The FAME 2013 Show Choir in Orlando

I had the absolute joy of getting to watch live the FAME 2013 annual show choir competitions from Orlando, Florida, this past week.  The event was held in the Hard Rock Cafe's special Live Auditorium.The main reason I wanted to attend was because the grandson of one of my dear friends was one of the band members of this group.  The group pictured here are from Omaha's Westside High School.  They did an absolute awesome job and took 2nd place which qualified them to go on to the national championships in Chicago should they decide to make that trip. Wish I could share the dvd of their performances on this site but any reader of this blog will just have to try and see it on the FAME show choir website.

February 2013 Snowfall

This was only our 2nd really significant snowfall this winter season and was actually one most residents welcomed!  Last year was such a dry winter/summer and this winter has almost been as dry. The wild cats I have been feeding (see the paw prints) haven't liked all the snow though as I usually feed them from that deck doorway that is still snow packed. These picks are 2 days old and being on the south side don't show as much snow as what was there on Friday morning after a night of heavy snow. The patio table probably had close to the reported 8 inches had I gone out with my ruler that morning and measured. Sunshine since the snowfall has made the snow "picture perfect" in many places and thanks to crew workers the roads are easily driven upon. With possible more snow expected in another day or so the needed moisture will continue to be a blessing.  Just so Spring doesn't forget to arrive soon thereafter!!

2013 Arctic Golf Event

These are pics of the very last team of golfers out literally golfing on frozen BlackHawk Lake. About 45 minutes after these pictures were taken an sudden heavy fog and snowfall began. The fog rolled in so fast it was actually unabelievable. I suddendly couldn't even see across the lake. The homes and trees seen in these pictures were totally "fogged over"! I attempted to find out who was playing on this team but noone evidently heard me calling out to them. Too engrossed in their game I guess.

It was good that the Men's Club were able to have this event this year as they weren't able to last year.  Unfortunately, there wasn't enough snow around for me to have my "Kid's Sledding Fun" at the log cabin.

December "Babies"

The library was blessed with two more infant "arrivals" recently. The library gives out free board books to any new arrival and we encourage them to come in to have their picture taken.  The little boy pictured here was actually one of the 2013 New Year babies to be born in a near by hospital. Looks like both families picked the same book but we have other choices for those who may come in in the near future.

Interesting Frozen Lake Scenes

 Some interesting scenes from my lake front home this December 2012 during the Christmas holiday.The lake is definitely frozen enough this year to allow for the snowmobilers to make use of the lake and if you can see well enough, I tried to zoom out far enough to catch a picture of a lone skier walking or sliding across the lake.  That must have been quite a different afternoon "walk" for whoever it was. Due to the major drought this past summer and eventual lowering of our lake to kill off the fish by the DNR, our individual "beaches" have a much different look this winter.  Notice the stranded boat lift which would have normally been taken out of the lake but since it was already marooned on a shore, the owners just left it out this winter!! Underneath that ridge area seen bordering the beach area are dozens of dead fish. Nice new fish will be put back into the lake come spring -  whenever that will happen in 2013!!

Christmas scenes

Showing off my special Nativity scene this year as it has a new plant with it - a plant and unique vase that I purchased while shopping in Santa Fe, New Mexico this past fall. In case any visitors to this blog site haven't notice, I like southwest decor and scenery! The adobe Christmas village above my fireplace has been "in the family" since I was actually living in the southwest. Each adobe home has a light inside it although one of them no longer works.

May everyone have a Merry Christmas----- remembering that  there wouldn't even be a Christmas holiday without the birth of Christ!

 

Mrs. Claus visits the library

The library had a very special visitor earlier this month from Mrs. Santa Claus.  She was dropped off by her elves so she could read some stories to the children.  She also provided gingerbread cookies for everyone as one of her stories was about the Gingerbread Baby.  Over 20 young children attended the visit along with a few parents. Children were then seated in a circle on the floor to make beaded candy canes they could take home.  The weather cooperated well and Mrs. Claus was able to travel on to visit another group of children.

The town was also having its annual Christmas events this afternoon which included Santa himself being present.  Lots of Christmas goodies were on sale and the annual candle light walk down main street was held. The busy day concluded with Bingo lovers enjoying fun and fellowship at the local Legion Hall.