11/16/05 – Winter has arrived in earnest today. Although it has been snowing occasionally for more than a month, today’s snow has the feeling of permanence. A cold north wind has temperatures plunging as snow falls persistently. Single digits above zero are predicted for tonight.

The lake hasn’t frozen yet, but almost certainly will when the wind stops.
Last weekend was our annual cookie party when Cindy, her mom, Arline, sister, Sherrie, neice, Anna, and daughter Clare lay in an unhealthy supply of cookies for the holiday season. Innocent bystanders (like me and Clare’s boyfriend Derek) get recruited for the decorating assembly line.

Clare and Derek admire the cookie artistry.

Cindy, Sherrie, and Arline show the effects of cookie overdosing.