrival of our trusty snow plower and have begun making calls to others that may be up to the job. Our driveway is not a mere 20 feet to the sidewalk and paved road. We have a mighty hill of a near 1/4 mile; excellent for sledding, but quite difficult for the inexperienced plower. With the 35 degree temperature and the slight drizzle on top, the snow is heavier than ever and still a good 16 inches of thick pack. We're hoping for a life line to be thrown. Augusto has now had his share of snow days and we're ready to get on with it. Considering it's only the driveway that is trapping us in, past that a nice plowed road with a mere 4 inches, it's enough to make you get a nice dose of cabin fever.

Luckily the animals (besides the dogs and horse) have no idea of the struggles outside and are quite enjoying there regular routine.

Oh, and there's supposed to be a snow storm blowing in today....