Cookies, and memories of the first snowman

This weekend we had some hands-on kid-friendly baking. We made the all-time favorite snickerdoodles - who can't like a crunchy cookie covered with copious amounts of cinnamon and sugar. A former co-worker of mine made the most fantastic snickerdoodles ever, this is her recipe.2 cubes butter, soft
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 c flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
dash of salt
Mix margarine, sugar and eggs thoroughly. Mix dry ingredients and blend into creamed mixture. Shape into 1" balls. Roll in mix of 2 T sugar, 1 t cinnamon to coat. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheet, flatten slightly. Bake 8-10 minutes in 400°F oven.

I had my doubts about the kids because snickerdoodles are very hands-on. You have to form the dough into balls, roll in cinnamon-sugar and *lightly* press once on the cookie sheet. But They did great. The cookies didn't make it from the cooling rack to the cookie jar.

I found pictures of the kids' (and Rick's) first snowman/mouse of the year. They had just read the book The Tale of Desperaux and watched the movie as a treat when the first snow fell this winter. Our snowman was a fantastic representation of the hero Desperaux, complete with mouse whiskers and ears.

The snow is melting here. We still have a pile in the front yard as tall as me (some of you don't consider that too much, but still) and it is melting slowly. In the back yard we can just see the handlebars and seat of Rick's bike. We know Rikard's is nearby, but it isn't poking out of the snow yet. Why can't snow be as beautiful melting away as the day it fell to the ground?

Today the sun was shining. I linger while walking across campus to the library, feeling the warm sun on my face and knowing that spring is on its way - but I also realize it will take it's own sweet time in getting here.