Tuesday, December 23, 2008

A Walk in the Snow at Night

After we dropped David off at a friend's house, Gregg and I took a walk through our town tonight.

It's very beautiful with the snow. Can you see the Norwegian flag on the left side of the picture? Our town's nickname is "Little Norway." It was settled by a lot of Norwegian immigrants. Gregg's grandfather came over from Norway and married a local girl.

Our next-door neighbors are opening a fabulous bistro in town in the new year. We stopped by to see how the interior work is coming along. It's gorgeous. We can't wait to go in, take a table and support their new venture. Kim is the chef who catered Maribeth's going-away party , and her food is beyond delicious. She brought us acorn squash cannelloni, pasta salad and homemade focaccia this week, and we were in bliss. She was cooking while house-bound due to snow. What a great neighbor!


Here is what Katie's bench looks like in the snow. If you "zoom in," you can just barely see the lighted tower of First Lutheran Church on the hillside above town. As we were walking, the bells began to play Christmas carols; it was lovely. I wonder how many towns still have a church whose bells chime the hour.


The view from her bench was pretty magical. Lots of houses and boats were visible along the bay, lit with festive lights.

I wish she was here to see it.

UPDATE: I fixed the link; it works now!GOOD NEWS FLASH:

OH MY GOSH...oh my goodness... Please go to DreamerGirl's blog and look at what she has done with her students! They made a huge donation to Ronald McDonald House in their area, and what a contribution: blankets, gifts, food...Thank you, DreamerGirl and every single student in your class. You are heroes! God bless you!

10 comments:

HWHL said...

It is gorgeous! I have been keeping up with the Seattle weather on the news... it looks like you guys are getting hammered with snow, snow and MORE snow! It's just lovely, although I know it's causing general misery for many. We've not gotten any snow here (so far) but it was down to 18 yesterday (quite chilly for us). The kids would LOVE some snow, but it's just not going to happen this Christmas.

Enjoy your White Christmas! Snuggle in with Gregg! :-)

Busy Bee Suz said...

The pictures are beautiful and your town seems quaint and lovely.
**jealous**
I love Katie's bench and yes the view there is perfect.
No churchbells here....I almost forgot about them until you mentioned it. What could be a better sound than church bells???
Hugs,
Suz

amanda said...

My apartment is surrounded by churches. We do not have hourly bells but every night at 6 and several times on sunday the bells toll. This time of year, the one church has the christmas carols programmed.

The pictures are gorgeous. I am sure Katie is smiling down.

Tara said...

Love the pictures from your little town. Where we live the downtown is called the Village and there are all kinds of little unique shops. I love the little town feel. I have not been able to enjoy the shops as much as I would like just due to the age of the boys. Someday!!

We do have a church in town that has the church bells. And what a beautiful sound it is.

May you and your family have a beautiful Christmas. My thought and prayers continue to be with you.

Jerry in Tampa said...

Hey Karen! I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and I hope 2009 will see all your dreams come true!

My best,

Jerry in Tampa

Laurie Brandriet Keller said...

I'm glad you walked to Katie's bench. That's cool that the carols played then. Merry Christmas. xoxo.

Jason, as himself said...

I got such a homey, warm feeling from this post. I am in awe of you.

Dreamer girl said...

Thanks for wishing me a good Christmas. Hope you had a nice Christmas as well. Hugs and more hugs.

Keep on smiling,
Dreamer Girl

Najia said...

Happy New Year Karen! I hope you're having a wonderful time. I've loved getting to know you better this year...hopefully in 2009 I will meet you in person.

The Engine of the Family said...

Are you getting rained out yet out there? Hawaii must have been WONDERFUL!! Happy New Year!