2010 Olympics – at home

We have heard many reports of how snow is lacking in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics.  We can understand the dilemma because we have acquired 3” of it – wonderful powdery snow that I don’t know I’ve ever seen before.  We went out this morning in order to make a snow dog and this will not clump in the least!  So this must be Olympic snow that got lost like those sea gulls we see occasionally in the summer.

Since this is Olympic snow, we were compelled to give our all to the spirit of excellence and competition.

I chose the sport of snow angels.  While form was nearly perfect, the snow was not in the best conditions.  The Russian judge only gave me a 2.  Sticks and leaves poking out are deductions.James took on the biathlon event that extremely physically taxing event that takes great nerve and skill.  The first step is sweeping.  The consistency of this powder is new to James.  So sweeping could be a challenge.  He seems to be adapting well….. The second part of the competition involves shoveling.  Again, James is more accustomed to ice that must be broken before being shoveled.  Working with powder will require flexibility on his part along with extreme mental focus.  Will he make it??? The one athlete everyone looks to for bringing home the gold is Shadow.  Today his event is digging up sticks.  Look at his form in this training run.  He is a born natural! Once the stick in retrieved from the snow, it is Shadow’s time to shine.  The stick must be shredded within 30 seconds and there are extra marks for the number of pieces.  This initial heat run puts Shadow in the medal round. Shadow says “Grrrr!”Weather conditions did change drastically for the actual medal round.  This will test the will and mind of all the athletes, but this is what they have been training for since they were pups.  Shadow enters the arena with his recovered stick.  Snow is blowing from all directions, but he is unfazed, completely focused on his stick.  Shadow has broken the Olympic and World Records!!!We have finally come to the medal ceremonies for today.  Shadow does win the “gold” medal and receives the frozen Kong!James wins the silver receiving the pewter medallion and Jennifer consoles herself with 4th place by making a cup of hot chocolate!  

After such a big day, our hero Shadow takes a well earned rest!