Weather forecast in US has high accuracy, I have the habit of checking on it when I go to places unfamiliar to me and when choosing wardrobe meant for the day's breeze and temperature.:) Days before our travel, my workmates were excited for me, as I announce to all my wish to see , feel, touch snow in America. There's snow forecast on our weekend stay there, yet on Friday, the snow day moved to a Wednesday. I was already happy with the snow that greeted us on our first day, then came the prediction of a weekend snow again. So I think when in Big Bear, simply be ready for what lies ahead and embrace the sudden change in weather.
We are all working in a demanding world of direct patient care, the hustle and bustle of daily living oftentimes occupy our thoughts and time. So on this travel, we paused and breathed the fresh scent of winter and thanked heavens for the gifts of occupation, time off and togetherness.
We stayed in a two-bedroom and two-full bath cabin complete with necessary amenities. It was our "home" on this winter getaway.
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| Good morning John!! |
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| Stand on the street. |
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| Weekend neighborhood |
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| Pika Pogi |
We were one in wanting to try local cafes and try their homemade recipes. Grizzly Bear comes on top of the list for good breakfast, we endured an hour of waiting time and I must say it was worth it. True what we heard, the pancakes were as big as human face, they really served more than huge portion. Food was great, the warmth and humor of the crew better.
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| Like father, ,like son in many ways. |
After brunch, Jak wanted to go to the lake so we went for a stop. Snow prediction was at 4 pm, and this is funny. Sorry for my snow innocence- as we were taking photos of the scenery, white tiny "dandruff-like" thingy started to drop I overheard a group of people beside me saying "It's snowing!!" Whoaaa!! There's snowflakes from up above, chilled to the bones and hands numb, I couldn't help but be giddy and stared at heaven to say, "Hi Ma, it's snowing. I know you helped me with my wish."
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| Let it snow and it snowed.:) |
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| My 41 y/o self finally had an eyeball with snowflakes. |
Thank you The Village for letting us know that Hallmark holiday places really still exist.
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| A sweet name for our "winter home" city. |
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| Another first- angel snow |
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| Don't be fooled, At has a cray cray side!:) |
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| Our "snow home" |
Another first- a real fireplace. At gave in to my desire to see a fireplace that actually works and here it is. I looked back at a Harry Potter scene where they traveled via the fireplace using floo powder.
On our last night, we opted to have to-go food at Dynasty restaurant and just hang around in the cabin. We played Bingo, yes the four of us and I won 4 dollars. I was dying in laughter to see Chewy so upset that he never won a game!!!:)
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| Maniglow sa snow. |
Here are the photos on our last day. How snow can magically transform everything amazes me. Another gift and blessing to truly truly believe in God.
I am still described as Ice Queen sporadically but I am not. My strength and resilience do not make my heart cold rather with lessons and experience, they make me see the beauty of life despite the darkness, feel gladness and gratitude despite brokenness.The "cold" bothers me anyway.
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| Another first- cheddar biscuit with gravy.But just a blah! |
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| Anniversary brekky. |
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| First time to see an Icy road sign. |
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| Thank You Jesus for the safe travel, |
This weekend winter break is one of my top happy vacations. I had my fair share of big group kind of travels and I loved them too.This however is different, we were only four , we even stayed in one abode yet for a rare time, "di ako nasuya." My heart was calm and content all the time.
Thank You God for the Big Bear gift. I love it. Till I come back, not very soon though!!:)
Snow. Family.Winter.
