Super Angie...5 degrees

Winter has arrived nicely in Keystone! There is constant snow on the roads, the kids go sledding and build snow forts daily, and allowing 5 extra minutes to scrape the windows is just assumed into one's daily schedule.

Convincing the kids that they must wear a jacket, hat and gloves daily is still a battle. And the leaving of extra hats and gloves in the car is now a given.

Things I've learned:

• drive the Hummer to Denver instead of the Toyota--its faster and nicer and the seat warmers are fabulous.
• do use ice climbing gloves to clear extra snow off the car
• buy extra stretchy skating gloves each time you go to Target--trust me, you will use them!
• do not go into the cute stores in Breckenridge looking for kid's snow stuff--oh you will find it and it will find your wallet! FAST!
• do burn yummy fall and Christmas candles (carmel apple and peppermint)
• do bake with the kids
• do not eat what you baked with the kids
• do put out old bread for the birds--they love it, as do the kids
• do not go get firewood without putting on at least some slippers first
• do build a fire as often as you want
• do drink hot tea daily
• do go out for ice cream with the neighbors
• do take cookies to the guys at the rink
• do appreciate the new wipers Rick put on the car
• do drive Swan Mountain Road slowly in a white out--diving off the cliff into the lake isn't on the daily agenda, so don't tempt it!
• do turn the music up WAY LOUD while driving in said white outs. loud music really does make for safer driving and you must sing along to them.
  
• leave lots of towels around--kids will bring in snow on them no matter how many times you tell them not to
• do visit the hot tub often.
• do set up dates for ice climbing with Ann, Rick and Doyle...This is a MUST, there is no other option. ICE CLIMB!
• do continue to pull plastic with Ann
• do give small gifts of appreciation to your babysitters--they are like family now!
  
• do set up dates for snow shoeing.
• do get season passes for skiing
• do listen to Christmas music!
  

Something I'm NOT looking forward to...having to skate on the outdoor rink in Breck. Its rumored that they like to keep hockey inside and throw freestyles outside. Does this make sense? NO! Hello! Figure skaters are used to wearing nothing. Hockey players are used to wearing tons of clothes. I'm hoping they come to their senses and let us skate inside.

I am however looking forward to skating on Keystone lake. Just a nice morning walk away and it is zamboni maintained. Plus the setting is just beautiful. So if I am forced to skate outside, I will do it on the lake instead of in Breck.

Yea for Winter in Keystone!