Blasted

In typical fashion, the weather pundits have dubbed our current snow event "Arctic Blast 2008!" (...and don't forget that exclamation point!) While it probably is hohum everyday stuff for folks in other parts of the country, it's a pretty dang big deal in these parts. It's been snowing, (not raining suprise, surprise) for nearly a week. Over the last two days, our neighborhood has begun to look like Montana.

A crowd of people congregated on the hill just outside our house. Sleds, snowboards, tobogans, skis, cheap Chinese plastic-things-for-sliding of all sizes, shapes and colors have appeared on the hill beside our house. Kids of all ages have been whooping it up. As we were walking home, one little kid looked at Keith with wonder in his eyes. He tugged on Mom's hand and said, "Is that Santa?"


The bird feeders are seeing heavy action. Bushtits, juncoes, a Bewick's wren, a song sparrow, pine siskins, both black-capped and chestnut-sided chickadees. a ruby crowned kinglet are in heavy rotation. This wee fellow found a warm spot under a lightbulb in our neighbor's yard to take a lunch break.





Suet seems to be the treat of choice. The squirrels are doing cleanup.


Inside, juniper blazing in the fireplace has given our home the scent of the high desert. Santa has been bringing the Aloha Spirit to the holiday season. Here he is singing the dulcet tones of Mele Kalikimaka.