Lovestead Pretty Stuff and a Papal Blessing.

 

It's safe to say that we've seen the last of these leaves in this still beautiful state. 

They're now covered with a couple of inches of wet snow. 

The snow, which started overnight is, so far, not too bad.  I didn't cuss once while doing my morning chores today.

First, the snow covered up some seriously polished and slick ice, making walking much easier than the past couple of days. 

Secondly, it's not that deep, so the morning work actually all happened in ease. 

I'll never complain when that happens. 

The snow/rain is supposed to end in the next hour or so and then we'll have clear skies and temps dipping into the teens. 

Again, that shouldn't be so bad. 

Bill and I will finish up our television sports feast weekend today, watching the ZAGS and the Seahawks. 

We flipped channels between the Montana and WSU games last night.  Pretty neat to have both of the regional teams playing on ESPN channels. 

Montana won; WSU lost in the Apple Cup. 

Hoping to see a nice rebound from the ZAGS today.  They play Xavier for third place in the Phil Knight Tournament at 4:30 PST on ESPN. 

The teams have identical 4-2 records, so it should be a fun game. 

Meanwhile, be sure to check below for Annie's dispatches from Rome.  She met up last night with her geocaching friend Simon. 

Simon is from England, and, he, like Annie, is a world traveler. The two went on a trip to South America together a few years back.  And, Simon came to Seattle this past summer for some geocaching activities. 

Now, it's Rome, and, as usual, they're filling up their day with activities associated with the city.  

Check it out, and Happy Sunday.  

When in Rome with Annie . . . .

Annie says her Air B n B in Rome is pretty cute.

 I would agree. 

Simon Evans of Exeter, Devon England and Annie. 

 . . . and, then this happens!

Just received these photos from Annie with the heading, "We got blessed by the Pope." 

Annie and Simon also met up with our longtime family friend, Cindy Wooden, who, as a Catholic News Service reporter and Vatican Bureau chief, has traveled the world on the Papal jet with every Pope since 1989. 

When Annie was born 44 years ago, Cindy sent a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses to the hospital.

The two finally met in person for the first time today.  Cindy took Annie and Simon to lunch. 

Thank you to the lady I unofficially dub as St. Cindy!  So nice of you. 

Interesting to note that all three of the people in this photograph have truly seen the world in their combined travels. 

Simon, Annie and Cindy, out to lunch in Rome.