Bennie's Girls visit

Diane and Sissie (Cathy couldn't make it and their Mom stayed at her sister's place so we didn't get to visit with her) came to Cullman and invited us to get together with them for dinner at AJ's steakhouse, Sandy and Larry joine us. I stopped in Hartselle on my way home from Huntsville and picked up Aunt Martha so she could join us.  What a great time we had together. Diane and husband Mike are into gardening in SC, while Sissie lives in AZ. We had gotten together last year when their father died and they held a memorial service at Cathy's place in Roswell, GA, but this was a pure FUN visit. Aunt Martha told stories on her brothers (who are no longer with us) -- had us really laughing. Thought I would share some candid photos I made during the meal. Why we didn't get a group picture, I don't know!! (Just remember I'm not in the photos because I am the photographer. Maybe Diane will share some that she made.)

Family Fun Weekend -- Nate, we missed you!!

Had lots of fun with Elizabeth, Chris, and the grandkids here on a snowy and very cold weekend. We checked out some stores (Tractor Supply, Game Spot), ate at Chick Filet and enjoyed their small, but at least indoor, play area, enjoyed dinner at The Old Cookstove Mennonite restaurant, of course church on Sunday morning, and Lupe's Mexican food for dinner!! Did I mention watching Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday night, and feeding the ducks at Sportsman's Lake?? Sandy and Larry came out for a visit on Sunday afternoon - we all enjoyed spending time with them. We all hiked up to John Garrison's pond next door for a little exercise. Monday I headed to work, but sadly the new snow and ice had created hazards on the road, so I turned around and came home. The kids headed south in time to stop at Chipotle's for their lunch!!

These are dolls Barron bought while in Calgary (they were getting ready for 1984 Winter Olympics) with BFC in 1983, where he helped build the first Canadian Baptist Seminary. I got them out while we were watching the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics. The girls loved them!!

Dinner at Mennonite Restaurant outside Cullman

Snowball fights!! Guess who won!!

Girls try out the new bench by the creek -- of course this time it is covered with snow! So glad they got these new warm jackets for Christmas.

Checking out the pond on John Garrison's property next door -- great exercise on a cold day! Good thing the beavers have built a dam or the pond would be empty!!

Feeding ducks at Sportsman's Lake in Cullman -- too cold and windy to stay outside for long.

Another icy snowy day in Huntsville

Winter advisory out, but I am tucked away nice and warm in my trailer office. The snow and sleet don't appear to be sticking except on the porch deck. My only worry will be the bridge over the Tennessee River but hoping afternoon temps rise enough to keep that from being a problem.

Womens Ministry Kickoff at Spring Arbor

Just a few photos I took before our event was over -- what a wonderful turnout!! Thanks to Amy Hutchison for the grape salad, to Amie and Melba for the chicken salad croissant sandwiches, to Lisa Maze for the punch, the pretty cake from Walmart, it was all delicious and a special thanks to Faye Hood for the table arrangement of beautiful red roses and dainty teapot and teacups (and she was sick and missed the event). I think every woman is looking forward to a monthly fellowship time, plus the Extraordinary Women Conference coming up in May. In late March we will meet with other women in the East Cullman Baptist Association for a Friday night retreat at Northbrook BC in Cullman. See you there!