Wintery Weekend

This week has been a snowy one.  Jeanette had 3 snow days this week after we had about 15 inches dumped on us.  Pretty crazy.  The snow removal process was slow as the snow blower had some technical difficulties - the handle broke off.  We made the best of it with shovels.

The dogwood tree in the backyard

The house

My broken snowblower - not the handle not attached to the blower

Friday a played hooky from school and went up to climb at the Narrows in Kitnersville with Timm.  For 14 years I've been looking at the "Main Flow" at the Narrows, 3 pitches of NEI4.  Conditions were perfect for me to get on it, no one there, fat ice, and wet conditions.  The climb was everything I expected it to be.  Steep, thought provoking and long.  The crux 2nd pitch pillar was awesome.  The final pitch super long - ~150 ft - and really interesting climbing.  It was a great day.

Timm at the base of the climb

View of Pitch 2 pillar

Looking back down the 3rd Pitch at Timm belaying

Rapping out - pitch 3

View of the Delaware River from one of the belays

Finally Sunday we made it over to Fair Hill and got some sledding in on the fantastic hill off of Rt. 273.  There were lots of people out and we had a great time with Wendy, John and Bill.

The hill

Jeanette on Bill's runner sled

The Whoops 

Bill on the tube of luxury

Aunt Ailene's 60th Birthday

Aunt Ailene turns 60 this week and the family surprised her with a party to celebrate last weekend.  It was a great time, with everyone there except Joey and Kaylyn.  The festivities included crowning of the birthday queen, a then and now fact sharing with a doll dressed up in a vintage girl scout uniform to act as the "then" Aunt Ailene, a quiz on various Aunt Ailene trivia and lots of excellent food.  It was great to get together with the family.

Aunti Ailene's surprise entrance

Kay Kay cutting the rug

Then and Now Aunt Ailene

The Lovely Ladies of the Family with their crazy Sock Monkey slippers 

Hmm, that picture is better

Winter Running

Jeanette and I have been trying to stay in shape with evening winter runs out in one of the parks close to our house - Fair Hill or White Clay Creek.  We're really fortunate to have these great resources so close to our home.  It's been cold, but you really get to see the parks in a beautiful light.

Jeanette on the home stretch of the Blue Trail

View of Big Elk Creek