A Week of First's

Been a busy week around the Snow Chateau!  Last Saturday our new neighbors pulled in, Sunday was graduation for one of the girls I mentor, Monday we had the first BBQ of the season - invited over the new neighbors and everyone else on our road so we could all get to know each other.  Tuesday we headed out on the first camp of the year to Sheridan Lake.  While there, we were 'blessed' with ping-pong sized hail creating the first damage (minor) to the camper and first damage (even more minor) to my truck.  I say blessed as the tornado was about 15 minutes northwest of where we were.  Hey, pick your poison, I'll choose hail over tornado.  Saw our first SD beaver, Bill had his first kayak 'crash' (he's just fine!), and Casey and I had our first water race - her swimming and me kayaking.  She won.  Surprised?

Ping-pong sized hail makes for some BIG splashes!

Hangin' after the storm has passed.

The lake laid down so flat, it was like glass.

This heron showed up for some late evening fishing.

And while I'm trying to get a good shot of the heron, I kept hearing something in the water.  That ain't no muskrat!

I'm watchin' you.  I see your every move.

This way kids.

I SAID, "Stay AWAY from MY babies!"

Lest We Forget

Today being Memorial Day, please take a moment and remember the reason for this holiday.  Our veterans and their families have sacrificed making selfless choices to ensure each and everyone of us has the privilege to spend this day with our families.  Please allow me to given a personal salute and thank you to immediate families that have served our nation:  Bill Snow, Chuck Snow, Bruce O'Banion, Ralph O'Banion, Tim Wolfkill and the late Truman Wolfkill.  Thank you for your service gentlemen.

The barn in this photo is on a historical ranch outside of Custer, SD; and the flag in this photo is our flag we fly in front of our home - previously flown over the USS Arizona in Hawaii.  Lest we forget the men and women that perished on that fateful day of our nations history.

Worried for Nothin'

Last winter was cold.  Last winter was long.  Last winter was windy.  Last winter hung on and wouldn't let loose of its grip on the Hills.  These do not make for awesome conditions for flower beds to make it.  I had much concern, especially with the late snow's and bitter temps that my tulips weren't gonna make.  Alas, they have bloomed and so far (knock on wood!) the deer and turkey's have left them alone.  Spring has become one of my favorite seasons!