Fun Day, Snow and All!

 Today started off as a pretty, sunny, late fall day. We have about six inches of snow on the ground, and the trees are laden with white, just like in a lovely Christmas card. I took this picture from my living room window early this morning. I was feeling relieved because it looked like it would be nice for our```` award ceremony scheduled  Patty and I were concerned that if the weather was bad, some people might not be able to come. By noon, the sun had faded and wouldn't you know, it was snowing lightly. Wet and slippery. No two ways about it - the driving was going to be a little messy.

I got to the Choate-Sias House a little after one o'clock and Patty, Linda (Bishop) and Debby (Mariner) were putting the finishing touches on the tables of food. Everything looked beautiful and the whole house smelled of spicy hot mulled cider. KATV's crew, Nate Somers and Jamie were already there. I knew all three Dimick boys were coming, and the other two arrived shortly after I got there. I was thrilled when Tangeni walked in with Bill. She had left school early in order to come, and I was very pleased. Like all growing youngsters, she was hungry, so Patty opened up some of the prepared sandwiches for her and we got her some hot cider. 

The ceremony was brief, but very special. The historical society was presented with a lovely bronze plaque and a check for $900! Patty and I were very surprised that the award came with money! How wonderful, especially since the Board of Directors had extended the budget beyond expectations in order to finish the book. There were key people there that we thanked for their part in making the book possible. Some that we'd expected were not present, but we still had a very nice representation of so many that supported us in one way or another throughout the process. 

Patty and I are grateful for the honors we've received; we are saddened that our co-author, Dot Larrabee passed away a few weeks before it was actually published, as did Jane Larrabee, who contributed photos and information for us to use. Both women would have enjoyed today immensely. Also, I wish Fred could have been there to enjoy the moment, as well - he would have been very proud, I know. I can't complain - I had three sons and a granddaughter there, plus great friends, new and old, and I'm truly thankful I was asked to join the team that took on this project. Those eight years sometimes seemed endless and we thought we might never finish the book, but as I look back, it seems it went by in a flash. I will probably never actually feel like I'm "an award-winning author" - but I will acknowledge that I'm very proud to be associated with producing "an award-winning book." It's been a very nice day, snow and all!