Some of you in the area woke up to snow on the ground. Unfortunately we didn't get to. We had maybe 1/16 of an inch, if that, here at the farm. And it didn't take long for it to melt. From the sounds of it, the rest of Estill County got quite a bit of snow, and Wolfe County got 6 inches. I was almost tempted to jump in the car and drive over there just to see it.

It's been a pretty horrific week in Kentucky. There was a car accident down south that took four young people's lives - four young people dressed in their ROTC uniforms headed to a parade. How very sad for their families and their communities. Then word came on the news about a house fire over in Bath County that took the lives of two middle school aged girls, and left their parents and older sister in bad shape at the hospital. One son survived with injuries that only required treatment, not hospitalization. Another horrific situation for a family and a community.

Then night before last the news showed us another horrible accident that took two young people's lives, one still in high school. The driver lost control on slick roads and was hit by a pickup. Again, terrible loss.

At this time of year it is especially hard to imagine what these families are going through. Everywhere you go, you hear joyful music, see smiling faces, the usual holiday stuff. But not for these families, not this year at least.

With this crazy weather, we should all remember to slow down and take our time driving. Accidents happen so fast, and it seems like lately every accident you hear about results in a death. So, take a little extra time to make sure you arrive safely.

There are quite a few activities going on in the area over the weekend... here are a few suggestions for those of you out there in our area:
Live Nativity December 12 and 13
The 27th annual Live Nativity Outdoor Drama will be presented at Rice Station Christian Church December 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. each night. The church is located at 1675 Rice Station Road. You may call 606-723-4971 for more information.

Light a candle for all children who have died
Worldwide Candle Lighting is Sunday, December 14. Marcum Wallace Memorial Hospital will have their Candle Lighting Ceremony in the Mercy Room at the hospital Dec. 14. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. It only takes you and one candle to join hearts with the world "... that their light may always shine."

The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting ceremony is held every year on the second Sunday in December at 7:00 p.m. for one hour local time around the globe - a 24 hour wave of light in memory of all children who have died.

Powell County Christmas Parade
Don't miss the Powell County Christmas Parade this Saturday, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Winter Bird Weekend at Natural Bridge State Park
Natural Bridge State Resort Park will hold their Winter Bird Weekend September 12 and 13 at the park, located at 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. Join them Saturday for a variety of naturalist programs about birds including identification programs, birding hikes, bluebird box building, and children’s programs. On Sunday join park naturalists and experienced birders for Audubon’s 108th Christmas Bird Count. This worldwide event takes place every winter and the information collected about the status and distribution of early winter bird populations is studied by scientists all over the world! Come and spend the day hiking throughout Natural Bridge and the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, or watching the bird feeders from the park’s dining room. The data collected throughout the day will help us gain a better understanding of the numbers and species of birds that call our area home in the winter. (606) 663-2214.

One Week Left...
Don't forget to send in your Abby Track entries. The prize for the December contest is a Diamond Ring from Dan's Discount Jewelry in Winchester. The last day we can receive your entry is December 20, the drawing will be held December 21st at Dan's.


Until next time, have a great day..... pam