October 05, 2007

its coming

October 05, 2007/ Libby Hickman

Do you see it? You know that white stuff on top of the mountain? It fell there a couple of nights ago and this what we saw coming down the hill into town today. What's the big deal you ask? Well the big deal is "the talk" of all the locals around here. It snowed up at the ski hill.

I grew up skiing. It was one of the greatest family activities that we did together. Too bad I can't find a picture of the stylin' neon one piece jumpsuits we used to wear. They rocked! Especially when you had to go the bathroom. Then you had to take the whole blasted thing off!

I have a lot of wonderful memories trying to keep up with my dad and my brother as they totally left me in the dust. Or how about the time (basically every time) that my brother pushed me down as we both got up to ski off the chair lift. Yeah that was cool! I had to make sure that I stood up and got the heck of that thing before he could pull me down!! Skiing where I grew up was quite and adventure. We lived about 2 hours away from the closest mountain. It meant that we had to get up at 5am to ensure that we would be there before the lifts even opened. That was my dad's deal- to be the first ones there, and to get front row parking. The two hour commute made for a long (stinky socks) ride home too.

I haven't been skiing more than maybe twice in the last 10 years since I have been married. My husband never learned...and you know it is not very cool to be a grown man and have to "learn" something :). So, we haven't gone. However, this year may be different. After having designed the website and print collateral the last 3 years for our local resort- he is having a change of heart. Yay! We only live 30 minutes away. So we could even go for a half-day here and there. Get this- a season pass that includes unlimited lift tickets, rental gear and lessons is only $330.00! Even less for the kids! It's almost too good to pass up.

But you know me- I am thinking, "what will I wear?" Well, I think that I would look pretty awesome in this jacket,

pair it with these goggles:

and if I have to wear a sweater underneath it would be this one:

(in fact, skip the whole athletic thing...I'll just sit in the lodge and wear this!)

Or, now that Carl is rolling his eyes and saying, "yeah right!" - maybe I'll just see what Goodwill has to offer.

Now to work on my form...better head back to this place, it's been a while.

Bring on the snow!!

October 04, 2007

orange

October 04, 2007/ Libby Hickman

It's a bit busy around this crunchy house...I will catch up soon, but for now- here are a few bits of my new favorite color (don't worry blue and green, I will never leave you.)

new sweater

pumpkin spice cake- recipe here

passing the time in the parking lot at school- waiting for kids

at the farm stand

Happy Friday!!

October 03, 2007

How to bake with children

October 03, 2007/ Libby Hickman

We have more apples around here than we know what to do with. I went a bit overboard at the orchard thinking that we could make applesauce, and dry them into fruit roll-ups. Neither have been accomplished yet. My husband told me not to worry because it was beginning to look like they would sauce themselves right there in the boxes. At least it is getting cold enough now that the fruit flies are no longer an issue.

Anyways, this afternoon the girls and I (the neighbor girl too) decided that making a pie sounded fun. I love baking with my children-- here are a few things that I have learned along the way.

#1- Have everything set up and prepared. Gather all ingredients, all utensils, all recipes and aprons ahead of time. If there is even the slightest lull in the action- they will lose interest. Perhaps even begin sword fighting with their wooden spoons (not good especially when they are covered in dough or batter.)

#2: Always make sure that everyone has equal amount of "turns" and don't forget who gets to go next. Children are very particular about the order in which they proceed.