One more ski before acquiescence to spring

The elevation of Ester Dome is only 660 meters, but at this latitude, that is enough to be quite a bit cooler and retain more snow. My friend M and I, both excellent candidates for being Narnian white witches, went up this morning to ski one last time.

It was a beautiful, crisp, clear day.


We could see the White Mountains:


And Murphy Dome:


The Whites again:


Where a raven had swooped for breakfast:


Poor little wodent didn't make it:


On the way back, we went to Ann's Greenhouses, for potting soil and seeds.

I'm only starting squash and a few herbs. I've learned that peas, potatoes, and herbs grow quickly enough to go directly into the ground after the last frost, and my tomatoes will *never* grow as quickly or heartily as greenhouse-started ones, so I don't bother starting them from seed. So all I start in my office are squash and the herbs I'm most anxious for (basil and cilantro).

Ann's got an astonishing operation going:


Oh, I finished splitting my full rounds last night: