Let it snow...or perhaps NOT

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November, and I am dwelling in a winter wonderland--if by wonderland you mean snowy, cold pain in the butt-land. Technically it is still Autumn (they call it Fall here) but the temperature is making me feel as though it is the depth of winter.

Using the snow-blower just to make walking paths around the property is an everyday occurence, how very annoying. The dogs seem to love the snow, especially Big Suze. I suppose they have only ever known a life which included the existence of snow, unlike me. When we use the snow-blower, a tube at the top sends out a spray of it and the silly dog runs around trying to eat it. Personally, I think snow is a useless bugger who should knick-off and leave me alone. What good is white powder to anyone if it's not Colombian one must ask.

Let them eat snow

The ski fanatics would probably like to throttle me for that comment, perhaps If I were into the sport--if by sport you mean suicidal desire to hurtle down perilous slopes towards certain death--I might think differently. My one experience skiing lead to a nasty incident that had a touch of the Sony Bono about it. Never again!

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The snow covered trees are very pretty, but I could easily put up a picture on the wall of a beautiful snowscape scene and be happy; without the icy botheration.

Oh and it's -5 Celcius outside now. Yep, it's BELOW zero, lovely Autumn weather. Mercy!
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Let it snow

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Countess Chichi is a snow bunny. Well not quite, but I did visit a ski resort this afternoon and even went on a thrilling chair lift ride.

Mount Schweitzer Resort is in our in small town. In fact we can see its snow capped peak from our home. At night time we have a view of the well lit ski runs, the lights of which look like diamonds glistening against the black velvet night.

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Ever since an unfortunate skiing incident at Lake Mountain some years ago, I have sworn off the sport. My foray into cross country skiing ended with my being wrapped around a tree in a very unusual yoga like position. Fortunately I was limber enough to untangle myself, but it was not pretty, escaping with my life but not my dignity. So embarrassing.

The view from Schweitzer is spectacular. One can see hills and valleys and it even encompasses a view of Lake Pend Oreille. There are gorgeous restaurants and Chalets and it’s all so very slick and lovely.

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We had lunch at the Chimney Rock restaurant. Delicious Calamari for an appetizer and a crab cake sandwich for my lunch. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Like a couple of fresh off the boat tourists, the Colonel and I looked out of place in our fancy attire as we joined all the skiers and snowboarders for a ride on the chair lift up to the mountain top. Instead of carrying ski poles I had my camera in hand and snapped away madly.

As the only people not wearing skis we did attract some attention. The operators of the lift stopped it for us so we could get off unscathed. Luckily they are used to other tourists walking around sans ski’s and looked after us splendidly.

The ride was terrifying for me. The Colonel has been skiing in Germany and on the Swiss Alps so he was perfectly comfortable. Meanwhile tears of fear dripped from my eyes smudging my mascara and causing me to look like a rabid raccoon.

The view on the way up was just breathtaking. Snow enrobed trees set against the backdrop of an azure blue sky was a marvelous sight to see.

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Road Trip

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The great trip across the USA by road has begun. Driving all day, and I mean all day, is not much fun at all. It's all on Highways so we seldom get to see anything interesting or stop anywhere nice, we eat nothing but junk food and if the adage, 'you are what you eat is true, " then I should soon begin to look like a giant, greasy burger. EWWWWW. Alka seltzer is my best friend.

Runty and Tiger asleep on the front seat of the Jeep.

Fortunately there are plenty of pet friendly hotels here in the USA, where all 5 of us can keep warm at night.

We drove to Arkansas to visit with some good freinds of ours. While there the truck broke down and we had to spend most of the next day waiting for it to be repaired. It was so cold and I was unprepared. Fortunately the Mrs we stayed with made a gift of a wonderful warm pair of gloves for me. My hands were so cold they were about to fall off. Thank you Auri for the lovely gift.

Bentonville, Arkansas.


We have some wonderful friends and had a really nice visit in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Mrs cooked some wonderful meals for us which was a very welcome change from the greasy fast food. A wonderful time was had enjoying spending time with that wonderful family. They even had a gorgeous dog that I wanted to kidnap.

Arkansas was a pretty state and Bentonville was lovely. I got to see the first Walmart store ever, I love Walmart. The head office is there in Bentonville. Beth Ditto of the Gossip is from Arkansas, her music is great and she is a glamourous trend setter so the state is not the backwater people think.

The first Walmart store, now a museum.


Driving all day is just horrible. How do truckers do it? No wonder they pop Truckers little helpers, (amphetamines) all the time. Can't say I blame them.

I miss you Florida with your warmth and sunshine. Yes we had a love/hate relationship and things didn't quite work out, but I can change I promise. I can acclimatise, my blood will thin, I will stop complaining about your incessant heat and humidity. Florida, take me back, it's cold out here and this Countess is not liking it.