February Trails!

As I've shared in earlier posts, our snow has been scarce this winter. However, during the last couple of weeks, we did get a few snowstorms mixed with some beautiful sunny days so that we could enjoy some outdoor trails. My brother and his family came for a visit the weekend we got a good amount of snow, and we enjoyed every minute of it! While the snow didn't last long (it has already melted), it did come at the perfect time while our company was here! 

We enjoyed a day of skiing at Schweitzer Resort in Sandpoint. It happened to be one of the best weekends of the year weatherwise. The views up there are just amazing! 

The slopes were full of people out enjoying the beautiful day after the snow that had fallen the day before. 

Towards the end of the day, another storm was moving in, and you could see it coming. 

Our family enjoyed the day downhill skiing together! 

It was amazing to see how much snow these roofs can hold! This is not unusual at all as the roofs on the resort are built to support all that heavy snow! 

One day we went to the city park to take my nephew sledding. We met up with some other children, and a snowman was built! The kids all had so much fun searching for local items to give the snowman his features. We used "doggy bags" located in the park for his hat and scarf! 

This is a popular sledding hill located in the city park. 

Another snowman was built in our backyard! Some great memories were made :) 

We took a drive to see some local sights and happened upon a herd of elk on a hillside. I wrote this little prose below... 

Not willing to share her snowy domain
She stared at us with anxious eyes
With a brief glimpse into her soul
We saw this glorious surprise
A herd of elk poised on the hillside 
On a winter's afternoon drive. 

I saw this perfect little snowflake perched on Riley's back one day while we walked. Isn't it amazing! 

Riley watched February's moon come up with me! 

I did get to go cross-country skiing one afternoon. The snow was crisp, and the skies were sunny and bright. It was glorious! 

Riley and I enjoyed every minute of the ski.  The snow was perfect to ski on, and I was so grateful to finally get to do some cross-country skiing. 

My faithful companion in the snow! 

A beautiful day of sunshine on our winter trails! 

 

I went skiing another afternoon while it snowed, and that was equally lovely too!  

Do you find it hard to believe that February is drawing to a close? It is a short month, but this year, for me, it seems that the month has really flown by. It was so nice to have my brother and his family here for a visit and to enjoy the snow together.  Just days after they left, the weather changed, bringing rain, rain, and more rain. Now we have mud and lakes/ponds/rivers overflowing!  It certainly has been an unusual winter! 

I'm glad that we got to have a little taste of snow this winter while my brother was here - it was wonderful, refreshing, and full of joy.  Now that the spring rains have come - albeit early, my heart is turning towards springtime thoughts. I'm getting ready this weekend to start seeds for another year of gardening. I enjoy each season as it comes, and now, as we see the arrival of springtime weather, it is time to get excited about the buds, blooms, and flowers! 

The changing of the seasons always makes me think of the parallels to our own lives. Things come in seasons in our lives too - nothing lasts forever. When we make our peace with that understanding, it is then we can truly enjoy every day, the good and the bad, as we realize it will end, and something new will come in its place. 

This is the cycle of life that God has chosen for us, and I've learned to find contentment in the seasons that come and go. Some seasons are easier to love than others, but if you're in a difficult winter season - rest assured... Spring is coming :) 

My prayer for you is that whatever season of life you may be in, you will be able to find hope in knowing that it won't last forever, and a new season is on the horizon. 

Winter's cold beauty
will soon be replaced
with Spring's bright blooms! 

Many blessings to all of you!