We survived our first big storm of the year. They were calling for all kinds of exciting things like two feet of snow, high winds and blizzards. But we woke up this morning to sunny skies and about a foot of snow on the ground.

The girls were out in it first thing yesterday morning, after the first six inches had fallen and winds and snow were still swirling. The youngest two didn't last long. Elizabeth was in tears, but it was still a battle getting her to give in and come back inside.

I've been on house arrest, as my husband seems to disappear outside in all MY snow gear--my boots, my big warm down jacket. So while he's been watering chickens, and searching through blizzards for missing cats, I've been inside keeping a steady supply of hot chocolate at the ready. And keeping some semblance of order in a house that is getting a lot of action while we're all hunkered down inside.

During this storm, I've been overwhelmed by the kindness of neighbors. A family friend showing up, hours before the storm with a box full of hand-me-down snow pants, down jackets, hats, mittens and boots. There was something in the box for everyone. Last year's handed down snowsuit from Emily, just happened to fit Elizabeth perfectly. Everyone had something for the snow. (Well, everyone except me!)

And this morning, as Dan started shoveling out cars and driveways and paths to the sheds, Mr. Dorsey showed up on his tractor. A neighbor with a tractor is a good thing to have.

Otherwise, I have a feeling Dan would have been out there shoveling until dusk. That's a lot of snow to move around.

And once again, I'm thankful for a stash of Christmas cookies in my freezer. An impromptu thank you at the ready. Mr. Dorsey lives alone with no family around, and I'm pretty sure he enjoys a little home-baked goodness in exchange for a quick plowing of the driveway. I even caught him "inspecting" the cookies, as his tractor lumbered back up the road towards his farm.

Good neighbors, good friends are certainly a gift.