Book plug

So, I feel like I keep talking about this book to a lot of you, but I just have to put in a plug for it here. Hannah highly recommended this to me (thanks!!) and I wanted to pass the recommendation along. It's about Ethiopia, and orphans, and you may not want to read about that, because it's not exactly a "feel good" read. But... if you're looking for something to challenge you and stretch the way you think, give this a try. I'm definitely thankful for how this book challenges me.

The Homeplace

So, this past weekend, Rebekah's parents came to visit. We had a really good time and, among other things, we went to our favorite restaurant in Virginia, The Homeplace! It's in the middle-of-everywhere, Catawba, Virginia, and the setting is just beautiful. Below is a picture taken out the window by which we were sitting (sorry about the screen on the window).

The food is served family-style. You choose two meats from the menu...

and, unless you're crazy and don't want them all, you get all of the following sides:

You think you've had good corn? Their corn is great! Their beans, both green and pinto, are great! Oh my goodness, don't even get me started on the mashed potatoes...unspeakably good!

Susan and Johnny, Rebekah's parents

Javier and Rebekah

Some of the oh-so-delicious side dishes.

My first plate (did I mention it's all-you-can-eat?)

Overall, just a fantastic dining experience.

I urge you, however, not to go. It's already a long enough wait for me!

Random Winter

Our first winter as Virginians is showing (at least a few) signs of winding down. These pictures are pretty much all from December, which was by far the coldest month since we've been here, and there was snow on the ground from the first weekend of December through the first weekend in January. I enjoyed the way things looked with snow - it seems like there's such contrast between the seasons here. However, I'm definitely ready for spring!

Skiing

A few weekends ago we had a great time when Elizabeth, Erin, Rachel, & DJ all came for a visit and some skiing. We drove up to Winterplace for the day Saturday, which was really a nice drive, and wore ourselves out with the skiing. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed our time with friends!!

Can you tell who is who on the lift?