Days like this remind me of hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. When we would leave home, the air would be a little cool, the skies that gorgeous Carolina blue. After a relatively short drive of less than an hour, we would be up on the Parkway, preferably Craggy Gardens, since that was my favorite place.

Standing at the top of Craggy, we would look out and see black-gray clouds full of power and snow approaching.

On occasion, I made the foolish mistake of wearing a light sweater or a mere two layers of clothing. When the white snows swirled and shattered around us, sometimes taking cover behind an overhanging rock or within the forest of rhododendrons would be the only respite on the way down.

This Indiana morning has that kind of unexpected variety in the weather, too.

Waking up, we were greeted with 63*, but now, only a few hours later, we are in the lower 40s and dropping rapidly!

Our once dark, rainy, thunderstorm filled skies are now a pushing-pulling brawl between thick white poofs, dazzling blue sky and pouty gray clouds.

Just a moment ago, I was nearly blinded by horizontal sheets of wet, slate colored snow, but almost as quickly, the wind pushed it all eastwards and left a dull kind of sunlight in its place.

Strange how the sound of the rakish wind is almost comforting. It brings yearnings for hot chocolate and a need to bake warm yeasty breads.

The kitchen seems to be the only place to be this December morning, so I will leave you now for a day spent measuring and stirring, leveling and cooling.

I hope your day allows you time to stare out the window at tempestuous gusts and a multitude of atmospheric color. Stay safe and warm - and enchanted with this wonderful place we find ourselves!

AHA! I'm able to post pictures once again, now that Blogger has made some changes!

This is a picture of some of our happy group. It was such a perfect morning! The weather extraordinary, the light ideal.

Our receptions were great! The NC celebration was so pretty. My mother found the best pianist who played standards from the 30s and 40s. Our evening was topped off with a family dinner at Highland Lake. To attempt to describe the food would be an injustice. Suffice it to say, if you ever have the opportunity to savour dinner in Flat Rock - that would be the only place to go.

Our IN reception was terrific! The chili was delicious and the beautiful deserts ... how can a busy mother of 2 manage to create such gastronomical treasures? Not only was there a multi-tiered flavourful Bride's cake, but also the most luscious, heaven on earth chocolate Groom's cake imaginable. In addition to these delights, we were provided with personalized M&Ms and favor boxes with heart stickers proclaiming our love for one another! Lynn did a tremeandous job.

We had two great DJs, Brian and Rocko, who played everything from rap to pop, country to rock while the slot car track was being broken in. It was especially nice to see friends we haven't seen as often as we'd like ... that will be a great New Year's resolution! More shared evenings of good food, lots of conversation and playing with cars!

Well, the day is moving along faster than me, so I'm going to try to catch up!. Have a good weekend and a safe, warm, filling and fun Thanksgiving.

Hello Everyone!

Alan and I are an officially happily married couple these days - and being a Mrs. is really quite fabulous!
We will tell you all about the wedding and reception and travels - but not right now!
I am unpacking from the 2 weeks of honeymooning and preparing for an upcoming NC trip, so my literary pursuits will have to be put on hold.
We are looking forward to sharing pictures and stories - and plenty of brochures, of course!
Bear with us and stay tuned ...