New Year Cheer

Happy New Year!

Am I the only one that never really knew the words to this traditional song?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS 

Clearly I was making up words as I sang along :)

Christmas Review

View from Roundhouse Lodge.

It was a whirlwind weekend filled with presents, food, friends, and family.  I'm exhausted!  Wouldn't have done it any other way though...We started Christmas morning by heading up early to the Roundhouse Lodge via gondola for breakfast with the Latham's and Bridwell's (Kat & Bryan).  A perfect view of the town below and a chance for most of the group to get some early morning ski runs (minus Jean and I).

The gondola ride up to Roundhouse.

Stairs up to the Roundhouse.

The Christmas crew from left: Kat, Bryan, Zach, Sarah, Jean, and Nick.

On the deck at the Roundhouse Lodge.

Our table inside the Roundhouse restaurant.  

 Later we meet up for a light lunch and present opening at the Latham's house in Indian Creek.  We had some good laughs and cheers.  Our army of five labs, four females and one Gus, frolicked happily outdoors in the snow like freed beasts.

Nick & Jean

Zach and his new goggles.

Four of the five dogs.  Left is Abby, Gus, Lucy (in back), and Ruby.

Zach and I squeezed in a quick skate ski at Quigley before we made dinner for Nick and Jean at our house that evening.  Stuffed Cornish game hens, buttered squash, green salad, and crescent rolls.  Dinner was followed by Jean's boysenberry pie with vanilla ice cream.  I think I can easily say we were all round and jolly by the end of the day!

Merry Christmas!

To friends and family everywhere

we hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

xoxo

Sarah & Zach

Snow, Snow, Snow!

...and more snow makes for happy locals this time of year.

Zach skied two days on Baldy and managed to take an afternoon off to help with the window trim and shades in our upstairs bathroom and bedroom.  No longer will a pregnant lady be seen streaking across the lighted windows at 521 Mother Lode.  Thank goodness!

Lucy and I got some classic skiing in and even joined some friends for sledding afterwards on Sunday at Quigley Nordic Center.  The Walker children, Owen (5) and Hadley (almost 2) had Jenna, Sarah S., Davina, and I as cheerleaders.  Owen was having a great time and didn't even bother with a sled at times.  Hadley wasn't too interested in actually sledding and was more curious to watch what everyone else was doing.  Lucy and some other dogs chased every sledder down the hill creating their own game of tag.

Davina helps Hadley put her goggles on.

Sarah S. and Owen get ready for their decent.

Jenna cheerleads from a top the sled hill.

Zach was snow-blowing late into Sunday evening just as the last of this weekends storm hit.  It's 19 degrees as I write this but luckily my husband did an excellent job clearing out our driveway and front porch so we won't have to wade to our cars in thigh deep snow for the work week.  Snow is much more enjoyable when you have the time to enjoy it :)

Ski Tired

We were busy with the December snow this past weekend.  Zach was on Baldy both days skiing with friends.  Lucy and I skate and classic skied out Quigley near our house over the weekend.  "Skate" skiing is a form of Nordic or Cross Country skiing where you glide along a relatively level ground with a short lightweight skinny ski.  "Classic" skiing is another form of Nordic or Cross Country skiing but this time you are in a designated track where your motion is more straightforward.  Imagine gliding while you walk with poles. 

On Saturday Lucy and I were joined by Jenna and her two doggies for a skate ski.  It's fun to see all the excitement from the dogs.  They act like they have been in cages for the good portion of the year.  Run, run, run!  They do their best to keep up with us when we are going down hills.  Lucy always tries to race me.  Once the hill runs out she usually wins :)  The best part about playing in the snow for Lucy is that not only are there endless amounts of snowballs to chase but she can eat them to her hearts content. 

Sunday Lucy and I headed out again to Quigley, this time for an attempt at classic skiing.  It was a beautiful sunny day with snow covering everything in sight.  It felt good to get my pregnant belly outside and enjoy some winter activities.  I promise I kept things mellow.  I was relieved to know I can do some physical activity outdoors this winter without going crazy.

Needless to say we were all tired from our weekend of skiing and Lucy managed to capture our exhaustion.

LEED AP ID+C

I passed!

I'm officially a LEED AP ID +C

(Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Associate Professional in Interior Design & Construction).  

I know it's a mouthful but trust me I earned it.

What is a LEED AP ID+C exactly?  It's a credential that provides a standard for professionals participating in the design and construction of environmentally responsible, high-performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements.  It's awarded through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)and the US Green Building Council.  I am now officially an expert on green building design ;)  Hooray!

Little Tree

We managed to squeeze in a quick Christmas tree hunt this past Saturday.  Borrowing Nick & Jean's snowmobile made the effort MUCH easier this year!  After a brief period of searching we were happy to settle with a little full tree.  Much smaller then our trees from years past but I'm learning that smaller can mean a lot less hassle and stress (which I'm not into this year).

Zach posing with our Xmas tree pick.

Sarah at the snowmobile with Xmas tree wrapped in the sled.

You can't see Zach sleeping on the couch.

Decorated and ready to roll!  Now back to studying....