Great Weekend!

I should have done this Monday already, but I was lazy and/or tired so here goes. I had a great weekend with my children. Barbie and I had tickets to "Annie" at the Civic Center in Des Moines for Friday night. We had Friday off as a holiday at New View (Veteran's Day) so I drove down Friday morning . . . early! We had a board meeting on Thursday night and after tossing around the idea of driving down that night I finally made the decision to wait until morning. Weather predictions weren't all that great, but I avoided the majority of the icky stuff and got to Barb's around 10:30. She was a bit surprised as it was a little earlier than she expected. When I drive -- I move!!!

After dragging all my junk into her house, sticking some laundry in we decided to run a couple of errands for Barb. Off we went. I had driven in some heavy rain, and found some snow along the way, but found when I got to Ankeny the streets were still dry. That changed quickly! There's a real nice scrapbook shop in Ankeny so we headed for that first thing. I think I might be able to find it on my own the next time down there, but probably won't try it unless it's an emergency!! It's not in an area I'm real familiar with yet -- but I'm getting there. Found a few things I wanted. While we were shopping it began to rain/snow. It was that nice heavy, wet stuff! Ran into the Hallmark store to check on a few things and then to the bank for Barb. While we were driving to her bank it started to really snow -- those big, fat, sloppy flakes that go splat when they hit the windows, streets and people! It was pretty but you sure can get wet that way. We grabbed some lunch at Applebee's and continued to watch it snow. I even got a picture of Barb and her new car in the first snowfall of the year! Another picture for the books!!!

We did a little more running and then headed home. Got ready to head for Des Moines and the show. We had decided to go to Spagetti Works for supper. Parked in the ramp and used the skywalk to get where we wanted to be. Had a bit of a wait for supper, but finally got in and had something to eat and headed back out for the evening performance of "Annie." It was a great show. I enjoyed it very much. Lots of little people. They seemed to enjoy it also!!

Saturday morning we watched a little football (Iowa vs. Wisconsin) and then headed out to do some serious shopping. When Iowa got behind at 10-0 we decided it was time to change our scenery! I actually got some shopping done. Found a few things I've been looking for and have a good start on my Christmas shopping.

We went over to Jim & Mandy's around 5:30. Mandy made a great chicken pot pie for supper. It was very tasty! We spent the evening playing games and visiting. Barb had to work on Sunday so she left around 10:30. I spent Saturday night with my son and Mandy. They both warned me that I may have visitors during the night -- the cats or the dog! Surprise, surprise! Milo spent the majority of the night at the end of my bed. Surprised the heck out of me! He made himself comfortable on my feet! Keep them nice and warm.

We went out for breakfast on Sunday and did a little shopping. I really enjoyed my time with my children. I don't see as much of them as I would like so this was a treat. They may get tired of seeing me as I'm going back this coming weekend!

My sister and her daughter and I are heading back to Barb's to do some shopping together. Kinda a girls weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. Mandy's been invited to join us but she has a part-time job at Jordan Creek Mall beginning Saturday. She's working with Santa and his elves to take pictures. Actually she's managing that part of the Christmas fun. We're planning on visiting her while we shop. Thought maybe we could talk Santa into letting us all have our picture taken together. That should be a hoot! Sounds like Mandy has a lot of her friends lined up to work with her. Even has Jim down for some hours. Sounds like fun to me!

Jim started his new job last week and is very happy with it. This week he was going to get his own office. To quote him -- "I even have a door!" I'm so happy for him. Sounds like an interesting job.

I'm busy at work inputting needs assessment results. Also have a final report due to the State. Actually it was due the end of October, but we've been extremely busy so asked for an extension (like the majority of the other cap agencies) and will have it in the mail by the end of the week. Actually I'm just about finished with my part. Have a couple of pages to go yet and it's ready. I'll be glad when it's on it's way.

Everybody is busy getting ready for the holidays. We kinda forget Thanksgiving! I tried finding some decorations for my home and they're practically non-existent! Part of my family will be here for dinner on Saturday the 25th. Barb is coming sometime that weekend. She wasn't sure yet when I last talked to her. I always put my Christmas tree up over Thanksgiving so while we'll celebrate Thanksgiving we'll probably have a Christmas tree up in the living room.

Hope this finds everyone well and in good spirits. Have a good week.