Monday Slopes

Fortified with warm breakfasts, we head for today's destination, Buck Hill! Only a fifteen-minute drive south, it was good enough to train Olympian Lindsey Vonn so it's good enough for us. Warm clothing is a must.

The activity is snow tubing with equipment similar to what we use for tubing the Frio. Younger granddaughter loses no time getting on the moving sidewalk that takes tubers to the top of the hill. Moms also get in on the fun. Lanes are divided by snow bumpers since no one wants crashes at those speeds. Soon tubers come flying down the hill.

Pawpaw and I take a break and go inside the chalet and have an adult beverage; he also orders onion rings.

We have time for a few more photos before leaving. According to the younger generation, they were ready for more and planning for ski lessons.

Monday Breakfast

This morning we meet friends for breakfast at a place recently opened and new to us. Primarily a bakery, wonderful smells and display cases of goodies tempt our hunger. I choose a Mexican version of eggs benedict. So good! Poached eggs on toasted three-cheese chorizo bread, topped with sautéed spinach, tomato hollandaise, and cheese shreds. We escape after breakfast without buying any additional items.

Downton Dinner

Sunday shopping and running errands in good weather takes much of the day. All efforts lead up to our dinner honoring the season finale of Downton Abbey. Unfortunately, no cooks, footmen, or maids in sight.

First course is Mrs. Patmore's London Particular, her version of split pea soup. We make it from scratch, of course, a somewhat simpler method than the recipe we found but the same ingredients. Emptied bowls all around! Second course is shepherds pie, a big hit and another great recipe. Third and last course is a trifle layered with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. We pepper our table conversation with Downton quotes and use British accents.

After finishing dinner, we have just enough time to get settled in front of the television before the theme music begins. Love, birth, death, a full final episode. Too long until the next season!

Tunneling Saturday

Hawaii has a high surf warning and Minnesota has a snow fort with tunnels. Older granddaughter works on one side while younger breaks through. Dad supervises and shares the snowy fun. Inside the house, girls shed the snow gear and exclaim how hot they are.