winter WONDERland!

Cora's first snow --- she loved looking at the flakes :)

our ISLAND DOGS preferred to watch the snow from inside...

We were surprised to open the door this morning to head to work and school and see a blanket of snow outside! By blanket of snow, we're talking about 2-3 inches. Remember our posting last year when we were essentially snowed-out of our neighborhood? WELL, the trip into base was a bit nerve-wracking. Of course Greg drove wonderfully (although I think he brought the good Lord into conversation a few too many times when we skidded out of our cho) and I was a nervous wreck (did I REALLY learn to drive in 3 feet of snow back in Michigan?!?) but gave enough urgent directions to ensure success. Greg thanked me incessantly for my direction. Thank God we got Cora to school and us to base without incident. Of course, as we arrived at the front gate, we heard on AFN that the base was closed except for emergency personnel..... BUMMER! Luckily, medical was still open and I ended up seeing almost my full schedule of patients. And Greg's work continued as usual, too...

The snow didn't ease up throughout the day and the temperature barely got above freezing, so getting home was a bit challenging and tomorrow morning will likely be even more stressful.

A side note to those of you who didn't tune in about a year ago to our blog posting.... JAPAN is NOT prepared for snow. They do not have snow plows or road salt, they don't sell shovels, they barely have winter coats for sale. People put tire chains on their cars (and public buses) with snow flurries... just so you guys back at home in Michigan and the North East don't think we're becoming wimps the locals here become complete idiots at the mere mention of snow! On the bright side, I'm sure it will give us more pleasant memories of our temporary home!