I took this picture enroute to Avonlea last weekend as it was was the only opportunity I had to work on The Art of Composition. I used the visor mirror which created a soft frame on three sides, and I processed the photo with the Pioneer Woman action, B&W Beauty (which provides more contrast than just removing the colour). I'd sure like to spend more time on the assignments for TAOC, but it seems I have little time during daylight hours! These days are already too short and we're still six weeks from the solstace. I knew the timing of this class in the fall would present a challenge.
Neil's sister Shauna came from Edmonton for a short visit this past weekend. On Saturday, we went to Avonlea for an early Christmas dinner with Donna and Lou before they go to Texas for the winter. Grandma Louise, Ron, Carol, Laurel, and Bronwyn were there, too. Ron and Carol showed us some of their photos from a recent trip to China. Later, as 10 pm approached, we decided to stay overnight even though we hadn't planned to. I didn't feel like driving at that point and the girls wanted to stay. It was good to visit a bit more in the morning since we won't see Donna and Lou for several months.
Sunday morning, there was quite a blanket of snow on the ground -- our first snowfall of the season! I only say that with excitement because it's very unusual to have our first snow so late (November 6). (We heard on the news: "There has only been six times in the last 125 years Regina hasn't had snow in September or October." Snowless Regina rare in November) The highways were bad and it was a slow trip back to Regina.
Both Madeline and Sophia played ringette games on Sunday. Madeline was the goalie for her team for the first time. She was very eager to play goal. They didn't win (9-6), but Madeline played quite well! (Especially after one referee coached her on getting the ring out of the crease within 5 seconds.) Sophia had a good game also, though her team lost by 1 point in the last 20 seconds (9-8). It was an exciting game to watch! She played forward and scored two goals -- her third game in row with goals and assists. I think she may be earning a forward position (which is what she wants). We'll see.
I'm so looking forward to having four days off work this weekend! And the best part: three of those days are mostly free of outside commitments. I really NEED this. There are so many things I need to catch up on; my sanity depends on it.
