On the snowy trail....


After Kevin finished shoveling the snow off our roof this afternoon, we went hoofing through the snow at one of the trails down by the river. We love being outdoors.




By the trees that hang over the bank of the river





Yes, I let him use my camera...as long as it's within my sight





Wonderful photo ops....as we were approaching the trestle, a train was coming across overhead.





Looking up








Walking back


And this is for the grandkids. Two trains at once

Kevin working demolition.....

Thought the grandkids might enjoy watching Grandpa knocking the accumulating icicles off the gutters.

After this last big snow finished blowing through today, Kevin and I went out to shovel the driveway and walks. The snow was too wet and heavy to use the snowblower. This picture gives you an idea of how deep the snow is.
(Am currently using a new server engine as we were having problems w/ I.Ex. Haven't quite figured out how to work all the blogging details. Can't get some videos to download and can't get to the top of the page for a headliner...help, Kari! I'll be emailing you)

Valentine's Day celebrated at elementary school...



Since Thursday is my day off during the week
and Valentine's Day fell on my day off this year, I decided to make Kevin one of his favorite dishes (homemade spaghetti) and took the complete dinner along with place settings plus molasses cookies for dessert...and headed out to his school...where we had our very public Valentine's Day dinner in the staff lounge. (He knew I was coming, just didn't know what I was bringing)



However, I did give him his card in private.



Had to finish cleaning up his classroom before we could go eat lunch. It was a fun time for both of us. (Then I went and got my hair cut in the afternoon. Nothing drastic...just a trim to clean it up.)

Scenic drive to the folks....


It started out fairly warm for an Iowa winter day...around 30 degrees. But the day became colder, accompanied by a biting wind. As we met this horse and buggy on our way to the cheese factory, as romantic as this picture was, I was thankful for cars which have glorious heaters. (Hey, Britt...I believe I've found a potential market for your warmer bags!)



This was taken in the morning while it was still "warmish". It became foggy the farther south we drove. In fact, at this point one could not discern the horizon. The sky and the snow-covered ground blended into one as they were the same shade of grayish gloom. The row of evergreens on the left is the only visible mark of horizon.



I like the "feel" of this scene in the fog.



Mom and Maynard are sprucing up their house with splashes of color in their dining area and bathroom. Maynard is the official painter. A nice touch of Merlot on the east wall.



Kevin installed new flooring in the bath.

(Sorry family...no flattering picture of Mom to post. Will be more purposeful with that next time we see each other.)