The Girls' Weekend

It started on Friday and it just didn't want to stop. I'm talking about the snow. I was concerned that our girls' weekend might not happen and I was so disappointed. Diane was not feeling well, and wasn't going to be able to come and then the weather was thrown into the mix which didn't mix too well with driving. Tina called Saturday morning and asked what the weather looked like for the day. It wasn't good. I took a scientific look at the weather and checked forecast.weather.gov. Lake effect snow was the forecast for the day. Bob took a different look at the weather and went outside to measure the amount that had already fallen.

It measured 12 1/2 inches on the picnic table - Saturday morning.

It was only 9 inches at the bird feeders.

Checotah loves playing in the snow. Look at the snow on her nose.

Punkin and Checotah are keeping Bob company as he takes water from the house to the barn to give fresh drinking water for the chickens and Bootsie the barn cat.

Tina took into consideration the weather report from both Bob and myself and decided that it would be best not to come. She would call Sunday morning for a weather update and if the weather looked better, she would come on Sunday. Bob received several telephone calls from church members to let him know that they wouldn't be able to make it to church. I suggested that he close the church, but he would hearing nothing of that. When we arrived at the first church, there were already three cars in the parking lot. We were both surprised to see so many people at church. I had to play the piano and then tell the children's story. I told the story about when Francie cut her hair, tried to hide the evidence by burying the cut hair in the back yard. Her punishment was memorable for the entire family and still is a topic of discussion at many family gatherings.

This is the first church we had services at Saturday morning.

As soon as church service was over, we left to go to our second church service about a 35 minute drive. This is a picture from out of our front windshield driving up I-81.

This is the second church we went to on Sabbath. There were only four people that made it out to church. However, they had a great potluck. Homemade lasagna, Spanish rice, winter squash, and more . . .

After lunch we headed out for our third service another 35 minute drive. Within 10 minutes of leaving, we noticed that the snow was disappearing and by the time we reached our destination there wasn't any snow on the ground.

As we headed home, we soon were back in snow country. These cows looked so cold and were just standing there with no where to go. I think this one was wanting us to take her home with us. Just look at those sad eyes.

We passed by the Christmas tree farm where we cut our own tree each year. It's going to be more difficult to chose the perfect tree if the snow doesn't melt. The snow sure looks pretty, doesn't it?

Sunday morning Tina called early and once again we checked the weather reports. It looked good so Tina packed her car and headed for New York. I was so excited I could hardly wait for her to arrive. The drive only took her a little over four.

When she pulled into the garage, Bob and I started helping her carry stuff in. I couldn't resist asking her how long she planned on staying. You wouldn't believe all the stuff she brought!!! Tina brings everything but the kitchen sink too!!! Just like me!!! She has the neatest "things" to make cards and scrapbook pages. I was so excited to get started. Of course we talked, and talked, and talked, and then talked some more. Oh, we had so much fun!!!

Tina helped design cards for the Christmas Open House Bob and I are planning to have the second Sunday in December. They are so beautiful!!! I told Tina she should teach a class. She is really good.

Tina has all kinds of equipment for making cards and scrapbook pages. She also showed me some of the cards she had made and they are so cute. I just love them. I took pictures of each one so I can try to duplicate them in the future.

Here's one of the cards that we made for the "Christmas Open House" The snowflakes have glitter and a crystal bead in the center. We didn't have time to complete the inside, but my friend Barb is going to help me with the verse and printing.

Tina and I decided to take a little walk around the perimeter of the garden and orchard. It was great. The dogs enjoyed going with us. At the back of the orchard we saw deer tracks.

Punkin loves going for walks.

Checotah loves the snow. This is her first winter and first snow. When she is naughty, she gets tied in the yard. We have a dog house for her, but she won't go inside it. She lays outside the dog house watching the snow fall. Crazy dog!

We made homemade bread.

Date nut cookies

Cranberry orange nut muffins

We checked the weather report Monday night and the reports weren't good. Tina decided it would be best if she left early Tuesday morning. I was so disappointed. She called me a little after noon and had made it home safely. We had such a great time together. We went shopping at Joann Fabrics, bought some adorable patterns to make for our grandchildren. Had a list of things we wanted to do and only started on the list. I'm looking forward to Tina coming to visit soon I hope.

My friend, Barb, came over this afternoon and we had a great time making pies. We made pumpkin and pecan pies and then a batch of snickerdoodle cookies. The time went much too quickly and soon she was on her way back home.

Barb making the snickerdoodles.

Barb said, "No More Pictures!"

The pies turned out picture perfect.

What a great weekend!!!!!!!!!