Winter Shutdown

Winter shutdown is about complete and we were able to clear about 15 loads of branches and dead tree material from the snow storm that had been scattered everywhere.  The two weeks of temple shutdown gives us some time to knock out several projects without all the cars from the temple patrons in the way. We were also able to take a day to visit the Northwest Flower and Garden Show at the Convention Center downtown and garner numerous ideas of garden design and landscaping to bring back to the grounds.  There are a few pictures below of one of the standout design booths that I liked.  This is a favorite outing for Dan, Richard and I as it gets our winter-worn spirits excited for spring... hopefully it's around the corner!

Snow Day

We had a crazy snow storm that really pounded the Puget Sound region.  Everyone keeps saying that this is the storm that happens every 5 years, and boy, did it pack a punch.  This particular type of snow is such a heavy snow, that they call it "Cascade Concrete."  Unfortunately, several of the Japanese Maples were damaged due to this sticky, heavy snow.  Schools were canceled for two days this week and we had a lot of work cut out to keep the temple open the next day.  With the help of five elders from the Seattle Mission we were able to clear the sidewalks and get the parking lot clean and safe.  What a tender mercy that was to have them show up on Monday when we were needing some help.  Richard, Dan and I were running the plows and salt spreaders nonstop Monday and into Tuesday a little bit.  Here are some pics taken by Richard and I below.  Enjoy: