shock value

front view













side view














for shock value: can you see it? - there's a house in there somewhere and some kids too (in middle of front walk)! the drifts have reached above our heads in areas. we've just had ~3' in the last week which was the most accumulation in the shortest time (since our arrival after Christmas). what we appreciate is the lack of wind and horribly cold temps. it hovers just below 0. january was much sunnier than february. i'm hoping march is a return to the blue skies; that's what keeps me going! i can't exactly take off skiing - with kids - so jim & i walk into town in the evenings w/ kids in backpacks. it's quite the workout with all the hills in rossland. i'm definately still adjusting to the snow!
we think our home is 109 yrs and it used to be a beauty, with large dormers over the 4 upper windows. i was definately swayed when, during the open house, i saw images of its former self in a history book. it has been interesting to pull layers of old wallpaper off the walls and retrieve hockey cards & newspaper insulation from every couple of decades. our plans for the outside include wood-look siding, beefier posts, shutters, window boxes and general charm. we'll have to live with the grey metal roof and dormer-less windows. hopefully the hot tub off the back top deck will make up for that!
i look forward to using the decks (1 covered front, 2 back). even when the "big thaw" hits - can't imagine! - we'll be able to bask in sunshine & out of the muck. better still, i'll throw the kids out there and let them play outside. right now we just use the large back deck for materials storage & BBQ area. the front deck is (can you see?)...a garbage disposal. how pleasant; hope neighbors haven't pegged us as white trash! oh well, we don't entertain much! not at all, for now. i won't even have playdates over yet.
unfortunately, we live in a wee bit of a hole (not the living conditions but the lot itself:) the snow piles in around us until 3/4 of our livingroom view is white! people talk of spring but i don't know whether i will experience one again! these were taken March 1. i have white hyacinths in my window so at least it is spring in my sill!