SNOW and ELK and ICE

I'm truly ready for spring! Cranbrook has broken snow records going back decades, and people who have lived here for many, many years say this is the worst winter they have seen. It has now been above freezing during the daytime for a few days now - with some rain yesterday and today. Wouldn't be too bad if all roads and sidewalks etc. had been cleared, but that hasn't happened. In town apparently some/most main roads are good to ok - but side roads aren't in good shape. Some are more treacherous than skating rinks. And cars/trucks are not designed to drive on skating rinks. Grant had to start work at 7 this morning and is doing a split shift so I hope roads improve a lot before he comes home this evening. I see the mailman across the street now - definitely don't envy him today. It seems to be clearing out now so I am really hoping that will bring an improvement to the roads!

Now - about the ELK picture! Recently we were taking care of our daughter's dog for a few days, and one morning I heard Diesel barking. I went to the living room and found him standing on the sofa barking. It was immediately apparent that he was taking exception to the HERD of 8 elk that was taking a short cut through our front yard. Not sure why - they only cut off a small corner by not going on the road - but I guess elk like a more direct route. I've seen herds of elk a few times before, but always at a considerable distance away. These elk were close, and there was no mistaking them for deer. Elk are big!

My car has not been out of the driveway since very early in December, which feels very weird to me not be be driving almost every day. It has a dead battery, and though we have the replacement battery Grant hasn't found a screw driver that will let him remove the old battery. So - there my car sits. Hopefully the weather will improve - then we will definitely get the battery replaced. We are close enough for me to walk to town if absolutely necessary - though with the ice we currently have it is best to stay home!

Last night was my second Cranbrook Public Library meeting as a new member of the Board of Trustees. Enjoying it - and am now Chair of one of the committees. Not sure what that entails yet, but I think it is one I will enjoy.