Storm glory!!! Preparing for your arrival!!!

 

 Valentine's Main Street was covered with snow Saturday, March 9, with two energetic 

souls out removing the heavy, mositure laden, much needed icing. 

Thank you Gary Conner and James Ravenscroft.

 

Peaking through lacy branches one can see the comforting lights inside Cedar Canyon Steakhouse. Coffee anyone? How about a nice meal to sustain you as you head off the beaten path....

 

Off the beaten path, this young white tail was a bit surprised, clearly curious, 

and excited to be frolicking Sunday, March 10. 

 

The little one soon caught up to its family, already headed for higher ground. 

How many deer can you spot?

In a previous post, there is a deer in the same spot, only her ear is twitched at my intrusion. 

However, Sunday, March 10, she was keeping alert to the individual who was out on his

 4x4  plowing out his road. Yet she still looks comfortable. 

 All tucked in and if you weren't paying attention, could easily miss her majestic beauty. 

 

The Minnechaduza Creek at the Valentine City Park played host 

to these mallards who thought everything was rather ducky!

 

Across the river, everything was covered with a thick layer of snow and sunshine. 

If you look closely, you'll see the icicles hanging off the tree branches. 

What was so fabulous about this snow is that it packed a lot of moisture 

but it was comfortable to get out and walk around 

and take in the beauty of the Sandhills. 

 

What a sight to behold as the sun peeked out from the clouded sky 

and shone its light on this bedazzling tree. 

The mallards, not accepting my company, have moved further down the 

Minnechaduza Creek quacking the whole way. 

 

 

Mother Nature is sending her signal to everything under the snow. 

Even though the trees didn't spring ahead, they know what to do at her prompting. 

The river will eventually host tadpoles, dragonflies, and a whole host of aquatic 

life that is still dormant - but won't remain for long. 

 

A close-up of what will eventually bloom in the spring. These are either lilacs or wild plums. 

Before you know it...summer will be here. 

Have you booked your hotel stay? There are two very nice places to stay and they'd 

 be glad to take your reservations.

 Click on Valentine's Niobrara Lodge or Trade Winds Motel on this Web site which will take you to their Web sites where you can choose your reservation dates. They fill up quickly you know. 

For something a little more out of the way, why not click on 

Double R Guest Ranch. It would be perfect for your family's reunion. 

Here it is Monday evening, and most of the snow has been 

distributed among the roots, filling the rivers, lakes and getting the 

Sandhills of Nebraska ready for your arrival.

Winter is fun in the Sandhills of Nebraska!!!

Nothing squirrley about a spring snow here in Valentine, Nebraska. And what fun it is!

 

Last year's leaves are dripping with frozen moisture that fell Saturday, March 9.

These will become fuel for birds returning this spring.

Hot color and cool icicles on this March morning.

Not only were the trees cloaked in frozen precip, so too were the power lines. Winter wonderland and the power stayed on!

What was found in an alley as discarded trash looks more like art with icicles hanging like crystals off a chandelier.

The neutral, rustic, tones are calming and soothing even though the wind was whipping the trees back and forth.

More sculptural trash turned into art!

With drought conditions excessive last year, this moisture is a HUGE blessing!

This icicle was the largest one found while driving around in the winter wonderland.

What do you see here? Signs of spring!

The heavy moisture caused these little pines to bow.

More soothing colors in nature!

It won't be long and the snow will begin falling. Meanwhile, geese are swimming joyfully in this pond.

Thank you for the winter kibble!

It's later in the day Saturday, March 9, heavy, wet, moisture laden snow began falling - again!

It began blanketing trees and branches, already decorated with small icicles.

A small winged one awaits its turn at the feeder.

Keep falling, keep falling...we're grateful and thank You Lord, for every snow flake that falls and every bit of moisture it contains! Looking forward to a GREEN spring and summer!

Deep in the woods, nothing is left untouched by the fallen moisture.

And the snow continues while this deer finds something to satisfy its hunger.  Doesn't winter in the Sandhills make you hungry? There's plenty to see and do! More on this later in the week!

Everyone hunts...differently!

This is the big man week..cammo, weaponry, ammo, ammo, and more ammo.

 Or not.

Everyone hunts differently. Some hunt with all their buddies by walking all over the woods as more of a bonding ritual, never even firing a shot.

It's those who this is addressed to.

You're going to be needing supplies...snacks...frozen pizzas that can be microwaved, and all kinds of beverages. When you step into Henderson's IGA, you'll notice the food is hiding.

  Not technically, but it is sorta...behind brand new coolers. Ohhhh, they're sleek, modern, glimmering and a wee bit on the shiny side. Behind them are all the provisions you'll need.

 What's so fabulous about the new coolers is that it's also helping to save the planet by being more energy efficient. And you're a part of this every time you open and close the doors to get your Jimmy Dean breakfast sausages, Eggo waffles....

 ...or delicious caramel sea salt gelato - an Italian style ice cream.

 So, shopping at Henderson's IGA will keep the planet much greener for our four legged friends who appreciate those hunting the aisles and keeping the woods nice and pristine.

 Because we all hunt differently....

 Some in groups....

 Some the aisles for the sweet goodness of fruits and vegetables...

 There's every possibility there will be snow this weekend...

So enjoy your big man week and happy hunting at Henderson's IGA. Be safe and remember to pack your hunters orange. It's pretty manly after all.

Unused Vacation Time...come on over and GOLF!

 Labor Day is done and over with...kids are back to school, and dang, you have some vacation time left over...what to do?

 You can see the clubhouse overlooking the Snake River way below. This is also considered one of the most beautiful holes on the course. YOU could be here!

According to The Ryder Cup Issue of GOLF magazine, a Sports Illustrated Publication, we have a little something right here in the MIDDLE of NOWHERE that has been billed as one of the TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY!

 Up close and nestled in with the landscape, the Prairie Club has all the amenities anyone would want after golfing. There are lunges, a pro shop, nicely appointed rooms and seclusion...fresh air...and  wonderful experience awaiting you.

The Prairie Club's Dunes Course wasn't listed as #1, but was listed as a new course in 2010, and they're already ranked as #78 in 2012.

 Go ahead....get your putter!

For those who are curious, #1 went to Pacific Dunes in Brandon, OR, and #2 went to Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA.

 But they're not nestled in the Heart of the Sandhills. Check out that bunker...do you suppose designers Tom Lehman and Chris Brands made it look like a heart? 

While Gothenburg is a bit away from Valentine, Nebraska, they have a course listed in the Top 100 Courses: Wild Horse Golf Course and is ranked as #73 this year and was ranked #67 in 2010.

 Even the Easter Bunny needs a great place to rest. O.K., so it's not the Easter Bunny, but there's no telling what type of wildlife you'll see. 

But wait...there's more! The Prairie Club has not one, but two different courses in addition to the Dunes Course, there's the Pines Course. The Prairie Club has also built new accommodations that overlook the scenic Snake River.

 A bunker you will definitely want to avoid...but beautiful none the less. 

 Nice green fairways with a lot of rough spots typically which are typically seen on Scottish links. 

  The September 2012 issue of GOLF magazine suggests there's no reason to cash in your frequent flier miles to reach a trophy course, but if you do have vacation days left...and frequent flier miles to use, why not think about making the Prairie Club a destination?  You won't be sorry you did! And you won't b able tow ait till spring to try the course again. And we'll be waiting for you then as well!