February

 February began with absolute frigid temperatures and over eight inches of fine, powdery snow....on top of  two inches of ice. 

Even Kevin worked from home again for a couple of days.

We spent some time shoveling out our driveway.

At least down to the layer of ice.

Then we knew it would be up to some sun to help with the rest.

Keenan and I uncovered the tarp we used to cover some grass for the dogs, then he spent some time sledding.  With the ice under the snow he had super fast runs.

The pups were happy to have a wee patch of grass back to do their business on, but it would be a while before the rest of the yard was visible again.

After a few more days at home, Keenan's school headed back on a delay.

We were ready to get back to a normal routine, but the dogs loved having everyone home.

I made it back to the grocery to restock & found the "Customer with child" parking sign rather amusing.

But not as amusing as this meme floating around.

School finally got back on a full schedule.

The rescheduled Senior lunch for January finally took place.

Just a few weeks late.

Happy to help serve with couple other moms.

Then Keenan and I hit the road again on Friday to drive to Raleigh.

Rebecca had a solo show and we wanted to be there for her opening.

I was only able to snap a couple quick pictures-it was busy and crowded.

Yay and cheers for her!

The Olympics began and Keenan was ready to cheer on USA Hockey.

These two just wanted their yard to reappear.

Two weeks after the snow and it's still hanging around.

Ramses began counting down the days until Kieran's spring break.

Kevin, Keenan, and I went to a meeting about the upcoming Senior trip to Italy.

Yikes, it is coming fast.

After that it will be a quick blur of a ride to graduation.

To close the month out, Kieran rolled into town to begin his spring break, and we all headed to Raleigh for the close of Rebecca's show.

This time I did snap some pictures.

Sounds like all the reviews & feedback were super positive.

So proud of her.

And so thankful for her friend from college who helped her take everything down, and pack.

While we arranged some bbq, and some games before she flew back to NY.

Hello March.

January-‘26

After ringing in the New Year, we enjoyed a few more days with everyone home....then Kieran headed back for his final semester, and Keenan started back as well.

The pups were not thrilled.

After settling into our school routine again, Keenan had a scholarship interview at one of his final four schools.  It was Friday & Saturday before MLK day.  Friday was a dinner on campus, and Saturday was a very early breakfast, all day events, and personal interview.

It was a long, but enjoyable day.

Keenan had three days of school, then we were up and out the door at 6 AM on Friday to head to another school for another scholarship interview.  

Thankfully this was just a one day event since all the chatter around our state was the impending ice storm headed our way Saturday and Sunday.....

With groceries, gas for the generator, water, extra blankets & flashlights we were as ready as we could be for an ice storm.  

They are really the worst.  Hearing the trees crack, snap, and break and loosing power for days is rough.

Kieran was well north of the ice & he sent us some pictures of the wee bit of snow they received.

Like anywhere from 14-16 inches of snow.

And simply frigid temperatures.

We were super thankful to have received several inches of straight sleet instead of freezing rain.

I've never seen so much sleet.

Our road was completely covered by several inches of ice.

Digging out from this would take a while.

One of our neighbors enjoyed skiing up and down the road.

Another used ice skates.

Our temperatures were exceptionally cold and this was our road on Wednesday after the storm:

Two inches of packed ice.

Our driveway didn't look much better.

At least we were able to clear a tiny patch  by the road, and by our garages.

Thursday Keenan headed back to school (on a delay), then he and I headed to a hotel near another of his final four.  Again, on a Friday, he had another scholarship interview.

And we had another winter storm headed our way.

All 100 counties received a winter storm warning.

And all 100 counties received snow on Saturday.

Some places received a ton-the coast had blizzard conditions.

We wound up with about 8 or nine inches.

And frigid temperatures.

And all this snow fell on top of the 2 or 3 inches of ice still on the ground.

Cleaning up will take some time.

I'm ready for spring.

 

December

The month kicked off with lots of Christmas prep and errands.  In between one morning while I walked around a local park, I noticed this guy guarding the storm drain:

To be fair, it was quite chilly that day.

We decided to be proactive & move our Christmas tree to a different spot-out of the dogs scrum area.

I wanted no part in guarding & worrying about the tree getting knocked over by those two hooligans.

The band & choir gave a wonderful Christmas performance.

Keenan made his band debut with featured billing-by playing a train whistle during one song.

It was a hit.

And before we knew it, Kieran was back.

He wrapped up the fall semester and is that much closer to graduation.

The next day he and Keenan spent a few hours getting some sibling ink done.

They have talked about this for years and are now both adults.....

These two wanted no part in wearing our old Christmas costumes.

Thanks for trying though.

And in between all of that, and Christmas prep, I cleaned and emptied out our bathroom and the boys as well.  Then we had both of them completely redone.

It was a very chaotic few days.

A lot of noise and chaos.

And day two of three of renovations fell on my birthday.

We went out for dinner that night.

My sister did a boss move and has bubbly waiting for us at the table.

Well played Bec.

(And very much appreciated.)

During renovations Keenan took exams.

By Friday exams had wrapped, renovations were finished, and Keenan and the rest of the Seniors relaxed at school for the morning with Christmas attire.

The following morning we were all up early & thankful the weather was chilly but quite nice.

Keenan and Kevin were running the Pilot Mountain Goat 5k,

and Kieran and some of their former XC teammates ran the 7miler.

Love this group & so glad they stay in touch.

With renovations done, Christmas baking began.

Pistachio ricotta cake,

Oatmeal sandwich cookies,

homemade cinnamon rolls,

and Keenan made Snickerdoodle cupcakes, and Gingerbread Whoopie Pies.

No pics since they got quickly consumed.

And I found Keenan's Senior banner after he cleaned out his trunk.

We enjoyed a relaxing Christmas, then the next morning packed up the car and dogs and headed to our happy place for a few days.

The dogs loved the beach, the extra walks, and having a birds eye view of everyone and every dog walking by our house.

It was bliss.

We took advantage of the weather and headed up to the end of the road in Corolla to walk one of our favorite trails-Maritime forest to the sound.

The birds were out and was fun to watch and listen.

Sadly, we did not see any wild horses on the trail this time.

Plenty of horse poo.... but no horses.

The Tundra Swan were all along the sound.

So many.

Our final two days had cold, strong winds.  

It did not bother the water fowl, but other birds were not as active.

Bummer, but still beautiful.

Then on New Year's Eve, we packed up and headed home.

Cheers to a new year, a few more days of Christmas break, and time together.