It’s fun to get a little flaky with fine friends

 SNOWFLAKE - - for the 2021 Holiday Photography Challenge (See sidebar for full list.).

 

Snowflakes are sweet, as they float down towards us each winter. But I think flaky friends might be even sweeter sometimes.

 Not too many years ago, a group of us were invited to visit another friend at her family’s forest cabin up north. We packed cozy clothes and more than a few tasty snacks and piled into a couple of cars to convoy to the woodsy nest.

 While we were there, we ate too much. We stayed up too late. We walked a little too far in the woods. And we laughed even more.

 We also created a little craft, burning snowflake images into cross-slices of wood from our friend’s tree-filled acreage.

 

OK, that’s not altogether true.

 The plug-in wood-burning tool took a lot longer than expected, so several of us grabbed black Sharpie markers to finish our ornaments. And why not?

 Each year, when I drag out the Christmas decorations, my rustic homemade snowflake ornaments bring back happy memories of fellowship with friends.

Disclaimer: I actually took this photo a few years ago. But I haven’t previously published it, and it seems to fit the bill nicely here.

 

Image/s: Personal photo/s. All rights reserved.

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What’s in your car this winter?

Winter driving brings lots of extra challenges for drivers in colder climates. OK, we get that.

What do you pack into your car, just in case winter weather brings its worst, while you’re out on the road?

Here’s a handy list of 20 basics for winter drivers, especially on longer trips.

1. Basic tools (or multi-tool/Swiss Army knife)
2. Blanket (at least one per vehicle occupant)
3. Cash stash (a few tucked-away bills)
4. Cell phone charger (to fit the on-board phone)
5. Duct tape
6. Extra boots (suitable for snowy treks)
7. Extra hat and sturdy gloves
8. First-aid kit
9. Flares or reflective cones/markers
10. Flashlight and batteries (the brighter, the better)
11. Food and water (hearty non-perishable snacks)
12. Gas (full tank)
13. Hand sanitizer / wipes
14. Ice scraper / snow brush (perhaps also a compact/folding snow shovel)
15. Jumper cables
16. Maps and compass (in case GPS fails)
17. Medications (as needed)
18. Pencil and paper (for emergency note-taking)
19. Sand or kitty litter (non-clumping)
20. Windshield wiper fluid (at least filled)

While you’re out there, it’s important to keep in mind that several states have official laws (like Wisconsin’s 346.88.4) requiring drivers to clear all window obstructions (such as snow and road-salt) before driving legally on roadways.

 Here’s to safe winter driving – all around.

 

 

Image/s: Public domain image

Feel free to follow on Google Plus and Twitter. Like this blog?  Check out Practically at Home on Facebook. You are invited to visit my author page on Amazon.com.