Is this Iowa?

To paraphrase a line from Field of Dreams, no, this is Michigan.  Although we didn't have the extremes that the Andersons experienced in Iowa, we did get about 6" of snow overnight and the wind has been blowing steadily.  Add to that temperatures in the teens, now below 10 degrees, and it's our first winter slap in the face from Mother Nature.  It created alot of work and some pretty landscapes.

With the concrete driveway I decided to try to use the snow blower to clear the entire drive, since it was very cold and the snow was light and fluffy.  Well, it did about 75% of the job, then I had to finish with the shovel.  That POS snow blower is just not going to cut it here.  I suspect it will be replaced soon!  Connie tells me that it's supposed to thaw again within a couple of days.  WooooHoooo!  We'll try to have some fresh snow for our southern visitors, but in Michigan, there are no guarantees.

Love to all!

So, you wanted to play in the snow

After a wonderful November with record highs and no snow for miles around, Old Man Winter decided to arrive in Iowa yesterday.  He greeted the midwest faithful with 6"-15" of snow, 40+ mph winds, 6'-19' snow drifts, and -15 degree wind chills. Once the winds die down, we're left with the task of digging out of the snow.  Here are some shots as of 11 am today.

Picture taken from my garage showing the small drift in my driveway out to the neighbor's house.

This is a shot of my neighbor across the street.  The snow drift is half way up their garage door.

This is my next door neighbor.  Their garage door is clear, but they have to move a 4' drift off their driveway.

This is another shot of the drift preventing my neighbors from getting out.

Mike and Kristen, I know you like the winter and the kids love the snow, but I'd trade you anytime!!  I'll take the 100 degree heat over 40 mph winds, -15 wind chill and 4' snow drifts!!  Nevermind the fact that the roads are not passable, and if you go outside, you really can't see. Winter, BAH HUMBUG!!!!

I hope everyone is doing well.  Happy birthday Diana and with good luck we'll be dug out of this mess before Christmas. :)

Happy Birthday Diana!

Diana,

Best wishes for a fun and memorable birthday.  The coming year will certainly be memorable for you!

Love,

Connie and Charlie

Birthday pictures

Hey guys!  Thanks to all of you who sent cards and gifts, e-mails and phone calls for Marina's birthday today!  She had a great day!  She loved her horseback riding lesson and of course couldn't wait to dive into the gifts and cake! 

We can't wait to see many of you in a few weeks!  Vicki...enjoy your trip to Germany!  Please tell your family "hi" from us!

Love,
MKMAX

Announcing

Our newest member to the family:
Luke Forest Zarob  10lbs 1oz
proud parents Ang and Tom
proud grandparents Jeff and Cindy

Talked to Jeff this afternoon They were on the way to the hospital
They were so excited. He said they will send pictures soon

Deb

Happy Birthday Marina!!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you........


Enjoy your birthday, Big Girl, and especially your visit to the horse farm. We can't wait to hear about all the fun you have celebrating your 7th birthday. Wish we could be there to enjoy it with you, but we will have to wait until you visit us before Christmas and have a big party then.

We love you!!

Grandma and Grandpa

Proud

She's beautiful, she's talented and she did a GREAT job at her recital today!  Oh, and she makes us proud!  :O) 

Love,
Kristen