By Gary Wamsley

Astronomically speaking, winter arrives this Sunday morning with the occurrence of the winter solstice, but most would agree that it arrived last Sunday with our sub-zero temperatures. The previous week’s snowfall turned out to be just a precursor of what was to come.

Amazingly, there were some warm days in midweek and the work crews actually finished the paving on Mountain Ave. I think they were incredibly lucky to have such an opportunity. I also saw the trucks and crews pouring concrete through Saturday, but I don’t think the work is complete. Some tasks may have to wait until spring.

The lampposts are in place and the light fixtures should be installed this week. I don’t envy who ever has to install those lights in this weather. I think the plan is to have them all done by Friday for the Mountain Avenue ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. It is outdoors at Third Street and Mountain Ave. and it doesn’t look as though temperatures will warm up. I predict a short ceremony.

In spite of the cold weather and my sliding off the intersection at Taft and Mountain Ave. on Sunday, I made it safely to Brad and Diny Pickert’s 50th Anniversary reception at the community center. Many well-wishers showed up and there was a wonderful presentation of old photos and even Diny’s wedding gown. I have no idea how she preserved it for fifty years. I chided her for picking a day with such bad weather and she told me that their wedding day was like that too. She said Brad had to carry her through the snow to the reception. Congratulations to a great couple.

Then it was off to the United Methodist Church for their chili cook-off and Christmas program by the Bridge Between Show Choir. It turned out to be more than a chili cook-off as awards were also given for the best breads and desserts. With food at both events, I ate too much, especially desserts.

The Show Choir has a busy schedule during the holidays with all their performances. The grand finale of the season will be their Christmas Concert tonight (Dec. 18). This is always a wonderful show with lots of Christmas music. It begins at 7 p.m. and you should get there a little early to get a good seat.

As I mentioned, I had a spin out at the Mountain Ave. and Taft Ave. intersection on Sunday. I am a careful driver and I had already driven to Lyons and back without any problem. I was feeling pretty smug about my ability to drive in the winter weather conditions, but that changed rapidly when I lost control and turned completely around. I ended up at the far north side of the intersection. Fortunately it is a wide space and there was no oncoming traffic. I ended up just being embarrassed and able to turn around and continue into town without incident.

That may be a slippery intersection Last week when we had the snowfall; it was host to a three-car collision. I advise caution while driving, especially at that location.

Drive safely and I’ll see you around town.