Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

One of Holden's Staff Coordinators, Liz Langeland, shows the kind of enthusiastic reception that a good snowfall gets from village inhabitants who are more accustomed to having accumulations up to a couple feet on the ground already at this time of year. Of course, it is well-known fact that Liz has a brand new pair of cross country skis that she bought at the end of last season. She is anxious to strap them on and head out on the trails.

The timing of this snow could not have been more perfect. These pictures were made about 1:00 pm, and we were out in the weather awaiting the arrival of the bus bringing in our some of our very first Christmas guests. These would be people who would be coming here to frolic in the "white stuff" as opposed to skittering around on the treacherous glaze of ice as has been our wont since Thanksgiving.

Head Maverick Dan Roberts shovels accumulated snow off the loading dock in preparation for the arrival of the bus and the offloading of luggage, supplies, and mail. This weather system had been on the move and coming our way for days. We were to receive prodigious amounts of snow and exceedingly low temperatures. The snowfall began about 10:00 am, as forecast, and continued throughout the day and into the night. For me, it was exactly like being in a snow globe that has just been turned upside down...and being there for all the daylight hours during which the falling snow was visible. The exceedingly low temperatures (close to and perhaps below 0) are to begin to sweep in sometime today. Just as a footnote to history, my own personal history, I have never been in any place where the temperature fell to "below 0."

Recent arrivals to long-term staff, Sue (Cook) and Don (Electrician) Cushing wait at the edge of the loading dock for the bus. (When you look at Don, do you see potential for a Santa Claus?)

The road grader, a vital piece of equipment to maintain the road and in keeping it passable throughout the winter season was a special part of this welcoming ceremony. It was brought down from the shop and put into position just in front of the place where the incoming bus would stop. The huge blade you see in at mid-air point had a sign affixed to it. The sign read, "Hey, Chuck!" Daniel Lund at the controls raised and lowered the sign in greeting, in exactly the same manner that Florida State University fans and Atlanta Braves fans do the "chop-chop" to cheer on their favorite team. Just picture this enormous blade, sign affixed, going up, coming down, going up, coming down... The occasion was the arrival back in the village of Chuck Carpenter, head of Operations. When Chuck left, the grader's blade was not functioning and with winter bearing down, there was concern that however-whatever-nowever, it be made ready to grade the roads. This was Chuck's "Welcome Home" greeting, a signal that Mechanic Terry Sanderson and his able assistant (when he is not in the kitchen during a power outage wearing a head lamp and cooking eggs-to-order) Daniel Lund.

Chuck (in the green jacket) is welcomed home by Tom Ahlstrom (one of Holden's three directors) and Steve Marks (in his signature hat, one of the two teachers at the Holden Elementary School).

By 3:00 in the afternoon, this was the view of the aspen tree just off to the side of the Agape porch. The snow continued into the night. At this moment, I am awaiting daylight to see how much more has accumulated.

There are no words to do its beauty justice.