It's here

This was the view out my door at 5:30 this morning. Though we had some flurries yesterday, nothing was sticking. I wonder if this will stay - it's bright and sunny now at 10:30 a.m. But I guess I have to face the fact that summer is over and winter is just about here. I am SO NOT READY for it.

I do have a few things to keep me busy this winter. I've let my genealogy research fall by the wayside over the past few years, with a super small staff at work and increased workload, a serious illness that landed me in the hospital for a week and another month off work and a lot of bills that insurance simply didn't cover. I can find some stuff at free websites, but I'm at the level now where I need to get into some of the subscription sites to do further research and they are not easy on the budget. But I have a couple of brick walls I really need to crack - so it'll be back to a lot of surfing genealogy sites and laying out some $$$. I think just one simple link of father-to-son will regenerate my excitement and get me really motivated. These three guys have been stopping points for a long time - it's like someone just dropped them on my doorstep in the middle of the night with no note.

I will also be doing research on some travel for a trip I'm planning this spring - maybe March. I need to go back to PA to visit my family. I've reached a point where I hate flying. Physically I can't run through airports any more, flights are always late and I've missed more than one connection due to the delay of the one I'm on. I can feel my blood pressure rising just setting foot into an airport. So - I've been looking into Amtrak. I can fly to Seattle, then take the train to PA. It will give me an opportunity to visit my grandchildren in Spokane (if scheduled properly, at no additional cost for the en route stop) and enjoy a leisurely trip, with 2-4 hour layovers for train changes in Chicago and Pittsburgh. I love train travel - it's far more comfortable than a plane and the scenery is spectular. I plan to try the sports mode on my camera to see if I can get some photos from the train as we pass through various parts of the country, including the Columbia Gorge, Glacier National Park and other sights. Another big plus is the cost - it's about half the price of a plane ticket from Seattle to Harrisburg. I am really excited about it, and will keep you informed of how plans firm up.

The other thing I want to do this winter is try some of the recipes I see on the Food Network. I love watching some of the cooks prepare healthy delicious-sounding meals. I've seen a few dishes that sound wonderful - and look so easy (and quick - a MUST in my book) to prepare.

Those of you in the Lower 48, enjoy your autumn. I'm starting to settle in for winter.