Re-wintering

According to the almanac I keep, we usually have a February re-wintering.  Even after a warm, dry January, we typically get a couple of cold February storms to rebuild the snow-pack, at least partially.  This year has been no different.  After the winter that wasn't, we picked up a couple of solid storms.  In the foothills, the snow-pack is still pretty thin, but at the Breaks, above 10,000 feet, it is waist deep in places.  With EDO, I tried skiing, and the conditions were really good.

Blowed Out

We were deep in the canyon yesterday.  The sun was bright, but the wind was strong.  It strengthened throughout the day and, by the middle of the afternoon, was whipping sand into our eyes.  We knew we had to move the camp because we wouldn't be able to get out if it snowed.  So, we went back and put everything away.  By that time the wind was so strong that we had to shout to be heard.  Instead of moving the camp, and setting up again in the wind, we simply got on the highway.  It made for a long drive home in the dark, but it was worth it:  The wind blew all night and brought in several inches of snow.  It would have been a tough morning in camp, and an even longer drive today.

Mixed Meta-Myths

With EDO, I was out walking in one of the local washes yesterday when I looked up into the setting sun and saw this figure silhouetted there.  "Hera," EDO said immediately, "the wife of Zeus."  I guess I shouldn't be surprised that my daughter knows more about Greek mythology than I do, but I am usually swifter with the snappy allusions.  Not this time:  She immediately followed up with "The Divine Bovine."  A good one.  And, thus, we stopped to worship.  Back at home, however, when we related the story to VSO, she retorted that (traditionally) worshipping a (golden) cow was a precursor to being thumped by a pair of stone tablets.  Holy, um, Heifer!  Being around these two young ladies requires quick mental access to centuries of art, philosophy, religion, and literature.