There was a big storm predicted starting late Saturday night, but first I had things to do. Saturday morning I had signed up for a guided hike of Dresser Island through the Missouri Department of Conservation. Louie had to work, and I figured if I was going to say things like, I enjoy hiking, I needed to do it on my own sometimes too! So, I packed a lunch, bundled up, and headed out to meet the group. It was COLD!

But it was a lot of fun. The hike was about 6 miles, but we made a lot of stops to look at various wildlife and things, and I enjoyed chatting, just walking, and taking pictures.

I would definitely do another event through the MO Department of Conservation: it was well run and FREE!

After that I had my last Christmas gig: an Epiphany concert at a church in Illinois where I play fairly regularly. It was a lot of fun, and it was just starting to sleet as I arrived home.

Sunday morning the snow was coming down fast and furious. Louie still needed to go to work though, so he headed out and I stayed inside all day, enjoying the “snow day” even though I was technically already on vacation again.

Monday morning the snow was done, but there was plenty of digging out to be done around the region. I got out for some shoveling myself.

The neighborhood was a winter wonderland! When I was out shoveling so were many of my neighbors. Some were better at it than I was…in any case I made a good dent and then Louie continued my work when he got home later.

Our outdoor wreaths got a dusting on snow on them, isn’t it pretty?

The cats were waiting by the door while Louie was outside shoveling. They spend most of their time on the radiators this time of year: I don’t blame them!

Some animal tracks in the snow–I’m guessing a bunny?

In any case, I was lucky in that I didn’t have anywhere to go until Tuesday night. I had a rehearsal Tuesday evening and it was almost fun to drive there: some parts were a little scary as the roads were still quite bad (really, only one lane on Skinker each way after 36 hours?) but other parts were fun: such as unplowed side streets when no one is around and you can really feel the Subaru’s all wheel drive! I know I would have been a bit more stuck driving the Corolla or my old Focus, or my old Jetta. In fact, I don’t know how I managed for so many years in Cleveland with a sedan, but then again, they used to clear the roads with a lot more competence than here. But I digress, as always!

I’ve read a few books already, gotten a fair amount of exercise, and mostly put away the Christmas decoration. It’s been a good year so far!