A Surprise on Our Trip to Eugene

 

Terry and I decided to drive to Eugene on Sunday (11/6) to see what kind of trouble we could get into. To our surprise, we actually found trouble! It was snowing in Eugene and Junction City! 

I was shocked. I have grown up in Eugene and I do not recall snow quite this early. Not saying it hasn't happened, but I don't remember any this early in the month of November. Crazy weather for the past few years! And they say there is no climate change (snort). 

We were a bit concerned along the drive from our home in Roseburg to Junction City in that the weather for Junction City was calling for freezing rain. I was worried that once we arrived, the roads would ice up and it could cause issues in getting out again. But the concern was not needed. Instead, we had an awesome day together with a small group of my family members, and of course, the snow!

I love snow. I'm a December-born soul and absolutely love the snow. I enjoy watching it snow. I love to point my face to the sky and let the tiny snowflakes melt into traces of water as it hits my skin. Picking up snow and packing it into a snowball is a must! The crunching of snow as you walk is a beautiful sound. Just love the experience of having snow fall onto our beautiful planet!

We arrived and saw there were a few family members at my granddaughter and grandson-in-law's home. Not only is it a blast to play with my great granddaughter, but we got to have a few laughs with other family members as well. 

My great granddaughter was as beautiful and happy as ever. She has just learned to walk and loves to get her feet moving all around the house. She had to come and visit, get into my purse, and check out things in general as babies tend to do. Jessee, my granddaughter, prepared her to go outside to see the snow, up close and personal. 

Bundling a toddler up to play in snow is quite a chore. The baby ended up looking like Randy from A Christmas Story, unable to put her arms to her side due to the bulk of clothing. Once outside, we watched as she looked at the snow on the ground. She wasn't impressed. 

But the adults were! We all began to grab snow, roll it into a ball and throw our created ice packs at each other. Shrieks could be heard as people were scooching backward to avoid being hit by the flying snowballs. After a few moments, we all headed back inside to enjoy a few moments before Terry, and I hit the road. I love being with family and it was great to see them again. At least the few that were there. Although we had to leave quickly, as the snow picked up and began to cover the pavement. 

It had snowed earlier in the day, but it began to melt quickly, leaving slushy walkways behind for people to slip and slide. 

A little while later, large flakes began to fall again. The flakes were big enough to cover the ground in double-time. 

Very short video of the snow falling. I know of places where large amounts fall on a daily basis, however, in Eugene and Junction City, we have very little and it's exciting for us when we do get it. 

We were trying so hard to talk the baby into touching the snow. She wanted nothing to do with it. 

My granddaughter (left) was snapping pictures of her daughter in the snow. 

My grandson, Coby, and his wife, Delaney, were making attempts at getting Zyrah to play in the white stuff. 

The family stood on the porch, watching the early snowfall land onto the once blooming garden. 

Brandon, my grandson-in-law, decided to make his daughter a nice little snowman. 

After the snow had fallen and the snowman began its new life, Terry and I headed out before the snow chose to take over the street and wreak havoc. We wanted to stop and grab something to eat before leaving town. Each time we head into Eugene or Junction City to meet with family, I suggest a restaurant that is based in Eugene. I have taken him to Cafe Yumm, where a Yumm Bowl was a must. The restaurant screams, "Eugene!" Everyone who visits the city should try out the Yumm Bowl. 

A Yumm Bowl consists of layers of yummy rice, beans, Yumm Sauce (which can be purchased), cheese, avocado, tomato, and olives. So good and the ingredients are organic! Since we went there on the last trip through Eugene, I figured we would go to the Texas Roadhouse steakhouse, where everything is made from scratch. So off to Valley River Center we went. 

The steakhouse is large and can be quite noisy, but it is fun. "Happy birthday!" is heard in song from all around. People are chatting, football games are displayed on numerous TV's hung on the walls. Our waitress seated us, and immediately the basket of hot rolls and awesome cinnamon-sugar butter came to the table. Now these rolls are basted with butter while hot. There is no real need for more butter, however, how can you resist that sweetened cinnamon flavored butter? Slather the roll up and enjoy! You'll never run out, as they continue to bring the hot buttery goodness to your table throughout your meal. 

After feasting on a couple of baskets of divine rolls, we were ready for the main course. Terry ordered steak, baked potato and some sauteed mushrooms. I had the mushrooms but ordered mashed potatoes and a beautiful gravy covered chicken fried steak. The steak was so large they had to place the side dishes in bowls alongside the plate hosting that wonderful steak. 

The steak is shown here half eaten. Sorry. Couldn't wait to eat some of it with the blissful aroma wafting to my nose, sending beautiful vibes to my brain. Yes, I was hungry. 

Meat, rolls, mushrooms, potatoes, oh, my! Way too much food, so we had to grab a carton to take it home. That will have to be worked on again tomorrow! Great food, plenty of it, and awesome company. Sunday doesn't get much better than this. Spent with family, it's always a great bet! Thank you, Terry, for another amazing day spent with you!