Perhaps you can tell from my header photo, we live in a, fairly, remote area of Virginia. There are other areas of Virginia that are far more remote but we’re “out there” by almost anyone’s definition. Just ask the folks who manage to make it here for Sheep Shearing Day -smile-. Invariably, the first timers get out of their car, stagger up the driveway and say, “I thought we’d never find you!” I’ve had one or two say, “You need better signage!” That’s when I pull an Alice in Wonderland on them.
“How,” I asked, “could I have better signage when I have no signage at all? The website directions, however, are excellent!” They stare at me blankly. I told one gentleman, arriving by following only the website directions, it was a little like being a Christian. “It’s all about faith; you’ve either got it…and you must because here you stand in front of me…or you don’t.” Then there was the …man…no gentle in front for good reason! who called and left an abusive message on my answering machine. He cursed, called God’s name in vain and then lit into me because he was lost. I kept hoping he’d find us so I could pray for him, loudly and publicly, but he never showed. Just as well, I’m sure -smile-.
We live about thirteen miles from town and, generally, can make the trip in twenty to twenty-five minutes. Yesterday, we went to town at 10:00 a.m., planning to do a few errands and be well on our way home…if not home…by 2 p.m. The eye doctor has released me, saying my eye has now totally healed -Thank YOU, God!- and I’m able to return to exercise. It’s been so long since I’ve taken exercise that I’m having to begin, virtually, all over again so all I did yesterday was walk a mile plus on the treadmill. Then to the library to stock up on reading material, the feed store to have a couple of ham biscuits for lunch -customer appreciation day so they were serving ham biscuits, cookies and coffee, YUM!, the post office -to mail a box to my nephew serving his second tour in Afghanistan and send Christmas cards- and then home. We were about six miles from home, driving in a now beginning to look serious snowstorm, when I told Dave, “we’re down to about a quarter tank gas”. After a hasty consultation, we decided to turn around, head back to town and fill the tank. Going down Plum Creek there were signs this might not have been such a great idea but we were in it and there wasn’t a place to turn around, at least, not until the bottom.
Bad Signs: one man’s car was in the ditch, up against the mountain rock, on the way UP while another man’s truck was seriously pushing the guard rail on the way DOWN and, not quite to the bottom, the school bus was pulled over and the driver was putting on chains. Just beyond, a woman in a compact car was sitting in the middle of her lane, headed up, and it looked like she was frightened stiff. The dozen or so vehicles behind her just looked annoyed but, generally, speaking, everyone was polite. Dave and I went to town, filled the tank with gas and headed back thinking Plum Creek would be clear. It was clear until the second curve and then it looked rough, really rough. The same people we saw while headed to town were the same people we now saw…no one had moved, not an inch.
As I looked to our rear, we saw a driver trying to turn around in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, she had only a compact car, no four-wheel drive, and was in Trouble.


Isn’t this a beautiful photo? Even though the snow is deeper than my boots, even though I have to break a path for myself and Abbie, it’s beautiful! The sheep were waiting for their hay and didn’t seem the worse for wear. They actually love the snow and colder weather but aren’t as crazy about trying to break paths. I’d rather they stay close to the barn and house anyway. I’ve got a blue electric bucket, filled with water, at the horse trough and I broke a path so the sheep can get to their warm drink.
I wear plenty of warm clothing, so much that I’m usually too warm, especially if the wind isn’t blowing. Over the years, I’ve found layers the best way to keep warm and the best way to accomplish chores. When wearing too many bulky clothes, it’s difficult to move and, if I fall down…like today…more difficult to get back on my feet. Today I wore tights, sweat pants, wool socks, long sleeved tee-shirt, light weight jacket, light weight hooded sweat shirt and, finally, a heavy sweat shirt jacket but no gloves. The temp was about 26 but no wind so chores were easy today. The Ranger has a wonderful heater and that’s a huge help; especially for Abbie. At some point during chore time, she’ll get into the Ranger and the only way she’ll come out is if I carry her back to the house. She’s an old girl and I don’t mind; we’ve been BFF a good many years now.
We’re expecting more snow, church has already been canceled tomorrow as has the Christmas play tomorrow night. Another storm means cloud coverage and that means no internet. I’m prepared though, this entry will, hopefully, go up in a few minutes and there are a half dozen library books waiting. The corn bread goes into the oven in a few minutes to be eaten with the bean, kilbasa, turnip green soup and, wonder of wonders, we still have electrical power. Life is ummm ummm good!
Until next time,
Blessings ~ hot soup ~ finished chores ~ snow ~ snow ice cream ~ corn bread ~ good books ~ safe travel ~ our Sheriff’s department ~ puppies who love the snow ~
WOW lots of snow.. beautiful .. stay warm and safe 🙂
just beautiful! please kiss those sweet dogs for me…happy holidys…xo~kim
What a beautiful landscape, you are truly blessed. We are expecting that snow storm to come in tomorrow. Maine is prepared to deal with alot of snow so we welcome it. We have the wood in so will be toasty even if we loose power. It is amazing how well the animals deal with weather. It looks like the dogs are having a great time. Keep warm and layer.
Much love and prayers
Kelly
so glad that you are ok…
it certainly looks beautiful~from the comfort of being indoors 😉
have a blessed sunday~
chasity
The photos look great but I'm a born and raised Californian and that looks a little scary to me. As I sit here on my computer it's about 75 degrees out side.
God bless you
What an adventure! I'm glad your eye has healed!
Sandra, we are buried here in MD also & it is AWESOME!! I am in SNOW heaven!! lmty.
This is rare we have snow like this particularly in Dec. This is such fun, a white Christmas.
Merry Christmas ~
TTFN ~Marydon
**new blog **
read/follow us @
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com
Oh Sandra……so much snow but it seems that you like it better than I do!!! Danny hung out with the old "460" yesterday too. Took him 3 1/2 hours to get home from just the other side of Blacksburg!! He was one happy camper too. At least we all made it home safely!!!!!!
Cornbread and beans sound really really good right now, I might have to fire up the pot ;o}
I too, dress in layers to get my chores done….works much better than something bulky!!!
So glad the eye is better!!
Merry Christmas!!