Remote Western Roads and Snow

Not only do we get a fair share of snowWe get wind.

Sometimes, it's a lot of wind. When the wind and the snow happen within a short time frame, we get trouble.(This is my road... I didn't get any further on it at this point.)

Sometimes, it's a LOT of trouble.

(This is where my plow truck got stuck. Luckily, neighbors and I could pull it out. My hand is near the top of the drift.)
(And this is the blader-tractor pulling my SUV out.)

But, when the winds stop,

And the sun crests the mountains And the plows come, (County plow!)(Mom plowing a way to the school bus!)

Paradise is reborn.

Thank you!

A hearty THANK YOU to everyone who asked "where have you been?" and "why isn't your blog updated?".
To be honest, I wasn't sure anyone was really interested. A few zealous friends had "over-clicked" the ad buttons, and my account was suspended. I wasn't getting any comments to posts, and only a couple of followers to the site. So thank you to those who cared enough to ask for new updates. I commit to you that I will keep our Remote Western Town accessable to all of our out of town friends and loved ones.

Happy New Year!

May you keep your employment
May your home not foreclose
May you find life enjoyment
As your portfolio grows

May your bodies be fit
And your brains become wise
Will you not care a bit
‘Bout the width of your thighs

May your days fill with laughter
And your nights fill with peace
Might you find what you’re after
Can your mind be at ease

May you be filled with love
To thine own self be true
All of the things above
Are my new year wish for you

TroubleXFour

Oh, they look sweet and innocent, alright. But put their sweaty little heads together, and they're a "mite-y" force to be reckoned with! (Three Remote Western mites and one mini-mite after a hard hockey practice.) Go team!

A sad day

On a recent post, I mentioned the importance of dogs in A Remote Western Town. One of my personal favorite canines is a fellow named Pete. (Pictured front, with his mate, Bella.)

Pete is a serious dog. None of that "lick your face, chase my tail" stuff for this guy, it's all business... until it comes to his human companion, Kara. Pete is completely devoted to her, and her wish is his command.

I confess. I've got a thing for border collies anyway, but this guy is special. Small, quick, athletic and smarter than three normal dogs put together, Pete was a natural ranch hand. If you ask Kara, she'd probably tell you that Pete was better than most human hands! He doesn't argue (much!), shows no fear, and is agile enough to avoid even the maddest heifer. He's also handsome, doesn't require more than a hug- Pete style-, a handful of food and a kind word for a hard day's work.

So it is with heavy sadness that I share the news of Pete's untimely death today. He lived a rich, short life and touched many hearts. He is buried on a hill overlooking his ranch and watching over his beloved Kara. Rest in peace, Pete. You've earned your keep.

The Storm hath cometh!

This is me... in none of my glory! It's 9 degrees outside, but with the wind chill, it's well below zero. It's the kind of cold that causes your nose hairs to instantly freeze when you breathe in, the kind of cold that burns your lungs and causes rosy cheeks for days after just a few minutes of exposure. Nasty cold!
Our place is on a ridge where the wind has swept for eons. Our lovely home now serves as a wind block, creating unusual and interesting drifts along the 3 miles of dirt road to the .2 mile drive way and around the house. Our trusty plow comes in handy for our sometimes six foot drifts, enabling our infrequent departures and the occasional propane delivery!

The happiest of holidays from A Remote Western Town

Merry Christmas to all, and to all... a good night.