Breaking Out the Sticks

The Farmers Almanac strikes again! The annual weather prognosticator predicted a harsh winter this year. So far this winter has brought us more snow than we have had since I have lived in Northern Montana, so I guess the Farmers Almanac has been correct so far!  Even though it makes for some harrowing early-morning drives to work, overall I don?t mind the snow.  Many of you know that I fell in love with winter recreation when living in Jackson, WY, so snowfall makes me very happy.  I mean, if it's going to be cold outside, there might as well be snow so we can do something active outdoors and play a little!

Jeff and I have been trading enthusiasm for winter sports- he is getting into downhill skiing and snowshoeing and I am trying out Nordic skiing.  Our Christmas gift to ourselves this year was new sets of Nordic skis for both of us. With some birthday gift card cash for Jeff, too, we took advantage of recent specials on Nordic packages and got some great deals on ski sets for both of us-skis, boots, and poles. With the extra snowfall to start off the winter months, the ditches along the roads near our house are full. It's a perfect track for Nordic skiing.

I took the snowshoes out about a week ago, which you can read about in the previous post. Now that we have new skis (Christmas came just a little early for Jeff and me), we have taken them out a few times as well.  The guy at the store said he actually sells the most Nordic skis to farmers and ranchers who want to ski along their ditches and tree rows.  I love envisioning cowboys in jeans, dusters, belt buckles and hats gliding along cross country style- priceless image! What a great way for those of us on the open plains to enjoy a little winter recreation.  Nordic skiing does not come natural for me, but I still enjoy it. Jeff, however, is a pro.  Harvey likes skiing, too. He likes any activity where his people are outdoors with him, when he can run along.  

You can bet we will be taking advantage of snow-filled ditches as often as we can.  In fact, two nights ago we took advantage of the full moon and made some tracks at night with nothing but moonglow lighting the way. Three cheers for winter!

Our Harvest Moon

The moon was full Saturday night, rising amber through the evening sky.  With wheat dust filling the air from combines humming across the north country, one would hasten to label this honey hued orb rising through a sultry haze a Harvest Moon.

In fact, this is the Sturgeon Moon.  Native Americans and the Farmers Almanac name each full moon largely in relation to whichever food source is abundant.  In August, the foodsource is usually sturgeon in our lakes and streams.  Harvest moon is technically whichever full moon should occur closest to the autumnal equinox, which this year will fall on September 23.

I suppose if Native Americans named their moons after foodsources, it is appropriate to call this most recent full moon a Harvest Moon for us.  After all, wheat is a major foodsource for the world.  Each single grain planted will produce many kernels, harvested to share.  

I can't think of a Harvest Moon without hearing in my mind the Neil Young song of the same name.  One of my favorite songs.  "Just like children sleepin', we could dream this night away."